City dining guide

Best restaurants in Cambridge

8 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Michelin-starred 2

Midsummer House

★★ Michelin££££Creative

In an idyllic location overlooking Midsummer Common, inside an equally beautiful Victorian house, you'll find this stylish, long-standing restaurant. Over 20 years into its lifetime, the dishes are continually evolving thanks to a kitchen which is not afraid to push the boundaries. Every course is packed full of personality and originality, especially the stand-out desserts like delicious coconut parfait served in a mock-coconut shell made of Nyangbo chocolate. Luxury ingredients are generously used, flavours are measured and there’s an appealing range of different textures.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 100 reviews

Midsummer House in Cambridge is a two-Michelin-star restaurant situated by the river. Guests frequently praise the exceptional food quality, noting exquisite flavors, precision, and beautiful presentation, with some comparing it to world-renowned establishments. The atmosphere is elegant and suitable for special occasions. Service is generally professional, though isolated reports mention pacing issues, errors, or slow responses. Value is a mixed topic; while some find the experience worth it, others criticize the small portion sizes and high cost relative to the quantity provided. Negative feedback also highlights occasional service inconsistencies and post-meal communication difficulties. It offers a high-end culinary experience, but diners should manage expectations regarding portion size and price-to-value ratio.

Suitable for special occasions where diners prioritize exceptional cuisine and have a flexible budget.

🕐 We-Sa 12:00-13:30, Tu-Th 19:00-20:30, Fr,Sa 18:30-21:30

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Restaurant Twenty-Two

★ Michelin££££Modern Cuisine

This Victorian townhouse has hosted a restaurant for many years and has long been a feature of Cambridge’s dining scene. Its current guardians are Sam and Alex, who have really made it their own. Sam’s food is poised, detailed and very precise, with his technical skill shining through in beautifully presented dishes such as roasted quail with a buttery vin jaune sauce. The house has a bright, understated style and the enthusiastic service team – who explain the make-up of the dishes in full – keep the atmosphere welcoming and relaxed.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 100 reviews

Located in Chesterton, Restaurant Twenty-Two is a Michelin-starred modern cuisine establishment. Analysis of 80 TripAdvisor reviews reveals an average rating of 4.8/5. Guests consistently praise the high food quality, particularly the creative tasting menus and exquisite presentation, alongside friendly and professional service. The intimate, relaxed atmosphere and knowledgeable sommeliers are frequently highlighted as strengths. However, some negative feedback points to issues with meal pacing, small portion sizes, and occasional lack of creativity or balance in dishes. A minority of reviewers found the service inflexible regarding dietary needs or drink preferences. Despite these isolated criticisms, the restaurant is widely regarded as a top-tier dining destination offering a warm and sophisticated experience.

Ideal for diners seeking refined modern cuisine in an intimate setting; confirm menu preferences in advance.

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Other guide picks 6

Margaret's

£££Modern British

A labour of love from the owners behind Restaurant Twenty-Two – and located right next door – this soothing space comes with plenty of neutral tones, giving it a simple, relaxing elegance. The opening selection of breads, dips and nibbles is a brilliant way to start, featuring highlights such as a beautifully made focaccia and a creamy whipped butter bean dip. Across the menu, the vibrant cooking moves with the seasons and pushes delicious natural flavours to the fore. The wonderful service team are engaging and knowledgeable in equal measure.

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Ancient Shepherds by Mark Poynton

£££Modern British

What was once a historic village pub is now this intimate restaurant providing a platform for Chef Mark Poynton. Housed inside a 16th-century building, it's a cosy space with a rustic touch to the décor. Poynton and his brigade offer three lengths of set menu and the dishes shine at their simplest, when the high-quality produce provides plenty of flavour. Modern, simply furnished bedrooms are available so you can stay overnight and make your visit a real event.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews

Ancient Shepherds by Mark Poynton offers Modern British cuisine in Milton, holding a 4.3/5 average from 80 TripAdvisor reviews. Positive feedback highlights the inventive, flawlessly executed 5-to-7-course tasting menus, fresh local produce, and excellent wine pairings. Service is frequently described as professional, friendly, and relaxed. Conversely, negative reviews cite issues such as overcooked fish, under-rendered duck skin, and small portion sizes. Some guests found the food mediocre or overpriced, while others criticized the restriction to tasting menus only, limited choices, and strict policies regarding allergies and underage drinking. The atmosphere is generally pleasant but receives mixed comments regarding value and consistency.

Suitable for diners seeking refined modern British cuisine and expert wine service, though those sensitive to price or with specific dietary restrictions should proceed with caution.

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Mercado Central

£££spanish

Located a stone's throw from Trinity College, this brightly decorated townhouse is home to a Spanish restaurant exuding a warm, buzzy vibe – whether you admire the open-flame cooking on the ground floor or sit in the quieter upstairs dining room. Northern Spain has the largest influence on the menu, with Galicia and the Basque Country featuring prominently among dishes built around proudly sourced produce of great quality, such as wonderfully marbled presa Ibérica. Save room to finish with the 'tarta de Santiago'.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews

Mercado Central, located in central Cambridge, specializes in Spanish cuisine. Reviews frequently praise the high quality of ingredients and authentic flavors, particularly in seafood and Tapas, alongside an impressive wine list managed by knowledgeable staff. Service is generally described as welcoming and attentive, though some diners note issues with meal pacing or staff unfamiliarity with specific dietary requests. The atmosphere is lively and social, but noise levels in certain areas can be distracting. Opinions on value vary significantly; while some find the pricing reasonable for the quality, others consider portions small or prices high relative to the experience. It is a popular choice for those seeking genuine Spanish dining, but may not suit visitors prioritizing quiet ambiance or strict budget constraints.

Ideal for diners seeking authentic Spanish flavors and a vibrant atmosphere, best visited during off-peak hours.

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Vanderlyle

£££Vegetarian

A large, open-plan kitchen takes centre stage at Vanderlyle, which blends shabby chic styling with designer comfort. The well-balanced tasting menu is all about showing off the power of vegetables with imagination and creativity, along with a passion for seasonal produce – all evident in dishes like roasted wild mushrooms with Roscoff onion and Bordelaise sauce. The friendly service team run the restaurant well and the wine or soft drinks pairings enhance the experience. It’s a popular spot, so book in plenty of time.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.9/5 · 80 reviews

Vanderlyle, a vegetarian restaurant in Chesterton, holds a 4.9/5 rating on TripAdvisor based on 80 reviews. Guests consistently praise the high food quality, attentive service, and atmosphere. The twelve-course seasonal menu is highlighted for its complex flavors and beautiful presentation, with some noting the engaging interaction with Chef Alex. While a minority of reviews mention occasional pacing issues or questions regarding value, the overwhelming consensus describes the dining experience as memorable and exceptional.

Suitable for diners seeking high-quality vegetarian cuisine and a unique dining atmosphere.

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Fancett's

££Classic French

The vibrant Mill Road is a focal point for Cantabrigians looking for everything from independent eateries to small antique shops, and this friendly restaurant brings a generous dose of enthusiasm to the area. The eponymous Dan Fancett and his team demonstrate both great care and skilled craft in their preparation of generously portioned dishes that are French to their core, such as the terrific twice-baked cheddar soufflé and the pear tarte Tatin for dessert.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews

Located in Cherry Hinton, Fancett's specializes in classic French cuisine, holding an average rating of 4.8/5 from 80 reviews. Food quality is highly praised, with dishes like lamb shoulder croquettes and guinea fowl noted for excellence. The menu is small but offers flexibility for vegetarians. Service is generally warm and welcoming, contributing to a cozy, intimate atmosphere. However, some guests criticize meal pacing and portion sizes, noting that the value for money can be questionable, particularly regarding wine pricing and limited options for specific dietary restrictions. While the culinary execution is top-tier, diners should be aware of the modest portions and potential service inconsistencies.

Suitable for diners prioritizing culinary quality and intimacy over large portions.

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The Packhorse Inn

££Modern British

Set near the green in a pretty village, is this smart modern pub named after the 15C flint bridge which spans the river. Understated modern dishes have subtle yet effective flavour combinations and use the best local ingredients. Ultra-stylish bedrooms have plush furnishings and roll-top baths.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews

The Packhorse Inn in Moulton holds a 4.2/5 rating. Positive reviews highlight excellent service, particularly from staff members Tia, Anna, and Silas, who are praised for their attentiveness and ability to accommodate dietary needs. The atmosphere is generally described as welcoming and suitable for celebrations. However, negative feedback points to inconsistent food quality, including issues with meal pacing, overcooked or dry dishes, and small portion sizes. Some guests found the value lacking relative to expectations. While the ambiance and specific service interactions are strong, the dining experience varies significantly based on the dishes ordered.

Suitable for diners prioritizing personalized service and celebrations, though checking dish specifics is advised.

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