The UK has a cosmopolitan approach to food, and from Bridge Street into central Cambridge and out along Regent Street, you can find a broad range Chinese, Indian, Italian and Mexican food, and chain restaurants with most other nationalities represented. Some of our favourite places to eat are listed here. It isn’t essential to book a table, but might be advisable for the higher priced options.
1. St John’s Chop House (£££) is just opposite the Punters pub (listed below) with similar food to the Chop House below, but a bit more affordable. (21-24 Northampton St, Cambridge CB3 0AD, 01223 353110). 1 min from Bridge Street.
2. Cote Brasserie (££): Award winning restaurant with French style menu. (21-24 Bridge Street, CB2 1UF, 01223 311053).
3. Quayside (£): Next to the river, and Scudemore’s punts on Bridge Street. A modern square containing a mix of restaurant / cafes offering Latin style food (Iguanas), Thai street food (Thaikun) and Italian.
4. Cau (££) ‘a Contemporary Buenos Aires-style restaurant with cloud murals, offering steaks, small plates and burgers’ (15 Bene’t St, Cambridge CB2 3QN, 01223 357000). 12 min walk from Bridge Street.
5. Zizzi’s (££) An Italian chain restaurant serving the international version of Italian food – although our Italian friends should probably cross the road and go to Aromi. (16 Bene’t St, Cambridge CB2 3QN, 01223 357508). 12 min walk from Bridge Street.
6. The Cambridge Chop House (££££) is described as ‘rustic with an old- school British menu’ and does excellent meat. (1 King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SJ, 01223 359506). 11 min walk from Bridge Street.
7. Loch Fyne Seafood and Grill (££££): Offers oysters and Scottish seafood in the centre of Cambridge! Opposite the Fitzwilliam Museum. (37 Trumpington Street, CB2 1QY, 01223 362433). 15 min walk from Bridge Street.
1. The Punter: A gastro-pub with good food and beer. 3 Pound Hill, CB3 0AE, off Northampton Street. 1 min from Bridge Street.
2. The Castle. On Castle hill the original fortified area of Cambridge with good views of the town. Good beers and outdoor seating. 36 Castle Street, CB3 0AJ. (1 min north from Bridge Street).
3. The Eagle: Dating from the 16th century, famously where Watson and Crick celebrated their discovery of DNA. Part of the Campaign for Real Ale pub group (CAMRA). Bene’t Street, CB2 3QN. About 9 min walk from Bridge Street.
4. The Anchor: Busy riverside pub in the centre from which to watch the dynamic interaction of people and punts. CAMRA pub. Silver Street, CB3 9EL. About 12 min walk from Bridge Street.
5. The Fort St George: By the river on Midsummer Common, CB4 1HA, opposite the boathouses where sculling and rowing takes place. About 8 min walk from Bridge Street.
6. The Free Press: Typical English pub hidden in the middle of town. 7 Prospect Row, CB11 DU (12 min walk from Bridge Street).
7. The Pint Shop. Offers a large range of traditional British ales, CAMRA pub. Located opposite the Tourist Information Office, 10 Peas Hill, CB2 3PN. (9 min walk from Bridge Street).
8. The Tram Depot: Traditional beers mainly from the North of England, and ciders, in a vibrant, musical environment. Dover Street, just off Burleigh Street, CB1 1DY. (About 14 min walk from Bridge Street).
9. The Granta. On the willow tree fringed millpond with the opportunity to punt from here; located in a quieter part of town with associated restaurants. 14 Newnham Terrace, CB3 9EX. (15 min walk from Bridge Street).
All of the above pubs also offer good quality, traditional British pub food.
1. Fitzbillies: Traditional Cambridge tea room since 1920 with delicious cakes including the famous Chelsea bun. 36 Bridge Street, CB2 1UW and 51-52 Trumpington Street, CB2 1RG.
2. Patisserie Valerie: Popular tea room offering coffee, scrumptious cakes and afternoon teas. 1-2 Bridge Street, CB2 1UA.
3. Aromi: The authentic taste of Sciliy right here in Cambridge! Great gelato and pizza, and Sicilian sweet treats. Long queues but well worth it. 1 Bene’t Street CB2 3QN. (9 min from Bridge Street).
4. Indigo: Quirky, a popular place for students escaping their work, very tiny, friendly, and with great sandwiches, bagels and cakes. 8 St Edwards Passage, CB2 3PJ. (9 min from Bridge Street).
5. Café Nero: The one in Market Street has good wifi. (8 min from Bridge Street).
6. Stickybeaks: Independent, healthy food and magazines to read. Tucked away but worth looking for. 42 Hobson St, CB1 3NL. (7 min from Bridge Street).
7. Hot Numbers: One of Trip Advisor’s favourites, very good coffee, very popular (19 min walk from Bridge Street). 4 Trumpington St, CB2 1QA
8. Grantchester Tea Rooms: Well worth a visit to sit in an old orchard in a deck chair taking tea with scones jam and cream in the quintessential English way. The Tea Rooms, The Orchard, Granchester CB3 9ND. Need transport – 4 miles from Churchill College.
9. Rainbow Cafe: Exclusively vegetarian and vegan restaurant offering international, healthy cuisine. Located opposite Kings College. Open day time and evenings until 10 pm. 9a Kings Parade, CB2 1SJ. No need to reserve a table. Go down stairs for restaurant. 8 min walk from Bridge Street.
10. Stem & Glory: Newly opened vegetarian and vegan cafe offering a wonderful range and variety of health food meals and snacks. Attached to Cam Yoga studio so option to work out before you eat! At two locations: 1) 121 Chesterton Road, Mitchams Corner (opposite Jesus Green), CB4 3AT (01223 324575) – open daytime and evenings. 6 minute walk from Bridge Street; and 2) 13 Kings Street, CB1 1LH. (01223 314331) – daytime only. 12 min walk from Bridge Street