Our guide to local places to eat when visiting Cambridge, England

If you are planning a weekend away, look no further than Cambridge. The historic city in the United Kingdom has more than an amazing university – you will find beautiful buildings, great food, museums, galleries and plenty of independent and high street shops.

Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a special night out, with Cambridge’s thriving food scene you won’t be short of choice. Cambridge has seen a recent increase in independent restaurants and food producers, and it has never been better to eat, drink and be merry in and around the city.

Here, we share our local knowledge for the best places to eat when visiting Cambridge.

Starting the day with local breakfast spots

For breakfast or brunch venues, head to one of the many wonderful cafes on offer in and around the city. We love the fresh breads and pastries at Stir. A little out of the city centre but worth the stroll as they have their own on-site bakery so the food is super fresh and tasty.

More centrally based Michael house Café also has many delicious options, for example, eggy bread or bircher muesli – plenty of meat-free options here too which easily make up for the best breakfast in Cambridge.

Coffee lovers shouldn’t miss a trip to Hot Numbers. They roast their coffee beans from sources around the world. Possibly the best coffee in Cambridge!

Wondering where to stop for dessert in Cambridge, UK?

For a mid-morning treat (or a full afternoon tea) head to Fitzbillies. Serving fabulous cakes in the city since 1920, their Chelsea buns are not to be missed. Sticky, sweet and just delicious. You can get some gift-wrapped to take away with you – trust me you will want to!

If you are visiting the city on Thursday, Saturday or Sunday do pop to the market for a doughnut from Battered Doughnuts . Amazing vegan doughnuts including the Oreo cookie doughnut!

Jacks Gelato make fabulously flavoured ice-creams so pop in for a scoop or two (or even three) of Jacks delicious gelato.

Easily the best in Cambridge and possibly some of the best I have eaten. Flavours change daily and with the seasons from mint choc chip to salted treacle to elderflower.

Lunch at one of the local Cambridge restaurants

Cambridge has many wonderful independent restaurants to enjoy for a pit-stop lunch. As burger fans we will focus on these venues. Firstly to Doppleganger which offers vegan junk food - huge, tasty, satisfying burgers and sides. A great choice!

Also enjoy the slow, fast food at Smokeworks – we highly recommend the mac and cheese fritters! Plenty of pulled meat choices and sharing platters. Try the Smokeworks Tap next door for a pre or post burger drink too!

Steak and Honour are another centrally based, independent burger restaurant that serves quality burgers and sides. Try the classic, riverside beef, brioche bun, lettuce, onion, gherkin, French’s mustard, and Heinz tomato ketchup. Delicious burgers with specials a regular feature. You really do have a lot of choice!

Best restaurants to have dinner in Cambridge

We are extremely lucky to have some inventive, quality restaurants in the city for a special evening meal. Our favourites are Restaurant 22 and Vanderlyle. Restaurant 22 is a quaint dining room that feels really luxurious. The menu offers a seasonal 7-course tasting menu costing £55, or choose from the a la carte menu. This is the perfect venue for a special occasion or culinary treat. Enjoy beautiful plates of flavoursome and exciting food including wood pigeon served with pear, celeriac and pine, or 45 day aged beef with bone marrow, onion and maple. Not to be missed.

We also love Vanderlyle – enjoy a set 5-course seasonal feast of a menu. The chefs work directly with local growers and producers to compile the menu based on what is available locally. An inventive, forward-thinking restaurant, serving top quality, delicious food. We love the salad course which is just epic. £55 for a 5-course tasting menu.

Vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Cambridge, England

There are many vegan and vegetarian options around the city. The above-mentioned Doppleganger is a wonderful, independent vegan fast food burger joint- go hungry as these burgers are generous!

Exclusively plant based, Stem and Glory serves breakfast, lunch and some evening meals on set days. Order small plates to share or your own main from many delicious choices.

For an evening meal, Vanderlyle is a top choice but you really must book plenty of time ahead. Locally sourced, zero waste and completely delicious set menus where the vegetables really are the star of the show. Although Vanderlyle isn’t officially plant-based, they have been since their opening in 2019.

Cambridge really is a city where you may well want to plan a return visit as there are so many wonderful food opportunities here you may not squeeze them all in. Prepare to want to come back soon!

Author’s Bio:

Melanie Varey from Two Plus Dogs is a lover of exercise, fresh air and finding beautiful places to enjoy in the company of her family – her husband and their two cheeky whippets. Food is an important part of Melanie’s family life; in fact, their friends say they are either eating, planning what or where to eat, or cooking their next meal! They love eating out and really value quality food and restaurants. As a teacher and a Reflexologist, Melanie is passionate about health and wellbeing.

All images provided in this article are property of Melanie Varey and Two Plus Dogs blog.