1. Oleana
9.3
134 Hampshire St (btwn Elm & Norfolk), Cambridge, MA
Mediterranean Restaurant · Inman Square · 129 tips and reviews
Jason Jacob: For dessert try the Cocchi, Vermouth di Torino; neat.
Hannah Dalke: The lamb and grape leaf tart is incredible! Also I highly recommend the Moussaka
Boston Magazine: If it were up to us, we’d craft our entire meal here out of the first courses; they’re just that satisfying. Read more.
2. bisq
8.0
1071 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA
New American Restaurant · Inman Square · 21 tips and reviews
Reserve: The dessert charcuterie board is a rotating mix of mini sweets (perfect for a table to share) include muddy buddies, lemon curd bars, house made caramels and truffles. Read more.
Yu-Mei: Beef heart anticuchos, homemade burrata and whatever the specials are. Table seating is better than the cramped place settings at the bar at the open kitchen. Or head to the cozy bar alcove behind.
Adam Sigel: Great place to get a glass or two of wine and try a couple small plates. We had savory vidalia onion churros last time. It’s like an onion ring only better in every way.
3. Orinoco
9.0
56 JFK St, Cambridge, MA
Arepa Restaurant · Harvard Square · 47 tips and reviews
David B: Bacon wrapped dates, arepas, really everything we tried!
Peter Boyce: The back patio seats 30, perfect spot on a summer evening. And the owner Marta is truly a gem of a host.
Jorge Pilo: Actually very authentic Venezuelan food. Try the Tequenos, our national pride.
5. Puritan & Co.
8.6
1166 Cambridge St. (Prospect St), Cambridge, MA
New American Restaurant · Inman Square · 63 tips and reviews
Premshree Pillai: Sit at the chef's table and enjoy one of the better dining options in Inman Square. Food is prepared with love and care. Ask for wine suggestions to pair your food with.
Eater: The single most essential Boston restaurant of the moment, in that here chef-owner Will Gilson is more thoroughly tackling a fresh perspective on New England cuisine than anywhere else in the world.
Eater: Chef-owner Will Gilson is more thoroughly tackling a fresh perspective on New England cuisine than anywhere else in the world. [Eater 38]
7. Commonwealth
11 Broad Canal Way (3rd Street), Cambridge, MA
New American Restaurant · Kendall Square · 37 tips and reviews
Dan Roberts: For lunch, sandwiches are pretty greasy but delicious. For dinner, the braised lamb with olives and chickpeas is actually amazing.
Dave Theran: Go to Marky Mark and the Funky Brunch to grab the chicken and biscuits!
Jennifer Evans: Try the burrata, mac n cheese, mushroom flatbread or the grilled avocados. Delish! Don't forget to pop inside the store and get something to take home too!
8. Alden & Harlow
8.4
40 Brattle St (Church St), Cambridge, MA
New American Restaurant · Harvard Square · 164 tips and reviews
Chris Mills: Cocktails are incredible. Forbidden fruit is a standout, but you really can't go wrong.
Senator John Blutarski: This ubiquitous kale salad is specifically delicious.
Eater: Its opening week went off impressively well, from an already-popular "secret" burger to a lively bar scene. Try it right away before the lines are perpetually out the door. Read more.
9. Cambridge Common
8.6
1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA
Pub · Aggasiz - Harvard University · 122 tips and reviews
Laura: It's not on the menu, but your server can bring caramel sauce, ranch dressing and/or chocolate sauce for your sweet potato fries. Enjoy with a local brew. Happy dipping!
Rob Sheppard: If you're not sure what to go for, go with the 'Staff Pick'. Four 5oz beer samplers. Tasty!
Joe Allen-Black: You must get the the sweet potato fries. Best I've had in a while.
10. Veggie Galaxy
8.3
450 Massachusetts Ave (at Brookline), Cambridge, MA
Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant · 130 tips and reviews
n0nick: Great food and atmosphere, so fun finding a vegetarian diner! Burger and reuben sandwiches were good, shake was amazing!
Shane Solar-Doherty: TRY EVERYTHING. Everyone should have to eat here everyday.
Melinda Green: Order a chickpea-mushroom burger topped with red pepper puree, roasted tomatoes, and goat cheese. This carnivore could eat one every day.