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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Cambridge

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92 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Puritan & Company restaurant
1. Puritan & Company
4.6
Exceptional(2210)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Cambridge
Booked 28 times today
Puritan & Company is a hotspot due to its creative American cuisine and fun, inviting atmosphere. Reviewers often highlight the excellent food and service, noting that it's a great place to catch up with friends and family. The restaurant's ambiance is consistently praised as comfortable and conducive to conversation. It's a local favorite in Cambridge, known for its locally sourced ingredients and inventive menu.
A photo of Pammy's restaurant
2. Pammy's
4.8
Exceptional(2273)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Cambridge
Booked 30 times today
Pammy’s is a New American restaurant inspired by the feel of an Italian neighborhood trattoria. Perched between Cambridge’s Central and Harvard Squares, Pammy’s is a cozy yet sophisticated neighborhood destination. For husband and wife team Chris and Pam Willis (who live right up the street), Pammy’s is an extension of their living room. They’ve brought together their love of great food, easy hospitality and chic vibes to create a lively space that is welcoming to all looking for a memorable meal. With dishes that lean heavily on Italian flavors but are not restricted by any rules of the cuisine, the food is unpretentious and delicious. A fireplace wrapped in white ceramic, an oversized salvaged communal table designed for side-by-side dining and rich leather banquets are just some of the design elements that make up Pammy’s charm.We're currently serving a Prix Fixe menu for all reservations. A la carte dining is available for walk-in guests at our bar and in our lounge.
A photo of Giulia Restaurant restaurant
3. Giulia Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1809)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Cambridge
Booked 26 times today
Giulia is a chef-owned regional Italian restaurant located between Harvard and Porter Squares in Cambridge. It is the first restaurant of award-winning Chef Michael Pagliarini. Its reputation has spread nationally with frequent out of town guests as well as Boston area locals.Giulia puts a particular emphasis on hand-crafted pastas, made each day on our custom-built chef’s table adjacent to the open kitchen.Best of Boston Italian Restaurant. All Italian wine list with unique Italian varietals. Local purveyors, dry aged local beef, burrata di andria, stone milled flours, vegetarian options.Giulia is currently open for indoor dining and limited outdoor dining. We accept reservations up to two weeks in advance. To reserve a patio table, please call us at 617-441-2800. All reservations made online are for indoors only. Kindly note that our patio is uncovered so reservations there are weather dependent and will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.
A photo of Terra - Eataly Boston restaurant
4. Terra - Eataly Boston
4.3
Awesome(3806)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • Back Bay
Booked 96 times today
Located on the third floor of Eataly Boston, Terra is a unique restaurant inspired by earth and fire. The dining room centers around a wood-burning Italian grill, where the Terra culinary team cooks raw ingredients over burning flames, allowing the simple flavors to shine.In every earthy dish, the fire’s smoked warmth rekindles our fundamental connection to the elements. Plentiful and playful, the grilled plates are perfect to share around the restaurant's rustic tables, especially when paired with seasonal drinks.
A photo of Abe & Louie’s - Boston restaurant
5. Abe & Louie’s - Boston
4.7
Exceptional(9266)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Back Bay
Booked 124 times today
Abe & Louie’s, located in Boston’s Back Bay, is the epitome of a classic steakhouse. The iconic establishment sets the standard for elegant dining with superior service, charm, and appeal in a timeless sophisticated atmosphere. Abe & Louie’s, known for premium steaks, serves classic dishes, fresh seafood, shareable sides, and an award-winning wine list. Abe & Louie’s offers brunch, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating. Delivery and take-out available.
A photo of Grill 23 & Bar restaurant
6. Grill 23 & Bar
4.8
Exceptional(8788)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Back Bay
Booked 150 times today
Brandt family beef, New England seafood, seasonal produce, decadent desserts, a world-class wine list, outstanding service and warm hospitality. A truly American experience. Boston’s top steak and seafood grill for more than 30 years. Consistently named Boston's Best Steakhouse by The Improper Bostonian Magazine and Boston Magazine. A 2000+ bottle wine list that encompasses wines from around the world and is the only Boston recipient of Wine Spectator’s Grand Award.
A photo of Buttermilk & Bourbon restaurant
7. Buttermilk & Bourbon
4.6
Exceptional(3455)
Price: Moderate
• Regional American (Southern) • Back Bay
Booked 86 times today
Takeout and delivery services are available via our website and Uber Eats. There are three options for seating: Standard (Indoors), High-Top (Indoors), and Outdoors. If one of these options does not appear, it is because we are currently booked for that type of seating during the date and time you are seeking. We offer a fifteen-minute grace period and ask that you call us if you will be running late or your reservation may be canceled. We allow an hour and a half for a reservation of 2 guests and 2 hours for reservations consisting of 3 or more guests. All outdoor patio reservations are subject to being canceled in the event of inclement weather. We look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of Waypoint restaurant
8. Waypoint
4.3
Awesome(2037)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Cambridge
Booked 17 times today
Waypoint is a hot spot due to its exceptional food and service, with high ratings from reviewers. It's described as having an 'energetic atmosphere' and 'unique' menu. The chef's 'forward-thinking approach to coastally-inspired fare' is highly appreciated. It's also noted as a 'great experience' and 'excellent dining option'.
A photo of Porto restaurant
9. Porto
4.8
Exceptional(1866)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 24 times today
Porto boasts a large and beautiful heated patio space with a retractable awning and sides in the middle of Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. The menu is inspired by Coastal Mediterranean selections with a focus on Italy's coast. Porto is located on Ring Road in Boston's Bay Bay, steps from the Prudential Center and Copley, next door to Saks Fifth Avenue. Enjoy a lively meal in either of Porto's well appointed dining rooms, or indulge in a casual meal at the bar or kitchen counter seating, overlooking the oyster bar and open kitchen. Porto's one-of-a-kind outdoor patio and bar overlooks Ring Road with Boylston Street views, and serves as a Mediterranean oasis, right in the heart of Back Bay.
A photo of Trattoria Il Panino restaurant
10. Trattoria Il Panino
4.5
Awesome(6443)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North End
Booked 158 times today
Trattoria Il Panino is the kind of place that one would expect to find along the Amalfi Coast. It is a warm, friendly, unpretentious and a food-focused environment. From the casual and positive energy of the atmosphere and waitstaff, to the serious and professional energy of the kitchen, the frontand back of the house form a desirable marriage. The entrance on 260 Hanover street has a full liquor license.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Brian
    Greater Boston •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    We had an absolutely amazing dinner at Giulia last night. We kicked things off with some of our go-to favorites: the Unicorn Oyster, Warm Semolina Cake, and Crostini with chicken liver mousse. All three were just fantastic—exactly how we remembered them. Next up was the crudo, which was spot-on. The combo of beans, lemon, and mandarin was so fresh and bright—it really hit the mark. For pasta, we went with the Duck Wing Tortellini and Wild Boar Pappardelle. The tortellini was out of this world, with perfect flavor balance, and the pappardelle? Wow. Big, tender chunks of boar in a killer ragu. Just perfection. We wrapped it up with the Lamb Sausage, which was ridiculously good. So much flavor packed into every bite. Service was amazing as always and the coctails, Wines and Amaro selection is always impresive
    More info
    Giulia RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Cambridge
    •
    4.8
  • DebraVIP
    Greater Boston •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Everything was great and we were in a table in the back nook which was great for catching up with friends because it was quieter. Will request that table again. Loved the cod dish and the wonderful service!
    More info
    Terra - Eataly BostonPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Back Bay
    •
    4.3
  • MarilynVIP
    Southwest Florida •94 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    An unbelievable dining experience!! Lively atmosphere in elegant surroundings, top of the line service, excellent wine and food menu, delicious meal, and we had leftovers! Our favorite “go to” when in Boston!
    More info
    Abe & Louie’s - BostonPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Back Bay
    •
    4.7
  • Sean
    Chicago / Illinois •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Food was wonderful, we did the tasting menu. The service was great, very welcoming.
    More info
    Puritan & CompanyPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Cambridge
    •
    4.6
  • FatimaVIP
    Greater Boston •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Excellent service and food. I would definitely return.
    More info
    Pammy'sPrice: Very Expensive• American• Cambridge
    •
    4.8

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Cambridge

Discover the culinary delights of Boston, Cambridge, and Greater Boston, where the dining scene is as dynamic as it is diverse. If you're searching for a "hot spot" in these areas, you're in for a treat with a variety of restaurants that are guaranteed to satisfy any palate. These establishments are celebrated for their vibrant atmospheres and exceptional service, making each dining experience unique. From the creativity of their menus to the freshness of their ingredients, these restaurants are known for their commitment to quality and innovation. Whether you're in the mood for modern American cuisine, fresh seafood, or exotic international flavors, you'll find a restaurant that fits the bill. Each spot is not just about dining; it's about creating memorable experiences, whether for a casual meet-up or a sophisticated dinner. Embrace the local favorites and discover why these locations are beloved hot spots for both locals and visitors alike.

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