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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Cambridge

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87 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Puritan & Company restaurant
1. Puritan & Company
4.6
Exceptional(2194)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Cambridge
Booked 23 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(2247)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Cambridge
Booked 29 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(1790)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Cambridge
Booked 28 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 at Eataly Boston restaurant
4. Terra at Eataly Boston
4.3
Awesome(3750)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • Back Bay
Booked 78 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 Buttermilk & Bourbon restaurant
5. Buttermilk & Bourbon
4.5
Awesome(3428)
Price: Moderate
• Southern • Back Bay
Booked 52 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 Porto restaurant
6. Porto
4.7
Exceptional(1849)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 19 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 Abe & Louie’s - Boston restaurant
7. Abe & Louie’s - Boston
4.8
Exceptional(9149)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Back Bay
Booked 102 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 Waypoint restaurant
8. Waypoint
4.3
Awesome(2028)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Cambridge
Booked 13 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 Trattoria Il Panino restaurant
9. Trattoria Il Panino
4.5
Awesome(6363)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North End
Booked 171 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.
A photo of Grill 23 & Bar restaurant
10. Grill 23 & Bar
4.8
Exceptional(8677)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Back Bay
Booked 140 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Elizabethvip
    Greater Boston •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had the chefs tasting menu and it was fantastic
    More info
    Puritan & CompanyPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Cambridge
    •
    4.6
  • John
    Greater Boston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Good food and atmosphere lined the chicken wasn’t a fan of the wax beans glad the server and kitchen could replace it with fries definitely will make another appearance
    More info
    Buttermilk & BourbonPrice: Moderate• Southern• Back Bay
    •
    4.5
  • Amyvip
    Greater Boston •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Another wonderful meal and evening at Pammy’s, this time for a birthday celebration with a party of 5. Price-Fixe menu was great. I loved the Cobia and Squid Ink gnocchi. I was too full to complete the lumache, but took it home and it was excellent the next day. The lamb saddle, yakitori chicken and lasagna also got excellent reviews. Our server was knowledgeable, helpful and attentive.
    More info
    Pammy'sPrice: Very Expensive• American• Cambridge
    •
    4.8
  • Melissavip
    Greater Boston •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Terra is an absolute masterpiece of a restaurant! The Italian food here is nothing short of spectacular—every dish is crafted to perfection, and the flavors are unforgettable. The wine selection is equally impressive, with thoughtful pairings that elevate the dining experience to a whole new level. A special shoutout to our server, Vinicius, who made the evening truly extraordinary. His knowledge of the menu, attention to detail, and warm, professional demeanor added so much to our experience. He went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect, and we left feeling absolutely spoiled. If you’re looking for exceptional Italian cuisine, an incredible wine list, and top-tier service, Terra is the place to be. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Terra at Eataly BostonPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Back Bay
    •
    4.3
  • 1234
    Greater Boston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    The meal was superb, from beginning to end. Best dining out experience in a very long time. I was with a party of 4 to celebrate a birthday. We all had different pasta dishes and each one was terrific. Appetizers and desserts were great too. Excellent service and comfortable ambience and noise level. I look forward to the next time. 👍❣️
    More info
    Giulia RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• 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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