Steeped in history, Cambridge is known for its picturesque architecture, quaint streets, and of course, its legendary university. But aside from that, the city is also host to a number of culinary delights that will get your mouth watering just by looking at the menu! If you’re planning a visit to Cambridge to see the sights, make sure one of these restaurants is part of the itinerary. Join CrossCountry as we sample the best restaurants Cambridge has to offer.
The Millworks
Where better to start than a pub with a twist on the Granta River? If you’re feeling a little peckish after punting, The Millworks is the perfect place to unwind, with spectacular views and a meal to match. The restaurant’s namesake, a newly-restored spinning millwheel in the dining room, is a reminder of the building’s industrial history. With a charcoal oven at the centre of preparation and an emphasis on fresh and local produce, their eclectic menu will have you spoilt for choice. When you’ve finished dining, pop into the ice cream hatch, where there is an abundance of classic and modern flavours to sample.
Located just a ten-minute walk from the Fitzwilliam Museum and other tourist attractions, The Millworks is perfect if you’re looking for a classic and familiar pub menu that doesn’t skimp on innovation.
Novi
One of the most popular restaurants for tourists and locals alike in Cambridge is Novi . In 2023, this bar and kitchen underwent a refurbishment, which gave the space a modern and sleek feel. The menu focuses on sustainable ingredients, like locally sourced streaky bacon from high-welfare farms. Novi are also proud to flaunt their in-house smoker and Japanese BBQ, ensuring that any dish including smoked meats is a real speciality. They also specialise in small plates, whilst managing to squeeze in as many different cuisines as possible and have also saved room for various vegetarian and vegan options throughout their menu. If you’re looking for brunch options during your visit, they’ve got you covered with eggs any way you’d like and their delicious buckwheat waffles.
Novi is only a fifteen-minute walk from Cambridge station, nestled in the heart of Regent Street – and nearby so many other treats the city has to offer.
Smokeworks
Smokeworks is one for any meat lover in Cambridge. For ten years, they have been serving some of the best BBQ food in the city and in the UK. Intending to perfect the art of smoking meats, they have been drawing in customers from far and wide with their tasty selection of ribs, wings, and burgers. Following the coronavirus pandemic, they were hungry to add something to their Station Road venue that would get people together again – and that’s when they created the city’s very first ‘smart darts’ venue. So, if you are looking for an electric American Bar style atmosphere, fantastic BBQ food, and some healthy competition, then Slingers is the place for you.
With their flagship venue being within walking distance from the famous University College’s to the north of the city centre, you’re never too far away from some top-quality BBQ.
Stem & Glory
Offering a menu packed full of tasty food that is purely plant-based, Stem & Glory is one of our favourite restaurants in Cambridge. Since its establishment, this restaurant's aim is to provide the city with the option of a 100% plant-based menu, and it has been going from strength to strength ever since. With the restaurants original opening being made possible through crowdfunding, their focus on sustainability and community is apparent as soon as you are welcomed through the door. From cauliflower wings and Thai ‘crab’ cakes to tempeh tikka masala and pumpkin ravioli, you can be sure that any cravings can be satisfied. At Stem & Glory, you’re guaranteed to have a meal so tasty that you’ll be looking at buying their recipe book to replicate your dining experience at home!
With the restaurant located just across the road from the train station, it is the perfect place to begin or end your day in Cambridge.
The Old Bicycle Shop
Exploring the restaurants of Cambridge wouldn’t be complete without visiting The Old Bicycle Shop . A local favourite for any meal of the day, the charming open plan setting is centuries old, and lends itself to brunch or dinner with a group of friends. If you’re visiting in the morning, you will find a laid-back cafe space offering up speciality coffee to go with your classic Eggs Benedict. Throughout the day however, The Old Bicycle Shop switches to a bustling bar and restaurant, where their extensive list of cocktails will have you prepped and ready for the delectable meal to follow. The menu also focuses on seasonality, without compromising on variety, ensuring that there is more than enough choice for even the pickiest of eaters.
With The Old Bicycle Shop only a fifteen-minute walk from the station, it is an absolute must visit at any time of the day. It can also double up as an extra tourist attraction, as it is rumored to be the bicycle shop where Charles Darwin bought his bike!
How to get to Cambridge by train
With CrossCountry, you’re never too far from any of these culinary hotspots. With regular services from popular stations like Birmingham New Street and Leicester, and nearby stations such as Peterborough, your next delicious day out is waiting for you.
If you’re planning on a grand day out in Cambridge, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Abby