What is there to eat in Cambridge?
Walking through Cambridge isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a serious test of your appetite. Whether you’ve just finished one of our classic Cambridge punting tours along the River Cam or a lecture on King’s Parade, the question inevitably lands on: “Where should we eat?”
At We Are Cambridge, we believe knowing the best food spots is just as important as knowing your colleges. From quick student bites to elegant dinners with a view, here is our insider guide to the culinary landscape of our historic city.
The Morning Icon: Fitzbillies
You cannot visit Cambridge without paying homage to the sticky, sweet, and legendary Chelsea Bun. Since 1920, Fitzbillies on Trumpington Street has been the undisputed champion of this treat. It is a rite of passage for every student and visitor.
Vibe: Classic, bustling, and smells like heaven.
Order: The Chelsea Bun (obviously) and a strong coffee to fuel your morning.
Lunch with a View: The Cambridge Chop House
If you want your meal served with a side of history, head to The Cambridge Chop House. Located right on King’s Parade, it sits in the shadow of King’s College Chapel. It is rustic, British, and unpretentious.
Why we love it: The vaulted cellar gives it a cozy secret club atmosphere, while the street-level tables offer some of the best people-watching in the city.
Order: The steak and ale pie or a classic chop.
Work Up an Appetite: Walk the Historic Streets
There is no better way to earn a hearty lunch than by getting lost in Cambridge’s winding medieval lanes. If you want to get your bearings and understand the history behind the colleges you are dining next to, we highly recommend taking a stroll with us.
Our classic Cambridge walking tours are led by current students and graduates who know these streets like the back of their hands. Or, if you want to skip the usual tourist facts and dive straight into the academic soul of the university, you can join one of our shared Cambridge PhD Students Walking Tours. It’s a great way to hear firsthand stories about cutting-edge research, quirky university traditions, and the hidden spots only true insiders know about.
A Taste of Bombay: Dishoom Permit Room
For something livelier, the newly opened Dishoom Permit Room on Trinity Street pays tribute to the Bombay café culture. It’s an all-day spot that captures the energy of student life—busy, vibrant, and packed with flavor.
The Historic Pint: The Eagle
More than just a pub, The Eagle on Bene't Street is a landmark. This is where Watson and Crick announced they had discovered "the secret of life" (DNA). It’s heavily frequented by students and fellows alike, offering a hearty menu of classic pub grub.
Riverside Elegance: Garden House
If you are looking for a special evening, perhaps to celebrate the end of a summer course, Garden House is the place. Located within the Graduate Hotel, it focuses on open-fire cooking and seasonal East Anglian produce.
The Setting: It sits right on the river, making it one of the most tranquil spots to enjoy dinner away from the city crowds.
Style: Refined yet relaxed—perfect for when parents visit!
Casual & Cool: The Market Square
For those days when you can't decide, head to the Market Square. It’s the beating heart of the city, surrounded by colleges and packed with stalls selling everything from fresh dumplings to artisan falafel. It’s cheap, cheerful, and exactly how many students survive term time.
Experience the Real Cambridge
Eating your way through the city is just the start. At We Are Cambridge, we help you unlock the full experience. Whether you want to drift past the colleges on a punt or walk the halls of history with a PhD scholar, we have a tour for you.
Whether you are visiting for a day, a weekend break, or a longer stay, we look forward to welcoming you and helping you experience the very best of Cambridge.
To learn more about our Cambridge punting tours and Cambridge walking tours , please visit We Are Cambridge.
Written by a Cambridge guide at We Are Oxbridge.
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Recommended Internal Links: Cambridge Punting Tours (https://www.weareoxbridge.com/cambridge-punting-tours/), Cambridge Walking Tour (https://www.weareoxbridge.com/cambridge-walking-tour/), Private Punting Tours (https://www.weareoxbridge.com/private-punt-en/), Visit Cambridge (https://www.weareoxbridge.com/visit-cambridge_15/). Student-Led Cambridge Walking Tour (https://www.weareoxbridge.com/cambridge-walking-tour/)
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