Best Restaurants for People Watching in West Cambridge

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchIndianChinese

Regions

BostonBoston Metro North

Neighborhoods

Back BayBurlingtonCambridgeChestnut HillFaneuil HallFenway–Kenmore

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

31 restaurants available nearby

1. Alden and Harlow

4.6

Exceptional(4898)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Cambridge

Booked 97 times today

Located at 40 Brattle Street in Harvard Square, Alden & Harlow serves thoughtfully sourced, honest American food in a subterranean, modern and comfortable space. Replicating the style of cooking he does for family and friends in his home kitchen, Chef Michael Scelfo prepares humble, unpretentious food that honors tradition of place in its quality. It's how he connects with anyone who joins them at their table.While reservations are strongly suggested, we also save a portion of the dining room and bar for walk-ins in the event that your request cannot be accommodated. So please, come on in!Parties of more than 8, please call to make a reservation.

A photo of Russell House Tavern restaurant

2. Russell House Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(2829)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Cambridge

Booked 48 times today

A New American Tavern, Russell House Tavern is a comfortable gathering spot for every occasion-from casual lunch breaks on the patio to after-work cocktails in the upstairs tavern to functions in the private dining room and everything in between. Russell House Tavern delivers a seasonally-inspired menu of modern interpretations of American classics, including signatures like the R. House Burger, a selection of Tavern Pizzas and Steak Frites among other dishes. To complement the menu, Russell House Tavern serves an interesting collection of all-star American wines, and a locally-driven craft beer selection. The cocktail menu strikes a balance between familiar classics and modern hand-crafted recipes using only fresh juices, homemade syrups and infusions.

3. SOURCE Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(596)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizza Bar • Cambridge

Booked 28 times today

SOURCE is a fresh, modern approach to the local gastro pub and pizza bar. Source is an innovative dining destination featuring rustic yet refined food, and an unmatched craft and local beverage program. Utilizing local and sustainable products and only the purest ingredients, SOURCE’s mission is to embrace the root of who we are and what we consume. Owned by Restaurant veteran Daniel Roughan, SOURCE offers guests the space to enjoy delicious quality authentic Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. In addition to pizza SOURCE will offer an assortment of small plates, entrees and homemade desserts. SOURCE will be open daily for lunch and dinner as well offering an unforgettable brunch experience both Saturdays and Sundays. Welcome home, Welcome to SOURCE.

A photo of Grafton Street Pub & Grill restaurant

4. Grafton Street Pub & Grill

4.6

Exceptional(1296)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Cambridge

Booked 25 times today

*New Address: 59 JFK Street, Cambridge MA*Originally opened in October of 1996, Grafton Street Pub & Grill has been a beloved institution of Harvard Square for over 25 years. Located at 59 JFK Street – the Gateway of Harvard Square – this neighborhood hot spot is named after the spirited cobblestone-lined shopping district near Dublin’s famed Temple Bar area. Grafton Street deftly combines a traditional Irish pub’s warmth and coziness with a contemporary and comfortable full-service restaurant. Formerly located at 1230 Massachusetts Avenue, Grafton Street relocated in March of 2022. The new location is on lower JFK Street just steps away from the Red Line MBTA stop and the Charles River. Grafton Street offers FREE validated parking daily and all day Sunday just above the restaurant in the Harvard Square Parking Garage. The garage entrance is located at 20 Eliot Street.

5. The Maharaja

4.7

Exceptional(646)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Indian • Cambridge

Booked 19 times today

Located in a heart of Harvard Square, The Maharaja is the Top Indian restaurant in Boston/Cambridge. The Maharaja serves an authentic Indian cuisine in a stunning setting, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking bustling Harvard Square.

A photo of Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant restaurant

6. Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1501)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • South Boston

Booked 51 times today

Located in the heart of South Boston, Lincoln is a classic American tavern that offers guests a welcoming combination of home-spun, American fare alongside a wide variety of rustic, wood-fire-grilled specialties.Built with the intention of being a comfortable meeting spot for locals looking to share stories at the end of their long day, Lincoln draws inspiration from it’s surrounding, hard-working, and uniquely American neighborhood.Revitalizing a nearly forgotten West Broadway space that at one time housed the area’s only department store, Lincoln feels nostalgic. It’s open-air, tiled-floor cafe, grande bar, and soaring, original tin ceilings remind us of a time when dining halls and supper clubs were a way of life.

7. Contessa - Boston

4.7

Exceptional(118)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Back Bay

Booked 55 times today

Perched atop The Newbury Hotel like a crown jewel, Contessa is a grand destination. Guests are welcomed from morning till night to a sunlit, rooftop restaurant with Art Deco references and mid-century modern detailing, offering sweeping views of Back Bay and the Boston Public Garden. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious options, from feasts of antipasti, carpaccios and pizzas, to pastas and large steaks. A vast wine list, classic cocktails and a selection of dolci punctuate a beautiful meal.

A photo of La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston restaurant

8. La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston

4.4

Awesome(2205)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Back Bay

Booked 78 times today

Enjoy La Pizza & La Pasta's signature dishes for takeout or delivery through UberEats, Caviar, DoorDash, and Grubhub. While pizza and pasta are just the tip of the Italian iceberg, there is a reason these two culinary staples are the most beloved exports from Italy. Enjoy Eataly Boston's seasonal selection just steps away from where their expert pasta chefs and dough-slinging pizzaioli (pizza makers) create dishes before your eyes.

9. Branch Line

4.7

Exceptional(2635)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Watertown

Booked 36 times today

Hi Friends!Branch Line is a neighborhood rotisserie and wood fired grill in the Watertown Arsenal built on a foundation of personalized hospitality. Featuring a year-round patio. Branch Line offers something for everyone. Twenty taps continuously change and offer a great craft beer selection, while a curated wine list features bottles that are value-driven and also ready for any special occasion.The Crystal Valley Rotisserie Chicken spins and roasts in sight of nearly every table in the dining room while the fire roars under vegetables, fish, and meat. The "Little Chicken" menu is great for kids, too!

A photo of OAK Long Bar + Kitchen restaurant

10. OAK Long Bar + Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(1878)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Back Bay

Booked 55 times today

OAK Long Bar + Kitchen is an exciting American brasserie restaurant in the heart of Boston's Back Bay. Enjoy specialty, hand crafted cocktails at the exquisite coppertop bar and a farm to table menu featuring local ingredients and purveyors.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JessicaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Daniel and his team have the best pizza in town. Our family loves Source - this visit was to celebrate my husband's birthday - and the meal did not disappoint. There are always fresh ingredients, attentive service, and leave room for the fresh baked cookies for dessert. Thanks Source team for making us feel so welcome every time.
More info
SOURCE RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Pizza Bar• Cambridge
•
4.5
N
Nancy
Greater Boston •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Alden & Harlow has remained consistent with beautiful presentation and delicious offerings. Always a pleasure to return with the expectation of quality. Attentive friendly staff.
More info
Alden and HarlowPrice: Moderate• American• Cambridge
•
4.6
D
Dr. John
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Always a pleasure to come here - it’s my go to place in Harvard Square - I’ve been coming here for years- a very pleasant experience every time
More info
The MaharajaPrice: Moderate• Indian• Cambridge
•
4.7
J
Jim
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
The food was good, reasonably priced and the waiter was outstanding.
More info
Russell House TavernPrice: Moderate• American• Cambridge
•
4.6
V
Veronika
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 22, 2025
We had a great time with a yamm food before going to hockey game.
More info
Grafton Street Pub & GrillPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Cambridge
•
4.6

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