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A red brick building with a green lawn out front. — Harvard University.

Where to Eat Around Harvard and MIT

16 spots bound to make you stop saying “I go to school in Boston” and start declaring “I go to school in Cambridge”

by Annie Harrigan Aug 8, 2023, 9:00am EDT

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Harvard University.

| Jorge Salcedo/Shutterstock

by Annie Harrigan Aug 8, 2023, 9:00am EDT

Situated across Kendall, Central, and Harvard Squares, students at Harvard and MIT have easy access to some of the best food in the greater Boston area. With both schools perfectly positioned along the Red line, students from one university are no stranger to the food options closest to the other. Diverse options ranging from an Arabic coffee shop to a jazz-themed sushi restaurant to whiskey-forward BBQ joint mean that Harvard and MIT students don’t need to leave Cambridge for a great meal.

Here are 16 spots bound to make you stop saying “I go to school in Boston” and start declaring “I go to school in Cambridge.”

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Foundry On Elm

Looking for a spot off the Red Line where you will most likely not run into Harvard or MIT students? Foundry on Elm in Davis Square is a great bet. Foundry on Elm is a reliable joint with delicious dinner options, strong cocktails, and a smart, casual atmosphere. If you stop by, make sure to say hi to any Tufts students you see — you’re in their territory now.

255 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144

Visit Website

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Felipe's Taqueria

In the infamous battle between Felipe’s Taqueria and El Jefe’s Taqueria to be named the best Mexican spot in Harvard Square, we are staking a claim for Felipe’s. While Felipe’s may not stay open as late as El Jefe’s, it does have something that its nemesis does not: a rooftop bar.

21 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Russell House Tavern

Looking for somewhere to take your parents (or, have your parents take you, and pay) for family weekend? Russell House Tavern has got you covered. Located in heart of Harvard Square, Russell House Tavern has a sprawling menu of pizzas, pastas, and a raw bar with oysters, clams, and chilled lobster tails.

14 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Wusong Road Tiki Bar

This two-story tiki bar and dim sum restaurant is serving up some of the best drinks and small plates in Cambridge.

Open in Google Maps

112 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Smoke Shop BBQ

With the largest selection of American whiskey in New England, the Smoke Shop is a great place to grub out with friends and grab a drink. Come for the meat, stay for the sides (cornbread anyone?), and wash it all down with their signature smoky Old-Fashioned.

Open in Google Maps

8 Holyoke St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Sally's Sandwiches

Located in Harvard’s Smith Campus Center, Sally’s Sandwiches and Blackbird Doughnuts is your one-stop shop for some of the best sandwiches and doughnuts in Cambridge. If you’re in the mood for a savory breakfast, go for the Gallows breakfast sandwich — complete with fried eggs, bacon, cheese, avocado, spicy aioli, and a hashbrown on an Italian baguette, this sandwich is the perfect morning or afternoon pick-me-up. Or if you’re hankering for something sweet, you can’t go wrong with one of Blackbird’s classic doughnuts like the Boston creme or salted toffee.

Open in Google Maps

11 Holyoke St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Is there anything more comforting than a hot bowl of ramen in the cold Boston winters? Trick question! There isn’t. Over the last few years, a handful of ramen joints have opened up in Harvard Square, but Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, also known as just Santouka, remains a staple. Don’t want to go to Harvard Square for a bowl of their delicious kara miso ramen? Don’t worry, they have locations in Back Bay and Allston, too.

Open in Google Maps

1 Bow St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Where to Eat Ramen in and Around Boston

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Tucked behind the IHOP and pretty easy to miss, Gyu-Kaku is a Japanese BBQ restaurant and hidden gem in Harvard Square. Bring a large group of friends and an appetite, and order up one of the chain’s group options for your fix of grilled meats, veggies, and rice. Pro tip: Download the Gyu Kaku app and sign up for immediate points that can be used towards your next meal.

16-18 Eliot St 2nd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Pinocchio's

It is impossible to list the best places to eat near Harvard and MIT without a nod to Pinnochio’s Pizza & Subs. A Harvard Square staple, Pinnochio’s has been serving up Sicilian-style pizza to hungry college students for over 50 years. If the smells of marinara sauce and garlic that emanate from the small shop don’t pull you in, the fact that they stay open until 1 a.m. most nights will.

74 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Zinneken's

In an area that has seen the opening and closing of novel restaurants consistently over the years, Zinneken’s in Harvard Square stands tall. Zinneken’s is a small cafe that specializes in one thing: fresh-baked Belgian Liège waffles. And they do it so well.

Open in Google Maps

1154 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Andala Coffee House

Loved by students at Harvard and Mit, Andala Coffee House in Central Square is an Arabic coffee shop with a full Middle Eastern food menu. Andala is an excellent place to sip Turkish coffee with cardamom and munch on shawarma while studying for your next midterm.

286 Franklin St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Where to Eat Around Cambridgeport and West Cambridge

The Mad Monkfish

Located between Harvard and MIT in Central Square, the Mad Monkfish is a jazz-themed sushi restaurant. Thursdays through Sundays, you can enjoy live music from some of Boston’s top jazz performers while you savor the Mad Monkfish’s delicious fairy tale sushi rolls.

Open in Google Maps

524 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Veggie Galaxy

Serving up pancakes, waffles, burgers, and every other classic diner food you can think of, Veggie Galaxy is a diner with a twist: everything is vegetarian or vegan. Everything there is so good even the most carnivorous of meat-eaters are bound to enjoy it.

450 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Sulmona

An Italian restaurant in Kendall Square, Sulmona has one of the most expansive and delicious brunch menus in the area. It’s the perfect place to grab brunch with your best friends and complain about finals all while getting your espresso martini fix.

608 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Roxy's Grilled Cheese & Burgers

Roxy’s Grilled Cheese is much more than their yummy grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and shakes. Hidden behind a large walk-in refrigerator door is A4cade, a 21+ arcade and speakeasy. Enjoy all of Roxy’s Grilled Cheese offerings while you kick your friend's butts in Street Fighter and Skee Ball.

Open in Google Maps

292 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Saloniki Greek

A local chain with locations across Boston and Cambridge, Saloniki serves up fast casual Greek sandwiches and bowls, perfect for students on the go. With evergreen student discounts on Snackpass, Saloniki is the perfect lunch option for when you’re in between classes and need something quick and delicious to eat. Don’t forget to order their well-seasoned fries and their refreshing lemonade.

181 Massachusetts Ave #2, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Also featured in:

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Foundry On Elm

255 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144

Looking for a spot off the Red Line where you will most likely not run into Harvard or MIT students? Foundry on Elm in Davis Square is a great bet. Foundry on Elm is a reliable joint with delicious dinner options, strong cocktails, and a smart, casual atmosphere. If you stop by, make sure to say hi to any Tufts students you see — you’re in their territory now.

255 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144

Visit Website

Felipe's Taqueria

21 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138

In the infamous battle between Felipe’s Taqueria and El Jefe’s Taqueria to be named the best Mexican spot in Harvard Square, we are staking a claim for Felipe’s. While Felipe’s may not stay open as late as El Jefe’s, it does have something that its nemesis does not: a rooftop bar.

21 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Russell House Tavern

14 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Looking for somewhere to take your parents (or, have your parents take you, and pay) for family weekend? Russell House Tavern has got you covered. Located in heart of Harvard Square, Russell House Tavern has a sprawling menu of pizzas, pastas, and a raw bar with oysters, clams, and chilled lobster tails.

14 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Wusong Road Tiki Bar

112 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138

This two-story tiki bar and dim sum restaurant is serving up some of the best drinks and small plates in Cambridge.

Open in Google Maps

112 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

The Smoke Shop BBQ

8 Holyoke St, Cambridge, MA 02138

With the largest selection of American whiskey in New England, the Smoke Shop is a great place to grub out with friends and grab a drink. Come for the meat, stay for the sides (cornbread anyone?), and wash it all down with their signature smoky Old-Fashioned.

Open in Google Maps

8 Holyoke St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Sally's Sandwiches

11 Holyoke St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Located in Harvard’s Smith Campus Center, Sally’s Sandwiches and Blackbird Doughnuts is your one-stop shop for some of the best sandwiches and doughnuts in Cambridge. If you’re in the mood for a savory breakfast, go for the Gallows breakfast sandwich — complete with fried eggs, bacon, cheese, avocado, spicy aioli, and a hashbrown on an Italian baguette, this sandwich is the perfect morning or afternoon pick-me-up. Or if you’re hankering for something sweet, you can’t go wrong with one of Blackbird’s classic doughnuts like the Boston creme or salted toffee.

Open in Google Maps

11 Holyoke St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

1 Bow St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Is there anything more comforting than a hot bowl of ramen in the cold Boston winters? Trick question! There isn’t. Over the last few years, a handful of ramen joints have opened up in Harvard Square, but Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, also known as just Santouka, remains a staple. Don’t want to go to Harvard Square for a bowl of their delicious kara miso ramen? Don’t worry, they have locations in Back Bay and Allston, too.

Open in Google Maps

1 Bow St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

16-18 Eliot St 2nd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138

Tucked behind the IHOP and pretty easy to miss, Gyu-Kaku is a Japanese BBQ restaurant and hidden gem in Harvard Square. Bring a large group of friends and an appetite, and order up one of the chain’s group options for your fix of grilled meats, veggies, and rice. Pro tip: Download the Gyu Kaku app and sign up for immediate points that can be used towards your next meal.

16-18 Eliot St 2nd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Pinocchio's

74 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138

It is impossible to list the best places to eat near Harvard and MIT without a nod to Pinnochio’s Pizza & Subs. A Harvard Square staple, Pinnochio’s has been serving up Sicilian-style pizza to hungry college students for over 50 years. If the smells of marinara sauce and garlic that emanate from the small shop don’t pull you in, the fact that they stay open until 1 a.m. most nights will.

74 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Zinneken's

1154 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

In an area that has seen the opening and closing of novel restaurants consistently over the years, Zinneken’s in Harvard Square stands tall. Zinneken’s is a small cafe that specializes in one thing: fresh-baked Belgian Liège waffles. And they do it so well.

Open in Google Maps

1154 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Andala Coffee House

286 Franklin St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Loved by students at Harvard and Mit, Andala Coffee House in Central Square is an Arabic coffee shop with a full Middle Eastern food menu. Andala is an excellent place to sip Turkish coffee with cardamom and munch on shawarma while studying for your next midterm.

286 Franklin St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

The Mad Monkfish

524 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Located between Harvard and MIT in Central Square, the Mad Monkfish is a jazz-themed sushi restaurant. Thursdays through Sundays, you can enjoy live music from some of Boston’s top jazz performers while you savor the Mad Monkfish’s delicious fairy tale sushi rolls.

Open in Google Maps

524 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Veggie Galaxy

450 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Serving up pancakes, waffles, burgers, and every other classic diner food you can think of, Veggie Galaxy is a diner with a twist: everything is vegetarian or vegan. Everything there is so good even the most carnivorous of meat-eaters are bound to enjoy it.

450 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Sulmona

608 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02139

An Italian restaurant in Kendall Square, Sulmona has one of the most expansive and delicious brunch menus in the area. It’s the perfect place to grab brunch with your best friends and complain about finals all while getting your espresso martini fix.

608 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Roxy's Grilled Cheese & Burgers

292 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Roxy’s Grilled Cheese is much more than their yummy grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and shakes. Hidden behind a large walk-in refrigerator door is A4cade, a 21+ arcade and speakeasy. Enjoy all of Roxy’s Grilled Cheese offerings while you kick your friend's butts in Street Fighter and Skee Ball.

Open in Google Maps

292 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Related Maps

Saloniki Greek

181 Massachusetts Ave #2, Cambridge, MA 02139

A local chain with locations across Boston and Cambridge, Saloniki serves up fast casual Greek sandwiches and bowls, perfect for students on the go. With evergreen student discounts on Snackpass, Saloniki is the perfect lunch option for when you’re in between classes and need something quick and delicious to eat. Don’t forget to order their well-seasoned fries and their refreshing lemonade.

181 Massachusetts Ave #2, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Related Maps