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An overhead shot of colorful dishes of raw seafood, caviar cones, and seafood tacos all laid out on a light wooden table. — Inman Square staple Puritan & Co. recently opened a more casual oyster bar next door.

Where to Eat and Drink in Inman Square

Half-sour pickles at a century-old Jewish deli and some of the best Indian food in town

by Karen Wilber and Terrence Doyle Updated Jul 13, 2023, 4:22pm EDT

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Inman Square staple Puritan & Co. recently opened a more casual oyster bar next door.

| Puritan Oyster

by Karen Wilber and Terrence Doyle Updated Jul 13, 2023, 4:22pm EDT

Inman Square, located almost entirely in Cambridge but with a sliver in Somerville, boasts one of the Boston area’s best bar and restaurant scenes. A plethora of options exist just steps away for those living in the neighborhood, and Inman is more accessible than ever via public transportation with the new MBTA Green Line station in Union Square.

Here’s a starter guide to 15 excellent dining and drinking spots worth checking out around Inman Square — just the tip of the iceberg of the neighborhood’s exceptional options.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Trina's Starlite Lounge

Trina’s is well-known as an industry hangout, which means that a lot of people who work in bars and restaurants head to Trina’s when they’re not working. The drinks are superb, as is the brunch menu. The brunch burger — two flat patties served with bacon and a fried egg — and a bloody mary will cure any Sunday morning hangover. Also, try one of the decadent hot dogs.

3 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143

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Trina’s Starlite Lounge dog of the day — A decadent doggy at Trina’s Starlite Lounge.

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Moona

The food at this Eastern Mediterranean joint is meant to be shared. Bring some friends, and enjoy dishes like feta fritters with orange blossom honey and grilled whole fish along with plates of olives and hummus.

243 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139

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Two bastilla pastries leaning against each other in a dark cast iron serving skillet. — Chicken bastilla at Moona.

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Olé

Ole’s back patio is an ideal spot to enjoy a summer evening. They serve many classics done well – enchiladas, tacos, mole, margaritas, and more. Order the guacamole which gets prepared tableside in a traditional molcajete.

11 Springfield St, Cambridge, MA 02139

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Pita Cambridge

While Pita Cambridge is a much more casual, takeout-focused spot compared to its bigger, upscale sibling restaurant Moona, the quality of the food is just as delightful. The kafta shish kabob is incredibly flavorful, and they also serve some of the best hummus around.

12 Springfield St, Cambridge, MA 02139

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Also featured in:

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Punjabi Dhaba

Punjabi Dhaba has been slinging Punjabi cuisine in Inman Square for two decades now. Everything on the menu is worth sampling, but the Dhaba special lamb curry is not to be missed.

225 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139

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The Druid

This Irish pub is frequented by many, many regulars. It’s a place to gather (open until 2am every night, kitchen until 10pm), enjoy some live music, and a classic order of fish and chips or shepherd’s pie.

1357 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

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Diners enjoy some drinks at The Druid in Inman Square. — Diners at the Druid.

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Christina's Homemade Ice Cream

Christina’s has been making ice cream in Inman Square for 40 years, and everyone — yes, even Bon Appétit — has recognized its excellence. There are lots of flavors, so making a decision is never easy. As spice connoisseurs as well (check out Christina’s spice shop a few doors down), the ice cream and spice partnership comes to life in their ice cream flavor Mexican chocolate. Give it a try, it’s divine.

1255 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

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S&S Deli

S&S Deli has called Inman Square home for more than 100 years. The menu has got the range, from dishes like chopped liver to decadent brunch options like lemon pound cake french toast. Don’t forget to order a half-sour pickle.

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1334 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

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All Star Pizza Bar

The quirky style of the signs hung across the front of All Star Pizza Bar and sibling restaurant All Star Sandwich Bar is part of what brings the charm of Inman Square alive. All Star Pizza is a reliable neighborhood staple for a huge cheese slice on the go or a whole pie with elaborate toppings and plenty of vegetarian and vegan creations.

1238 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Also featured in:

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Casa Portugal

Casa Portugal has been serving traditional Portuguese dishes in Inman Square since 1996. Walking by you’ll notice a charming little patio, and often many families enjoying a meal and some wine. Casa Portugal is a seafood-forward restaurant offering dishes like dourada grelhada (grilled sea bream) and arroz de marisco (a rice dish with mixed seafood, including lobster).

1200 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Hot Chix

Hot Chix is the perfect takeout or casual dine-in spot for Nashville-style hot chicken. Try the tenders plate where the chicken is the star, but every component down to the toasty buttery bread is delightful. Mushroom lovers will love the fried mushroom sandwich with remoulade, cole slaw, and dill pickles.

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1220 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

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Chicken tenders, broccoli salad, and two cups of dipping sauces arranged on a red and white checkered paper. — Chicken tenders and broccoli slaw from Hot Chix.

Also featured in:

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Zuzu's Petals

Head to Inman’s local wine bar and put away your phone, sip on some natural wine, and dig into an Earl Grey dark chocolate mousse. Stop by any day from 5 to 11 p.m.

204 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Also featured in:

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Puritan & Company

Puritan & Co. has been at it in Inman Square for some time now, serving hungry diners New England-y dishes made with local ingredients (and sometimes even with produce from chef and owner Will Gilson’s family farm). The Parker House rolls with cultured butter can be ordered both at Puritan & Co’s main restaurant, as well as their new oyster bar next door.

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1166 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

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A yellow dip with green garnishes in a small, cast iron serving pan with wonton chips on the side. — Crab rangoon dip at Puritan’s next-door oyster bar.

Momi Nonmi

Momi Nonmi also has a well-deserved spot on our best sushi restaurants list. The price point reflects incredibly fresh and high-quality ingredients, so you may want to save this one for a celebratory time. You can expect a highly curated omakase experience in an intimate space. Note that reservations for dine-in or ordering in advance for takeout is required.

1128 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

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Muqueca

Muqueca is a beloved neighborhood favorite. The namesake dish, moqueca, is a traditional Brazilian stew made with fish and shellfish, and it is an absolute must-order — incredibly cozy and flavor-packed. Try it Bahia style, which incorporates dendê oil and brings out the depth of flavor in the stew. Enjoy it alongside a refreshing juice (with fun combinations like blueberry, mango, and passionfruit) or a caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail.

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1008 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141

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Trina's Starlite Lounge

3 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143

Trina’s is well-known as an industry hangout, which means that a lot of people who work in bars and restaurants head to Trina’s when they’re not working. The drinks are superb, as is the brunch menu. The brunch burger — two flat patties served with bacon and a fried egg — and a bloody mary will cure any Sunday morning hangover. Also, try one of the decadent hot dogs.

3 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143

Visit Website

Trina’s Starlite Lounge dog of the day — A decadent doggy at Trina’s Starlite Lounge.

Moona

243 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139

The food at this Eastern Mediterranean joint is meant to be shared. Bring some friends, and enjoy dishes like feta fritters with orange blossom honey and grilled whole fish along with plates of olives and hummus.

243 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Two bastilla pastries leaning against each other in a dark cast iron serving skillet. — Chicken bastilla at Moona.

Olé

11 Springfield St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Ole’s back patio is an ideal spot to enjoy a summer evening. They serve many classics done well – enchiladas, tacos, mole, margaritas, and more. Order the guacamole which gets prepared tableside in a traditional molcajete.

11 Springfield St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Pita Cambridge

12 Springfield St, Cambridge, MA 02139

While Pita Cambridge is a much more casual, takeout-focused spot compared to its bigger, upscale sibling restaurant Moona, the quality of the food is just as delightful. The kafta shish kabob is incredibly flavorful, and they also serve some of the best hummus around.

12 Springfield St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Punjabi Dhaba

225 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Punjabi Dhaba has been slinging Punjabi cuisine in Inman Square for two decades now. Everything on the menu is worth sampling, but the Dhaba special lamb curry is not to be missed.

225 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

The Druid

1357 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

This Irish pub is frequented by many, many regulars. It’s a place to gather (open until 2am every night, kitchen until 10pm), enjoy some live music, and a classic order of fish and chips or shepherd’s pie.

1357 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Diners enjoy some drinks at The Druid in Inman Square. — Diners at the Druid.

Christina's Homemade Ice Cream

1255 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Christina’s has been making ice cream in Inman Square for 40 years, and everyone — yes, even Bon Appétit — has recognized its excellence. There are lots of flavors, so making a decision is never easy. As spice connoisseurs as well (check out Christina’s spice shop a few doors down), the ice cream and spice partnership comes to life in their ice cream flavor Mexican chocolate. Give it a try, it’s divine.

1255 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

S&S Deli

1334 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

S&S Deli has called Inman Square home for more than 100 years. The menu has got the range, from dishes like chopped liver to decadent brunch options like lemon pound cake french toast. Don’t forget to order a half-sour pickle.

Open in Google Maps

1334 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

All Star Pizza Bar

1238 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

The quirky style of the signs hung across the front of All Star Pizza Bar and sibling restaurant All Star Sandwich Bar is part of what brings the charm of Inman Square alive. All Star Pizza is a reliable neighborhood staple for a huge cheese slice on the go or a whole pie with elaborate toppings and plenty of vegetarian and vegan creations.

1238 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Casa Portugal

1200 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Casa Portugal has been serving traditional Portuguese dishes in Inman Square since 1996. Walking by you’ll notice a charming little patio, and often many families enjoying a meal and some wine. Casa Portugal is a seafood-forward restaurant offering dishes like dourada grelhada (grilled sea bream) and arroz de marisco (a rice dish with mixed seafood, including lobster).

1200 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Hot Chix

1220 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Hot Chix is the perfect takeout or casual dine-in spot for Nashville-style hot chicken. Try the tenders plate where the chicken is the star, but every component down to the toasty buttery bread is delightful. Mushroom lovers will love the fried mushroom sandwich with remoulade, cole slaw, and dill pickles.

Open in Google Maps

1220 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Chicken tenders, broccoli salad, and two cups of dipping sauces arranged on a red and white checkered paper. — Chicken tenders and broccoli slaw from Hot Chix.

Zuzu's Petals

204 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Head to Inman’s local wine bar and put away your phone, sip on some natural wine, and dig into an Earl Grey dark chocolate mousse. Stop by any day from 5 to 11 p.m.

204 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Puritan & Company

1166 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Puritan & Co. has been at it in Inman Square for some time now, serving hungry diners New England-y dishes made with local ingredients (and sometimes even with produce from chef and owner Will Gilson’s family farm). The Parker House rolls with cultured butter can be ordered both at Puritan & Co’s main restaurant, as well as their new oyster bar next door.

Open in Google Maps

1166 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

A yellow dip with green garnishes in a small, cast iron serving pan with wonton chips on the side. — Crab rangoon dip at Puritan’s next-door oyster bar.

Momi Nonmi

1128 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Momi Nonmi also has a well-deserved spot on our best sushi restaurants list. The price point reflects incredibly fresh and high-quality ingredients, so you may want to save this one for a celebratory time. You can expect a highly curated omakase experience in an intimate space. Note that reservations for dine-in or ordering in advance for takeout is required.

1128 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Muqueca

1008 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141

Muqueca is a beloved neighborhood favorite. The namesake dish, moqueca, is a traditional Brazilian stew made with fish and shellfish, and it is an absolute must-order — incredibly cozy and flavor-packed. Try it Bahia style, which incorporates dendê oil and brings out the depth of flavor in the stew. Enjoy it alongside a refreshing juice (with fun combinations like blueberry, mango, and passionfruit) or a caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail.

Open in Google Maps

1008 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141

Visit Website

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