Best Casual Restaurants in Cambridge

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchIndianMexican

Regions

BostonBoston Metro NorthBoston Metro West

Neighborhoods

Back BayBeacon HillBrightonBrooklineBurlingtonCambridge

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for craft beer

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

72 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Oyster Bar by Puritan & Co. restaurant

1. Oyster Bar by Puritan & Co.

4.8

Exceptional(110)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Oyster Bar • Cambridge

Booked 12 times today

Chef Will Gilson and the team behind Puritan & Company are thrilled to introduce you to Puritan Oyster Bar! We offer limited reservations, but always hold space for walk-ins! The space is a bit more casual than our sister restaurant, with a focus on fresh seafood and an incredible cocktail program.

2. Josephine

4.5

Awesome(403)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Somerville

Booked 18 times today

An homage to the variety in Italian food with a focus on wood fired pizza...Josephine is the latest concept from James Beard nominated Chef Michael Scelfo of smash hits Alden & Harlow, Waypoint, and The Longfellow Bar. Josephine is a celebration of family and food, focused on Italian favorites and simple pleasures.Josephine features deep dish & thin wood fired pizzas and whimsical riffs on classic Italian foods, all set in a lively space. A massive marble bar with craft cocktails, ice cold martinis on tap, and a huge out door space that's dog friendly with an outdoor bar and fire pit will bring you back again and again.

A photo of Buttermilk & Bourbon restaurant

3. Buttermilk & Bourbon

4.6

Exceptional(3578)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern • Back Bay

Booked 66 times today

Takeout and delivery services are available via our website and Uber Eats. There are three options for seating: Standard (Indoors), High-Top (Indoors), and Outdoors. If one of these options does not appear, it is because we are currently booked for that type of seating during the date and time you are seeking. We offer a fifteen-minute grace period and ask that you call us if you will be running late or your reservation may be canceled. We allow an hour and a half for a reservation of 2 guests and 2 hours for reservations consisting of 3 or more guests. All outdoor patio reservations are subject to being canceled in the event of inclement weather. We look forward to seeing you soon!

4. Committee

4.6

Exceptional(2504)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Seaport

Booked 58 times today

Committee draws inspiration from the modern day “ouzeri,” a casual meeting spot that can be found throughout Greece. It’s the kind of welcoming place where people get together to talk, relax, and bond over a fresh-made meal. Greeks know that delicious food sets the stage for a great meeting—whether you’re discussing a business deal or simply catching up with old friends. Committee, conceived by a Greek chef, embraces this tradition. Committee veers from the expected by designing its menu around “Meze”—a culinary concept that encourages people to sample and share. Our creative chefs prepare small sharable plates that are brought to the table throughout the meal, allowing diners to experience a wide range of dishes featuring only the freshest local ingredients. If unforgettable food, a fun crowd, and an electric urban scene are on your agenda, the consensus is Committee.

5. Carrie Nation

4.2

Awesome(763)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Beacon Hill

Booked 7 times today

RESERVATIONS ARE FOR THE DINING ROOM ONLY. WE DO NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS FOR THE SPEAKEASY OR BAR.A 1920's style speakeasy located on Beacon Hill. For memorable cocktail and cuisine experiences Boston, Carrie Nation Cocktail Club on Beacon Street offers not only an extensive menu of exquisite dishes and drinks, but also a touch of history. Learn about Carrie Nation’s passionate efforts to rid America of liquor while smugly indulging in the very intoxicating delights that this firebrand fiend despised. At Carrie Nation, you can experience one of the best new locations for dining and cocktails in Boston. Those looking for a cocktail club in Beacon Hill with a classy, but comfortable, atmosphere can experience all that Carrie Nation has to offer. Check out the hidden bar in the back!!RESERVATIONS ARE FOR DINNING ROOM ONLY. Speakeasy lounge and bar are first come first serve.

A photo of Shy Bird - Kendall Square restaurant

6. Shy Bird - Kendall Square

4.7

Exceptional(783)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Cambridge

Booked 43 times today

Shy Bird is an all day rotisserie, bar, cafe & takeaway. We strive to be affordable, approachable and accessible while offering crave-able food, warmth, and hospitality. We offer a serious beverage program that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

7. Don’t Tell Aunty

4.0

Excellent(74)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Gastro Pub • Back Bay

Booked 19 times today

Don't Tell Aunty is a lively Indian gastropub in Boston’s Back Bay, located at 1080 Boylston St. Known for its bold flavors and playful ambiance, the restaurant serves creative twists on Indian classics, from Kerala fried chicken to rasam ramen. With vibrant décor, live music, and a unique cocktail selection—including South Indian coffee espresso martinis—this spot offers a fun and flavorful dining experience. Whether for a casual meal, late-night bites, or weekend brunch, Don't Tell Aunty brings together great food, drinks, and energy in a welcoming setting.

8. Longfellow

4.6

Exceptional(368)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Cambridge

Booked 8 times today

Award-winning chef and restaurateur Michael Scelfo's Longfellow Bar at Alden & Harlow is a neighborhood bar and restaurant located in the historic Café Algiers space directly above his flagship restaurant at 40 Brattle Street in Harvard Square. The food and drinks at The Longfellow Bar continue to explore Chef Scelfo’s forward-thinking approach to experiencing a meal around his kitchen counter. The menu features bar food that is intended to be passed and shared, allowing guests the opportunity to become immersed in a relaxed and tactile approach to eating; they’re encouraged to break bread and get their hands messy. Rooted in genuine hospitality and exceptional cocktails, the bar program follows Chef Scelfo’s ethos of taking simple ingredients and transforming them, incorporating unique flavors and textures.

A photo of Dovetail - Charlestown restaurant

9. Dovetail - Charlestown

4.7

Exceptional(181)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Charlestown

Booked 28 times today

We are a neighborhood restaurant & wine bar located in the heart of the Charlestown Navy Yard. Little sister to Brewer's Fork, we focus on wine, house-made pasta and local seafood. We have a large, dog-friendly seasonal patio located on a tree-lined cobblestone walking street. We are located just off the Freedom Trail, steps away from the U.S.S. Constitution Museum & Boston Harbor Walk.

A photo of State Street Provisions restaurant

10. State Street Provisions

4.7

Exceptional(1425)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Financial District

Booked 33 times today

A welcoming contemporary restaurant with a touch of rustic charm, State Street Provisions is today’s answer to the taverns that once offered respite to the fishermen and tradesmen who worked in Boston’s bustling Long Wharf. Historically inspired but forward thinking food and drink menus feature fresh ingredients from near and far, while the comfortable space meets the needs and passing fancies of residents, workers and visitors alike. State Street Provisions is located at the intersection of State Street and Atlantic Avenue on Long Wharf, one of Boston’s most storied landmarks. Breaking ground in 1710, the Wharf was a vibrant hub for the Colonial U.S. shipping industry and originally extended nearly half a mile from the shoreline at Faneuil Hall.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
KalpanaVIP
New York City •28 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a fantastic meal here. Excellent and tasty food. Wonderful service. Ample indoor and outdoor seating.
More info
Buttermilk & BourbonPrice: Moderate• Southern• Back Bay
•
4.6
I
Imelda
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent service, ambience and food was delicious.
More info
JosephinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Somerville
•
4.5
R
Raymond
Maine •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent food, service, ambience, and value…Greek gem of Boston.
More info
CommitteePrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Seaport
•
4.6
J
johnVIP
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We had a great night at P&C Oyster Bar, the food was outstanding starting with the wellfleet Oyster to the lobster roll my wife loved I had the Tuna tacos and shrimp cocktail that was also very good. We also had the stuffie croquettes.Cocktails we also enjoyed. The dessert was very good we had the hummingbird cake. Our server and waiter staffed was outstanding. Thank you for a great night.
More info
Oyster Bar by Puritan & Co.Price: Expensive• Oyster Bar• Cambridge
•
4.8
M
Mei-LingVIP
Greater Boston •351 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 21, 2025
I used to go to Carrie Nation back when the legendary Frank worked there. I hadn’t been in a while and was delighted by the stellar hospitality. We were a group of 6 on a relatively quiet afternoon, and our server happened to be the bartender, whose drinks were fantastic. My friends and I agreed that it was a great hang and we will be returning
More info
Carrie NationPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Beacon Hill
•
4.2

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