The 15 Best Restaurants in Porter Square
Porter Square is one of the public highlights of the Cambridge, Massachusetts area, with a bustling nightlife, regular events, and, of course, plenty of delightful places to eat! If you don’t know where to stop by for a snack or a full on dining experience, read on; below are 15 of the best restaurants near Porter Square.
Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar
2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
Opened in 2019, this classic Cuban restaurant is now one of the most popular eating establishments in the area. It offers an excellent ambience, flavorful plates, and a top-tier cocktail list to wash everything down nicely.
Bagelsaurus
1796 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
If you need breakfast to start the day right, check out this breakfast destination which serves bagels with a variety of spreads ranging from cream cheese to jelly and more. You can also find tasty bagel sandwiches and coffee here, but try to get to Bagelsaurus early so you skip the line that tends to form quickly!
Baraka
1728 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138
Baraka recently moved from a hidden spot outside Central Square. Since it arrived in Porter Square in 2016, it’s become a phenomenal place to grab the Mediterranean or North African bite to eat, in addition to aperitifs, beer, and wine.
Café Mami
1815 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
Café Mami is an excellent Japanese eatery for folks who are fans of donburi and other classic dishes. Or you can try hamburger steak sets, which include miso soup, salad, and a spice marinated hamburger patty served with rice. Keep in mind that this restaurant is cash only.
Chalawan Asian Eatery
1790 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
Chalawan Asian Eatery offers a delectable range of southeastern Asian dishes and the lights, including seared scallops, steamed snapper dumplings, and a variety of other entrées. If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll find lots to eat here as well, in addition to delicious Thai beers and wine.
Colette Wine Bistro
1924 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
A French themed restaurant that opened in 2019, Colette is located in the Porter Square Hotel and is the perfect place to get a delectable bite to eat if you appreciate French cuisine. Check this restaurant for regular weekend brunch deals that are available all day long!
Sapporo Ramen
1815 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
If you’re in the mood for another ramen bowl, check out Sapporo Ramen: another top option for a bowl of delicious noodles and slow cooked broth. There are 10 recipes to try in total, meaning each one has been masterfully prepared and tested before reaching your tastebuds.
Shaking Crab
1815 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
Porter Square’s Shaking Crab (as there are several throughout Boston) is an excellent place if you prefer Cajun seafood to less spicy alternatives. Be advised that this restaurant only ever serves finger food, so be prepared to make a mess – but it’ll be a delicious one no matter what you order from the menu!
Yume Wo Katare
1923 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
A popular ramen spot in the Porter Square area, Yume Wo Katare is arguably the place to get a bowl of spiced noodles in all of Boston. It offers a simple menu that emphasizes flavors ranging from pork to garlic. Don’t forget to check out the restaurant’s sibling eating establishment, Yume Ga Arukara.
Newtowne Grille
1945 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
Newtowne Grille is the place to go for New York style pizza and cheap combo menu options if you want to enjoy a pitcher of beer with your friends or coworkers. This is a great place for both dining in and ordering takeout alike.
Tampopo
1815 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
Maybe you’re in the mood for fried foods with a Japanese twist. In that case, check out this mom-and-pop eatery that offers Friday Japanese staples plus delicious noodle dishes and bento boxes.
Giulia Restaurant
1682 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138
Italian food and pasta fans will definitely want to check out this classy restaurant, which features a variety of pasta dishes made with noodles that are always cooked daily. In addition, the menu benefits from a rotating range of seasonal ingredients, so everything tastes fresh and cooked to perfection no matter when you stop by for a bite. Plus, each dish comes with a recommended wine for cocktail to complete your dining experience.
Christopher’s
1920 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
Christopher’s has been a Porter Square icon since 1981 and offers a cozy sidewalk patio eating experience alongside plenty of craft beers and comfort foods like burgers, fries, and even Buffalo tofu for vegetarians!
Shine Square Pub
2046 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
Shine Square Pub is a nice mix between a neighborhood bar and a sports bar, offering an eclectic menu with rotating specials for food and drink alike (of course, including plenty of delicious beers).
Sugar & Spice
1933 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
Sugar & Spice is a delightful neighborhood staple if you love Thai food. It offers authentic regional Thai cuisine, ranging from Isan-style meals to khao soi from northern Thailand.
As you can see, there's no shortage of excellent places to eat. Plus, many of these hotspots are near or within walking distance of Porter Square's T Station or other Cambrdige areas of interest, including Harvard Square, Inman Square, Davis Square, and more.
Whether you’re looking for comfort food, ice cream, or their great food options in and around Massachusetts Avenue, Porter Square’s range of restaurants should have something for everyone. It’s one of the best places to eat and live in the entire Boston area – which is why you should allow Cambridge Sage to help you find a home ASAP.