Chesterton has long been celebrated for being a fantastic place for restaurants, with long-standing favourites enjoying widespread popularity throughout Cambridge. However, thanks to the recent arrival of several new and exciting establishments, it is now fast becoming one of the city’s most exciting foodie hubs.
Here is a list of some of my personal favourites…
Taste From Hungary 🇭🇺
This is the only dedicated spot in Cambridge for authentic Hungarian cuisine, making it a unique gem on Chesterton Road. Don’t forget to pop into their supermarket next door to take some of those delicious products home with you!
Make sure you try: Their sharing platter that includes an entire pork knuckle!
Tishki Cafe
It would be easy to walk straight past Tishki Cafe but I urge you to pay them a visit. The reward is a cosy escape with a wonderfully quirky interior that perfectly reflects Cambridge culture and also comes with a warm and welcoming service. Their Moroccan-inspired kebab are truly senatorial!
Make sure you try: The Greek sausage in pita bread
Polonia Club
For a taste of Poland in Cambridge, look no further than the Polonia Club. Despite being one of the city’s most unique dining spots, it remains a well-kept secret among many locals. It is one of the few places you’ll find a roasted pork knuckle on the menu (my favourite) and the Polish craft beer selection is a perfect match.
Make sure you try: Visiting on Fat Thursday, an annual Polish holiday with cheese doughnuts!
Make sure you try: The pork knuckle (24 hours notice required)
Royal Spice
A long-standing takeaway favourite has finally opened its doors for dining in! For a decade, Royal Spice has been a consistently brilliant Indian takeaway in Cambridge and now it is welcoming diners to experience its flavours in a brand-new restaurant on Chesterton Road.
Make sure you try: The Purple Tiger
Banana Leaf
For a taste of something truly different, look no further than Banana Leaf. This small but brilliant restaurant serves up an authentic Sri Lankan menu with a huge variety of dishes you simply won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Make sure you try: Their epic Masala Dosa (one of the best in the city)
Oscar’s Lockdown Pizza @ The Portland Arms
Born out of the global pandemic, Oscar’s Lockdown Pizza is a fantastic Cambridge success story. What started as a pop-up venture during unprecedented times quickly became a local favourite, celebrated for its authentic wood-fired pizzas. It proves that even in the most challenging of times, brilliant food can still thrive.
Make sure you try: Leo’s Pizza
Ranya Grill
Ranya Grill invites you to discover “the taste of Kurdistan” in a truly beautiful setting. The restaurant’s spacious and elegant interior is complemented by great views of Mitcham’s Corner. This is a spot that is perfect for a relaxed sit-down meal, allowing you to fully appreciate its authentic flavours.
Make sure you try: The epic sharer platter!
Margaret’s
If you’ve heard of the Michelin-rated Restaurant 22, then you’ll be thrilled to know about its younger sibling – Margaret’s. This fine-dining bistro brings exactly the same meticulous attention to detail to its locally sourced seasonal dishes, with each plate being a carefully crafted work of art.
Thirsty
More than just a bar, Thirsty is considered a Cambridge institution with local craft beer lovers. Not only does it have an impressive lineup of over 20 rotating taps, its daily visits from a diverse range of food vans keep foodies coming back for more. This is where great beer and delicious food come together.
Make sure to try: Keeping an eye on their food van board
Tivoli
Where food meets fun!
Tivoli offers the big three of fun time food – burgers, hotdogs, and pizza. With some of the best views of the River Cam and even a miniature golf setup on the first floor; this is one of the most unique Cambridge experiences, with great appeal for younger diners.
Make sure you try: The double classic burger (make it hot) or their giant 14″ sharer pizzas
Pizza @ The Haymakers
A warm and friendly pub with a popular local following. The Haymakers do pizza bases that are made fresh in-house with meat supplied by local butcher ‘Art of Meat’.
Lebanese @ The Green Dragon
Incredible Lebanese cuisine in the most unlikely of places. The Green Dragon is sat in a picturesque location by the riverside with a long rich history and a friendly welcome. Free parking is plentiful.
Golden Noodle Bistro
Often overlooked, this authentic family-run Chinese restaurant offers a no-frills but high-value dining experience. A firm favourite with local students, it is well worth visiting for the Pork Belly Dry Pot alone.
Stir
Review coming soon…
The Waterman
Review coming soon…
The Boathouse
Review coming soon…
Restaurant 22
Review coming soon…
Cofein Cafe
Review coming soon…
The Old Spring
Review coming soon…
Getting there…
If you are lucky enough to live within Cambridge, then Chesterton Road and Mitcham’s Corner are easy to get to, with most of the city being walkable or having dedicated cycle lanes. A frequent bus service operating from the Milton Park & Ride is also available but with the last bus back leaving at 20:00, this makes evening dining a challenge.
There is no formal car park in the area but paid on-street parking is available, along Ferry Park, Hamilton Road, and Chesterton Road. Finding a spot can be a battle, especially during peak hours, but after 17:00 it is at least free. As this area gets more popular, I predict that finding a spot will become harder but at least the price is right! For more up to date details on parking, please visit the Cambridge Council website.
Thanks for reading and don’t forget to join the Cambridge Foodies Facebook group for more.
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