Best Restaurants for People Watching in Cambridge

31 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant restaurant

1. Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1486)

Price: Moderate

• American • South Boston

Booked 72 times today

Located in the heart of South Boston, Lincoln is a classic American tavern that offers guests a welcoming combination of home-spun, American fare alongside a wide variety of rustic, wood-fire-grilled specialties.Built with the intention of being a comfortable meeting spot for locals looking to share stories at the end of their long day, Lincoln draws inspiration from it’s surrounding, hard-working, and uniquely American neighborhood.Revitalizing a nearly forgotten West Broadway space that at one time housed the area’s only department store, Lincoln feels nostalgic. It’s open-air, tiled-floor cafe, grande bar, and soaring, original tin ceilings remind us of a time when dining halls and supper clubs were a way of life.

2. Alden and Harlow

4.6

Exceptional(4865)

Price: Moderate

• American • West Cambridge

Booked 121 times today

Located at 40 Brattle Street in Harvard Square, Alden & Harlow serves thoughtfully sourced, honest American food in a subterranean, modern and comfortable space. Replicating the style of cooking he does for family and friends in his home kitchen, Chef Michael Scelfo prepares humble, unpretentious food that honors tradition of place in its quality. It's how he connects with anyone who joins them at their table.While reservations are strongly suggested, we also save a portion of the dining room and bar for walk-ins in the event that your request cannot be accommodated. So please, come on in!Parties of more than 8, please call to make a reservation.

3. Beehive

4.5

Awesome(7154)

Price: Expensive

• American • South End

Booked 94 times today

The Beehive is an underground Bohemian eatery and bar featuring fabulous cuisine, libations, artwork and world class live music. Nestled below the Boston Center for the Art’s historic Cyclorama in Boston’s South End, we are conveniently located to local theaters, the Calderwood Pavilion as well as Boston's Theater district. The Beehive serves the eclectic fare of Chef Ryan Skeen - rustic comfort food infused with American and Mediterranean influences. Join us for dinner, weekend brunch, patio dining, great cocktails at our bars and next level live music. If you like the Beehive you'll love our sister restaurant Cosmica Mexican Food & Bar for elevated Mexican cuisine and cocktails located two blocks away.

4. Contessa - Boston

4.7

Exceptional(99)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Back Bay

Booked 78 times today

Perched atop The Newbury Hotel like a crown jewel, Contessa is a grand destination. Guests are welcomed from morning till night to a sunlit, rooftop restaurant with Art Deco references and mid-century modern detailing, offering sweeping views of Back Bay and the Boston Public Garden. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious options, from feasts of antipasti, carpaccios and pizzas, to pastas and large steaks. A vast wine list, classic cocktails and a selection of dolci punctuate a beautiful meal.

A photo of La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston restaurant

5. La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston

4.3

Awesome(2160)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Back Bay

Booked 79 times today

Enjoy La Pizza & La Pasta's signature dishes for takeout or delivery through UberEats, Caviar, DoorDash, and Grubhub. While pizza and pasta are just the tip of the Italian iceberg, there is a reason these two culinary staples are the most beloved exports from Italy. Enjoy Eataly Boston's seasonal selection just steps away from where their expert pasta chefs and dough-slinging pizzaioli (pizza makers) create dishes before your eyes.

A photo of Russell House Tavern restaurant

6. Russell House Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(2812)

Price: Moderate

• American • Cambridge

Booked 22 times today

A New American Tavern, Russell House Tavern is a comfortable gathering spot for every occasion-from casual lunch breaks on the patio to after-work cocktails in the upstairs tavern to functions in the private dining room and everything in between. Russell House Tavern delivers a seasonally-inspired menu of modern interpretations of American classics, including signatures like the R. House Burger, a selection of Tavern Pizzas and Steak Frites among other dishes. To complement the menu, Russell House Tavern serves an interesting collection of all-American wines, including two regional wines on tap, and a locally-driven craft beer selection. The cocktail menu strikes a balance between familiar classics and modern hand-crafted recipes using only fresh juices, homemade syrups and infusions.

7. Joe’s On Newbury

4.7

Exceptional(3035)

Price: Expensive

• American • Back Bay

Booked 58 times today

Joe’s on Newbury, located on Boston’s historic Newbury Street, offers the comfort food you crave. A staple in the Back Bay for over 35 years, the popular spot serves a New England inspired menu featuring classic dishes and an extensive beverage list. Joe’s on Newbury offers brunch, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating as well as an enclosed patio, giving diners the feel of being outside all year long. Delivery and take-out options available.

8. Eva

4.4

Awesome(439)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Back Bay

Booked 33 times today

Please note that our patio is seated on a first come first serve basis; all tables are set for a 90 minute reservation limit.Eva means full of life. It is also the initials to my children, Elias & Vivian Aboujaoude, who are my life. Eva is a space designed to be welcoming and bright, a place for great food, refreshing cocktails and lively conversation. All while sitting back to enjoy and observe the hustle & bustle of beautiful, historic Newbury Street from one of the largest outdoor patios.

9. Little Whale

4.7

Exceptional(766)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Back Bay

Booked 18 times today

Little Whale Oyster Bar is a Classic New England Seafood Restaurant and Raw Bar from Chef Michael Serpa on Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay. An ode to the seaside clamshacks are raw bars of the New England coast, Little Whale is a casual neighborhood spot focusing on local products and seafood friendly wines.

A photo of Blue Ribbon Brasserie restaurant

10. Blue Ribbon Brasserie

4.4

Awesome(278)

Price: Expensive

• American • Fenway–Kenmore

Booked 29 times today

Blue Ribbon Brasserie is built on the vision that originated over 30 years ago in New York City's SoHo at the legendary original Blue Ribbon, well known as the restaurant "where chefs go to eat." Blue Ribbon is also famously ready to serve here in Boston!The space is highlighted by a 70-foot white Carrera marble bar, an oyster bar, and a 16-seat private dining room. The soaring interior has been designed as a collection of intimate dining spaces featuring cozy leather banquettes, shaded table lamps and bistro tables, and a light-filled solarium with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out into the neighborhood and beckon inside the Boston community and visitors alike.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Ralph
Greater Boston •5 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Perfect pre-event dinner before attending Boston Speaker Series. Service was fast and friendly. Food was flavorful, particularly the truffle fettuccini. Food came to table within 10 minutes of ordering.
More info
La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly BostonPrice: Moderate• Italian• Back Bay
•
4.3
A
AndreaVIP
Greater Boston •39 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Pedro our server was so welcoming and knowledgeable!! Food and service was five star! Love the view and atmosphere! A must dining experience in Boston!
More info
Contessa - BostonPrice: Expensive• Italian• Back Bay
•
4.7
M
maxwellVIP
Greater Boston •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
A great spot for a cold winter night. Food is excellent. Our waitress Natalya was helpful and attentive. She pointed out that the large salad I was going to order as an appetizer could be ordered in a smaller version instead of fries for a modest additional charge. Just the sort of thing you appreciate from a server.
More info
Alden and HarlowPrice: Moderate• American• West Cambridge
•
4.6
S
saudi
Greater Boston •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 8, 2025
My husband and I visit Lincoln Tavern often! Specifically on Tuesdays because of the $1 oysters! We have yet to have a bad experience, we always try a new entree we have never been disappointed! The drinks on point food on point service on point! Last night was our anniversary and Victoria was our “server” she was amazing! She was sweet not over bearing, really she was AWESOME! We will not ever not go to Lincoln! We are planning a trip for brunch as the brunch menu calls our name!
More info
Lincoln Tavern and RestaurantPrice: Moderate• American• South Boston
•
4.7
M
Matthias
Greater Boston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 7, 2025
Great place and atmosphere. Service, food really good. Fantastic life music (when playing). Definitely plan to come back
More info
BeehivePrice: Expensive• American• South End
•
4.5

Explore OpenTable

Cambridge

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Cambridge

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

31 restaurants available nearby

1. Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant

2. Alden and Harlow

3. Beehive

4. Contessa - Boston

5. La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston

6. Russell House Tavern

7. Joe’s On Newbury

8. Eva

9. Little Whale

10. Blue Ribbon Brasserie

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable