Cambridge. The mere mention of it evokes thoughts of nostalgic afternoons and evenings wondering around hallowed buildings and grassy lawns. Places where great minds laboured for solutions to some of life’s biggest mysteries and where tradition and innovation combine to make this city one of the most fascinating places to live in the world.
I was fortunate to call Cambridge home for 6 years and still visit very regularly as my step-children are there. Being in Cambridge still to this day transports me to another state of mind – one that both relaxes and motivates me. And anyone who knows me also knows that relaxation relies on good food and great places to eat!
Before I get going, however, a quick reminder that there’s nothing worse than arriving at a restaurant famished only to find that the place is full. So make sure you book in advance whenever possible!
So without further ado, here are my 3 favourite places to eat in Cambridge.
La Margherita
I’m keen to talk about this lovely little Italian restaurant first as it’s a place I used to visit often with my other half when he worked just up the road at Cambridgeshire County Council. There are, of course, many Italian places in Cambridge, as there are in every city. But not many of them are as authentic as La Margherita and even less take as much care and pride in pleasing your taste buds!
Probably my favourite thing about this little gem is that they use quite a lot of seafood in their recipes (i.e. squid, prawns, mussels). And their Tiramisu – a dessert I’m not usually too fond of – is delicious.
Galleria
Galleria is a very special place that sits right on the corner of Bridge Street as you cross over the actual bridge just past Magdalene College (pronounces ‘Maudelen’). The menu is pretty international and they also sometimes have fixed price lunchtime menus in the colder months.
The atmosphere is intimate and the service splendid. I love the view the restaurant has out towards the River Cam and some of the riverside colleges that lie on its banks.
From experience, particularly as a fish lover, I especially recommend the marinated monkfish fillets with rice, king prawns and a sweet chilli and coconut sauce. And perhaps surprisingly given its location, you’ll find Galleria to be very good value.
Cafe Foy
Cafe Foy is literally just opposite Galleria in Quayside, on the other side of the Cam from Magdalene College and right by the punting boats.
As you would expect, it’s not just a cafe. They boast a really good menu of both traditional and modern dishes. It’s also a lovely place for afternoon tea, especially if you’re looking for something tasty but not too fancy or pricey. Their toasties and cakes are absolutely delicious and they also have some really good vegetarian and vegan food options. The staff are very friendly and the place just looks and feels very inviting from the second you walk in.
So there you have it – my 3 favourite places to eat in Cambridge! Wherever you love to eat, enjoy!
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