Cambridge has excellent, varied food — better than Boston's in many people's opinion. Central Square and Inman Square have the highest concentration of good restaurants, covering Ethiopian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, and a strong Boston-area Italian tradition. Harvard Square has more tourist-oriented options but also some long-established standbys.
Oleana on Hampshire Street in Inman Square is one of the best restaurants in greater Boston — chef Ana Sortun's interpretation of eastern Mediterranean cooking is creative and deeply good. The lamb dishes and the mezze are the place to start. Book ahead.
Mamaleh's in Kendall Square is a Jewish deli done properly — pastrami on rye, matzoh ball soup, egg creams, and rugelach. It fills up at lunch and is good at any time of day.
Life Alive Organic Café on Massachusetts Avenue has been a Central Square staple for years — grain bowls, fresh juices, and vegetarian-focused food that is actually flavourful rather than virtuous.
Harvest on Brattle Street in Harvard Square is the oldest upscale restaurant in Cambridge, with a New England seasonal menu and a reliable kitchen. The outdoor courtyard is one of the better al fresco dining spots in the city.