Where to Eat and Drink in Harvard Square

Harvard Square offers a cuisine crash-course you won’t find in a classroom. Hit the books (well, the menus) at these 20 restaurants, cafés, and bars to discover ahead-of-the-curve farm-to-table fare, pizza with legacy sourdough starters, and sushi that’s a study in simplicity. Rounded out by house-made pastas swimming in sauce and more, the meals on the syllabus here ace the taste test. Don’t miss the extra credit at the end: a look at the neighborhood’s sweetest dessert options.

This guide was most recently updated in October 2024; stay tuned for periodic updates.

Bar Enza

Local pasta maven Tony Susi (Sage, Geppetto) came onboard in 2023, breathing new life into this Italian restaurant at the Charles Hotel. Think restaurant that happens to be in a hotel rather than hotel restaurant. Start small (tomato focaccia with whipped ricotta and fennel pollen; prosciutto and burrata with wildflower honey) before dipping into the pastas (paccheri with spicy sausage ragu, spaghetti with local crab and snap peas) and heartier entrees like roasted chicken with braised farro and mushrooms or pork chop Milanese.

Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-661-5050, bar-enza.com.

Black Sheep Bagel Cafe

If the name didn’t tip you off, bagels are the main attraction at this “maaa and paaa” (haaa!) café. Try fun flavors like a Cajun spice bagel with fresh jalapeño cream cheese, or dive into the sandwich-and-toast portion of the menu for multi-topping combos like avocado toast with lemon, Aleppo pepper, microgreens, and optional additions like lox or bacon. To drink, a chai latte or café con leche fits the bill.

56 John F Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-945-2189, blacksheepbagelcafe.com.

See also: Where to Find the Best Bagels in Boston Right Now

Bosso Ramen Tavern

Since opening in 2022, this Japanese izakaya has been making waves. Start with a smattering of small appetizers—namely the smoked salmon potato salad (trust us) and scallop carpaccio—before getting hooked on the sushi, especially the scallop roll brightened by yuzu. Vegans can savor the zippy umekyu sushi (a combo of pickled plum and cucumber). Do dive into the Best of Boston ramen, too—especially the house specialty (and aptly named) umami ramen. With a pork bone base buoyed by chicken broth, it’s a savory bowl, with wood ear mushroom along for the ride. (In Back Bay? Check out Bosso’s sushi-focused sibling.)

24 Holyoke St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, instagram.com/bossoramentavern.

Café Sushi Shoten

Sticklers might protest that this Best of Boston gem is technically between Harvard and Central squares (though closer to Harvard). But no one has any quibbles about the bold flavors in this bright and sleek sushi spot. Previously known for its outstanding omakase, it has taken a pandemic-era spin into a focus on takeout, delivery, and retail—but there’s still so much to love. (And there are a few seats available if you don’t want to take your order all the way home before digging in.) Chef Seizi Imura plays both deceptively simple (the pristine nigiri, for starters) to outright stylish with out-of-the-bento-box ingredients. Japanese herring with iced onion, anyone?

1105 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-492-0434, cafesushicambridge.com.

See also: Fall in Love All Over Again with Café Sushi

Faro Café

Drink a flat white, play chess, and snack on pastries—some sourced from the absolutely delightful La Saison Bakery—at this greenery-filled, laptop-free nook. This is the perfect place to connect with friends and strangers over a latte. Watch Instagram for details on evening events—live music, poetry nights, chess tournaments, life drawing, and more.

5 Arrow St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, instagram.com/faro__cafe.

Felipe’s Taqueria

Pardon the grilling, but what’s a sure-fire way to crank up the flavor of your meal? Find the answer with a bite of the wood-grilled steak, chicken, and marinated vegetables on the menu at this lively and casual haunt. The magic char is thanks to the grill’s mix of hickory, maple, and oak, and you can savor the smokiness in everything—from the tomatoes in the fresh salsa to the deep-fried burrito that’s stuffed with citrus-marinated steak and doused with queso. Wash it down with a frozen strawberry margarita on the always-hopping roof deck (when weather permits), and now you’re cookin’.

21 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-354-9944, felipesboston.com.

Forage

Tucked away from the bustle of the main square, Forage is worth seeking out for an upscale showcase of local, seasonal sourcing and global inspiration. Think dishes like skate wing with goldenrod-roasted celery root and green lentils, or chili-rubbed strip steak with saffron-braised zucchini and leeks. À la carte dining is available, but if you can swing it, go all-in on a tasting menu (choose omnivore, pescatarian, vegetarian, or vegan), with optional wine pairings and a cheese course. (Also, watch for special dinner events showcasing particular ingredients and wines—you’ll want to sign up for the mailing list.) Bonus: There’s a heated patio.

5 Craigie Circle, Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-576-5444, foragecambridge.com.

Harvest

With a grand patio boasting a pergola, Harvest is about as picture-perfect as you can get. Factor in dishes like local raw fluke with chive-infused olive oil, and it’s no surprise that this local legend that emphasizes New England farmers and producers has been delighting diners since 1975. Seared Atlantic salmon with shallot cream stands the test of time, though that’s not to say executive chef Nick Deutmeyer can’t get downright avant-garde in the garden. See what seasonal ingredients he and the team are showcasing as you pass the hours by the indoor or outdoor fireplaces.

44 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-868-2255, harvestcambridge.com.

Henrietta’s Table

First things first: As of fall 2023, the all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch buffet is back, hallelujah. With that out of the way: Before everything was dubbed “farm-to-table”—accurately, or with a little fudging—there was Henrietta’s Table, which has been sourcing organic produce from local purveyors for over 20 years. And speaking of fudge, do check out the chocolate bread pudding with vanilla bean ice cream and caramelized rum bananas. From his skylight-flooded American restaurant within the Charles Hotel, chef Sean Lizotte dazzles daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast of poached eggs served over baked Harrington ham and anadama bread, or stop by for lunch for a BLT on challah. For dinner, savor seared sirloin from Maine’s Pineland Farm alongside fried cheddar and scallion mashed potato cake.

Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-661-5005, henriettastable.com.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Founded in Japan in the late 1980s, this now-international chain features a mild shio (salt) ramen made with a tonkotsu broth, which has a slow-simmered pork bone base. The busy Harvard Square location—one of a trio locally—continues the tradition, offering the signature shio ramen with pork belly, bamboo shoots, kikurage mushroom, naruto, scallions, and umeboshi. There are a variety of other ramen options, too, not to mention rice bowls, bento boxes, and more—all good lunch options for a busy day.

1 Bow St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-945-1460, santouka-usa.com.

Joe’s Pizza

This New York City export, established in 1975, arrived in Harvard Square in fall 2023, and crowds are already buzzing about the proper NY slices, thin-crust and foldable, with classic, no-frills toppings like pepperoni and olives. Founder Joe Pozzuoli, who still operates the company, originally hails from Naples—but between Naples and New York? Turns out he spent time in Boston and opened Cleveland Circle icon Pino’s Pizza, which continues to churn out excellent slices today. (He was bought out by his partners years ago.)

3 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 857-259-6085, joespizzanyc.com.

The Maharaja

Crowning a window-wrapped building that overlooks the bustling square, the Maharaja proffers Indian fare in fit-for-royalty portions. The novel-length menu has something for everyone. Those craving comfort should look no further than the crowd-pleasing and creamy chicken korma. In the mood for tandoori? Savor the grilled jumbo shrimp that’s marinated in cream and served alongside paneer. Biryanis bring the heat, and vegetarians find a feast in the sham savera—spinach and cheese dumplings cooked in a buttery, tomato-forward sauce. Sop up the last bit of sauce with keema naan, which is stuffed with ground lamb, but save room for dessert, as the gajar halwa, a carrot pudding served warm and with a kick of warming spices, is the perfect cap to the meal.

57 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-547-2757, maharajaboston.com.

See also: The Best Indian Restaurants in Boston

Moëca

This is a bit of a hike down Mass. Ave., heading into that is-it-Harvard-or-is-it-Porter territory, but for the purposes of this guide, we’ll consider it close enough—and it’s a worthy destination even if you’re coming from farther away. It’s the younger sibling to Giulia (a few doors down, and maybe slightly more Porter than Harvard, but hey—definitely go there, too, if you love Italian and can get a reservation). You’ll find a creative array of seafood-focused dishes that don’t stick to a particular regional cuisine: raw black bass to start, perhaps, with yuzu, carrot, cilantro, and finger lime; followed by fried oyster with buttermilk, caviar, and chive; heading into a pasta course of spaghetti with Maine lobster, fermented chili, and shiso. It’s a whirlwind. Definitely save room for dessert.

1 Shepard St., between Harvard and Porter squares, Cambridge, moecarestaurant.com.

Orinoco

Away from the college-student-crowded streets, Orinoco whisks diners to Venezuela, with a menu inspired by the roadside restaurants in the Andean nation. Antojitos might mean “little cravings,” but this small-bite section of the menu packs a mighty punch, with the savory bomb of almond-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, plus pieces of white cheese served in plantain slivers. Elevate the inimitable shredded-beef-stuffed empanadas from a snack to full-fledged meal with a side of crispy yuca fries or starchy tostones balanced by bright mojo. The restaurant doesn’t offer reservations, so head in early to beat the dinner rush. If your travels take you elsewhere around town, pop into the Brookline Village location, too.

56 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-354-6900, orinocokitchen.com.

Russell House Tavern

This cozy multi-story gastropub has been going strong for over a decade, serving up raw bar items and comforting fare like steak frites, Bolognese, pulled pork-topped pizzas, and cheese boards. Conveniently, it’s pretty much always open, offering weekday lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner until late, plus dollar oysters at various hours each day. Its siblings in the neighborhood—Grafton Street Pub & Grill and the Hourly Oyster House—are also solid bets.

14 JFK St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-500-3055, russellhousecambridge.com.

Source

The true source of Source’s Best of Boston wood-fired pizza—besides the decades of know-how brought by owner Daniel Roughan and executive chef/partner Brian Kevorkian—is all thanks to one original batch of sourdough starter. That sourdough starter, named “Mother,” is so pampered she’s currently enjoying some R&R at an off-site facility, while her offspring, dubbed “Sister,” serves as the new starter for the daily-made dough. This family lineage results in a lighter-than-air crust that’s a soft and chewy landing for a host of toppings, from crisp-edged pepperoni to a boatload of veggies. Pie perfection, along with a handful of pastas and small plates (hello, miso chili caramel Brussels sprouts), is dished out in the industrial-hip space, which opened in late 2020 (and has been visited by the mayor of Flavortown himself). As tempting as it may be to start your day with leftover cold pizza, roll over to weekend brunch for avocado-topped pizza-dough waffles and “wait, this is a pizza place?”-levels of delight stirred by French toast baba.

27 Church St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 857-856-6800, sourcerestaurants.com.

The Smoke Shop BBQ

Restaurateur Andy Husbands’ local barbecue chain currently has four locations, including one in the heart of Harvard Square. Our recommended order: the sticky-sweet agave wings, which are smoked and flash fried; a brisket plate with your favorite barbecue sides; and butter cake for dessert. Bring the kids—Smoke Shop is very family-friendly. (The kids’ mac and cheese consistently gets a big thumbs up from at least one picky toddler of a Boston staffer.)

8 Holyoke St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-547-7427, thesmokeshopbbq.com.

Stoked Pizza Co.

Head just a bit down Mass. Ave., toward Harvard Law, to find yet another great Cambridge pizza option. We love the crumbled pepperoni with hot honey best, and the cheeseburger pizza is also hugely popular. Not only does Stoked make killer pizza (with tons of vegetarian- and vegan-friendly options), but the hospitable team also offers a sneakily good selection of tropical cocktails. Sure, you can get takeout and delivery, but you’ll love sitting down for a full-service meal here.

1611 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square(ish), Cambridge, 617-945-0989, stokedpizzaco.com.

Toscano

Hard to say what’s more welcoming at this homey spot: the brick walls and the warm wood surroundings, or the soul-boosting bowls of minestrone soup? Answer these and other existential questions with an avalanche of antipasti—especially the beef carpaccio studded with gem-like capers and parm slices, and the charred calamari served with a mustard sauce. The rest of the menu traipses through Tuscany, proffering pizzas, house-made pastas (with the rigatoni ramped up by double-smoked bacon), and cheese flights heightened by truffle honey. Plus, with four different riffs on risotto, you’ll definitely be booking a return trip.

52 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-354-5250, toscanoboston.com.

Wusong Road

Do you like tiki drinks? Wusong Road is the ultimate tiki destination, with a gorgeous, intricately decorated interior and concept that pays homage to owner Jason Doo’s childhood growing up in his family’s American Chinese restaurant in Malden. Accompany tasty drinks in fun glassware with a Vermont maple-infused riff on classic pork-and-chive dumplings; spareribs glazed with caramelized coconut and lime; grilled street corn rangoon; scallion pancake quesadillas; and desserts such as ube roll cake and tropical cheesecake.

112 Mt. Auburn St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-528-9125, wusongroad.com.

See also: The Most Beautiful Restaurants in Greater Boston

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Sweet Treats

We may never get over the closure of Finale Desserterie, but fortunately Harvard Square is jam-packed with ice cream shops and other sweet destinations. Here’s a cheat sheet.

Doughnuts

Local chains (and Best of Boston winners!) Union Square Donuts and Blackbird Doughnuts both have outposts in the neighborhood. Find Union Square at 15 JFK St. with flavors like brown butter hazelnut crunch, sea salt whiskey caramel, and maple bacon. Blackbird is inside the Smith Campus Center (open to the public at 1350 Mass. Ave.) with options such as blackberry jam Bismarcks, everything bagel brioche doughnuts, and a variety of mini doughnuts. And for delightfully chewy mochi doughnuts, head to Dough Club (6 Church St.), which shares space with Taiyaki NYC—more on that one below.

Ice Cream

Options aplenty! There’s the aforementioned Taiyaki NYC (6 Church St.) with colorful swirls of soft serve in cute fish-shaped cones, and there’s another New York-based spot, Van Leeuwen, set to open imminently at 1 Brattle Sq. with flavors like lemon poppyseed muffin, buttermilk berry cornbread, and Sicilian pistachio. Longtime local shops Lizzy’s Ice Cream (29 Church St.) and BerryLine (3 Arrow St.) hold down the fort with the former serving up a long list of classic scoops and the latter specializing in tart frozen yogurt (try the house-made mochi on top). And if you’re looking for decadent gelato? Amorino (50 JFK St.) offers gorgeous rose-shaped scoops of flavors like blood orange, mango, and stracciatella.

Other Treats

L.A. Burdick (52 Brattle St.) is the place for super-rich hot chocolate and dainty, ready-to-gift chocolate mice. Beloved local bakery chain Flour has a Harvard Square outpost (114 Mt. Auburn St.) for your sticky bun needs (and plenty of other baked goods). And Nutella-topped Belgian waffles? Yeah, Harvard Square’s got those, too—head to Zinneken’s (1 Arrow St.)

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