It’s no secret that you’ll find top Boston area businesses in Cambridge. From boat rentals to bookstores and art studios to antique markets, Cambridge is home to an incredible local business scene. We’ve rounded up a list of our Best of Boston winners named by Boston Magazine:
SERVICE
Best Way to Get Out on the Water: Paddle Boston
Kayaks and canoes and paddle boards, oh my! You can rent them all in Kendall Square.
ARTS & CITY LIFE
Best Food Festival: Boston JerkFest
Get your Caribbean food fix with the outdoor festival at Harvard Athletic Complex.
KIDS
Best Toy Store: Henry’s Bear Park
You’ll find fun gifts for all ages at this Porter Square store.
Best Baby Gear: Magic Beans
The West Cambridge staple is a one-stop shop for baby essentials.
Best Kids’ Art Classes: MuckyKids Art Studio
In North Cambridge, kids can let their creative sides run wild here.
SHOPPING
Best Vintage Clothing: Great Eastern Trading Co.
This eclectic favorite has shaped the style of Central Square since 1969.
Best Vintage Market: Cambridge Antique Market
Hidden treasures await at East Cambridge’s indoor market.
Best Vintage Furniture: Reside
Spruce up your space with modern furniture from West Cambridge’s Reside.
Best Old-School Bookstore: Harvard Book Store
Established in 1932, this shop supplies Harvard Square with a wide selection of genres.
DINING
Best Fried Chicken: Lily P’s
Southern comfort food meets New England cuisine at the Kendall Square spot known for its fried chicken and raw oyster bar.
Best Chinese Restaurant: Sumiao Hunan Kitchen
Kendall Square’s Sumiao puts a creative spin on authentic Chinese cuisine.
Best Pastry Chef: Brian Mercury of Café Beatrice, Geppetto and The Lexington
Whether you’re grabbing coffee at Cafe Beatrice, Italian food at Geppetto or sandwiches and salads at The Lexington, these eateries in East Cambridge’s Cambridge Crossing have it all.
Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant: Urban Hearth
A-la-carte dining at its finest with an intimate setting in North Cambridge.
Best Burger: Little Donkey
Feast on small plates at a Central Square tapas spot where nothing about the taste is “little.”
Best Pop-Up Restaurant: Mimi’s Chūka Diner
Grab some gyoza or dumplings from the pop-up housed in The Station, Artifact Cider’s Central Square taproom.
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant: Oleana
Oleana offers a taste of Turkey right in Inman Square.
Best New Restaurant: La Royal
Locally-owned La Royal brings Peruvian dishes to North Cambridge.
Best Barbecue: The Smoke Shop BBQ
Order barbecue favorites; then choose whiskey from the impressive selections at their Harvard Square and Kendall Square locations.
Best Coffee Shop: Cicada Coffee Bar
Pair coffee classics or a glass of wine with Vietnamese-inspired foods at a cozy coffee shop in Central Square.
Best Ramen: Bosso Ramen Tavern
Recently opened in Harvard Square, Bosso Ramen Tavern is making waves with their ocean-inspired menu.
Best Bakery: La Saison
Sweet and savory treats are baked daily at West Cambridge’s La Saison, French for “the season.”
Best Local Lunch Chain: Clover Food Lab
Fast food is made fresh and simple at Clover with locations in Harvard, Kendall and Central Squares plus East Cambridge.
Best Wine Shop: Bonde Fine Wine Shop
Head to Harvard Square’s Bonde for your pick of wines, glassware and related artisanal items.
Best Jewish Deli: Mamaleh’s
In 2016, Mamaleh’s opened their flagship location bringing babkas, blintzes and more Jewish specialities to Kendall Square.
We are so proud of these magnificent Cambridge winners! When visiting any of them, be sure to tag social posts with #PictureCambridge for the chance for us to feature you.
