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Original poster

Lunch in Cambridge with student DC

71 replies

CambridgeLunch · 01/02/2025 20:45

I'll be seeing my DC at uni in Cambridge in a few weeks, also with my parents, and need to plan somewhere for lunch. We'd like it to be pleasant, not too noisy or tightly-packed / crowded, probably bookable so we're not waiting in a queue, but feels good for a student as well as us from the older generation, so can be a bit trendy / fun. Also pretty central. DC likes nice food. Any recommendations please?

OP posts:
Original poster
CambridgeLunch · 01/02/2025 20:48

Suggested so far: Copper Kettle, Aromi, Stazione, Bread and Meat, Bath House .... comments?

OP posts:
DuesToTheDirt · 01/02/2025 20:52

Sticks n Sushi.

Octavia64 · 01/02/2025 20:54

Aromi is not bookable and also noisy.

Bloody good food.

CambridgeLightBlue · 01/02/2025 20:55

Stazione is good. Copper Kettle is nice for tourists because it looks over Kings College.

My favourite at the moment is the Dishoom Permit room.

BabyAllergy101 · 01/02/2025 20:58

I used to love Efes. Haven't been for years, but reviews suggests it's still great! Lovely Turkish food with meats cooked on hot coals.

CambridgeLightBlue · 01/02/2025 21:21

Efes does have good food. I find it a bit cramped.

maslinpan · 01/02/2025 21:25

Bread and Meat is not a place to linger very long, also quite noisy. Whatever you do, make sure you go to Jacks Gelato afterwards, the smaller branch near Trinity is less hectic.

Spirallingdownwards · 01/02/2025 21:28

The Ivy is nice and a bit quieter.
Parker's Tavern would fit the quiet remit.
Fitzwilliam will be busy but you can hear yourself talk.
Giggling Squid is central but the height of the room can make sound carry even when quiet but is a beautiful setting.

roibustea · 01/02/2025 21:29

De Luca does amazing Italian food. There's a bar upstairs I believe so it might be noisy at night, I've only been for an early dinner with my brother and it's been fine and I'd imagine lunch would be the same. Must be some of the best Italian food I've had in the UK, thoroughly recommend. We tried Aromi as it's supposed to be great and everyone recommended it, but it was absolutely packed and the pizza was very overcooked. That was early evening too and there was a queue to get in the door at opening, maybe it's better at lunch or when it's a bit quieter.

Spirallingdownwards · 02/02/2025 04:08

roibustea · 01/02/2025 21:29

De Luca does amazing Italian food. There's a bar upstairs I believe so it might be noisy at night, I've only been for an early dinner with my brother and it's been fine and I'd imagine lunch would be the same. Must be some of the best Italian food I've had in the UK, thoroughly recommend. We tried Aromi as it's supposed to be great and everyone recommended it, but it was absolutely packed and the pizza was very overcooked. That was early evening too and there was a queue to get in the door at opening, maybe it's better at lunch or when it's a bit quieter.

We love De Luca. It's a Piano Bar upstairs so is very civil actually. You should try it sometime.

If you like Italian there is a new one just over the Hills Road bridge before the 6th Form college. I think it's called El Pommadero or similar. It's supposed to be nice too

AnnaQuayInTheUk · 02/02/2025 04:40

I know it's a chain but Bills is quite good and very central.

I like The Giggling Squid but it can get a bit noisy.

ElleDeeCB · 02/02/2025 07:14

Pint shop. The upstairs dining room is very smart and the food is excellent - don't be put off by the name.

CambridgeLightBlue · 02/02/2025 08:02

Spirallingdownwards · 02/02/2025 04:08

We love De Luca. It's a Piano Bar upstairs so is very civil actually. You should try it sometime.

If you like Italian there is a new one just over the Hills Road bridge before the 6th Form college. I think it's called El Pommadero or similar. It's supposed to be nice too

Show quote history

Al Pomodoro. Our favourite Italian restaurant is Limoncello on Mill Road.

AnotherEmma · 02/02/2025 08:06

Browns is a classic, popular restaurant for students and parents, for a reason.

And I often recommend the Anchor to visitors; it's got a great location on the river and when booking a table you can ask for a river view.

The8thOfThe7Dwarfs · 02/02/2025 08:10

Some great suggestions. To add to your list. The permit rooms are lovely. I can also recommend kibou or charlie chan's

movinghouse12 · 02/02/2025 08:33

The Permit Room (part of Dishoom) is great and quite new.

Pint shop is super loud and service always so slow. Nice to go for drinks but that's all I'd go for nowadays.

shockeditellyou · 02/02/2025 08:46

Giggling squid and Brown’s overrated IMO. Efes good, also Little Petra.

tadjennyp · 02/02/2025 09:35

Al Pomodoro is lovely, the Olive Grove on the end of Regent Street is nice if you like Greek food. The Giggling Squid really is beautiful inside. There are some lovely places around. Enjoy your lunch!

AnnaQuayInTheUk · 02/02/2025 09:42

shockeditellyou · 02/02/2025 08:46

Giggling squid and Brown’s overrated IMO. Efes good, also Little Petra.

I love Efes but it is very cramped inside

Neolara · 02/02/2025 09:48

The Ivy. Very central. Feels like a treat. Consistently good food.

MmeSzyszkoBohusz · 02/02/2025 10:14

The Old Bicycle Shop was lovely when we went 🙂 www.oldbicycleshop.com/

AnotherEmma · 02/02/2025 10:31

I'd also second the recommendation of Parker's Tavern as there are nice views over Parker's Piece.

Or Six Brasserie, high up with views over the city.

i like lunch with a view, can you tell Grin

Biscuitsneeded · 02/02/2025 10:37

Lots and lots of interesting restaurants on Mill Road if you can go that far. Very central is mainly chains. Tiffin Truck is independent and delicious.

AnnaMagnani · 02/02/2025 10:47

Practically anywhere on Mill Road. No chains, not crowded, bookable and it's packed with restaurants so highly competitive - if you aren't good, you close.

Personal favourites are Tu Casa and Maurizio's but it would take a lifetime to do a full survey.

If you can't face walking that far then The Oak Bistro.

If you really really want to be central then The Cambridge Chop House or Pint Shop.

If money no object then Parker's Tavern or Mercado Central.

shockeditellyou · 02/02/2025 12:30

AnotherEmma · 02/02/2025 10:31

I'd also second the recommendation of Parker's Tavern as there are nice views over Parker's Piece.

Or Six Brasserie, high up with views over the city.

i like lunch with a view, can you tell Grin

Food at Six is shit, straight out of Brakes. Nice view though!