The Top Restaurants Around Harvard Square

If you’re looking for a place to have dinner in the Boston area, there’s no better option than Harvard Square. The neighborhood has always been a hub for small, independent businesses, and it’s home to some of the best dining options around. Here are seven great places for a delicious meal.

Toscano

Embracing the best of Tuscan flavors, Toscano brings the native foods of the region to your plate. The atmosphere is rustic but elegant, and the food builds on simple, fresh ingredients to create spectacular flavors in each dish. Their menu is traditional, transporting you to Italy without ever leaving Cambridge.

Alden & Harlow

Alden & Harlow may be one of the most innovative culinary experiences you can have in Cambridge. Their menu of small plates is unlike any other, where you can order delectable dishes such as dressed oysters, smoked arrowhead cabbage, and charcoal grilled duck hearts. Featuring a warm, inviting atmosphere and delicious menu, Chef Michael Scelfo created a perfect place where family and friends can gather and enjoy a wonderful meal together.

Orinoco

Orinoco is a classic Latin kitchen serving up traditional Venezuelan cuisine. Its creation was inspired by ‘taguaritas,’ which are rustic and inviting roadside eateries that you can find throughout Venezuela. Through old family recipes and fresh, local ingredients – as well as some imported from Venezuela – you can’t go wrong with this menu. Stop in for a couple of arepas and some South American drinks at this friendly, neighborhood spot.

Russell House Tavern

Russell House Tavern brands itself as a ‘New American Tavern,’ and that just may be the perfect way to describe it. From weekend drinks to quick business lunches, it serves as a comfortable restaurant for all occasions. Chef Thomas Borgia’s food menu is seasonally inspired and matched only by their extensive drink list. They have a great beer and wine selection, and their cocktails are crafted with fresh juices plus house-made syrups and infusions.

Beat Brasserie

If you’re looking for a restaurant atmosphere that transports you out of Boston and to a more glamorous place, then have a meal at the Beat Brasserie. It’s operated by the same team as The Beehive, which is anessentialstop if you’re in the South End. The Beat serves a fresh, seasonal menu and has plenty of options for carnivores and vegetarians alike. They also have an impressive bar, complete with over 35 American artisanal wines. Be sure to check out their calendar for dinner and a show.

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