Our city is full of places to eat, but sometimes we just want something a little different. Whether you're after wacky interiors, kooky cocktails or weird and wonderful menu items, there are plenty of ways to spice up your next meal out. From venues featuring indoor trees and hanging bicycles to outdoor dining pods, check out our pick of quirky Cambridge restaurants for lunch, dinner and beyond.
Nazar Turkish Kitchen & Bar brings the warmth of Anatolian hospitality to the heart of Cambridge, serving up authentic dishes in a stylish, contemporary setting. The menu is packed with flavour, from sizzling mixed grills and meze platters to freshly baked flatbreads and traditional desserts.
With its open kitchen, vibrant atmosphere and generous portions, it's a go-to for group dinners and laid-back date nights alike.
A modern venue that combines the charm of a pub with the style of a cool bar, Pint Shop is a unique destination in the city centre. Expect rustic wooden furniture and simple interiors, with lots of natural light coming in from the large windows.
Whether you're in the main dining area or the charming beer garden, there's an extensive menu to get stuck into. Think potted pork belly with charred sourdough, creamy courgette linguine and chicken schnitzel, to name just a few dishes, alongside all sorts of refreshing pints.
As the name suggests, MillWorks is situated in a renovated mill, with a huge wheel still present in the centre of the restaurant. You'll find exposed brick walls and simple wooden furnishings here, creating a rustic charm that pairs nicely with their elevated pub dishes. Think chicken liver parfait on toasted brioche, charcoal-grilled lamb rump or a crispy halloumi burger, as well as a delicious Sunday roasts.
Looking for somewhere a little different? Bamboo Sky has you covered. Hidden just outside the city, this whimsical Thai spot blends bamboo chic with countryside calm. You can dine inside a glowing igloo, sip cocktails in a tropical-inspired lounge, or graze beneath fairy lights in the lush garden.
From exotic curries to playful cocktails, every part of Bamboo Sky feels like a mini adventure.
Smokeworks Free School Lane is a unique BBQ joint in the heart of Cambridge, offering a playful twist on classic barbecue dishes with its 'slow-cooked, fast' concept.
With meats smoked in-house using US-imported smokers and British kiln-dried oak, you're in for a flavour-packed experience. Pair your meal with one of their craft beers, bourbon, or a creamy milkshake. Known for its quirky atmosphere and fast yet delicious service, it's perfect for a fun and casual meal that doesn't compromise on quality.
Fancy dining in your very own outdoor pod? At The Three Horseshoes in Madingley, you can do just that. Their spacious garden boasts tables under canopy covers, as well as two bespoke glass pods where you can look out over the space from the cosy, all-glass bubble. Expect top quality pub fare here, having received two AA rosettes, with a menu that features native lobster salad, barbecue butterflied mackerel, wild mushroom ravioli and more.
The Old Bicycle Shop has got to be one of the most quirky restaurants in Cambridge city centre, as it's housed in the oldest bicycle shop in the whole UK. Bikes are stuck to the walls in an ode to their history, and you'll also find rustic wooden tables and lightbulbs hanging from ropes at this kooky venue. You can enjoy brunch right through to dinner here, with dishes including braised lamb shoulder kebabs, seared salmon fillet or cauliflower and squash curry.
One of the most stunning restaurants in Cambridge, Giggling Squid can be found in the heart of the city. This stylish spot features high ceilings and birdcage-style seating, surrounded by gorgeous floral decor and touches of gold.
Sip their signature cocktails while you're here, before getting stuck into their extensive Thai menu. Think chicken satay with pickled vegetables, caramelised pork belly bites, fragrant green or red curries and so much more.
Butch Annie's is located on Market Street, slinging out some of the city's best burgers in graffiti-covered surrounds. The New York-inspired spot boasts a long bar filled with red leather stools, perfect for pre-dinner drinking, with an industrial, urban dining area nearby. Their award-winning beef is locally sourced and dry-aged for 30 days, before being turned into delicious patties topped with honey and truffle mayo, Jack Daniel's bourbon sauce, caramelised onions and more. They've got plenty of vegetarian and vegan options here too, and their rosemary-salted fries are to die for.
