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.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 16th July 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Decor doesn't get much quirkier than at Thaikun, where the wood-panelled walls are covered with vintage signs, hanging flags and other wacky objects. This vibrant restaurant serves a range of authentic Thai dishes, from classic pad Thai and green curry to crispy vegetable gyozas, alongside all kinds of creative cocktails like the Black Forest espresso martini or a Popped Corn, served with real popcorn.
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.
