Restaurants in Cambridge with a View
The famously historic city Cambridge is not only one of the UK's most highly regarded University towns but is a popular tourist destination in its own right that offers a more laidback and classic British idyllic alternative to the hustle and bustle of London.
When you're not taking in the culture or the history, however, you might be interested in the eclectic dining options and the exquisite views that this unique city has to offer. But what if you want to sample both at the same time? Not an issue, as all of these uniquely inviting Cambridge restaurants offer up their luxurious lunches and delicious dinners against a beautiful backdrop of the historic city.
Six (6th Floor, The Varsity Hotel, Thompson's Lane, CB5 8AQ)
Six is a locally famous restaurant situated in the centre of the historic city and serves up a variety of tasty Mediterranean dishes. It also offers a fantastic open plan dining room with terrace dining options. The real USP of the restaurant, however, is the stunning roof terrace, which looks out over the centre city and boasts perhaps the best possible view of the University Colleges. It's an iconic Cambridge location and the perfect place to recline with a glass of Pimms and lemonade on a warm summer evening. On certain evenings, they'll even fire up the BBQ! Though be warned, the terrace is closed during the winter.
Galleria (33 Bridge Street, CB2 1UW)
Serving high-quality food in a carefully curated environment, Galleria is a unique experience set against the river cam in one of the city's most picturesque corners at the foot of Magdalene Bridge overlooking the St John's and Magdalene colleges. A Cambridge institution, it's a true must visit serving fine dining food at pub lunch prices. The view of the river is what you're all here for though, and it's truly a sight to behold, particularly on a bright day.
MillWorks (MillWorks, The Watermill, Newnham Road, CB3 9EY)
Located on the Mill Pond, opposite The Granta, MillWorks is a historic mill that has been transformed in recent years into a popular and eclectic modern brasserie serving smoked delicacies for brunch, lunch and dinner. Part of the "Cambscuisine" group of unique restaurants, MillWorks is situated in a cosy corner of the city facing the river and whilst the building itself has been decorated like a modern steampunk fantasy, even the dazzling decor can't compete with the glorious views of the river cam.
The Cambridge Chop House (1 King's Parade, CB2 1SJ)
The first of two Chop Houses, this no-nonsense dining establishment can be found in the heart of the city centre, 50 yards from King's College Chapel and spitting distance from the Arts Theatre. The decor is sparse and modern, with a spacious cellar area with whitewashed walls and a ground floor that boasts some spectacular views of the chapel. The food is traditional British fare - focussing on steak, chops and located sourced produce. They also serve a variety of local ales and have cultivated an imaginative wine list. The perfect venue for a pre-theatre dinner.
The Anchor Pub (Silver Street, CB3 9EL)
The Anchor, set on the banks of the cam just a stone's throw away from the world famous Queens' College & its stunning Mathematical Bridge, is most famous for its links with legendary prog rockers Pink Floyd. Once known as the "Riverside Jazz Bar," it was under this guise that the members of the band that was to become Pink Floyd used to drink. "Syd Barrett" even took his name from the venue's resident jazz drummer. Today, the pub might not promote as much live music, but it's still a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. The riverside terrace is particularly popular on sunny days it's perfectly placed for watching people punt along the river.
University Arms Parker's Tavern (Regent Street, CB2 1AD)
Just a short walk from the railway station in the beating heart of the city, this "City Hotel of the Year 2018" winner was first established as a coaching inn back in 1834, but was recently refurbished into a hotel and brasserie known as "Parker's Tavern." The tavern is run by Tristan Welch and is a quintessential British establishment serving absolutely first-class cuisine that is as exotic as it is sumptuous. The views, meanwhile, are of the historic Regent Street and the glorious and iconic Parker's Piece common, which gives the restaurant its name.
The Orchard Tea Garden (47 Mill Way, Grantchester, CB3 9ND)
A corner of England where time stands still as the world rushes by and the perfect location for a classic British cream tea, The Orchard in Grantchester is perhaps the most quintessential or quintessentially English Cambridge eateries. With a historic lineage that reaches all the way back to the 1860s, there is a great tradition of students drinking tea at the Orchard and the list of famous faces that have popped in for a cuppa over the years is staggering: Stephen Hawking, Virginia Woolf, Bertrand Russell and Prince Charles have all stopped by at one point or another and it's easy to see why. Not only will you get perhaps the best cup of tea in the country, but you'll get one of the best views of the river cam to boot!
Cambridge is a city that continues to draw international plaudits for its cuisine and its culture and thanks to the restaurants and bars above, those two pursuits don't need to be mutually exclusive. So, next time you're in the area and you fancy a spot to eat, but would rather fill your belly whilst looking at something inspiring - you know just where to turn.
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