
Rural Cambridgeshire is dominated by the Fens, now mostly given over to large-scale vegetable production, but there are also scores of modest enterprises, smallholdings and farm shops providing greenstuffs for local eating places.
Cambridge itself is an international university city, packed with tourists, students and academics, and it has an eclectic array of high-end restaurants, ethnic cafes and coffee shops. The county also boasts a clutch of auspicious pub/restaurants with cosmopolitan food and top-drawer wine lists to match.
The George InnRebuilt after a devastating fire in 2004, this eighteenth-century coaching inn is now thriving as a smart, stylish gastropub/restaurant. Once a stopover for coaches travelling between London and Norwich, it is handily placed not far from the M11 and only 15 minutes' drive from the centre of Cambridge.
High Street, Babraham, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The Crown InnOriginally part of the medieval manor of Broughton, the brick-built Crown Inn has done great service over the years as a watering hole and saddler's shop with thatched stables and piggeries attached.
Bridge Road, Broughton, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The George Hotel & BrasserieFor hundreds of years, the George was a stopping-off point for travellers on the old Great North Road between London and York.
High Street, Buckden, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Riverside BrasserieAn enviable position right by the banks of the Cam makes the Doubletree by Hilton Cambridge hotel a popular venue for special occasions, weddings, conferences and family get-togethers.
Doubletree by Hilton Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Tang ChineseNominated for the 2009 Ethical Good Food Awards, the Tang Chinese Restaurant and Bar brings the delicacies of traditional Chinese cuisine to the heart of Cambridge, next to The Grafton.
Napier Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Chinese
The Cambridge Chop HouseA dream location directly opposite King's College is one of the prime attractions at this recent arrival on the Cambridge scene.
1 Kings Parade, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: British
The St John's Chop HouseA new sibling to the ever popular Cambridge Chop House, St John's Chop House, a 17th Century building just a short walk from Magdalene Bridge, is carving a reputation of its own and is fast becoming one of the most popular restaurants in Cambridge.
21 - 24 Northampton Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: British
AlimentumLatin scholars will know that 'alimentum' means 'food' - an apt epithet for this hot newcomer opposite Cambridge Leisure Park.
152 - 154 Hills Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Arundel House HotelA prime site overlooking the River Cam is the setting for this privately owned hotel, which is just a few minutes walk from Cambridge city centre and its renowned colleges.
Chesterton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: International
Backstreet BistroA handy fixture of the Cambridge scene, just off the main drag, Backstreet Bistro wins friends with its relaxed, convivial mood and colourful eclectic cooking.
2 Sturton Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Eclectic
CottoCotto is a gem of a neighbourhood bistro that opened in 2007, tucked away on a noisy stretch of Cambridge's East Road, it operates as an all day dining venue, bakery and fine dining restaurant.
183 East Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Curry QueenFor a city with such cultural diversity, Cambridge is sorely lacking in decent ethnic restaurants. This traditional place situated at the 'bridge end' of Mill Road (quite a distance from the city centre) is generally reckoned to be the best curry house in town – although there are no great surprises on the menu.
106 Mill Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Indian
Hotel Felix, GraffitiA seriously extended Victorian mansion with its own courtyard is the setting for Hotel Felix – the epitome of twenty-first century chic in suburban Cambridge.
Whitehouse Lane, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Le Gros FranckLocated in historic Cambridge, Le Gros Franck offers award-winning French cooking at reasonable prices. The decor is unpretentious and reminiscent of a traditional French bistro, using simple colours and rustic artefacts to create a welcoming atmosphere.
57 Hills Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: French
Midsummer HouseIf accolades are anything to go by, Midsummer House is not only the top restaurant in Cambridge, but is also king of the hill throughout East Anglia.
Midsummer Common, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern French
Peking RestaurantFor more than 25 years, this family-run Chinese restaurant has been providing some of the most reliable food of its kind in Cambridge.
21 Burleigh Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Chinese
Rainbow CaféSharon Meijland's proud boast is that 60% of her customers are NOT vegetarian: that says a lot about the broad appeal of The Rainbow Café.
9A King's Parade, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Vegetarian
Restaurant 22A great choice for a smart dinner in Cambridge, the long-running restaurant 22 occupies a green-shuttered, terraced Victorian house (22 Chesterton Road) a short stroll from the city centre.
22 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Cambridge Belfry, Bridge RestaurantHandily placed close to Cambridge Business Park, the recently-built Belfry also boasts fine views over the lake and has its own spa and leisure club for a quick pick-me-up.
Cambourne, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Vaults Restaurant & BarA Tardis-like cellar is the setting for this cracking restaurant and bar, which has become a Cambridge landmark since opening its doors in 1988.
14a Trinity Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Eclectic
Old Fire Engine HouseOriginally built on the site of a farmhouse in the 18th Century, The Old Fire Engine House was converted in 1968 to offer traditional English food from local producers.
25 St Mary's Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: English
The BoathouseThe name is apt, since the Boat Race crews launched from this building in 1944 when the event was staged outside London during the war years.
5 - 5a Annesdale, Ely, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern British
The CockIs it a pub or is it a restaurant? In fact the rejuvenated Cock wears both hats and each aspect of the place has its own separate entrance.
47 High Street, Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern British
King William IVMother and son Elizabeth and Edward Nicholls have made a name for themselves in the charming old country pub a few miles off the A505 near Royston.
Chishill Road, Heydon, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The PhoenixMany people may walk past this indistinguishable Chinese restaurant mistaking it for a pub rather than an eatery, but inside The Phoenix is home to some of the best Chinese fusion style cuisine in the country.
The Green, Histon, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Chinese
Crown & PunchbowlA thorough, paint-licking refurbishment has transformed this 400-year-old pub into a country restaurant in the modern rustic style. Standing in a prosperous village just a few miles from the Milton Business Park and Cambridge city centre, it's a prime out-of-town destination for business or pleasure - and it now has the bonus of five delightful letting rooms.
High Street, Horningsea, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Old Bridge HotelClose to the bridge over the River Ouse at Huntingdon, this old converted three-storey bank now plays the part of a 'Hotel, Restaurant, Bar and Business Centre'.
1 High Street, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Pheasant at KeystonThe Pheasant looks every inch the traditional village pub, with its long thatched roof, oak beams, log fire and real ales on tap.
Loop Road, Keyston, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Eclectic
Sycamore HouseThere's an endearing feel of domestic intimacy about Michael and Susan Sharpe's modest detached house in a village a few miles south of Cambridge.
1 Church Street, Little Shelford, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Hole in the WallA quintessential Cambridgeshire hostelry down a narrow country lane is the setting for Stephen Bull's latest foray into the world of gastro pubs.
2 High Street, Little Wilbraham, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Fen HouseOpened in 1987 and still on song, David Warne's smart Georgian residence in a Fenland village north of Ely is only open for dinner two nights a week, but it's well worth making the effort.
2 Lynn Road, Littleport, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Anglo French
Three HorseshoesMadingley is a photogenic little village a couple of miles outside Cambridge, and its focal point is the Three Horseshoes - a demure sixteenth-century thatched inn with a pretty garden and a reputation for serious food and wine.
High Street, Madingley, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Mediterranean
Sheene Mill Hotel and BrasserieA beautiful 17th Century Watermill located on the bank of the River Mel has been elegantly transformed into the 2AA Rosette awarded Sheene Mill Hotel & Brasserie.
Station Road, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: International
The Pink GeraniumThis archetypal village restaurant started life as a pair of thatched cottages in the sixteenth century, became a tearoom in the 1940s and was once renowned for its quaint Englishness - hence its quaint name, the Pink Geranium.
Station Road, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Thai
Cherry House RestaurantFrom the outside, the Cherry House looks quintessentially English, a pretty-as-a-picture country cottage with a steep thatched roof, tiny windows and thick walls.
125 Church Street, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Anglo French
Orton Hall HotelA fully renovated 17th Century Marquess' mansion set in 20 acres of parkland, Orton House still retains the opulent character and many of its original features, tastefully combined with a subtle modern interior to provide comfort and relaxation to all of its guests.
Orton Longueville, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Contemporary British
The Plough'A typical "out-in-the-sticks" Fenland pub' is how the owners describe this eighteenth-century watering hole on the B1095 a few miles SW of Peterborough.
Milk and Water Drove, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: International
Bow WindowThe village of Ramsey lies deep in the Fens between Peterborough and Huntingdon, and is famous for its abbey, which was one of the most important monastic buildings in England during medieval times: the ancient Gatehouse is now owned by the National Trust.
6 High Street, Ramsey, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: French
Jade FountainThe Jade Fountain Restaurant surely serves some of the most traditional and authentic Peking and Szechuan style food in Cambridgeshire.
42-46 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Chinese
Masa Mediterranean Restaurant & BarMasa offers a taste of the sun-soaked Mediterranean in rural Cambridgeshire, and UK Restaurant Guide users have been impressed by its 'excellent' food.
76 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Mediterranean
The George of SpaldwickOpened as a coaching inn in 1679, the George of Spaldwick is still a quintessential English country hostelry situated beside the local manor house and overlooking the village green.
5-7 High Street, Spaldwick, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Manchester ArmsThe Manchester Arms is located on the outskirts of the delightful River Town of St Ives. This traditional Country Pub serves good quality, traditional, pub grub to its list of regular advocates and newcomers alike.
138 Needingworth Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Pub Food
The Horseshoe Inn and RestaurantSet in the picturesque town of Offord D'Arcy, The Horseshoe Inn Restaurant successfully combines an old village pub and a gourmet restaurant.
90 High Street, St Neots, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Bell Inn HotelRetaining an exact replica of the original copper plated sign of the Inn, the 17th Century Bell Inn remains a fantastic example of a great British Coaching House with fabulous food and a traditional good humoured and efficient service, so often lacking in this modern day.
Great North Road, Stilton, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Anchor Inn'A little bit of heaven anchored in Fenland' is how Paddy Burt described this seventeenth-century pub/restaurant-with-rooms, some 7 miles from Ely.
Bury Lane, Sutton Gault, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Modern British
The Bentley RestaurantSteeped in local history, The Haycock Hotel is a 16th Century Coaching House located on the banks of the river Nene in the picturesque village of Wandsford; it offers a choice of dining settings to its guests.
Haycock Hotel, Wansford, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: Traditional
NeedhamsSince its opening in March 2000 Needhams has grown dramatically in reputation for its award winning eclectic menu and fine dining experience.
186 Main Street, Witchford, Cambridgeshire - Cuisine: French