15 best breakfast and brunch spots in Cambridge

Synonymous with history and immense heritage, I think Cambridge is truly a city like no other. Balancing grand architecture with lush green spaces, Cambridge is one of my favourite destinations for a UK staycation and city break. 

The city is a foodie’s dream (which is probably why I love it so much!), with incredible restaurants to dine at and the perfect cosy café culture.

This hospitality extends to the earlier meals of the day, with a whole host of charming eateries serving up enticing breakfast and brunch. 

Having spent a lot of time in the city over the years, I have unearthed 15 of the best spots for breakfast and brunch in Cambridge – including my own personal favourites and recommendations from locals.

1. Shelley & Sarah’s 

Address: Cambridge Market Square, Market Hill, Cambridge CB1 0SS

Best for: A family owned spot

Family run in Cambridge since 1953, Shelley & Sarah’s is one of my favourite spots for a freshly cooked breakfast, as well as delicious hot and cold baguettes, hot dogs and burgers.

Shelley & Sarah’s sources as much of their produce as possible locally. So you’ll not only fuel yourself with a hearty meal, but you’ll be helping to support the local community. 

I’d recommend stopping off at the kiosk in Market Square for a pick-me-up hot beverage and some tasty food before setting your sights on all there is to see and do in the historic city of Cambridge. 

Discover my guide to the best things to do in Cambridge.

2. Bread and Meat

Address: 4 Bene’t St, Cambridge CB2 3QN

Best for: Locally sourced ingredients

Passionate about bringing you delicious food and incredible coffee, Bread and Meat is an independent modern eatery based in Cambridge.

I love that they offer each delectable dish as either a gourmet sandwich, poutine or their signature ‘bowl’. I think this restaurant is the perfect spot for brunch while exploring the historic city. 

They lovingly cook everything on site, using locally sourced ingredients and 100% British meats.

My student days may be well behind me, but if you’re a student then they also offer a student discount at specific times. So popping in at the end of the school or college day can get you a tasty 15% discount.  

3. The Locker 

Address: 54 King St, Cambridge CB1 1LN

Best for: Original pottery and art

From smashed avocado on sourdough toast to a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel, The Locker has everything you need to hit that brunch-sized spot.

Founded by a father and son duo, the Cambridge café is a hot spot for both locals and visitors. What I think sets this spot apart is founder John’s artistic flare that’s been woven into the fabric of the café.

The hot chocolate, espresso and tea cups are carefully handmade by John, along with the sugar bowls.

The terrace upstairs hosts exhibitions by local artists, bringing the community into the very heart of The Locker. I’d recommend checking out any upcoming events they have, as there’s always a great atmosphere.

4. Chez Amelie

Address: Homerton Gardens, Purbeck Road, Cambridge CB2 8EB

Best for: Daily specials

As well as their signature Flam-kuche – skinny French pizzas – the menu at Chez Amelie offers a tempting choice of contemporary freshly home cooked dishes reflecting owner Regis’ 40 years’ experience as a fine dining chef in Suffolk.

With daily specials, shakshuka, salads and bowls inspired by Mediterranean and Middle East cuisine, there’s also a tasty choice of delicious patisseries and specials on offer.

I’d recommend popping into the father and son owned Chez Amelie to fill up on some hearty food to start your day right.

5. Cafe Blue Sage 

Address: 198 Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 3NF

Best for: Mediterranean dishes

My favourite hidden gem in Cambridge, Cafe Blue Sage offers a plethora of Mediterranean dishes for breakfast and brunch – with many dishes being vegetarian or vegan friendly.

Serving a variety of baked goodies daily as well as the usual fan-favourites, the café is a real treat to visit. Pop in for delicious poğaça, mouth-watering menemen and delectable baklava – my personal favourite.

6. Bould Brothers

Address: 16 Round Church St. Cambridge CB5 8AD and 88 Regent St. Cambridge CB2 1DP

Best for: Top-quality coffee

Bould Brothers are serious about their coffee, and it shows! Trust me when I say that you’re guaranteed a top tier coffee here.

Owners and brothers Max and Alex have a decade of experience working with speciality coffee and endeavour to answer the pick-me-up call with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, every single time. 

With establishments on both Round Church Street and Regent Street, Bould Brothers brings the art of a perfectly made cup of coffee to the highstreet.

Plus, I love that they have a range of delectable pastries, cakes and sandwiches on offer to enjoy with your beverage.

Discover my pick of the best cafés in Cambridge.

7. Urban Larder 

Address: 9 The Broadway, Cambridge CB1 3AH

Best for: Delicious toasties

I mean look at the cheesy goodness of that toastie! My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Whether you’re after a quick bite for brunch or a spot to enjoy your breakfast while enjoying the classic people watching pastime, I’d highly recommend a visit to Urban Larder.

Serving fresh toasties and tasty paninis, I have no doubt that the café will quickly become one of your favourite places for breakfast and brunch in Cambridge. 

8. Café Foy

Address: 2 Quayside, Cambridge CB5 8AB

Best for: Riverside brunch

Nestled on the banks of the River Cam next to the Magdalene Bridge, Café Foy is an independent establishment serving wonderful coffee, brunch, small plates and more.

Offering mimosas and the ‘Foy Bloody Mary’ on their brunch menu, the café is the perfect spot for brunch with friends and a view. 

In fact, it’s the view that’s arguably my favourite thing about this café.

Need somewhere to stay? Read my guide to the best hotels in Cambridge.

9. Relevant Records Cafe 

Address: 260 Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 3NF

Best for: Gluten free, dairy free and vegan

Above the record store at Relevant, you can find a friendly and vibrant café.

Brewing ethically sourced coffee blends that don’t compromise on flavour, Relevant Records Cafe proves to be a great local spot to enjoy breakfast or brunch with or without company. 

As someone with a couple of food intolerances myself, I love that they cater to gluten free, dairy free and vegan customers, serving delicious cakes, scrumptious baked goods, mouth-watering salads and other tasty treats.

They work with local bakers and cake makers to bring you handmade, quality food.

10. MillWorks 

Address: The Watermill, Newnham Road, Cambridge CB3 9EY

Best for: Smoothies

Overlooking the old Millpond on the Granta River in the heart of Cambridge, MillWorks is a modern and vibrant independent restaurant that offers brunch on Saturdays.

Choose from delicious dishes such as ‘Doughnut French Toast’, a ‘Breakfast Burger’ and the ‘Brunch Buddha Bowl’ for fresh and local food.

Pair with an appetising smoothie that’s packed full of goodness, such as the ‘Kale Kick’ with mango, spinach and kale for the perfect late-morning boost.

Note that brunch is only served on Saturdays here so I’d recommend this one for a weekend treat.

11. Indigo Coffee House 

Address: 8 St. Edwards Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PJ

Best for: Hidden gem

Another hidden gem in Cambridge, Indigo Coffee House might be small, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t mighty.

Guests can enjoy their breakfast or brunch sitting inside the Victorian house or at the outdoor seating during the summer months, which I always find to be such a lovely spot.

This is the perfect stop off in the city before a day of exploring. Plus, it’s dog-friendly so you can bring along your furry friend too!

12. Scott’s All Day Cafe

Address: 111-113 Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 2AZ

Best for: Bottomless brunch

Scott’s All Day Cafe is a neighbourhood pizzeria with a strong sense of local pride, which I just love.

They source their beer from Calverley’s Brewery and sourdough pizza toppings from the various shops of Mill Road.

This café serves brunch throughout the week as well as bottomless brunch on the weekends – an experience I’d highly recommend!

Whether you prefer to stick to the classic ‘Avocado Smash’ or are too intrigued by the ‘Brunch Pizza’ to order anything else, there’s something to suit every taste. 

13. The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie 

Address: Trinity Street, Cambridge CB2 1TB

Best for: A taste of luxury

If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch in Cambridge that airs more on the side of luxury, look no further than The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie.

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and step into a glamorous and sophisticated establishment for delightful pastries and light bites. 

From classics like ‘Eggs Benedict’ and ‘Smoked Salmon Crumpets’ for breakfast to flavourful ‘Steak Tartare’ and ‘Truffle Chicken Milanese’ (my personal favourite) for brunch, a delectable dish awaits you at The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie.

I’d also highly recommend this spot for afternoon tea in Cambridge.

14. Michaelhouse Café 

Address: St Michael’s Church, Trinity St., Cambridge CB2 1SU

Best for: Fresh bakes

Inside St. Michael’s Church in the heart of Cambridge city centre, you’ll find the delightful Michaelhouse Café.

Serving up delicious dishes for breakfast, brunch and lunch, they pride themselves on using only the best locally sourced ingredients.

I love that supporting Michaelhouse Café also helps to support local farmers and growers, such as Rennet & Rind who supply the cheese and Sunclose Farm who supply the berries used. 

I’d recommend relaxing with a cup of barista-prepared coffee and choosing from a tempting selection of cakes and bakes.

With their very own pastry chef and an abundant choice of the most delicious sweet treats, you won’t be disappointed. 

15. The Old Bicycle Shop 

Address: 104 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1DP

Best for: A hearty brunch

Set in a quaint building with a quirky interior to celebrate the building’s rich history is The Old Bicycle Shop.

As the name suggests, the place was home to a cycle shop – Howes Cycles – for a whopping 173 years before being reimagined as it is today.

You’ll find bicycle parts dotted around the café as decoration – from handlebars on the walls to parts upcycled into table lamps. 

I’d suggest tucking into some fluffy American style pancakes, Eggs Florentine, Croque Madame or one of the various other tasty dishes on offer while embracing the character of the place.

A hearty brunch is always on the menu at The Old Bicycle Shop.

If you have any favourite brunch spots in Cambridge, do let me know in the comments!

Planning a trip to this historic city? Read my Cambridge travel guide or discover other handy articles:

• 9 best luxury hotels in Cambridge
• 15 best afternoon tea spots in Cambridge
• 20 best things to do in Cambridge
• 18 best cafes in Cambridge
• 10 best spas in Cambridge for a relaxing spa break

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