Espresso Library

There are bicycles hanging from the wall. They have smoothies with ingredients like ‘chia’ and ‘cacao’. And most importantly, a sticky date cake with grilled toffee and coconut topping that makes it well worth the walk across Parker’s Piece to this airy, modern space on East Road. Their signature pale blue cups are best filled with – you guessed it – espresso. Take your reading and spend the day here slumped across their wide study tables, ordering endless lattes and generally feeling very content.

We recommend: Sticky date cake

 

6 Ice Cream

In the words of Jo, winter is coming, but that is not an excuse not to sample the delicious range of gelato at this sumptuous new spot on Bene’t Street. Prices start from £2.50 for a small and the flavours change every day; think Pomegranate Sorbet, Roasted Banana and Toffee Apple. Enjoy with a freshly baked macaroon or scattered with caramelised apple slices – don’t miss out on this new find.

We recommend: Cambridge Cream

Ice Cream Price: £2.50

 

Trockel, Ulman and Freunde

If you can say the name, you deserve to go inside. This is one of the cheapest lunchtime eateries in Cambridge, its bold blue front inviting you in from Pembroke Street. You can get a hearty bowl of soup and a filled baguette from less than £3. Perch on the high tables in front of the window with their authentic German apple cake and blissfully watch as everyone else scurries to their lectures.

We recommend: Apple cake

Baguette Price: £3

 

Stickybeaks

Bright, modern and alive with chatter, Stickybeaks is a great place to catch up with a friend over any of the vibrant salads or wholesome hot lunches on offer. The menu changes every week to make the most of available seasonal and local ingredients, but we can certainly recommend their Rum and Raisin Bread and Butter Pudding – it’s delicious. In fact, why don’t you stick your beak into the open plan kitchen to see all the delicious creations come alive?

We recommend: Rum and Raisin Bread & Butter Pudding

 

Aromi

Although not so secret, it’s still worth grabbing a slice of Sicilian life – and one of beautifully crafted pizza whilst you’re at it – at either of these authentic delicatessens just off Market Square. If you’re not tempted by any of the canolis, tiramisus, chocolate mousses or fruit tarts then fear not, because the chances are you’ll fall head over heels for their garlic foccacia or risotto balls. Their hazelnut latte, for £2.70, has finally made the dream of drinkable nutella a reality.

We recommend: Hazelnut latte

Cappuccino Price: £2.70

 

Savino’s

A constant bustle of people gesticulating over espresso and freshly baked pastries, film posters line the walls and gentle music drifts over the ever screeching and gurgling barista machine. A real highlight is a slice of their chocolate Caprese cake or their tomato, parma ham and mozzarella panini for £3.85. The waiters are friendly and you may just pick up some conversational Italian. Belissimo!

We recommend: Chocolate Caprese cake

Panini Price: £3.85

 

Jamaica Blue

Feeling luxurious? Treat yourself to table service at this upmarket brunch spot in the Grand Arcade shopping centre. The avocado smash with poached eggs on toast will make you feel like the epitome of health itself and you can fill any gaps with a slice of honeycomb and butterscotch cheesecake. Coffee can be quite pricey – around £3 – but you’re paying for a work of art: beautifully dense, rounded beans, medium roasted and delivered to you post supervision in Cambridge.

Recommend: Avocado smash with poached eggs on toast

Coffee Price: £3

 

Urban Shed

I think I’d like to live inside the brain of the person who designed the interior of this L-shaped bolthole on King Street. A temple to everything retro, 1970’s TV-sets jostle for space with glass milk bottles and giant pineapples. More than just a madhouse, the Urban Shed does really, really, really good sandwiches. You can choose from around 20 delicious combinations.

We recommend: Coconut satay chicken, mayonnaise & rocket

Panini Price: £3.50

 

Bread and Meat

This is a place that doesn’t mince its words, or its grub, either. Expect great hunks of thyme and sage roast porchetta; its crackling beaming under the golden lamps of the counter. Sandwich it between fresh salsa verde and thick crusty bread and you have yourself a simply brilliant culinary experience. Contrary to the description, they also serve mixed roast vegetable and manchego cheese baps so bring friends of all diets along. If you don’t fancy the whole hog, grab a ginger, or even a real beer.

We recommend: Porchetta Panini

Panini Price: £7

 

Indigo

There is something quite inescapably lovely about a place that is plastered with posters, only takes cash and is probably smaller than your bedroom. Beckoning invitingly from King’s Parade, Indigo is a happy-go-lucky oasis of mismatched tables and velvety cappuccinos. Once you’ve made it up the creaky stairs, make sure you bag a spot quickly, as it can get busy in rush-hour.

We recommend: Hummus, olives and sundried tomato panini (served with salad and crisps)

Panini Price: £4.50