La Margherita
Nestled along Magdalene Street in the heart of Cambridge, La Margherita is the kind of Italian restaurant that effortlessly blends tradition with charm. You don’t just come here for a meal-you come for the experience. From the moment you walk through the doors at 15 Magdalene St, you’re wrapped in a warm, rustic atmosphere that feels like a big Italian hug. Think wooden beams, cozy lighting, and the scent of garlic, herbs, and freshly baked pizza crust lingering in the air.
La Margherita knows exactly how to do Italian food right. The menu reads like a love letter to Italy, loaded with handcrafted pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and an impressive selection of antipasti. It’s the kind of place where you can start with a classic Antipasto Classico-a curated mix of cured meats, cheeses, and olives-then dive into a Spaghetti Carbonara that’s silky, rich, and peppered just enough to make your taste buds sing.
If you’re more of a pizza lover, the Pizza Arrabbiata packs just the right level of fiery kick, while the Pizza Prosciutto brings salty, savoury balance with its generous slices of cured ham. Feeling indulgent? The Pepperoni Calzone is a gooey, oven-baked masterpiece that might just redefine your idea of comfort food.
What sets La Margherita apart isn’t just the food-it’s the little things that add up. The wine list, for one, is seriously impressive. Whether you’re sipping on a bold red to go with your Pollo Milanese All’Americano or opting for a chilled white with a plate of Linguine Con Gamberi E Funghi, there’s something to elevate every dish. And if cocktails are your thing, they’ve got a solid selection of spirits and classic mixes to keep the evening going.
Desserts? Don’t even think about skipping them. The Tiramisú is cloud-like and dusted with cocoa in all the right places. The Gelato is creamy and comes in rotating flavours (try the Rum & Raisin Ice Cream if you spot it-trust me). The Affogato Al Caffe is a must for coffee lovers, and the Chocolate Fudge Cake is decadence on a plate.
Service at La Margherita is friendly and familiar, like you're dining at a friend's nonna’s house. The team knows the menu inside out and won’t hesitate to offer pairing suggestions or adjust a dish to your taste. And while it doesn’t have a wheelchair-accessible car park, the indoor setup is inviting for dine-in guests, and takeaway or delivery options are available for those cozy nights in.
La Margherita also shines for late-night cravings. You can pop in for a late dinner, a glass of wine, or even just dessert and espresso. They cater to every dining rhythm-whether it’s a lazy lunch with a few small plates, a romantic dinner with wine flowing, or a solo visit for pizza and people-watching.
For anyone seeking hearty, home-style Italian food with soul in Cambridge, La Margherita doesn’t disappoint. It’s not just about what’s on the plate (though that’s reason enough to go)-it’s the way the place makes you feel. Like Italy, but right around the corner.
La Margherita Menu
Reviews
La Margherita is a formidable Italian restaurant with a delicious pizza. I ordered the standard margherita and was happy with the service. The pizza was slightly "bitter" and had no basil, I think. Additionally, the proportion of cheese, dough and sauce was appropriated. The cheaper price (compared to other places in Cambridge) is also appreciated. The restaurant is well located in Cambridge and the staff, especially the waiter, is nice and funny. I also think the space, including furniture, to be cozy. Service was fast and personalised: the waiter brought an extra chair to accommodate us in an empty table (we did not reserve a table for 5 people beforehand). They also offer to pack the rest and did not complain when we overstayed. I recommend the restaurant and hope to come back soon.
We had a family meal and it was very good. We last visited here a number of years ago, and the menu has changed very little. That said the food was very good and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Exceptional food, charming service, cosy and authentic atmosphere. My wife and I had a wonderful experience eating here. The waiter was very accommodating and despite the restaurant being rather busy, the food was served in good time. The pizza was fantastic, as were the desserts. We will be back, I suspect many times.
Food was average at best. The starters were very nice but the risotto rice was overcooked. The icecream was the best dish and it feels like it’s homemade.
FINALLY an authentic Italian restaurant. Many years living in Cambridge and we just discovered this place and had a lovely experience. The service was superb, the food was incredible and we even got a bread basket. We will definitely be back again! Vegan options: many! I had the risotto e piseli (risotto with peas) - a generous plate of creamy risotto. Super recommended. I'll be back to try more dishes :)