The universities, tourism and the science and technology parks give Cambridge a boost as a regional hub for restaurant dining. The hungry millions who visit or come to the area every year for study and work eat at the cafes, restaurants and the hundreds of local pubs. This helps to support a larger range of places, especially in the mid-to-budget range, than a population of just over 100,000 might otherwise support. In recent years a few more high-end establishments have opened, giving Cambridge an even more cosmopolitan and refined culinary range.

Though short on the more exotic cuisines, such as African cooking, you will find at least a few representatives of American styles, including Mexican, Latin American, and stronger ranges for Asian, especially Chinese, and even a smattering of, Asian fusion, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese cuisines. The relative lack of these regions reflects the lower levels of historical contact between Britain and these countries. In contrast, of course, Continental and French styles have a long history and, increasingly, Northern European cookery has a stronger showing, including Polish restaurants.

But the largest groups and most widespread ethnic cuisines come from the Mediterranean, with lots of places serving Greek, Italian, Spanish and Turkish dishes, and South Asian, especially Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine. The Mediterranean cuisines became popular, actually, after World War II, in part by soldiers bringing back a taste for the new flavours, and then by the opening of greater popular travel to the continent. Lately, places opened by the end of the Cold War, such as Croatia with its seafood dishes, have gained a foothold. The interest in Indian, and of late Bangladeshi cuisines, stems from the long historical ties between Britain the Subcontinent. The colourful curries and breads of these regions have a strong following among British diners, with some dishes rated as national favourites. Cambridge alone has over 25 Indian and Bangladeshi pubs and restaurants in the city limits.

British cuisines, ranging from the contemporary to traditional, from pub food to regional styles, of course have the lion's share of outlets, and the interest cookery in general has raised the game for all. Cambridge has one of the only Michelin-starred restaurants in the region in the Midsummer House, and in 2009 was to gain its first restaurant sponsored by a TV chef. Jamie Oliver was to open a large restaurant in what was once the central city library and has for years been the tourist office. Located in the large Guild Hall building on market square in the heart of historic Cambridge, this new, the new restaurant promises to add new features to the local talents for the culinary high brow.

Within the city, head for the historic district, especially Kings Parade and Bridge Street, for the more mainstream chains and independent venues, and for a best value and ethnic variety, the increasingly self-conscious ethnic enclave of Mill Road. Scattered more widely find the pubs, who under pressure from increased alcohol duties, the indoor smoking ban and rents, have embarked on the gastro route, many with considerable success in moving beyond the humble pint.

Outside of Cambridge dining is split into country pubs and venues in the surrounding market towns such as St Ives, Huntingdon, Ely, Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, Haverhill, Royston, Saffron Walden and St Neots. Often the best dining in the countryside areas is found in pubs, hotels or golf clubs, who have made themselves destinations for travellers moving around mid-England. The pubs in particular have branched out, now frequently offering Chinese, Indian, and Thai cuisines, sometimes alongside traditional British favourites. The larger and more attractive towns, such as Ely, Bury St Edmunds, Saffron Walden and Newmarket offer the most town centre culinary variety.

The fun of dining comes in part from variety and on Local Secrets you'll find at your fingertips, all the cuisines in Cambridge, Ely, St Ives and Huntingdon, Newmarket, Haverhill, Royston, Saffron Walden and St Neots. Independent reviews reveal the best of each, with member ratings and often special offers and benefits at those locations who have a commercial presence on Local Secrets.