An Inside Look at the New Shops and Experiences That Are Making Bostonians Excited for East Cambridge

The core appeal of city living is never knowing when you’re going to find a brand-new favorite. Whether it’s a mind-blowing dining experience, a wardrobe-transforming boutique store, or a once-in-a-lifetime event, Boston is constantly offering up the promise of something incredible–so much so that the fear of missing out can get a little overwhelming.

Of course, that just makes it all that much more important to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s new in each neighborhood. And fortunately, in the ever-trendy Cambridge, many of the most exciting new things are happening all in one place. The Boston-beloved CambridgeSide has opened a lot in the past year: new dining and drinking spots, top-tier fashion retailers, and must-try experiences (and there’s even more to come). Together, these new openings are making East Cambridge the sure bet for when you need a new ingredient in your weekend mix.

So, to help you get acquainted with the latest in Cambridge, we took a look at the new, soon-to-be-favorites that are redefining the CambridgeSide experience. No matter what you’re interested in exploring, there’s something new for you to check out on the waterfront.

New Fashion Retailers

Thanks to the recent arrival of several exciting retailers, CambridgeSide has leveled up as a one-stop fashion destination. Whether you’re looking to branch out in your clothing choices, or just refresh your staples, here’s where to head.

European Styles

Cambridge’s fashion mavens are buzzing about the arrival of Mango, one of Europe’s leading fashion groups. Known for its dedication to sustainability, Mango has delivered something special in Boston with its sleek, modern concept, New Med. The store showcases a stylish selection of women’s clothing with a Mediterranean flair, offering everything from minimalist essentials to bold, seasonal statements. Whether you’re in need of a chic new coat or searching for that perfect dress to take you from the office to after-hours, this innovative concept store is the place to discover fresh silhouettes and timeless pieces.

And just wait–Zara is set to open the largest two-level store in the Boston area. For those who don’t know, Zara, the fashion giant renowned for its high-fashion looks at accessible prices, is poised to offer everything from runway-inspired garments to everyday essentials, all under one roof. 

Lifestyle Must-Haves

CambridgeSide is also now equipped to take care of all the aspects of your wardrobe, from morning to night. The new lululemon is ready to meet all of your athleisure needs, offering their signature line of performance-driven gear and stylish activewear for every activity, from yoga to the weekend brunch circuit. 

To complete the fashion experience, shoppers can also explore Sephora for the latest in beauty, Victoria’s Secret for loungewear and fragrance, and check out Apple to make a statement with on-trend tech. 

New Experiences

Beyond shopping, CambridgeSide offers a vibrant lineup of events and experiences that are transforming the center into a hub of entertainment and culture. But the highlight of the season might just be the arrival of a certain boy-wizard. 

A Magical Time

Possibly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the highly anticipated Harry Potter: The Exhibition is currently on display at CambridgeSide, offering a magical journey through the world of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding universe. Visitors are immersed in the iconic sets, costumes, and props from both the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films. The experience is interactive—start by being sorted into your Hogwarts house, select your wand, and even compete for the House Cup by collecting points. You can even brew potions in a Hogwarts classroom. 

Plus, for a truly magical weekend, the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel, located on-site, offers the “World of Wizardry Package,” which includes family-friendly perks like flexible tickets to the exhibit, themed gifts, and more. 

Everyday Fun

Back at CambridgeSide, there’s a diverse slate of weekly events that cater to all interests.  If you’re looking to relax and unwind, CanalSide offers a wellness reset with yoga, breathwork, and meditation led by Cara Gilman from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m each month. Explore your creativity, Craft Loft hosts Tuesday Night Craft Night, a free social event where you can bring your work-in-progress projects and connect with fellow craft enthusiasts. Plus, Craft Loft also offers a wide array of crafting classes to choose from: wreath making, beginners knitting, floral arranging and so much more.

On Thursday nights, swing by for weekly music from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., an ideal way to discover local talent while enjoying great food and drinks at CanalSide Food + Drink. And for sports fans, college football and NFL game days are celebrated each weekend with big-screen broadcasts and plenty of drink specials to make game day even more fun. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a full day of football, CanalSide is the perfect place to cheer for your team.

New Tastes

The food scene in Cambridge has just gotten a major upgrade with the opening of CanalSide Food + Drink, a brand-new food hall that offers an exciting variety of cuisines and a waterfront bar. The highly anticipated space, which opened on October 25, features over a dozen eateries ranging from Mediterranean street food to fresh pasta and bubble tea, collecting together some of the most exciting restaurants in Boston.

International Flair

CanalSide Food + Drink offers a curated selection of eateries that showcase cuisines from around the world. If you’re looking for new flavors, you can try savoring everything from Eastern Mediterranean street food and authentic Japanese ramen to vibrant Asian fusion bowls.

If you’re in the mood for something Mediterranean, Anoush’ella offers classic, bold ingredients like shawarma and tzatziki in their own easy-to-munch inventions. For a quick snack or a sweet treat, head to Teazzi for a refreshing bubble tea, or indulge in a scoop of ice cream blended with fresh fruit at Far Out Ice Cream. If you’re craving something heartier, Sapporo Ramen dishes out authentic Japanese ramen.

Classics with a Twist

Thanks to careful curation of the restaurants at CanalSide Food + Drink, you’re always in for a memorable experience, no matter what you order. Restaurants dishing out classic crowd-pleasers are reimagining familiar favorites with a creative twist. 

Even pizza, already the subject of endless culinary experiments, has something new happening there, thanks to Lala’s Neapolitan-ish Pizza, which puts a New England spin on traditional Neapolitan pizzas using locally sourced, New England ingredients. If you’re in the mood for classic American comfort food, Nu Burger is the place to be, serving up gourmet burgers. For lighter fare, head to Fresh (opening in December), where everything from sandwiches to açaí bowls are made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Even if you’re just keeping it light with a salad, you’ll get a top-tier culinary experience at the new CanalSide.

New Neighborhood Gathering Spot

When you’re finally ready to take a rest from all your exploring, it’s time to settle in for a drink. And fortunately, the C-Side Bar right there at the heart of CanalSide is fast becoming the go-to destination in East Cambridge for happy hour and beyond. 

The dynamic bar offers craft cocktails, beer, and wine, all selected by the talented team behind it. Beverage aficionados Ran Duan and Jon Rosse, along with Brahm Callahan, have designed a menu that brings together seasonal ingredients and global influences, delivering a bar experience that’s both fresh and inviting. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing Fruit Salad Negroni (gin, honeydew, and campari) or a playful Banana Batanga (tequila, Mexican coke, banana, and lime), C-Side’s drinks provide the perfect accompaniment to a night out with friends or a cozy solo visit, while signature cocktails like the Granite Rose (vodka, grapefruit, and vermouth) and the Miami Vice (rum, coconut, and pineapple) are just a few examples of the bar’s imaginative take on classic drinks. 

The bar’s relaxed vibe, combined with its expertly curated drink list, ensures that it’s a spot you’ll want to visit again and again. Whether you’re toasting a special occasion or just enjoying a night out, the C-Side Bar offers a vibrant and welcoming environment that’s set to become a staple in Cambridge’s social scene–a scene that just so happens to be buzzing right now with new places to explore.