West Café in Cambridge: photos, reviews

About

At West Café in Cambridge, you'll find a casual and inviting atmosphere perfect for any gathering, whether it's a family dinner or catching up with friends. This airy, modern atrium café is adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony that offers stunning views of the nearby pond. Enjoy a selection of affordable yet delicious meals, with options ranging from small plates to desserts, all accommodating vegetarian and healthy diets. The buffet is a particular highlight, offering a variety of dishes that will please any palate. Tea and coffee aficionados will appreciate the lovely brews, which pair perfectly with the café's relaxed vibe. Excellent service and the refreshing absence of long queues make for a pleasant dining experience. Enjoy your meal indoors or opt for the outdoor seating to soak in the beautiful architectural surroundings.

Price

$$$$ 1 - 10 GBP

Meals

Breakfast, Branch, Lunch

Services

Takeaway, Outdoor seating, Dine-in

Dietary options

Vegetarian options, Healthy options

Offering

Serving desserts, Small plates, Serving coffee

Payment

Payment by credit card, Payment by debit card, NFC payment

How to get here?

The nearest public transport options for your convenience.

Veterinary School

Bus stop 188 m walk

West Hub

Bus stop 124 m walk

Philippa Fawcett Drive

Bus stop 382 m walk

William Gates Building

Bus stop 274 m walk

3.8

based on 317 reviews

Google

3.8/5 317 reviews

Nick Cole

Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Not plagued by massive queues like the other place on the West Cambridge site.

William Royce

Food: 3
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2

I used to come here for lunch almost every day over the past year, but unfortunately, the experience has steadily declined. Prices have gone up recently, and now the salad—previously included—is almost an extra £2. It was once a hidden gem—cheaper than the West Hub, quicker service, and decent hot food. The cost is now comparable or higher than the West Hub, but the side portions here are significantly smaller. Customer service has also been an ongoing issue. One of the male staff members in particular is often rude and visibly aggressive—hitting the checkout machines when they're not working, and acting irritated if you ask about the student discount to the point where multiple friends have stopped trying to ask. The quality of the food is inconsistent. Some of the hot baps used to be quite good (the gammon with piccalilli was my favourite), but others have come with barely any filling at all. Sometimes you'd be lucky to find more than a teaspoon of filling. Disappointing to see such a sharp drop in both value and atmosphere. Used to be a reliable go-to. Now, it’s more “West Disappointment” than West Café.

Enrique Dorado Mateos

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I was there last summer and loved the service. I highly recommend it.