Oxford’s thriving café culture and wonderful spread of independent restaurants make it a top foodie destination. Below are some of my favourites, and the places I always recommend when friends and family are heading to Oxford. The guide is divided up into restaurants (more formal, sit down meals), cafes (quicker bites, or perfect for breakfast or lunch), sweet treats and the best drinking spots, all covering a range of budgets.
Have a look at my guide to Oxford to plan the rest of your visit – and if you are a fellow bookworm, my literary guide to Oxford is the place to start!
CAFES AND COFFEE SHOPS
Missing Bean – this artisan roastery provides coffee to a number of outlets across the city, but its own café on Turl Street is a lovely spot to spend an afternoon reading a book. You can also buy packs of their coffee to take home if you like it as much as me!
Vaults and Garden – this must be one of the most sought after locations for a café in Oxford! Reward yourself after a climb up the University Cathedral tower with one of their fantastic buttery scones overlooking the Radcliffe Camera.
Georgina’s Café – slightly tricky to find in the Covered Market (up the stairs between Brothers Café and the Covered Arts shop), but worth it for the fantastic (and super affordable) Greek lunches.
George Street Social – I love this café for brunch – the shakshuka is incredible. I am also endlessly amused by the alcoholic-themed literary steps!
Handle Bar Café – I love this quirky café, for its delicious vegetarian breakfasts and cute décor. Even better, downstairs is a 1920s-style speakeasy bar serving tea cocktails.
PICNIC SUPPLIES
With the lovely Botanical Gardens, the meadows and river banks, there are many spots for a relaxed summer picnic in Oxford. These are a few of my favourite places to stock up.
Olives – on the High Street not far from the Botanical Gardens, this deli makes made-to-order sandwiches, paninis and baguettes.
The Covered Market – pick up a picnic to eat on the banks of the River Cherwell. Favourite vendors include the Oxford Cheese shop for a seriously decadent truffle brie, Taylor’s for fresh baguettes and salads, or the Souvlaki Brothers for superbly garlicky Greek fare.
SWEET TREATS
Ben’s Cookies – now a nationwide chain, this is the birthplace of these freshly baked, warm, gooey deliciousness! Find then in the Covered Market.
G&D Ice Cream – a real Oxford institution, all ice cream is homemade on site.
The Grand Café – on the site of the oldest coffee house in England (according to Samuel Pepys), the mirrored walls and endless marble of the Grand Café make an opulent setting for afternoon tea. Be prepared to queue in the busy summer months, but it is worth it for a visit to this Oxford institution.
RESTAURANTS
Cherwell Boathouse – be sure to get a table by the window or sit outside and watch the punts drift past at this riverbank eatery. Food is modern European, and the deserts are simply sublime!
The Parsonage Grill – simple, classic, and really delicious menu in a pretty, bohemian setting. It is one of the more pricey options in Oxford, but they also offer set menus which are more affordable.
Turl Street Kitchen – most definitely one of the best brunches in Oxford! To be honest, anywhere selling lightly whipped avocado was always destined to be a winner. Menu changes regularly.
The Ashmolean – the glass-walled rooftop restaurant is a great place for lunch and resting weary feet. They offer a really reasonably priced set lunch menu, which is designed to match whatever exhibition is currently on.
Gee’s – A top date spot if you are trying to impress! This restaurant in a tiled-floor conservatory is super picturesque, and the Mediterranean food fantastic. Their burrata and roasted vegetables is one of the best dishes I have had in Oxford by a mile. If you are a student in the city, this is the place to get your parents to take you when they visit!
DRINKING SPOTS AND PUBS
Pompette – modern French wine bar, is justifiably popular as the food lives up to the impressive wine list. Food is hearty – and based on the Alsace cuisine – so just make sure you leave room for one of the seriously decadent deserts.
Raoul’s Bar – a real gem of a bar. The cocktail list is a serious hit, and after a few you can head downstairs to the dance floor.
Varsity Club – surprisingly unknown to the tourist crowds, the VC’s rooftop bar has fantastic views over Oxford’s dreaming spires. I doubt there is a better place in Oxford to sip a drink and watch the sun go down. Prices reflect the prime location so aim for Happy Hour (Monday-Friday 12pm-7pm) when cocktails are two for £10.
The Trout Inn – a really lovely gastropub on the banks of the River Thames. The walk from the city centre out across Port Meadow is one of my favourites in Oxford.
There are several other guides to Oxford on the blog for you to check out, and lots more inspiration for wider travel around the United Kingdom for you to explore.
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