Best restaurants in Oxford

Full of historical buildings, ancient museums and of course punting, Oxford is not just good for its prestigious universities and beautiful architecture; this world-famous city is also full of great places to eat too. From quirky Spanish tapas bars to Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants, there is something to fit every taste and budget in Oxford, so finding a restaurant that suits you should be easy as pie. Next time you are in the stunning city, or are lucky enough to call it home, be sure to give one of the best Oxford restaurants featured on our list a visit.

Updated on 27 August 2024

Hailed as one of the best cities to live in the UK, restaurants in Oxford have a little something for everyone. As well as being known for its stunning neoclassical architecture, prestigious universities and of course punting, Oxford and the surrounding areas are also home to a host of fantastic restaurants suitable for every taste and budget.

Whether you fancy having a casual meal in a quirky tapas bar in the city centre or want to go all out and get the Michelin star experience at restaurants that have featured in our UK Top 100 Restaurants guide, every type of dining is covered here.

With the River Thames flowing directly through the city, there are also lots of great riverside restaurants to enjoy, which are especially popular in the warm summer months when you can soak up some sunshine with a cocktail in hand. They are also great if you fancy trying your hand at a spot of punting after your meal.

If you happen to be in Oxford anytime soon, or you’re lucky enough to live there, this guide covers restaurants for all tastes. Take a look at our list of the best Oxford restaurants to try after taking in everything this beautiful and historic city has to offer.

Kazbar

Kazbar

25-27 Cowley Road, Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 1HP

Known for its friendly atmosphere and vibrant tapas and cocktail menu, Kazbar is perfect for gatherings or a casual night out. It’s decorated as a Moroccan Souk with tree trunks growing up into the glass-panelled roof and an inviting patio.

Under £30
Moroccan
Tapas
Cherwell Boathouse

Cherwell Boathouse

50 Bardwell Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 6ST

The Cherwell Boathouse sits riverside, so if you fancy a quick boat trip after your meal, this is the ideal lunch spot. The menu includes seared yellowfin tuna, Cotswold chicken, and chocolate tart to finish.

£30 - £49
Modern European
Arbequina

Arbequina

74 Cowley Road, Oxford , OX4 1JB

Tapas aficionados will love this quirky Michelin guide restaurant housed inside a converted chemist. We are big fans of the house onion tortilla and love the reasonable prices too, just don’t fill up too much the Basque cheesecake is sublime.

£30 - £49
Tapas
Spanish
The Trout at Tadpole Bridge

The Trout at Tadpole Bridge

The Trout Inn at Tadpole Bridge, Buckland Marsh, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 8RF

This countryside pub is pretty as a picture, and the perfect venue for a spot of Sunday lunch. Serving an accomplished menu of classic dishes, from fan favourite fish and chips to seasonal plates like Isle of Wight tomato bruschetta.

£30 - £49
British
Sichuan Grand

Sichuan Grand

The Old School, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2DA

Sichuan Grand is a stylish restaurant offering an authentic tongue-tingling experience. Think sliced pig’s ears with sesame oil or ox tripe in chilli sauce, sweet and sour crispy seabass, traditional hotpot, and signature pork belly in garlic sauce.

£30 - £49
Chinese
Quod Restaurant & Bar - Oxford

Quod Restaurant & Bar - Oxford

92-94 High Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 4BJ

Somewhat of an Oxford institution, this restaurant has been around since 1998. With a cocktail bar, a bargain lunch menu, an afternoon tea menu and an extensive dinner offering, Quod Restaurant really does offer up something for every occasion.

£30 - £49
Modern European
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons

Church Road, Great Milton, Oxfordshire, OX44 7PD

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons headed up by world-renowned chef Raymond Blanc, is a restaurant made for special occasions. With two Michelin stars and a green star, stunning surroundings this is a restaurant for your bucket list.

Over £80
French
Two Michelin stars
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Cygnet at the Swan Inn

Cygnet at the Swan Inn

1 Lower Street, Islip, Oxfordshire, OX5 2SB

Despite a recent renovation, The Cygnet at The Swan Inn maintains all its historic feel. Led by Michelin-starred chef Paul Welburn, it offers a contemporary British menu in an elegant but relaxed 17th-century pub setting.

£50 - £79
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Folly Restaurant

The Folly Restaurant

1 Folly Bridge, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 4JU

With a floating river terrace and a rustic but still stylish interior, The Folly is the ideal spot to have lunch in the sun or a cosy dinner when the days get colder. Picture seasonal small plates, and international dishes.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
Afternoon tea
The Oxford Kitchen

The Oxford Kitchen

215 Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford, Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire, OX2 7HQ

The Oxford Kitchen is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Summertown, renowned for its modern British cuisine crafted by Head Chef Paul Welburn. It’s fine dining gone trendy, with exceptional tasting menus that include Scottish Scallops, Gin cured trout and ‘Blackout Beef’.

£50 - £79
Modern European
Shoryu Ramen Oxford

Shoryu Ramen Oxford

Westgate, Castle Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1NZ

Shoryu Ramen in Oxford specializes in authentic Hakata tonkotsu ramen, crafted from a rich, 12-hour pork broth. Housed in the city's Westgate Shopping Centre, neutral backdrops, tasty food and a buzzing atmosphere are a winning combination in our opinion.

£30 - £49
Japanese
Magdalen Arms

Magdalen Arms

243 Iffley Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 1SJ

Run by the team behind The Canton Arms and The Anchor and Hope in London, The Magdalen Arms has all the trappings of a good gastropub: inviting interiors, cosy atmosphere, slick service, and a seasonal menu of British classics.

 

Pubs
Pierre Victoire Oxford

Pierre Victoire Oxford

9 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2HP

A beloved Oxford institution first opened in 1996, Pierre Victorie is a favourite for its cosy atmosphere and seasonal prix fixe menus. Expect gallic classics like duck confit, sole meuniere, and bouillabaisse all at seriously appetising price points.

£30 - £49
French
No1 Ship Street

No1 Ship Street

No1 Ship Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3DA

Voted Oxfordshire's Best Restaurant from 2020 to 2023, No1 is a modern British brasserie with a diverse menu and an elegant atmosphere. Think lamb sweetbreads with pickled mushroom and lamb shoulder with faggots and braised lettuce.

£50 - £79
British
Pompette

Pompette

Pompette 7 South Parade, Oxford, OX2 7JL

A Michelin guide restaurant in Summertown, Pompette is an attractive modern French brasserie peppered with Mediterranean and North African Influences. With attentive service, a brilliant wine list, and a delightful terrace, it's perfect for casual dining or special occasions.

£30 - £49
French
Gee

Gee's Restaurant

61 Banbury Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 6PE

Set in a Victorian glass house, this bright and airy restaurant serves up Mediterranean cuisine bursting with flavour. Located by the river it makes for the ideal spot for celebration brunches and dinners of ribeye steak with chimichurri.

£30 - £49
British
Edamamé

Edamamé

15 Holywell Street, Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire, OX1 3SA

Edamame can get queued out at dinner time, so make sure to arrive early to secure a table. It’s a friendly casual restaurant with authentic Japanese plates. Think sushi and sashimi, traditional katsu, with a side order of addictive edamame.

Under £30
Japanese
Branca

Branca

111 Walton Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 6AJ

Found in Jericho, Branca is a family-friendly Italian offering a far-reaching menu of familiar favourites. Pizzas, pastas and risottos all feature, and you’ll also find a gorgeous terrace garden along with a private room for special occasions.

Under £30
Italian
Bhoomi Kitchen Oxford

Bhoomi Kitchen Oxford

70 London Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX3 7PD

With a menu of authentic Keralan dishes, Bhoomi is absolutely one of the best Indian restaurants available. Think lunchtime thali, chilli paneer, lamb nilgiri and Malabar fish curry. The restaurant is stunning too, with dark wood interiors and outdoor dining.

£30 - £49
Indian
Chiang Mai Kitchen

Chiang Mai Kitchen

130a High Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 4DH

Housed in what was once Oxford's first police station, this Thai restaurant in the heart of Oxford serves a strong line-up of authentic, bold dishes. The menu focuses on traditional techniques and recipes. We highly recommend the tom yam soup.

£30 - £49
Thai
The Perch

The Perch

Binsey Lane, Binsey, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 0NG

We’ve stretched our list to include this 800-year-old Binsely pub overlooking Port Meadow. But the menu at The Perch makes it totally worth it. Enjoy pies and puddings, with time-honoured classics given the proper airtime they deserve.

£30 - £49
British

It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, so why not make the most of it and discover the best afternoon tea in Oxford and delight in cakes by the river? Alternatively, if you’re on the hunt for a special occasion location, kick the exclusivity up a notch and get yourself a private dining room in Oxford to celebrate in style.

If you don’t find something to your tastes here, don’t worry. You’ll find plenty of options from casual American barbecue joints to modern European restaurants just across the way at some of the best restaurants Bristol has to offer.

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