If wandering around the quaint and cobbled streets has left you feeling a little peckish, then why not check out some of the finest eateries this gorgeous city has to offer. From quirky boozers touting hearty fare and ice-cold pints, to swanky haunts with chic interiors, we have rounded up the best restaurants in Oxford.
Set in a stylish and inviting space, Cosy Club Oxford blends elevated dining with contemporary charm. Whether it's breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, the menu caters to all tastes, from American pancakes with smoked streaky bacon to tiramisu martinis that double as dessert cocktails.
With cocktails like mango coladas and flapper fizz martinis to complement every bite, it's the ideal spot for a relaxed meal or a celebratory night out.
Head to Brasserie Blanc for refined French dining that feels easy-going, centred around comfort food executed with the detail and precision of a fine dining establishment. Treating every dish with care, expect exceptional flavours and stunning presentation, with seasonal ingredients and classic techniques at the heart of the menus.
From twice-baked soufflé and escargot to dry-aged steaks and pan-fried gnocchi, just know you're in for a hearty meal – best paired with something from the curated wine list or cocktail menu.
Housed within the Westgate shopping centre, Mowgli is a top place to eat in Oxford. At this fabulous venue, you'll get to dig into mouthwatering Indian street food, including chicken curries, tea-steeped chickpeas and lamb chops.
Open from breakfast 'til late and offering a plethora of seasonal big plates, it's no wonder The George Street Social is one of our top Oxford city centre restaurants. Delve into tasty grub over a few board games, or gather your pals for a cocktail night complete with classic tipples.
Pizza Pilgrims 4 Course Xmas Feasting Menu - £32.50 per person
If you're searching for Italian restaurants in Oxford, then head to Westgate's Pizza Pilgrims. Whether you're hungry for wood-fired slices or garlic bread, this eatery really is home to some of the best doughy delights in the biz. Fancy some booze? Check out their wine or beer selection.
The polished wood, brass finishes and calm ambience of Browns Oxford is immortalised in the classic William Boyd novel 'Restless'. The charming restaurant and bar in a former Morris garage has a menu that's just as noteworthy.
Covering everything from brunch classics and succulent steaks to daily market fish and afternoon tea, there's a dish for every occasion. Over on the drinks list, you've got fine wine, champagne and all kinds of signature and seasonal cocktails.
Fronting swish, bistro-style interiors in one of Oxford's most famous buildings (the 1000-year-old Mitre), Gusto is a delightful Italian restaurant whipping up classic and modern dishes to keen diners. Take a seat in the Grade II-listed building to tuck into the likes of scallop and prawn ravioli, honey and balsamic-glazed duck breast, and marghertia pizzas.
Situated on the rooftop of the Westgate Centre in Oxford, The Alchemist is an ideal location for tasty grub with pals. Enjoy tucking into their delicious breakfast dishes with bottomless bubbles, or opt for a few small plates while overlooking the stunning city.
Found on Mill Street, The Porterhouse Grill & Rooms is a relaxed, modern space for drinking and dining, with seven guest rooms on-site too. They serve a wide variety of local ales, classic cocktails and fine wines, which pair perfectly with the food menu.
They specialise in up to 35 day-aged steaks, sourced from the nearby Alden's butchers and aged in-house. That's not all that's on offer though - think grilled portobello mushrooms, whole sea bream or grilled bacon chop.
🍔 Midweek Eats - 1 Course & A Drink for £14 or 2 Courses & A Drink for £18 🥤 and 3 other offers
You can always rely on Slug and Lettuce for wallet-friendly meals in the heart of Oxford. From cheesy chicken wings to katsu curries, this crackin' spot has a boatload of plates to enjoy. To top it off, there's also a patio and beer garden for alfresco dining.
Looking for a tasty Thai restaurant in Oxford? Leave it all to Thaikhun's fragrant curries and grilled chicken skewers. With a boat suspended from the ceiling, a tuk tuk by the bar and bric-a-brac aplenty, this George Street haunt is as much a feast for the eyes as it is an empty stomach.
An imposing four-storey building in the heart of the city, The Varsity Club spans across four stories of stylish space. Expect tasteful, dark interiors dotted with plants and glowing purple lights, as well as a stunning rooftop terrace that offers unbeatable views.
Their menu features everything from pulled pork loaded fries to poached salmon and smokey plant-based burgers. As for the drinks? They also happen to be serving up some of Oxford's finest cocktails.
With low hanging lights, exposed interiors and bench seating, the Oxford Brunch bar is a homely spot for a bite to eat, whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch or a leisurely brunch.
It takes its ingredients incredibly seriously, serving up sustainability across every dish. We're talking Arlington White Eggs and DeGustibus artisan bread, along with as much locally sourced grub as possible. Whatever takes your fancy, from classics like the Full Oxford to huevos rancheros and French toast croissants, there's a drink to match. Keep it traditional with teas and coffees or kick things up a notch with cava cocktails and sensational Spanish wine.
Fancy a tour of the world with food? Yup. From Japan to Mexico, COSMO Oxford is whipping up a fabulous range of eats for those of you craving international flavours. To top it off, this glorious venue has an open kitchen space, so you can watch the chefs work their magic.
On the hunt for Michelin star restaurants in Oxford? Then head to The Nut Tree Inn for some first-class eats. Touting a 7-course tasting menu alongside an impressive a la carte, this drool-worthy spot is perfect for date nights or special occasions. As for drinks? Check out the wine selection.
Victors Oxford is a beauty long before you look at the menu. Up on the roof, its serves up stunning views of the city beneath its iconic wisteria trees.
The dishes demand just as much attention. We're talking hearty breakfasts, afternoon tea, epic Sunday roasts, yuzu tacos and mega mains like the mojo chicken and lobster spaghettini.
Located in Summertown, 215 Kitchen & Drinks combines exceptional cuisine with a more relaxed feel. You might have spied executive chef Paul Welburn on The Great British Menu, but now it's your chance to chow down on this fine British fare. Think scallops and succulent venison.
Home to a quintessentially British afternoon tea, and a crackin' range of seasonal dishes, it's no wonder why the Quod Oxford menu has quite the reputation. Head to this city centre location to enjoy tasty eats in the stunning dining space, or Italian-style heated terrace.
Home to French cuisine, Pompette is a fabulous spot for fine dining in Oxford. Expect melt-in-the-mouth dishes, including grilled lamb cutlets or halibut with spinach and crab bisque. If you're thirsty, they also have a stunning bar that offers bespoke concoctions.
If you're on the hunt for quirky places to eat in Oxford, then The Breakfast Club is a firm choice. Home to an all-day breakfast, this hotspot is serving up all manner of treats to satisfy any cravings, including stacked brioche French toast and disco hash. Plus, their tropical tiki bar hosts its own bottomless brunch too.
If you're looking for the best restaurants in Oxford city centre, then check out Comptoir Libanais. This stunning eatery not only offers vibrant interiors inspired by souks in the Middle East, but they also serve up Lebanese plates, from meaty tagines to homemade dips. Yum.
