Best Restaurants Oxford

Oxford’s food scene is in its own league – you’ve got everything from student-friendly cheap eats to upscale riverside dining where people travel miles for a seat and book months in advance.

With Oxford’s diverse university population comes global cuisines that offer us everything from our favourite kind of classic pub lunch, to international dishes you would’ve only been lucky enough to try if you travelled abroad for it! Yes, you’ve got the chains – especially in areas like George Street and Cornmarket – but independent restaurants dominate the dining scene here, and rightly so.

During my many trips to Oxford I’ve discovered all the best restaurants to head to – including Turkish, Caribbean, and even Tibetan restaurants that would hold their own in London. Here are my most highly recommended restaurants in Oxford, and what makes them so good!

Cowley Road – The Heart of Oxford’s Culinary Diversity

If you’re after the most exciting food in Oxford, head straight to Cowley Road. This vibrant street – which is just a 15-minute walk east from the city centre – is where Oxford’s multiculturalism really shines through on a plate.

Antep Kitchen

Managed to get a last-minute table here on a Friday night last month and the place was absolutely heaving. Despite that, the service was absolutely brilliant – these guys run a well-oiled machine.

The lamb chops were just incredible – perfectly charred on the outside, juicy in the middle, and served with the most delicious garlic yoghurt. And don’t get me started on their freshly baked bread – I could have happily filled up on that alone!

It’s a bit pricier than some Turkish spots I’ve been to in London, but the portions are massive. My friend and I shared a mixed grill and still had leftovers to take home.

Location: 228 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1UH Contact: 01865 790908

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Spiced Roots

We came in here for a friend’s birthday dinner and was blown away by the goat curry. The meat was falling apart and the spicing was just perfect – warming rather than blow-your-head-off hot.

What I didn’t expect was how good their cocktails would be! Had a cashew apple daiquiri that was sooo delicious and dangerously easy to drink. They’ve got a decent rum selection too.

It’s not the cheapest spot on Cowley Road, but hey, you want the best then this is it – for a special occasion it’s absolutely worth it. The pumpkin curry is brilliant for vegetarians – my vegetarian friend ordered it and I actually had serious food envy myself.

Location: 64 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1JB Contact: 01865 242230

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Arbequina

This tiny little tapas bar is my absolute go-to for all kinds of occasions. I’ve had an anniversary dinner here, but also date night with the girls and for both evenings it was just perfect. The Spanish tortilla is genuinely the best I’ve ever had – and I’ve been to Spain quite a few times!

The place only has about 10 tables and it’s always packed. We usually perch at the bar and watch the chefs work their magic, which is part of the fun.

It’s not one for big groups or if you’re in a hurry. But for a relaxed evening of grazing on small plates with a couple of glasses of sherry or vino, it can’t be beaten. Just make sure you book way in advance – I’m talking weeks, not days.

Location: 74 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1JB Contact: 01865 792777

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Taste Tibet

This place started as a market stall and now it’s one of my favourite spots in East Oxford. Went there on a rainy Tuesday last month and had the most amazing lamb momos (dumplings). The chilli sauce they serve alongside is absolutely addictive – I ended up buying a jar to take home.

The owners are so lovely and clearly passionate about sharing their food culture. The menu isn’t huge but everything on it is done brilliantly. Their veggie options are just as good as the meat ones too, which isn’t always the case.

It’s pretty budget-friendly considering the quality – you can get a very filling meal for under £15. Perfect for when you fancy something a bit different from the usual curry or pizza.

Location: 109 Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RQ Contact: 01865 499318

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Jericho – Cosy and Upscale Dining

Jericho, the trendy neighbourhood just northwest of the city centre, is where you’ll find some of Oxford’s most reliable restaurants. It’s got a more ‘grown-up’ vibe than Cowley Road, and is perfect for date nights or when you want something a bit special but without the stuffiness (plus some super casual spots here and there).

Pierre Victoire

This little French bistro has been a safe bet for me for around 5 years now, whenever I visit Oxford. I took my parents here a few months ago and Dad’s still talking about the duck cassoulet.

What’s amazing about Pierre Victoire is the value – their set menu is around £17 for two courses and the quality is consistently excellent. The moules frites are always spot on, and their chocolate mousse is delicately indulgent.

It’s nothing fancy or pompous – just good, honest French cooking in a cosy setting with friendly service. They’re really accommodating with dietary requirements too, which isn’t always the case with French places.

Location: 9 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford OX1 2HP Contact: 01865 316616

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Zheng

Hands down the best Chinese food in Oxford. I had dinner here with 8 friends recently and it was brilliant. The hot pot dishes are amazing – perfect for these chilly Oxford evenings.

What makes Zheng so good is they don’t dumb down the spicing or flavours. Their Sichuan dishes have that real numbing heat that you rarely find in UK Chinese restaurants. The Malaysian options are fantastic too – the beef rendang was absolutely delicious.

It gets really busy with students and locals alike, so booking is essential, especially at weekends. Prices are pretty reasonable for the quality – about £25-30 per person if you’re sharing a few dishes.

Location: 82 Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6EA Contact: 01865 554455

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City Centre – Hidden Gems Amid the Hustle

Edamame

It’s quite easy to walk past this tiny Japanese spot – it’s really hidden away. The queue might give it away though! I queued for 20 minutes for their weekly sushi night (Thursday) and it was absolutely worth the wait.

The sashimi is some of the freshest I’ve had outside Japan, and their katsu curry is the real deal – not the overly sweet version you get in chains. Everything tastes homemade because it is – the lovely couple who run it cook everything themselves.

The opening hours are a bit odd (check their website before going), and they don’t take bookings, so be prepared to queue. (Handy tip: arrive 15 minutes before opening to avoid the worst of the queues.) Cash only too, which caught me out the first time!

Location: 15 Holywell Street, Oxford OX1 3SA Contact: No phone – check website

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North Oxford – Scenic and Sophisticated

If you’re looking for somewhere special, head north along the river where you’ll find some of Oxford’s most picturesque dining spots.

Cherwell Boathouse

Sometimes you just want what you’re used to – although Cherwell Boathouse still make it special. It’s a very good option for a special occasion like a graduation dinner. The setting is just magical – you’re literally right on the river watching punts glide by as you eat.

The food is modern British at its best – I had the most amazing piece of sea bass with samphire that was simply but perfectly cooked. Their wine list is excellent too – they clearly know their stuff and the sommelier was really helpful (and not snooty either!).

Mains are around £25-30, and the three-course set lunch is good value at about £30. It’s worth the bill. In summer, try to get a table on the terrace – just remember to book well in advance.

Location: Bardwell Road, Oxford OX2 6ST Contact: 01865 552746

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To Finish

So that’s my personal guide to eating out in Oxford, whether you’re a hungry student, visiting academic, or tourist looking to escape the obvious spots. And if you are a student, don’t forget to ask about student discounts wherever you go – a lot of them accommodate it!

Oxford is stunningly British, and it’s what makes it such a glorious place to visit. But our tastebuds don’t have to stick to classical – there’s so much choice here, as you can see in this top list!

Just remember that the really popular spots like Arbequina and Edamame fill up quickly, so don’t leave it to the last minute if you’ve got your heart set on somewhere special.