Where to Eat in Oxford: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 4, 2018 Stefan Strunk

In the "city of dreaming spires," academia takes center stage. Gaze out at Oxford's world-famous university from the top of Carfax Tower before heading into the city's pedestrian-friendly streets. Follow your nose to the Covered Market for the makings of a picnic to enjoy at Headington Hill Park. Mix the historic and modern with visits to the 12th-century village church of Iffley and trendy Cowley's ethnic shops and music venues.
Things to do in Oxford

1. Pierre Victoire

9 Little Clarendon Street | Jericho, Oxford OX1 2HP, England Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar French, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$86 - HK$314 +44 1865 316616
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Pierre Victoire

Reviewed By Dazed-n-confuzed - Reykjavik, Iceland

We’ve been here twice now and both times were a great experience, you can practically order anything and be sure that it will be superbly cooked and presented, super efficient fast service in a pleasant bistro style restaurant. The fixed price lunch menu is amazing value this place is the benchmark we measure other restaurants by now.

2. Moya

97 St. Clements Street, Oxford OX4 1AR, England Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available European, Eastern European, Central European, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$78 - HK$165 +44 1865 200111
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 276 reviews

Moya

Reviewed By R710XYkarenw - Derby

Was a touch worried when my daughter wished to eat here last Wednesday, but was pleasantly surprised. Thought that it might be all cabbage and dumplings and fatty pork but it was nothing like that. Yes my daughter had dumplings and sauerkraut but I had duck confit which was delicious and served with red cabbage. The portions are quite large so shared a dessert and finished off with a very strong Slovakian pear liqueur just as well we had taken the bus.

3. Spice Lounge

Banbury Road, Oxford, England Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Indian, Asian, Balti, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$157 - HK$235
Excellent
66%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 533 reviews

Spice Lounge

Reviewed By AHMED7864

Its was my first time visit to the Spice Lounge restaurant, which is situated in the hearts of Oxford and is converted from a listed building. I was introduced to this restaurant by some friends, (Mr Raj, a property developer and a director of the Eton Property group of Northampton and Mr Shariff Mohammed, a business tycoon from London) who have visited it before.
On my arrival, I immediately began to enjoy the beautiful ambience of the restaurant, which was of ancient and contemporary features. For example, the stone walls, wooden picture frames and LED lightening and the modern wine bar. We sat in one of the cubicle with ease and ordered a meal. I was told that the restaurant had cover of 120 seats between two floors and the owner was thinking about refurbishment. My personal opinion is that it would ruin the ambience of the restaurants if further improvement was to be made to this historic building.
The waiters were very friendly and hospitable and their service was prompt. After we ordered the food, the refreshment immediately came to our table and I found that the popodams were very crispy and the chutneys were truly amazing with flavours of garlic and tamarind. I realised that for a Monday night, and the slow month of January, the restaurant was very busy but soon discovered the reason for it. It was because of good food.
We were served with King Prawn Saag, Tandoori Chicken Bhuna , Dhall Tarka and Bombay potaoes and special Indian lime salad. The food was extremely tasty and every dish had different exotic flavours. The king prawns dish was cooked in a garlic sauce with baby spinach and the tandoori chicken dish was spicy and tasty and the Tarka Dhall was exceptional.
We did not waste time after the meal because we had traditional ice cream, Mango Kulfi and British coffee before I set out to perform live karaoke. The night went wild with everyone joining in for bit of fun because they never met Indian Rick Ashley.
I recommend that everyone try this great restaurant and let me know about their experience. This is a five star restaurant and there is plenty of parking because the road stretches to a long distance.

4. The Kazbar

25-27 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1HP, England Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Moroccan, Mediterranean, Spanish, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks HK$55 - HK$165 +44 1865 202920
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 548 reviews

The Kazbar

"Recommended as one of the best tapas bars in Britain" (The Observer) and it's not hard to see why. Step through the door into a place somewhere between Seville and Marrakesh, and lose yourself. The attention to detail from decor to menu is outstanding! Jerez by the glass, plates of Jamon Iberico and Manchego cheese, and that's just to start you off. Don't miss this gem of Oxford

Reviewed By Klaudia S - London, United Kingdom

Totally new to Oxford we were walking in the vague direction of where we wanted to be which was the Kazbar. Unaware what we were looking at we commented on how amazing the frontage looked only to realize on closer inspection it was our destination place.
1. Tapas was delicious.
2. Atmosphere first class.
3. Friendly and proffesional staff.
4. Drinks as good as anything found in London.
As a matter of fact we popped in the very next day for a drink :)
Can't wait to be back here in the future.

5. Oxford's Grill

21 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1HP, England Takeout, Seating, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards Mediterranean, European, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$16 - HK$118 +44 1865 201120
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 299 reviews

Oxford's Grill

Oxford's Grill Restaurant reflects the abundance and fertility of the Mediterranean region in its character and has thoroughly acquired its outstanding flavours. It is a stylish brasserie restaurant providing comfortable dining in authentic and intimate surroundings with plenty of lighting, with mutual relaxing environment which provides a warm and cosy atmosphere. We provide efficient and friendly service and our guests are served only freshly prepared dishes by our by our chefs with great culinary experience. You can enjoy a wide range of dishes from our restaurant, lunch set, a Turkish cuisine and chef's specials menus as well as Special offers. We make your special occasions unforgettable.

Reviewed By coughandcath - Oxford, United Kingdom

Visited here a couple of weeks ago with friends . The set mean of two courses and a glass of wine is really great value at £12.95 . Chicken kebabs were great but lamb shanks were the best !

6. Yeti Nepalese Restaurant

237 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1XG, England Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Delivery, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards Indian, Asian, Nepali, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$133 - HK$196 +44 1865 295959
Excellent
76%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 813 reviews

Yeti Nepalese Restaurant

Yeti Nepalese Restaurant is situated on the vibrant Cowley Road, Oxford. We are small family run business with passion of excellent customer services and delicious foods, where our customers to feel they are visiting family home not a restaurant. We always use fresh ingredients with Nepalese herbs & spices to give excellent taste in our foods. We are proud to serve authentic Nepalese cuisine to our customers in our restaurant. Our food is based on "Healthy Eating" concept and our contemporary dining atmosphere offers comfortable sitting for families and groups. We are the proud Winner of Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 2013 and 2015 in Asian category.

Reviewed By Sallyanne1953 - Oxford, United Kingdom

This place is a winner. Wonderful delicious fresh food. Lovely friendly staff. Warm welcome. Very affordable. Really can’t fault it. It’s become my favourite place to eat in Oxford . We went for Valentines night. We were given red roses and heart shaped chocolates. The poppadoms are amazing.

7. The Old Bookbinders Ale House

17-18 Victor Street | Jericho, Oxford OX2 6BT, England (Formerly Old Bookbinders) Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi French, Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$78 - HK$196 +44 1865 553549
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 599 reviews

The Old Bookbinders Ale House

Reviewed By Tim G - Chelmsford, United Kingdom

Went for Saturday lunch before a match and hope we are in the same league next year so I can repeat the experience! The staff were friendly and knowledgeable The menu was slim which I think is good for a pub The food was tasty...MoreHi Tim, Thanks for a lovely review. Hope to catch you on the next match game!

8. Seven Stars

The Green | Marsh Baldon, Oxford OX44 9LP, England (Formerly Seven Stars Public House) Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$78 - HK$165 +44 1865 343337
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 462 reviews

Seven Stars

In 2013 the Seven Stars was bought by the local community who afforded the opportunity of running their pub to a local tenant. The pub is set in the stunning village of Marsh Baldon, which is just off the A4074 by Nuneham Courtenay and just 3 miles from Oxford.The pub is set up to serve good British pub food from open until 9pm every day and is a central part of the bustling local community.With a great garden and set right next to the largest village green in Europe the outside area is ideal for walkers and is also dog friendly. The local area also includes the Harcourt Arboretum for all those loving their outdoor walks.As part of their plan for the pub the local community has also invested in the conversion of existing buildings to make an additional restaurant space. This converted barn space opened in November 2013, with views south over the countryside it has proven to be an excellent addition to the ambiance of the pub. Now with the garden having been re-turfed, new furniture, adding in garden games for the kids and an Aunt Sally track it is a great spot to while away your day. We look forward to welcoming you to our pub soon.

Reviewed By Hugs761 - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom

We called in at this lovely country pub when travelling home. We had a gorgeous lunch, a perfect beef roast with all the trimmings and a good price too. Very friendly staff too.

9. Thirsty Meeples

99 Gloucester Green, Oxford OX1 2DF, England (Formerly Thirsty Meeples Board Game Cafe) Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Cafe, British, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Brunch, Late Night, Drinks HK$63 - HK$110 +44 1865 244247
Excellent
73%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 205 reviews

Thirsty Meeples

Thirsty Meeples is the UK&apos;s first (and continues to be the greatest) board game cafe. We have a collection of over 2&apos;600 board games available to play.<br>(Full listing at www.thirstymeeples.co.uk) <br>Classic, Children&apos;s, Strategy, Abstract, Family, Two-Player, Fantasy & Adventure, Party, Dice and Card games. More games are added every week.<br>For your fee you get three hours during which you can play as many games as you like! <br>There is a cover charge of £6 For Adults, £5 For Children aged 12 and under. Our staff called Game Gurus can help with choosing games from our collection and explaining the rules. <br>We provide a full table service with a range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes and snacks. <br>Now of course we sell board games too and if there is something specific you&apos;re looking for just give us a ring and we&apos;ll let you know if it&apos;s available! <br>We&apos;re open Monday to Friday 11am to 11pm (dependant on business), Saturday 9am to midnight, Sunday 9am to 11pm.

Reviewed By KinkyNoodle - Oxford, United Kingdom

We came here for a Saturday early evening. There were four adults and a 15 year old boy. Had some beers and wine and played three games. The waiter/guide, Fergus, was very patient with us and took us through a fair few games before we settled on them.
We all really enjoyed the time we had and will definitely return.

10. Oli's Thai

38 Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RB, England Outdoor Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$31 - HK$220 +44 1865 790223
Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 620 reviews

Oli's Thai

Small thai restaurant. Bookings essential.

Reviewed By 99CG99 - Oxford, United Kingdom

Been a while since I went here and I would no go back.
Small restaurant, smaller menu and pretty unimpressive food.
Dropped in another time with a friend to make a booking. Although they were shut there was somebody there who made it quite obvious they were shut and were not interested in taking a booking.

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