15 perfect restaurants in Oxford, United Kingdom

Welcome to the magnificent city of Oxford, where dining is an art form and foodies roam freely! Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure as we unveil the 15 best restaurants this town has to offer. From mouthwatering fish and chips that would make the Queen jealous, to magical Indian curry that could summon the genie from Aladdin, Oxford's dining scene will leave you begging for seconds. So, grab your stretchy pants and get ready to eat your way through our gastronomic wonderland – you won't leave hungry or without a curious food baby!

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1. The Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant

4 (462)

Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH, UK

Nestled atop the fabulous Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, lies The Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant – a delightful gastronomic sanctuary that shall captivate both your senses and your tummies! With its stunning panoramic views of the historic city, this culinary haven promises a dining experience so divine, it'll make you exclaim, "Oh my gosh, I'm in foodie heaven!" From the moment your taste buds savor the delicacies meticulously crafted by the talented chefs, you'll understand why the Ashmolean's rooftop is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the belly! Bon appétit, dear travelers, for Oxford has never tasted quite so good!

www.benugo.com

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2. Glenfall House

4 (12)

Mill Lane, Coach House, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL54 4EP, UK

Nestled within the whimsical city of Oxford, Glenfall House is a charming haven that evokes a sense of stepping into a Jane Austen novel. This splendid Georgian mansion boasts enchanting gardens that could easily rival the fanciest of royal palaces – perfect for strolling aimlessly in your finest bonnet. Inside, you will find elegantly furnished rooms that will make you feel like you have inadvertently time-traveled to the era of luscious petticoats and tea parties.

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3. The Magdalen Arms

4.5 (938)

243 Iffley Rd, Oxford OX4 1SJ, UK

Tucked away in the picturesque Oxford, The Magdalen Arms is the magical mecca for those seeking delightful debauchery and culinary adventures. This gem of a pub, with its quirky charm, surprises its patrons with an eccentric atmosphere that seamlessly marries traditional British pub culture with an unapologetic twist of modern quirkiness. Whether you fancy feasting on their delectable fish and chips or sipping on a pint of locally brewed ale, this lively joint is sure to leave you wondering whether you’ve wandered into a whimsical gastronomic wonderland.

www.magdalenarms.co.uk

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4. The Jam Factory

4.2 (1096)

4 Hollybush Row, Oxford OX1 1HU, UK

Nestled in the heart of Oxford, The Jam Factory is a quirky establishment that has an irresistible allure for jam enthusiasts and hipsters alike. This former industrial building has been transformed into a hub of creativity, where you can savor delectable homemade jams while pretending to be cultured. With its mismatched furniture and artsy ambience, The Jam Factory is a place where you can sip your artisanal tea and ponder intellectual questions like, "If a jar of jam falls in the forest, does it make a sticky mess?"

www.thejamfactoryoxford.com

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5. The Trout Inn

4.2 (3313)

195 Godstow Rd, Wolvercote, Oxford OX2 8PN, UK

Welcome to The Trout Inn, an Oxford gem that is as picturesque as its own name suggests. Nestled by the banks of the River Thames, this charming inn will lure you in with its rustic charm and cheeky British humor. With its low wooden beams and cozy ambiance, you might swear you've stepped back in time - just don't hit your head, it's a very British tradition to do so. br> As you sip on a pint of ale in the sprawling riverside garden, you may catch sight of rowers gliding along the Thames, swans gracefully floating by, or even a professor who has snuck away from the university for some clandestine relaxation. And if you're feeling peckish, fear not, for The Trout Inn serves up proper pub grub that will satisfy even the most finicky of taste buds - just pray that your sense of humor is not allergic to puns, as the menu is teeming with them! So, if you fancy a merry romp through Oxford's literary history, accompanied by good company, laughter, and perhaps a pint or two, The Trout Inn is the fishy spot for your adventure.

www.thetroutoxford.co.uk

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6. The Vaults & Garden Cafe

4.5 (1011)

University Church, 1 Radcliffe Sq, Oxford OX1 4AH, UK

Welcome to The Vaults & Garden Cafe in the enchanting city of Oxford, where you can feast on scrumptious food like a peckish scholar pondering the mysteries of the universe. This hidden gem, nestled amidst ancient stone walls, offers a quaint yet lively ambiance that makes you feel like you've stumbled upon a secret rendezvous of literature-loving squirrels. From their delightful garden terrace, you can enjoy a cup of tea whilst elegantly dodging fierce pigeon battles, providing ample entertainment for all the bird enthusiasts who secretly wish they had wings.

www.thevaultsandgarden.com

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7. The Chester Arms

4.6 (1258)

19 Chester St, Oxford OX4 1SN, UK

Nestled in the heart of Oxford, The Chester Arms is a delightful pub that seemingly transports you back to a time where flat caps, tweed coats, and monocles were all the rage. With its idyllic cobbled streets, this gem of a watering hole is the perfect spot to quench your thirst for both ale and some good ol' Sherlock Holmes-esque charm. As you enter, you'll be greeted by the warm embrace of locals who can navigate the extensive beer menu better than they can navigate their way around a conversation about the weather.

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8. Cherwell Boathouse

4.5 (1387)

Bardwell Rd, Oxford OX2 6ST, UK

Take a break from the chaos of city life and immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Cherwell Boathouse in Oxford. Nestled amidst picturesque meadows and serene waterways, this quirky hideaway is the perfect spot to channel your inner gondolier... minus the Italian accent, of course. Hop aboard one of their quaint punts and prepare for an adventure of unapologetic amateur rowing, accompanied by vibrant swans showing off their graceful "look-at-me" poses.

cherwellboathouse.co.uk

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9. Quod Brasserie

4.3 (1247)

92-94 High St, Oxford OX1 4BJ, UK

Welcome to Quod Brasserie in charming Oxford, where you're just a stone's throw away from experiencing a dining adventure that will leave you glowing like a philosopher who just discovered the meaning of life. A feast for the senses, Quod's stylish and spacious interior is the perfect spot to indulge in some fabulous people-watching, as you discreetly judge the attire choices of the local academics who seem to have mistaken a library for a fashion runway. With a menu that will make your taste buds tap dance with joy, be prepared for a blend of classic British fare with a dash of continental flair, leaving you wondering if you've stumbled upon the Holy Grail of gastronomy.

www.quod.co.uk

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10. The Old Parsonage Hotel

4.6 (487)

1-3 Banbury Rd, Oxford OX2 6NN, UK

Welcome to The Old Parsonage Hotel, the Oxford retreat that combines historic charm with a dash of whimsy, ensuring you a stay that is more delightful than discovering a secret pane of glass in an ancient book. Nestled in the heart of Oxford, this captivating hotel boasts a history so rich that even the walls can't help but tell tales of philosophical debates and scholarly escapades – though they've been kind enough to keep quiet about any midnight rendezvous with Shakespeare. With rooms exuding an elegance fit for a king, you might find it hard to resist the temptation of imagining yourself as a character straight out of a Jane Austen novel – just try not to start speaking in flowery prose, as the neighboring guests might find it a tad peculiar.

www.oldparsonagehotel.co.uk

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11. The Oxford Kitchen

4.6 (264)

215 Banbury Rd, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7HQ, UK

Welcome to The Oxford Kitchen, where culinary dreams come true and waistlines disappear. As you step inside this gastronomic oasis, be prepared to have your taste buds whisked away on a wild and delectable adventure. Brace yourself for imaginative creations that will make your mouth water and your belly do a little happy dance - just make sure you remember to leave room for dessert, because life is too short for such self-imposed deprivation!

www.kitchenfoodco.co.uk

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12. Pierre Victoire

4.6 (1370)

9 Little Clarendon St, Oxford OX1 2HP, UK

Welcome to Pierre Victoire in Oxford, where French cuisine meets English charm! This quirky little restaurant tucked away in the heart of the city promises a delightful dining experience that will make you say "Oui, oui!" The charming staff, dressed in traditional berets and striped shirts, add an extra dose of joie de vivre to your evening, while the delectable dishes will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Paris.

www.pierrevictoire.co.uk

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13. The Perch

4.6 (2642)

Binsey Ln, Binsey, Oxford OX2 0NG, UK

Nestled among the dreaming spires of Oxford, The Perch beckons weary travelers with its irresistible charm. Step into this delightful haven and be transported to a world where time seems to slow down, and worries simply evaporate. With its picturesque riverside location, this quirky pub promises stunning views, unruly ducks, and the occasional local attempting to sail a homemade boat – truly an experience you won't find in any ordinary alehouse!

the-perch.co.uk

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14. The Rusty Bicycle

4.5 (1184)

28 Magdalen Rd, Oxford OX4 1RB, UK

Nestled in the heart of Oxford, The Rusty Bicycle is a peculiar gem that humbly showcases its eccentricity through its mismatched décor and enchanting ambience. With walls adorned by a whimsical mishmash of bicycle-themed memorabilia, this quirky joint is a haven for bike enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of the unconventional. Sip on a frothy pint of local ale amidst the company of friendly locals, while pretending to appreciate the existential musings of a unicycling squirrel, and you'll understand why The Rusty Bicycle is an unmissable stop on any Oxford adventure.

www.therustybicycle.com

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15. Gee's Restaurant

4.3 (1089)

61-63 Banbury Rd, Park Town, Oxford OX2 6PE, UK

As you stroll down the charming streets of Oxford, prepare yourself for an epic culinary adventure at Gee's Restaurant. Nestled in a Victorian glasshouse, this exquisite eatery is a botanical wonderland that offers visitors not just a meal, but a whimsical journey through the flavors of the world. With a menu that boasts irresistible dishes like "Mediterranean Magic" and "Asian Infusion," you'll be left wondering if you've stumbled upon a hidden portal to gastronomic nirvana.

www.geesrestaurant.co.uk

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Oxford, United Kingdom by plane is to fly into London Heathrow Airport and take the direct coach service to Oxford, which takes around 90 minutes.

Car

Driving to Oxford is also an option. The A34 runs straight into Oxford from the North and South, and there are several car parks located in the city.

Train

Travelling by train is also a convenient option. Take the train from London Paddington Station to Oxford, which takes around an hour.

Boat

Oxford is not accessible by boat as it is landlocked and not near any navigable rivers or canals.

Bus

The most direct way to get to Oxford by bus is to take the Oxford Tube bus service which runs between Oxford and London every 10-15 minutes.

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Oxford Uncovered: A 4-Day Family Adventure on a Budget

A trip to Oxford, United Kingdom is an excellent choice for a family-friendly vacation. With its rich history and prestigious university, Oxford offers numerous attractions suitable for all ages. Explore the famous Bodleian Library, go punting on the River Cherwell, and visit the Oxford Museum of Natural History for an educational and entertaining experience that the entire family will enjoy.

A Day Trip to Oxford: Exploring Wonders & Imagination

Oxford, known as the "City of Dreaming Spires," offers a wealth of family-friendly activities and attractions. Explore the famous Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera, relishing in the city's rich academic history. Take a peaceful punting trip along the serene River Cherwell or indulge in the interactive exhibits at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, ensuring a memorable and educational experience for the whole family.

A Whimsical Journey Through Oxford's Hidden Delights

A family-friendly trip to Oxford, United Kingdom offers an enriching experience with its world-renowned universities and fascinating history. Parents and children can explore the historic buildings of Oxford University, take a peaceful stroll along the River Thames, and visit the charming museums and art galleries in the city. With its vibrant atmosphere, cultural heritage, and educational opportunities, Oxford is an ideal destination for a memorable family getaway.

Escape to Oxford: A Romantic Weekend Getaway

Escape to Oxford, a quintessentially British university city, and indulge in a romantic weekend getaway with your loved one. Enjoy strolling through picturesque gardens and visiting world-renowned museums and galleries, before settling into an intimate candlelit dinner at one of Oxford’s many charming restaurants. End your memorable trip with a sunset stroll along the serene River Thames.