If you’re looking for the most exciting food in Oxford, head straight to Cowley Road. It’s on this bustling street, just a 15-minute walk east of the city center, that Oxford’s multiculturalism really shines through on the plate.
Antep Kitchen
Key Points
- Menu: Turkish classics and grilled meats (mains £14-22)
- Location: East Oxford, Cowley Road
- Place: Lively, sometimes noisy, with fast service
- Service times: Lunch and dinner every day
- Dietary requirements: Good for meat lovers, some vegetarian options
I managed to get a last minute table here on a Friday evening last month and the place was absolutely packed. Despite this, the service was absolutely brilliant – these guys run a well-oiled machine.
The lamb chops were simply amazing: perfectly charred on the outside, juicy in the middle and served with the most delicious garlic yogurt. And don’t get me started on their freshly baked bread – I would have happily stocked up on that alone!
It’s a little more expensive than some Turkish places I’ve been to in London, but the portions are huge. 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
Spicy roots
Key Points
- Menu: Caribbean classics with a modern twist (mains £12-18)
- Location: Cowley Road
- Place: Colorful and relaxed atmosphere
- Service hours: Dinner Tuesday to Sunday, lunch on weekends
- Dietary requirements: Excellent vegetarian options available
We came here for a friend’s birthday dinner and were blown away by the goat curry. The meat was falling apart and the spices were just perfect – warming rather than burning.
What I didn’t expect was how good their cocktails would be! There was a cashew apple daiquiri that was so delicious and dangerously easy to drink. They also have a good selection of rum.
It’s not the cheapest place on Cowley Road, but hey, you want the best, then this is it – for a special occasion it’s definitely worth it. The pumpkin curry is awesome for vegetarians – my vegetarian friend ordered it and I had a serious food craving myself.
Location: 64 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1JB Contact: 01865 242230
Arbequina
Key Points
- Menu: Small Spanish plates (£5-9 each, plan to order 3-4 per person)
- Location: Cowley Road
- Place: Intimate converted pharmacy
- Service hours: Dinner from Thursday to Saturday only
- Dietary requirements: Good mix of meat, fish and vegetarian options
This tiny tapas bar is my go-to for all kinds of occasions. I had a birthday dinner here, but also a date night with the girls and for both evenings it was just perfect. The Spanish tortilla is seriously the best I’ve ever had – and I’ve been to Spain many times!
The place only has about ten 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.
This is not a place for large groups or if you are in a hurry. But for a relaxed evening enjoying small plates with a few glasses of sherry or vino, there’s nothing better. Just make sure you book well in advance – I’m talking weeks, not days.
Location: 74 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1JB Contact: 01865 792777
Taste Tibet
Key Points
- Menu: Tibetan dumplings, curries and stews (£8-14)
- Location: Magdalen Road (just off Cowley Road)
- Place: Casual, welcoming, family
- Service times: Lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday
- Dietary requirements: Excellent vegetarian and vegan options
This place started as a market stall and is now one of my favorite places in East Oxford. I went there on a rainy Tuesday last month and had the most amazing lamb momos (dumplings). The chili sauce they serve is absolutely addictive – I ended up buying a jar to take home.
The owners are very lovely and clearly passionate about sharing their culinary culture. The menu is not huge but everything is done brilliantly. Their vegetarian options are just as good as their meat options, which isn’t always the case.
It’s quite economical considering the quality: you can get a very filling meal for less than £15. Perfect for when you’re craving something a little different from the usual curry or pizza.
Location: 109 Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RQ Contact: 01865 499318
Jericho – Comfortable and upscale dining
Jericho, the trendy neighborhood just northwest of the city center, is where you’ll find some of Oxford’s most reliable restaurants. It has a more ‘grown-up’ vibe than Cowley Road and is perfect for date nights or when you want something a little special but without the crowd (plus a few super laid-back places here and there).
Pierre Victoire
Key Points
- Menu: Classic French bistro fare (menu £16.90 for 2 courses)
- Location: Little Clarendon Street, Jericho
- Place: Warm and authentic French bistro
- Service times: Lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday
- Dietary requirements: Good gluten free options if you ask
This little French bistro has been a safe bet for me for about 5 years now, every time I visit Oxford. I took my parents here a few months ago and Dad is still talking about the duck cassoulet.
What’s amazing about Pierre Victoire is the value for money: their menu costs around £17 for two courses and the quality is always excellent. The mussels and fries are always perfect and their chocolate mousse is delicately delicious.
There’s nothing fancy or pompous – just good, honest French food in a warm setting with friendly service. They are also very accommodating with dietary requirements, which is not always the case in French establishments.
Location: 9 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford OX1 2HP Contact: 01865 316616
Zheng
Key Points
- Menu: Chinese and Malaysian specialties (mains £10-16)
- Location: Walton Street, Jericho
- Place: Modern and vibrant atmosphere
- Service times: Lunch and dinner every day
- Dietary requirements: Ideal for groups with mixed diets
Hands down the best Chinese food in Oxford. I recently had dinner here with 8 friends and it was awesome. The hot dishes are amazing – perfect for those chilly Oxford evenings.
What makes Zheng so good is that they don’t downplay the spices or flavors. Their Sichuan dishes have that real numbing heat that you rarely find in UK Chinese restaurants. The Malaysian options are also fantastic – the beef rendang was absolutely delicious.
It gets busy, both students and locals, so reservations are essential, especially on weekends. Prices are quite reasonable for the quality – around £25-30 per person if you share a few dishes.
Location: 82 Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6EA Contact: 01865 554455
Downtown – Hidden gems amidst the hustle and bustle
Edamame
Key Points
- Menu: Authentic Japanese home cooking (£8-15 per dish)
- Location: Holywell Street, near New College
- Place: Small, friendly, only 24 places
- Service hours: Wednesday lunch, Thu-Sat dinner, Sunday lunch only
- Dietary requirements: Good vegetarian options available
It’s quite easy to walk past this little Japanese corner – it’s truly hidden. But the queue might give it away! I waited in line for 20 minutes for their weekly sushi night (Thursday) and it was definitely worth the wait.
The sashimi is some of the freshest I’ve had outside of Japan, and their katsu curry is the real deal – not the overly sweet version you find at the chains. Everything tastes homemade because it is – the lovely couple who run it prepare everything themselves.
The opening hours are a bit strange (check their website before you go) and they don’t take reservations, so be prepared to queue. (Practical tip: arrive 15 minutes before opening to avoid the worst queues.) In cash too, which surprised me at first!
Location: 15 Holywell Street, Oxford OX1 3SA Contact: No phone – check website
North Oxford – quaint and sophisticated
If you’re looking for somewhere special, head north along the river, where you’ll find some of Oxford’s most picturesque restaurants.
Cherwell Boathouse
Key Points
- Menu: Seasonal British gourmet cuisine (meals £22-30)
- Location: Bardwell Road, on the River Cherwell
- Place: Converted Victorian boathouse with riverside terrace
- Service times: Lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday
- Dietary requirements: Always at least one vegetarian option
Sometimes you just want what you’re used to – although Cherwell Boathouse still makes it special. This is a great option for a special occasion like a graduation dinner. The setting is simply magical: you are literally by the river and watch the boats go by while you eat.
The food is modern British at its best – I had the most amazing piece of sea bass with samphire which was simply but perfectly cooked. Their wine list is also excellent – they clearly know their stuff and the sommelier was really helpful (and not pretentious either!).
Main courses cost between £25 and £30 and the three-course lunch is good value at around £30. It’s worth the bill. In summer, try to find a table on the terrace – just remember to book well in advance.
Location: Bardwell Road, Oxford OX2 6ST Contact: 01865 552746
To finish
So there you have it, my personal guide to eating out in Oxford, whether you’re a hungry student, a visiting academic, or a tourist looking to escape the obvious places. And if you’re a student, don’t forget to ask about student discounts wherever you go – many of them accommodate them!
Oxford is incredibly British and that’s what makes it such a wonderful place to visit. But our taste buds don’t have to stick to the classic: there are so many choices here, as you can see in this list!
Remember that very popular places like Arbequina and Edamame fill up quickly, so don’t leave it last minute if you have your heart set on a special place.
