Oxford, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“A great Oxford institution” set in the “fifteenth-century vaults of the university church” – this ethical and organic café makes an “excellent stop-off point during a busy day in Oxford” – whether you’re shopping or studying texts next door in the Bodleian Library. “Superb coffee, decent food and a very civilised atmosphere, despite sometimes being crowded”.

“Just on the edge of central Oxford”, this “lovely” listed Victorian conservatory (“twinkly in the evenings”) has been a local favourite for many years and is a natural choice for romance. Even fans, though, concede it’s “not cheap” to an extent that’s a turn-off for one or two reporters.

“A lovely spot to enjoy rooftop views of Oxford” – this better-than-average venue on the top floor of the museum has a “competent but limited menu that’s good if rather pricey”, and also serves afternoon teas. It opens out into a rooftop cocktail bar with deckchairs in the summer, but gets crowded in all seasons – so make sure you book to avoid being shunted into the basement refectory.

“Right in the heart of Oxford”, this “busy” and well-known bistro (part of the Old Bank Hotel) with a “lovely courtyard”, has a solid reputation for “cooking that’s not fancy but reliable and decent value”. Attractions include “an excellent breakfast with first-rate coffee”.

“Sunday roasts are legendary, with care lavished on the ingredients”, say fans of this well-known varsity gastropub – “a busy place” (some would say “too noisy to be enjoyable” when it’s “packed out”: i.e. often), which has just celebrated its 10th anniversary. But while it’s rated consistently well, even so it can seem a case of “much hype about nothing”, and its albeit good ratings are not in the same league as its famous stablemate, London’s Anchor & Hope.

Bang, slap in the heart of the town, this almost “rustic” spot with “wooden floors and bare tables” is part of a social enterprise, with a dining room opening off a very busy coffee shop. “There’s a limited choice, but always something of interest” – “simple dishes, simply served” by “sweet staff”. Not a particularly foodie hotspot, but “there’s nothing not to like here”.

“At last Oxford is getting some good restaurants” say fans of this very central Gallic-tinted British brasserie, est. 2017, who praise its “super” food and a well-appointed interior (green walls, copper tables) that “feels special” – partly due to fancy additions like the dedicated cocktail and Champagne/oyster bars. It did, though, also inspire the odd ‘off’ report.