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”.

The Folly occupies a unique riverside position in the heart of Oxford. The restaurant provides simply served, excellently cooked dishes crafted from wonderfuly fresh seasonal ingredients.Outside there is a beautiful dining terrace which floats on the waters of the River...

2017 Review: “Well-sourced, thoughtful cooking, careful service and a great choice of puds” are three reasons why “you always leave The Fishes feeling cheerful” – others being the attractive waterside setting and pleasant garden.

2019 Review: The new regime (as of 2016) has “turned this tired and old venue into a local treat”, whose “good small menu” features “great daily specials”, slap-up Sunday roasts and ten taps with sought-after craft beers.

“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”.