Best restaurants in Oxford

This countryside pub is pretty as a picture, and the perfect venue for a spot of Sunday lunch. Serving an accomplished menu of classic dishes, from fan favourite fish and chips to seasonal plates like Isle of Wight tomato bruschetta.

Run by the team behind The Canton Arms and The Anchor and Hope in London, The Magdalen Arms has all the trappings of a good gastropub: inviting interiors, cosy atmosphere, slick service, and a seasonal menu of British classics.

Somewhat of an Oxford institution, this restaurant has been around since 1998. With a cocktail bar, a bargain lunch menu, an afternoon tea menu and an extensive dinner offering, Quod Restaurant really does offer up something for every occasion.

Found in Jericho, Branca is a family-friendly Italian offering a far-reaching menu of familiar favourites. Pizzas, pastas and risottos all feature, and you’ll also find a gorgeous terrace garden along with a private room for special occasions.

With a menu of authentic Keralan dishes, Bhoomi is absolutely one of the best Indian restaurants available. Think lunchtime thali, chilli paneer, lamb nilgiri and Malabar fish curry. The restaurant is stunning too, with dark wood interiors and outdoor dining.

Known for its friendly atmosphere and vibrant tapas and cocktail menu, Kazbar is perfect for gatherings or a casual night out. It’s decorated as a Moroccan Souk with tree trunks growing up into the glass-panelled roof and an inviting patio.

Voted Oxfordshire's Best Restaurant from 2020 to 2023, No1 is a modern British brasserie with a diverse menu and an elegant atmosphere. Think lamb sweetbreads with pickled mushroom and lamb shoulder with faggots and braised lettuce.

Despite a recent renovation, The Cygnet at The Swan Inn maintains all its historic feel. Led by Michelin-starred chef Paul Welburn, it offers a contemporary British menu in an elegant but relaxed 17th-century pub setting.

Sichuan Grand is a stylish restaurant offering an authentic tongue-tingling experience. Think sliced pig’s ears with sesame oil or ox tripe in chilli sauce, sweet and sour crispy seabass, traditional hotpot, and signature pork belly in garlic sauce.

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons headed up by world-renowned chef Raymond Blanc, is a restaurant made for special occasions. With two Michelin stars and a green star, stunning surroundings this is a restaurant for your bucket list.

Set in a Victorian glass house, this bright and airy restaurant serves up Mediterranean cuisine bursting with flavour. Located by the river it makes for the ideal spot for celebration brunches and dinners of ribeye steak with chimichurri.

Housed in what was once Oxford's first police station, this Thai restaurant in the heart of Oxford serves a strong line-up of authentic, bold dishes. The menu focuses on traditional techniques and recipes. We highly recommend the tom yam soup.

With a floating river terrace and a rustic but still stylish interior, The Folly is the ideal spot to have lunch in the sun or a cosy dinner when the days get colder. Picture seasonal small plates, and international dishes.

Tapas aficionados will love this quirky Michelin guide restaurant housed inside a converted chemist. We are big fans of the house onion tortilla and love the reasonable prices too, just don’t fill up too much the Basque cheesecake is sublime.

A beloved Oxford institution first opened in 1996, Pierre Victorie is a favourite for its cosy atmosphere and seasonal prix fixe menus. Expect gallic classics like duck confit, sole meuniere, and bouillabaisse all at seriously appetising price points.

The Oxford Kitchen is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Summertown, renowned for its modern British cuisine crafted by Head Chef Paul Welburn. It’s fine dining gone trendy, with exceptional tasting menus that include Scottish Scallops, Gin cured trout and ‘Blackout Beef’.

The Cherwell Boathouse sits riverside, so if you fancy a quick boat trip after your meal, this is the ideal lunch spot. The menu includes seared yellowfin tuna, Cotswold chicken, and chocolate tart to finish.

We’ve stretched our list to include this 800-year-old Binsely pub overlooking Port Meadow. But the menu at The Perch makes it totally worth it. Enjoy pies and puddings, with time-honoured classics given the proper airtime they deserve.

Edamame can get queued out at dinner time, so make sure to arrive early to secure a table. It’s a friendly casual restaurant with authentic Japanese plates. Think sushi and sashimi, traditional katsu, with a side order of addictive edamame.

Shoryu Ramen in Oxford specializes in authentic Hakata tonkotsu ramen, crafted from a rich, 12-hour pork broth. Housed in the city's Westgate Shopping Centre, neutral backdrops, tasty food and a buzzing atmosphere are a winning combination in our opinion.

A Michelin guide restaurant in Summertown, Pompette is an attractive modern French brasserie peppered with Mediterranean and North African Influences. With attentive service, a brilliant wine list, and a delightful terrace, it's perfect for casual dining or special occasions.