Opening in 1998, Quod has become an Oxford institution thanks to its classy, crowd-pleasing approach to wining and dining. There’s a touch of the 1990s mega-bistro about this smart, sprawling bar-brasserie, and the newly installed white onyx bar is already a magnet for the city’s beautiful people. Much of Quod’s appeal rests in being all things to all people: get dressed up for cocktails (try the Earl Grey Martini); grab a bargain lunch (our pick? Sea bass with leeks and romesco, then seared bavette steak with salad and fries); bring the family for afternoon tea on the terrace; or bed-in for a relaxing dinner (ask for a table by the ceiling-height windows). Standout dishes include baby chicken swimming in herb butter with braised chicory, a textbook beef carpaccio, and generously portioned white crab meat with avocado. Congenial staff dress the part and make sound recommendations from the concise wine list.