The best restaurants in Oxford right now

What is it? Divine tapas in sexy surrounds.

Why go? Set in a converted chemist, this tapas restaurant on Cowley Road is worth a detour out of the city centre. The food at Arbequina is sensational, so no wonder Sunday Times critic Marina O’Loughlin is a fan. Tapas devotees: think Barrafina, but way, way cheaper. Phew.

Time Out tip: A must-order is the thick, oozy tortilla. 

Address: 72-74 Cowley Road, OX4 1JB, Oxford 

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 5.30-10.30pm, Friday-Saturday noon-2:30pm and 5.30-10.30pm, closed Sunday 

Expect to pay: £4.50-37.50 for tapas and £8 for desserts 

What is it? A much-loved East Oxford local serving street food from the top of the world.

Why go? From market stall to pop up to permanent premises opened mid pandemic, Taste Tibet’s loyal followers will tell you there’s no finer flavour than a momo (dumpling) dipped in their fiery chilli sauce. With a love story worthy of Hollywood behind the scenes and a mission to support local communities, this is feel good food too. Curry, dhal, noodles and smacked cucumber fill out the menu, take out, or eat in, it’ll go down a storm.

Address: 109 Magdalen Road, OX4 1RQ, Oxford

Opening hours: Wednesday-Friday 5pm-9.30pm,  Saturday-Sunday noon-3pm and 5–9.30pm, closed Monday and Tuesday 

Expect to pay: £7-18 for mains, £3-7 for sides and £15-17 for 'feast for one' meals 

What is it: A casual-cool Caribbean restaurant and rum bar 

Why we love it: Spice Roots is relaxed enough to feel comfortable, but nice enough to take a date. It serves homestyle island food that's elevated and beautifully plated, and is one of the most consistently exceptional restaurants Oxford has to offer. It's also conveniently close to Oxford Botanic Garden, where you can take a post-lunch stroll and marvel at the impressive glasshouses. 

Time Out tip: Order the sautéed Jamaican ackee, black rice and jerk oyster mushroom, with avocado and confit cherry tomato. You get a selection of dishes on your plate, each one to die for. Don't even think about skipping a side of festivals — slightly sweet fried dumplings.

Address: 64 Cowley Road, OX4 1JB, Oxford 

Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday-Sunday 5.30–11pm, Saturday-Sunday (lunch) 1pm-4.30pm, closed Tuesday.

Expect to pay: around £5–6.50 for starters, £16-20 for mains, £3-4 for sides and £7 for desserts

What is it? Riverside pub with a gorgeous garden.

Why we love it: A taste of village life within walking distance of town, The Perch is a historic thatched farmhouse in the quaint village of Binsey opposite Port Meadow. Chic and cosy on the inside, in summer, it has the city’s finest garden dining. The menu is staunchly British – think braised pig cheeks, grilled quail, burgers and ale-battered fish – but decidedly modern in execution with great veggie and vegan options too.

Time Out tip: Work up an appetite with a walk around Port Meadow, along the river or to the village’s twelfth-century church, or stroll further down the river to the atmospheric ruins of Godstow Abbey.

Address: Binsey Lane, OX2 0NG, Oxford 

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday noon-9pm (Fri-Sat to 10pm)

Expect to pay: £10-25 for starters and sharers, £19-25 for mains, £5.45 for sides, £20-27 for Sunday roasts and £4-10 for desserts

What is it? A neighborhood pub turned vegan restaurant

Why we love it:  The Oxford Blue serves plant-based pizzas, small plates, and even Sunday roasts during the cooler seasons. Expect a warm welcome and a local feel with buzzy vibes. There's a cute courtyard garden and tables out front perfect for people-watching on warm days. While you can come in just for a drink, it's more restaurant than pub, and it gets busy on the weekend so consider booking, though walk-ins are accepted. 

Time Out tip: Order the pizzas – they're all amazing, but the fennel salsiccia and forage stands out. The garlic pizzette is also incredible. As for plates, don't miss the charred leek dip with housemade focaccia. 

Address: 32 Marston Street, Oxford OX4 1JU

Opening hours: Wednesday-Thursday 5-10.30pm, Friday-Saturday noon-11pm, Sunday noon-2pm, closed Monday-Tuesday 

Expect to pay: £7-9 for small plates, £10-15 for large plates and pizzas, £18-22 for Sunday roasts 

What is it? Fine dining in the heart of the city.

Why we love it: Tucked away on a quiet street just off Oxford’s Cornmarket, No.1 Ship Street is a sleek and stylish brasserie serving modern British dishes with a Gallic twist. It’s the kind of place where everything feels carefully considered but without any hint of pretension. From the sophisticated decor to the consistently great food, you’ll feel like you’re somewhere quite special. Although the options for vegetarians are limited, if you’re a fan of fish, seafood or heavenly grilled meats, you’re in for a treat. Booking recommended.

Time Out tip: Come for set lunch and enjoy fine food and good value at the same time.

Address: 1 Ship Street, OX1 3DA, Oxford 

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday noon-10pm, closed Sundays

Expect to pay: £11-42 for starters, £19-140 for mains, £5-7 for sides, £17 for set two-course lunch, £22 for set three-course lunch 

What is it? Sophisticated South Indian food to woo your senses.

Why we love it: A cut well above your standard curry house, Bhoomi Kitchen serves exquisitely made and delicately spiced Keralan dishes with vibrant flavour. Staff are adept at offering advice on a menu that champions regional delicacies with a choice of aromatic curries, plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, and a range of sides that include soft but crisy appam and a heavenly, flaky parotta. Although prices are higher than your standard Cowley Road cookhouse, it’s well worth it.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the melt-in-the-mouth gulab jamun, a heavenly end to a meal.

Address: 70 London Road, OX3 7PD, Oxford 

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday from 5.30-10pm, lunch: Wednesday-Sunday from noon–1.45pm

Expect to pay: £17-19 for lunch, £35-39 for dinner, £10 for extra small plates 

What is it? Modern Thai in an English setting

Why we love it: The impressive building in which Chiang Mai Kitchen is located dates back to 1637, and is accessed via an unassuming alleyway of the High Street. Dine in wood-panelled rooms with original beams and a 17th century fireplace. It's a great spot if you want old time English vibes but don't fancy bangers and mash. 

Time Out tip: You can't go wrong with one of the curries, available in red, green, penang, and massaman varieties. If you want to branch out, the papaya salad and tofu tord are both drool-worthy. 

Address: 130A High Street, OX1 4DH, Oxford 

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday noon-2.30pm and 5pm-10pm, Sunday noon–2.30pm and 5pm–9.30pm.

Expect to pay: around £10 for starters and £12-20 for mains, not including rice. 

What is it? Perhaps the finest pub restaurant in Oxford. 

Why we love it: If you don’t like your pubs too pubby, the Magdalen Arms will be right up your street. The other street it’s up is the Iffley Road, where history was made when Roger Bannister ran the first ever four-minute mile. You wouldn’t blame him for racing straight off to this establishment, where a reassuringly concise menu speaks for itself. As well as offering grown-up mains like pot roast partridge, the pub is generous with its pudding offerings, which include the irresistible ‘chocolate nemesis’.

Time Out tip: If you’re in the company of someone you love, order the mighty Hereford steak and ale suet crust pie to share.

Address: 243 Iffley Road, OX4 1SJ, Oxford 

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-11pm; Sunday 10am-9pm; Monday 5-11pm.

Expect to pay: £4-16 for small plates, £20-80 for large plates, £4-9 for desserts 

What is it? Mediterranean grills in a beautiful Victorian conservatory.

Why we love it: Set in a Grade II-listed glass landmark, Gees is a bastion of good taste and the kind of place where students dine only when their parents – and their credit cards – are in town. The main dining area is in a Victorian greenhouse flooded with light where olive trees and big leafy plants nod to its former life as a florists and greengrocers. Today, it’s sleek and stylish with big leather banquettes to sink into and a daily changing menu of Mediterranean dishes to choose from. Ignore everything else and go for the zucchini fritti and aubergine parmigiana. 

Time Out tip: Book a table on the garden terrace for sunny summer days.

Address: 61 Banbury Road, OX2 6PE, Oxford 

Opening hours: Daily 9am–10.30pm (kitchen open from noon). 

Expect to pay: £10-23 for starters and £17–£25 for mains, £6-7 for sides and £4-15 for puddings

What is it? A riverside restaurant set in a Victorian boathouse.

Why we love it: This is the peak of riverside dining tucked away down a leafy lane in salubrious north Oxford. Sit back, enjoy the view and tuck into Cherwell Boathouse’s fine modern British menu as you watch the punts go by. Along with the top-rated nosh, the wine menu has won much praise for its variety and value. Team a prime choice with some local cheese and you might never want to go home.

Time Out tip: If you’re feeling energetic, hire a punt from the punt station next door.

Address: 50 Bardwell Road, OX2 6ST, Oxford 

Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday noon-2pm and 6-8.45pm, Friday noon-2.15pm and 6-9pm, Saturday noon-2.30pm and 6-9pm, Sunday noon-2.45pm and 6-8.30pm, Tuesday by arrangement.

Expect to pay: £8-10 for starters, £24-45 for mains and £5-10 for desserts

What is it? Hearty Turkish dishes in a buzzing, family-run restaurant.

Why we love it: A Cowley Road favourite, Antep Kitchen serves traditional hot and cold mezze, huge kebabs, thin and crispy pide (Turkish pizza) and sharing platters that are bursting with flavour, all served by super-friendly staff. There’s plenty of choice for vegetarians and generous portions, so come hungry.

Time Out tip: Antep is usually busy, so it's best to book ahead! 

Address: 228–230 Cowley Road, OX4 1UH, Oxford 

Opening hours: Daily from noon-11pm. 

Expect to pay: £6-18 for mezzes, £5-15 for pides, £17-26 for kebabs and mains 

What is it? A tiny Japanese kitchen serving the city’s best sushi.

Why we love it: Turn up and join the queue (it doesn’t take bookings) outside this little Japanese restaurant for the chance to be treated to Edamame's fresh sushi, stir fries and grills all cooked in proper Japanese style. You’ll never settle for a pan-Asian chain again.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the eponymous edamame (soybeans served in their pods) for a moreish starter.

Address: 15 Holywell Street, OX1 3SA, Oxford 

Opening hours: Wednesday 11.30am-2.30pm, Thursday-Saturday 11.30am-2.30pm and 5-8.30pm, Sunday 12-3.30pm, closed Monday and Tuesday.

Expect to pay: £4–13 for mains (rice/soup not in included), £3-14 for sushi, £4-5 for sides

What is it? A French bistro disguised as a local pub.

Why we love it: What looks like a local boozer hidden down a residential street, is, in fact, one of Oxford’s most memorable French bistros. Make your way through the front bar hung with tankards and train sets to the tightly packed back rooms where you’ll find happy diners tucking into moules, escargots and coq au vin.

Time Out tip: The Old Bookbinders set menus are great value and they do a mean crêpe if you’re after something lighter.

Address: 36–38 Canal Street, OX2 6BQ, Oxford 

Opening hours: Tuesday 4-11pm, Wednesday-Saturday noon-11pm; Sunday noon-5pm.

Expect to pay: £10-17 for starters, £15-23 for mains, £12.50-£13.50 for crêpes

What is it? Raymond Blanc’s two-Michelin-star restaurant in the Oxfordshire countryside.

Why we love it: A footpath lined with lavender winds its way up to a vine-covered manor-house hotel and restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Inside it’s even more fragrant and a spot for special occasions – tasting menus are complex, delicate and very expensive. If things get really special, you can always book a five-star room upstairs. Either way, book well in advance.

Time Out tip: There's a major refurb planned for January 2026, so book now to get a taste beforehand. 

Address: Church Road, Great Milton, Oxford OX44 7PD

Opening hours: Daily from 6pm, Lunch from Thursday-Sunday

Expect to pay: from £215-255 for tasting menus per head  (plus drinks)

What is it? Thameside dining slap bang in the city centre.

Why we love it: Sleek, sophisticated and overlooking the river, The Folly makes a good option for a special occasion and on a warm day, the floating terrace can’t be beaten. The menu is limited but tempting, especially for meat-eaters, with classic cuts such as beef fillet with charred shallots or slow-cooked pork belly with smoked buttermilk mash.

Time Out tip: Go the full Oxford and opt for a pre-dinner river cruise before dining on the waterside terrace. 

Address: 1 Folly Bridge, OX1 4JU, Oxford 

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-10.30pm, Friday 11am-11pm, Saturday 10am-11pm, Sunday 10am-10.30pm. 

Expect to pay: £9-13 for starters, £29-45 for mains, £12-13 for desserts, £79 per person for six-course meat, vegetarian and vegan tasting menus

What is it? The best dedicated seafood restaurant in Oxford.

Why go? On St Clements Street, a road already crammed with high-quality restaurants, Cuttlefish stands out as a top-notch contender for top spot. Whether it’s classic fish and chips or native rock oysters, Cuttlefish serves it up with class (its waiters are some of the most charming we’ve come across). Away from the fish, its spiced apple crumble with ice cream is a mouthwatering finale. 

Time Out tip: Get the black squid ink spaghetti.

Address: 36 St Clement’s Street, OX4 1AB, Oxford 

Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 11am-10.30pm, Sunday 10am-9.30pm

Expect to pay: £5–£23 for small plates, £13-44 for mains per person (add an extra £40-95 if you want to splurge on Tsarine Osetra caviar)

What is it? The place for perfect curries.

Why we love it: With its unpretentious frontage, this Nepalese restaurant could be mistaken for a shop. Inside things are charmingly shabby, the focus kept firmly on thoroughly excellent food. Beautifully spiced plates of curry, naan and dumplings arrive promptly – Yeti is family-run and the service is warm and efficient.

Time Out tip: Don't feel like waiting for a seat? Order online for takeaway or delivery.

Address: 237 Cowley Road, OX4 1XG, Oxford 

Opening hours: Daily from 5-11pm

Expect to pay: £6.25–17 for starters, £7-19 for mains and £3-4 for sides

What is it: Small Slovak kitchen serving vibrant flavours and killer cocktails.

Why go? An unassuming little place tucked away on St Clements, Moya’s low-key atmosphere belies the quality of the food served here. Its pared-back decor is tempered by dishes oozing hearty goodness just the right side of rich with meats that fall of the bone, tender goulash that melts in the mouth and enough choice and variety that you can invite your vegetarian friends along too.

Time Out tip: Arrive before 8pm to make the most of happy hour.

Address: 97 St Clements Street, Oxford OX4 1AR

Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday from 5.30pm. (kitchen closes at 9.15pm from Tues-Sun and 9.30pm on Fri-Sat), closed Sunday-Monday. 

Expect to pay: £8-9 for small plates, £14.50-17.50 for mains and £5-8.50 for desserts

What is it? Unparalleled views at the best lunch spot in town.

Why we love it: Set on the rooftop of Oxford’s most imposing neo-classical pile, this rooftop restaurant is the place to go for lunch or afternoon tea. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city, while tucking into a menu influenced by the priceless exhibits below. It’s worth going for the panorama alone.

Time Out tip:

Address: Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, OX1 2PH, Oxford 

Opening hours: Daily from 11.30am–3.30pm for lunch, 11.30am–4pm for afternoon tea

Expect to pay: £5-10 for starters and nibbles, £20-24 for mains, £27-32 for set menus and £32.50 for afternoon tea

What is it? Bright, buzzy brasserie that’s styled like an art gallery.

Why we love it: Plummy but yummy and slap bang on the High, Quod is a lively, central pit stop for cocktails, people-watching or a decent meal. Large, brightly-coloured canvasses adorn the walls, the clink of glasses and murmur of conversation waft out the doors to the small courtyard, and the menu features classy burgers and steaks, crispy, paper-thin pizza, as well as a good choice of fish and veggie options. 

Time Out tip: Equally popular with college dons, visiting parents and ladies who lunch, the two and three-course set lunch menus offer good value for all.

Address: 92–94 High Street, OX1 4BJ, Oxford 

Opening hours: Daily from 7am–11pm

Expect to pay: £9-22 for starters and small bites, £19-40 for mains, £16-28 for pizzas and £4.50-11 for dessert . Set lunch menus range from 26.50 for two-courses or 31.50 for three.

What is it? Pizza in a pub.

Why we love it: There’s no more heavenly combination than beer and pizza and this cosy indie pub nails it. The White Rabbit does more than 20 varieties and everything comes with a gluten-free option. This is the place to go if you’re nursing a hangover and you need carbs. They’ve even got a garden.

Time Out tip: Visit on Sunday to for pizzas, pints and glorious pub quizzes. 

Address: 21 Friars Entry, OX1 2BY, Oxford 

Opening hours: Daily from noon-midnight (kitchen closes around 10.30pm)

Expect to pay: £3-6 for small bites and mini calzones, £10-17 for salads and boards, £10–17 for pizza and £3-7 for dessert

What is it? Proper good Indian ‘street food’ 

Why go? Six years ago, Oxford’s Westgate shopping centre unveiled the results of its expensive facelift, including about a dozen places to eat on the rooftop of the building. Perhaps the finest in a strong field is Mowgli, whose delightful décor includes swing seats in the window. Among the exquisite dishes is ‘Bunny chow’, the restaurant’s showstopper, allegedly popular with South African Indian railway workers: a hot and fruity chicken and potato curry in bread, it epitomises the lip-smackingly good food on offer here. 

Time Out tip: Located about 36 seconds from a Curzon cinema, make an evening of it and see a film after your meal.

Address: 309 The Westgate, Queen Street, OX1 1PG, Oxford 

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-10.30pm, Sunday 11am-9.30pm. 

Expect to pay: £6.50-14 for street plates, £7-17 for mains, £3-5 for sides, £5-7.50 for desserts