Etain O’Carroll

Oxford is one of those cities that really is as beautiful as it seems, and it’s culinary offerings follow suit. And yes, much of the high-profile restaurants you’ll find are English classics, there’s a whole world of local cuisine just waiting to be discovered.  Here you can feast upon the likes of Tibetan momos, Slovak goulash and Keralan curries, alongside high-end tasting menus, hotel restaurants and more. Whether you’re here for a day or a full holiday, you’re guaranteed to eat well in Oxford if you take our advice. Here are the best restaurants in Oxford.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Oxford🏛️ The best museums in Oxford🚂 The best places to visit in the UK This guide was last updated by Ralph Jones, a writer based in Oxford. Contributions and original photos by Oxford local Etain O'Carroll. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

The world-class museums. The scenic waterways and parks. The hallowed halls and libraries and corridors where Nobel Prize-winners, prime ministers and literary giants spent their formative years. Oxford is chock-full of brilliant things to see and do, and best of all, many of them are free to visit.Sure, several of the most famous attractions – from punting and choir services to galleries filled with ancient treasures – have something to do with the city’s storied university. But alongside all the Oxbridge buzz, you’ll find a rich industrial past, meandering rivers crying out to be explored by kayak or paddleboard, and a strong arts and music scene that brings a little edge to this most conservative of cities. Read on for the best. RECOMMENDED:🏛️ The best museums in Oxford🍴 The best restaurants in Oxford🏨 The best hotels in Oxford This guide was recently updated by Lauren Corona, a writer based in Oxford. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Oxford’s museums almost rival London for sheer variety. Want to marvel at some Ming dynasty pottery or pre-Raphaelite masterpieces? Head to the Ashmolean. North African astrolabes and the original Penicillin culture? Try the Museum of Science. Tribal tattoo kits and a Siberian Shaman’s apron? Make a beeline for the Pitt Rivers. If you’ve got kids in tow, you’ll also find a homage to childhood wonder at the Story Museum and work by some of the world’s leading artists at Modern Art Oxford. Of course, there’s far more to the city than its museums. Just check out our pick of the best things to do in Oxford, and when you’re in need of a reboot, we’ve also got top tips for the best restaurants in Oxford. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Oxford