Culinary Journey Around Oxford: 10 restaurants you can't miss
April 11, 2025
Oxford, known primarily for its prestigious university and rich history, also offers a remarkable culinary scene that will delight even the most discerning foodies. The historic city, where tradition meets modernity, is home to many exceptional restaurants that serve dishes from all corners of the world, as well as delicious interpretations of classic British cuisine. Our culinary tour of Oxford will take you to the top 10 restaurants you must visit during your visit to this magical city. From cozy pubs to elegant fine dining restaurants, each of these places has its own unique history and character, which is reflected in the food served. Get ready for an unforgettable taste adventure that combines Oxford's academic atmosphere with sophisticated culinary art. Whether you're a lover of traditional English cuisine or seeking international flavors, our list of the 10 best restaurants in Oxford is sure to satisfy your culinary desires and leave you with unforgettable memories.
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French flavors and British elegance
Our culinary journey through Oxford begins with two exceptional restaurants that combine French finesse with British elegance. The first stop is Pierre Victoire, a charming French restaurant located in the heart of Oxford. This place impresses with its romantic decor and cozy atmosphere, perfect for an intimate dinner for two or a gathering with friends. Pierre Victoire's menu offers classic French dishes, prepared with the highest quality ingredients. Guests especially praise the onion soup, tender calamari and perfectly cooked duck confit. It is worth noting the attractive lunch sets, which are not only delicious, but also affordable. The service at Pierre Victoire is professional and friendly, which further enhances your stay at this charming restaurant. Another spot on our culinary map is Brasserie Blanc, an elegant restaurant run under the guidance of celebrity chef Raymond Blanc. This is the place where French cuisine meets the best of British culinary traditions. Brasserie Blanc offers a menu full of seasonal dishes, prepared with local ingredients. Guests can enjoy delicious steaks, fresh seafood or delicious desserts here. The atmosphere at Brasserie Blanc is both refined and relaxed, making it the perfect place for both a business lunch and a family dinner. It's worth noting that both restaurants - Pierre Victoire and Brasserie Blanc - also offer options for vegetarians and vegans, making sure that there is something for every guest. Comparing the two places, Pierre Victoire boasts slightly more affordable prices and a more intimate atmosphere, while Brasserie Blanc stands out for its wider menu and more spacious interior. Both restaurants enjoy high ratings among guests, with Pierre Victoire having a slightly higher rating (4.6) compared to Brasserie Blanc (4.5). Regardless of your choice, both restaurants guarantee an unforgettable dining experience and allow you to feel a surrogate of France in the heart of Oxford.
From traditional pubs to modern Mediterranean cuisine
Continuing our culinary journey through Oxford, we move on to places that combine tradition with modernity. Let's start with The Perch, a charming 17th-century pub located somewhat on the outskirts of the city. This place impresses not only with its historic atmosphere, but also with its beautiful garden, perfect for summer evenings. The Perch is famous for its excellent British pub cuisine, offering such classics as invisible roast and fish and chips. Prices are moderate and service is extremely friendly. It's the perfect place for those who want to feel the true spirit of English tradition. The next stop is The White Rabbit, a pub known for its delicious artisan pizzas. Although not a typically British dish, The White Rabbit proves that pizza can be an integral part of Oxford's culinary scene. The atmosphere here is relaxed and friendly, perfect for students and young professionals. Prices are affordable, which, combined with the high quality of the food, makes this place extremely popular. Moving towards more refined cuisine, No.1 Ship Street is worth a visit. This elegant restaurant offers a fusion of British and European cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood and steaks. The interior is stylish and cozy, perfect for a romantic dinner or a business meeting. Prices are a bit higher than in previous places, but the quality of food and service fully compensates for this. For lovers of Mediterranean cuisine, a must-stop is Arbequina. This small but extremely popular restaurant serves tapas and Spanish-inspired dishes. The menu changes regularly, always offering fresh, seasonal ingredients. Arbequina is known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent cocktails, making it the perfect place for a night out with friends. When comparing these places, it's worth noting that each offers something unique. The Perch and The White Rabbit are ideal options for those looking for a more casual atmosphere and traditional flavors. No.1 Ship Street and Arbequina, on the other hand, are options for those seeking a more refined dining experience. Prices range from affordable at The White Rabbit to more luxurious at No.1 Ship Street. All of these places enjoy high ratings (from 4.5 to 4.7), a testament to their consistently high quality. When choosing between them, you should be guided not only by the type of cuisine, but also by the atmosphere you're looking for - from a traditional English pub to a modern restaurant with an international menu.
The culinary diversity of Oxford
In the final part of our culinary journey through Oxford, we'll discover places that showcase the city's true gastronomic diversity. We'll start with Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant, a unique spot located on the Cherwell River. Housed in a historic boat landing, this restaurant offers not only delicious food, but also unforgettable views. The menu changes seasonally, always relying on fresh, local ingredients. Seafood dishes are a specialty, but you'll also find classic British dishes with a modern twist. Prices are higher than at the average restaurant, but the unique location and quality of the food fully justify it. The next stop is Antep Kitchen, a restaurant specializing in Turkish cuisine. This place delights with authentic Middle Eastern flavors, offering a wide selection of kebabs, mezze and other traditional dishes. The interior is cozy and stylish, and the service is extremely friendly. Prices are moderate, which, combined with large portions, makes Antep Kitchen an excellent choice for those looking for good value for money. For lovers of Italian cuisine, a must-visit is La Cucina. This family-run restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes, prepared with passion and attention to traditional recipes. The menu includes a wide selection of pastas, pizzas and main dishes, and everything is prepared with fresh ingredients, often imported from Italy. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, perfect for a family dinner or a romantic supper. Prices are moderate, making La Cucina accessible to a wide range of customers. At the end of our trip, we will visit Parsonage Grill, a luxurious restaurant located in the boutique Old Parsonage Hotel. This place impresses with its elegant decor and a menu that combines classic British cuisine with modern culinary trends. Parsonage Grill is famous for its excellent steaks and seafood dishes, as well as its impressive wine list. It is the perfect place for a special occasion or when you want to feel truly pampered. Prices are higher than at the other restaurants, but the quality of food and service is top-notch. Comparing these four places, we can see how diverse Oxford's culinary offerings are. From the affordable Turkish cuisine at Antep Kitchen, to the family atmosphere of Italian La Cucina, to the luxurious experience at Parsonage Grill, there is something for everyone. Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant is distinguished by its unique location, which can be an added bonus for those seeking not only good food, but also exceptional views. All of these restaurants enjoy high ratings (from 4.5 to 4.7), a testament to their consistently high quality. When choosing between them, it is worth considering not only the type of cuisine, but also the occasion, budget and atmosphere you are looking for. Regardless of your choice, each of these restaurants offers an unforgettable culinary experience that you will long remember.
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