My favorite places to eat & drink in Oxford
After commuting between Geneva and Oxford to visit my boyfriend for a year, I’ve tried quite a few places in this English city famous for its University. Here’s my list of the best places to eat and drink while you’re in Oxford. Enjoy this foodie compilation!
Pubs
- Turf Tavern: this is a popular but well-hidden historic pub in central Oxford popular with locals, university scholars and tourists alike. Its foundations and use as a malt house and drinking tavern date back to 1381.
- The Eagle & Child: this pub lays claim to a number of interesting literary connections. J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and fellow writers met here and dubbed themselves ‘The Inklings’. I really liked the cozy atmosphere here, and even more when I ordered the vegetable soup of the day (with carrot, ginger and honey) and the chicken, ham and cheese pie.
Restaurants
- Comptoir Libanais: located in the Westgate Mall, this Lebanese colorful restaurant is a feast for the eyes. Not only the food is delicious, the service is excellent and the whole decoration will make you feel like you’re in Beirut! This place also features many goodies that you can buy to bring home.
- Buongiorno e buonasera: this Italian restaurant close to the bus station, features yummy pizzas not to be missed!
- Thaikhun: this has become our go-to place when it comes to Thai food. The atmosphere is fun and colorful and the dishes and beers are delicious.
- Fernando’s Café: this Brazilian restaurant by the Carfax Tower is a must if you’re a meat lover. Try their picanha (best thing ever), thank me later!
- Acanthus restaurant: located at the Randolph Hotel, this place is quite expensive although the occasion was worth it. We came here to celebrate my boyfriend’s graduation and really enjoyed the dishes and service.
- Gee’s: I loved this restaurant for brunch, which we visited on a Sunday morning. My eggs Benedict with ham were just yum, the decor was great and we spent a lovely time chatting under the glass ceiling of this greenhouse.
- The Woodstock Arms: we enjoyed a cozy Sunday dinner in this restaurant in Woodstock, a village near Oxford. I ordered the pear salad along with a chicken, bacon and mushroom pie. Yum!
Cafés
- Vaults & Garden: this place was established with the vision of creating a socially positive café hub built on the principle of ecological sustainability. Enjoying an unrivalled view of the Radcliffe Camera and Radcliffe Square, we had a delicious brunch here, including assam tea, an all Oxford breakfast, a cheese vegetable toast and a piece of carrot cake.
- Silvie: our friends were staying at this place, which includes a cafeteria and bedrooms upstairs (Browns). I loved the cozy atmosphere here. Definitely coming back for a piece of cake!
- Jericho Coffee Traders: in case you have a serious sweet tooth, which I do, this is your place in Oxford. We had a lovely breakfast here featuring one of their amazing cakes.
Ice creams & drinks
- G&D’s: we had a very good ice cream at the St Aldate’s location in May, when the weather was warm and sunny.
- The Varsity Club: great spot to enjoy rooftop views with some beers!
Read these posts for more inspiration in the United Kingdom!
Oxford, Blenheim Palace & Woodstock
Top things to do in Gibraltar (travel guide & map)
Let me know what you think of these places. Looking forward to hearing your comments!
