The Best Restaurants in Oxford 2024
When it comes to dining in Oxford, there are a whole host of brilliant indie options to try out. These restaurants aren’t just places to eat—they’re deeply rooted in the city’s culture, offering a unique experience that you won’t find in larger chains. In 2024, Oxford’s hospitality scene is thriving with fantastic places to celebrate special occasions and every day moments, each serving up dishes that reflect passion, heritage, and a commitment to quality. Whether you’re looking for a luxe evening or simply a cosy spot to enjoy a meal with loved ones, this is your go to guide to the best family-owned and independent restaurants in Oxford. >>
Arbequina
Arbequina is a lively, buzzing tapas-inspired restaurant and bar on Cowley Road in east Oxford. The focus is on the highest quality produce and service in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves unique and inspired dishes, hand-crafted cocktails, natural wines and use of exclusive products not found anywhere else in Oxford.
The Chester
Based in east Oxford, The Chester serves delicious food with a carefully curated drinks list focusing on independent businesses.
The garden plays host to regular BBQs and The Chester Beer & Cider Festival. Check out The Chester’s Instagram page for event news including regular wine tasting evenings.
Pompette
The French word for tipsy — Pompette is a stylish charcuterie wine bar and restaurant in Summertown, Oxford from husband and wife duo Pascal and Laura Wiedemann. Pascal has worked in London restaurants for 14 years, beginning his career with Henry Harris at Racine, then opening Terroirs with Ed Wilson where he became Executive Chef, before finally opening Six Portland Road. Whilst being classically trained in French cookery, and from French roots, his culinary take at Pompette takes inspiration from across Europe.
Gee’s Restaurant & Bar
Gees Restaurant & Bar is an independently-owned, restaurant, bar and terrace set within North Oxford’s famous Grade II listed Victorian conservatory, once home to the Gee family’s greengrocers and floristry, just a ten-minute walk from Oxford’s city centre. Enjoyed by locals and visitors since 1989, Gees serves a distinctly Mediterranean-inspired menu using the best seasonal ingredients, simply prepared and expertly cooked, featuring regional dishes of Spain, Portugal and Italy.
The Folly
The Folly is one of Oxford’s few independent, family owned restaurants. It offers an excellent dining experience in a unique location in the heart of Oxford on the banks of the river. It also provides wonderfully unusual experiences such as a Cruise and Dine package, Afternoon Tea Cruises and riverside dining all year round either al Fresco or in beautiful winter domes.
Parsonage Grill
Founded in 1989 by Jeremy Mogford, Parsonage Grill is a Cotswold-esque bolthole located within the 5-star 17th century Old Parsonage Hotel in central Oxford on Banbury Road. Famous for its intimate, bohemian, clubby atmosphere, the Parsonage Grill and its private dining space, the ‘Pike Room’, displays a carefully curated collection of eclectic oil paintings, original stone fireplaces, leaded light windows and a Bloomsbury club ambiance throughout, as well as a charming walled terrace. The kitchen team takes pride in creating classic British dishes with a modern, light touch, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon teas.
Quod Restaurant & Bar
Find Quod on Oxford’s iconic High Street, opposite St Mary’s Church and the iconic Radcliffe Camera. Quod Restaurant & Bar with its central location forms the lively hub of the Old Bank Hotel. Regulars and visitors alike love Quod for its broad menu of European classics. Head chef Rohan Kashid and his team produce daily specials, a weekday set lunch menu and afternoon teas.
Cherwell Boathouse
The Cherwell Boathouse is an iconic Oxford punt station and restaurant on the banks of the river Cherwell, close to the centre of Oxford. Both the restaurant and the marquee on the terrace overlooking the river are wonderful places to celebrate all types of occasions. The restaurant offers modern English food, with an award winning wine list and friendly attentive service. Alongside is Oxford’s largest punt station open mid March to mid October with over 70 traditional punts built on the premises.
The Handle Bar
The Handle Bar Cafe & Kitchen is a brilliant local cafe and restaurant right in the heart of Oxford. Whether you’re looking for a vegan breakfast or a locally sourced dinner, The Handle Bar has something for you.
For more indie inspiration, check out the Independent Oxford directory for cafes, pubs, shops and more brilliant businesses in Oxfordshire.
