Côte Brasserie

A hidden gem in Oxford's history…read more Truly, a hidden gem. I almost don't want to write this because I want it kept hidden for as long as possible! Service was great in a bustling dining room. This 19th-century tavern is nothing short of charming and cozy, serving some fantastic meals. You can't go wrong with their Steak & Ale Pie and Fish & Chips.

The Turf Tavern is Oxford's second oldest pub, as it was founded in 1381! It's a hidden spot down a…read moremeandering alleyway located against the mediaeval remains of Oxford's city walls. The interior is downright medieval with low ceilings (watch your head!), low lights, and plenty of seating. They also have an open and airy beer garden for better weather days. You can either order at the bar, or use their QR code at the tables to order online which was helpful. The pub food was great, the pints kept pouring, and we made some new friends in a very old pub. Come for the history and stay for a proper pub experience. It's definitely worth the trouble of seeking this one out.

Inside March 2025

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1381 Ale

White Horse

4.0(44 reviews)

The White Horse pub first opened as The Mermaid in 1591, changed its name a handful of times, but…read moresettled on White Horse ever since the 1830's. Thanks to its central location and tons of history, it seems like this pub has suffered at the hands of tourists like myself in recent years. The interior is smaller than other pubs I visited, but could be downright cozy if it weren't for the people coming in, looking around, and then leaving after taking a photo or two. (Maybe I just caught a tour bus day) They have 8-10 beers on tap, offer wine, and was told that the fish & chips are tip top, though we just had a few pints on our visit. Service at the bar was friendly and prompt, and we snagged one of the few tables available to sit and people watch. Overall White Horse is a fine small pub and well worth a visit if you love historic buildings/businesses. You can be the judge of the rest.

Bijou and very old pub tucked under Blackwells. Bedevilled by tourist hordes much of the time (…read morelast visit it was notably a gaggle of dyed hair American pseudo students discussing what to be offended by next, while talking too loud , not understanding anything they've seen, and getting in everyone's way). However, if you're willing to brave that sort of thing, or are there at a quieter time, get yourself a pint of Guinness and a hot pastrami sandwich. You can thank me later.

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The Ivy Oxford Brasserie

4.0(25 reviews)

I do love the Ivy! I've been to a view locations and you can always count on great service and high…read morequality food in a fantastic atmosphere. The Ivy Oxford Brasserie didn't disappoint but rather confirmed my feelings toward the Ivy. My sister and her friend were wanting quality traditional fish and chips so in our search around Oxford we found the Ivy and knew this was the spot. They loved their fish and chips and I enjoyed the Ivy Burger. I know very American of me. They do have one of the best burgers I've found in the UK. Our server was great! She let us know she was new and in training and would be helping us with the assistance of her trainer. We honestly never saw the trainer because she did a fantastic job! Our drinks and food quality were everything you expect and know of the Ivy!

The food was delicious. I recommend the Shepherd's pie it isn't my favorite in America but it…read moreincredible here. The service was good. We had 2 terrific servers. The ambiance was inviting and very curated. From the flatware presentation to the Powder rooms. I am so glad I did not skip the powder room there was a pink bathroom that I am obsessed with. It even had a pink toilet! Cannot wait to visit again.

Toliet

Tomato Salad

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Beautiful interior

Quod Restaurant & Bar

3.8(63 reviews)

0.4 mi

•£££

A classy and elegant option in central Oxford with good real air con (very important in summer) and…read morea yard in the back. Delicious tender cod. Love their gin and tonic sorbet; perfect during the heat wave. Friendly and attentive service.

I stayed at Old Bank Hotel for 4 nights and ended up having all my breakfasts and a afternoon creme…read moretea and a couple dinners at Quod. Loved it. Service was great, the menu is varied enough you can try some different things, and the wine/cocktail list is good as well. Def have a reservation for weekend nights as the place is bustling. The lamb chops are outstanding for dinner, as is the fish du jour. For breakfast you can't go wrong with the full English breakfast or the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. Get a French Press of coffee, a bowl of fruit and the newspaper and take your time watching the bustle on High Street. Amazing location on High Street right across from Radcliffe Camera. Interior has old world feel to it, and there is some really interesting art work on walls, keeping the eclectic feeling of the hotel itself at heart. It's a bit expensive compared to other places near it, but gracious and solid experience. I'd go back for a nice sit down breakfast, lunch, dinner or afternoon tea even if I wasn't staying at the Old Bank.

Jamon Iberico De Bellota

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The Royal Oak

4.2(25 reviews)

0.5 mi

The bangers and mash are top shelf. Great selection of Beers. Friendly staff. Classic English pub.read more

Charming, cozy tavern on Oxford's Woodstock Road…read more We came for a proper Sunday Roast and a proper Sunday Roast is what we found. The Sticky Toffee Pudding with ginger ice cream was a really good variation from the usual vanilla ice cream.

Sticky toffee pudding with ginger ice cream

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Sunday roast

Boswells Tea Room & Cafe

4.5(2 reviews)

0.2 mi

Excellent tearoom, overlooked. They have a big range of lovely cakes. Good selection of teas…read more(although would like to see camomile) and soft drinks as well as wines. Afternoon tea very good value & sparkling white wine also an option. Breakfast and lunch set menu options that also offer good value that I am yet to try but is certainly on my list! Staff very friendly and go out of their way to be helpful and make you feel welcomed.

Visiting Oxford on our way back to New York, my cousin made sure we had tea and scones at Boswells…read more Lovely room. Excellent scones. Historic establishment.

Some of the comfy seats

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The Chequers

4.0(1 review)

This was a pleasant stop after walking around Oxford. This pub is one of the oldest pubs in…read moreOxford. The server told us it used to be a monks monastery and then a brothel in it's hay day! They have a very nice outer courtyard.

Their courtyard

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The interior

The Eagle and Child

3.8(143 reviews)

It's a historic Oxford pub known mainly for its previous patrons, JR Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and Lewis…read moreCarol. The pubs is well lined with photos of the authors and it's a nice place to pause and wonder what these illustrious minds would have been drinking in their time. There are better pubs with better bears like The Turf Tavern, but still, the atmosphere makes this a great spot to pause, gather your thoughts and drink some real ale.

Unfortunately not open. This has been a favorite place to visit when in Oxford. The "Toad in the…read moreHole" was a favorite as well as the traditional fish and chips. Too bad it doesn't seem to have a future considering its colorful past.

Fish and chips

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Golden Cross Cafe

4.5(2 reviews)

0.2 mi

Place: It's a quaint location for our lunch--a large house, blue windows, hip servers, nestled in a…read morecorner a little off the main streets. There's an upstairs as well. I loved the decorations. The whimsical, romantic details were perfect for a quiet date, as evident by the couple in the corner opposite from us. If I live in the area, I can see myself grabbing coffee there with friends. I love the quotes on the wall and the humor in them. I love the books in the corners, the windows that allow plenty of chances for people watching and the lighthearted atmosphere. The service was great and friendly. 5 stars. Food: Portions were generous and prices were decent. The presentation was nice. The food wasn't anything to write home about. I recognize that I'm a little biased and prefer more creative(?) food, so the favors were a bit too tame for me. I prefer a little more kick in my food. For what we paid, I think it was fair. If I were looking for a wow experience, this wouldn't be the place. I'd give the food 3 stars.

This is the first place my boyfriend and I stopped once we arrived. Excellent location - just off…read moreof Cornmarket Road - quiet, peaceful, and delicious delicious DELICIOUS coffee and sandwiches. Couldn't have picked a better early morning stop!