It is virtually impossible to include a top 5 places to eat since there are so many good spots that you must try if you have the opportunity. A few nice local eateries for you to consider.
Most college halls are open only to members. But if you know someone, try dining in a college hall. Food is not always the best, but it is usually good value for money and a good way to see how members dine in college. Formal dinners in college is still very much an integral part of college life.
I. Local favourites
Covered Market
Apart from fresh produce, covered market has a lot of good local food to offer.
- Ricardo's do a good range of baguettes and ciabattas. Close to the Market Street entrance.
- The pies at Pie Minister are certainly worth trying.
- A short flight of stairs from deep within covered market will bring you to Giorgina's, a tiny place with character. Unwind with a piece of cake and/or a hot chocolate with marshmallows.
- If you fancy a cookie, try Ben's Cookies accessed via the High Street entrance.
- if you are in the mood for a smoothie, try Moo Moo's accessed via the High Street entrance.
G&D's
G&D's is a popular local ice cream chain with three outlets - St Aldates opposite Christ Church (George and Danver), Little Clarendon Street (George and Davis) and Cowley Road (George and Delila). They always have a wide range of tempting homemade ice creams, coffee and desserts to make your day.
II. Upmarket British food
There are quite a few classic British restaurants all around Oxford, with most tending to be sit down and pricey. If you do wish to relax and splurge, try one of these. A booking is essential during busy periods.
- Quod Brasserie & Bar: At the Old Bank Hotel on High Street
- The High Table: Also on High Street at the Eastgate Hotel
- Old Parsonage: Located on St Giles/Banbury Road the Old Parsonage Hotel is located in a 16th century building.
- Gee's: Further down Banbury Road, Gee's is a fine dining restaurant.
- Restaurant, Morse Bar & The Drawing Room at the Randolph Hotel: On Beaumont Street with stylish setting and an expensive way to relax.
III. International Cuisine
Thanks to the ever-changing face of the Oxford crowd, food from the far corners of the world are extremely popular here.
- Thai:Chiang Mai Kitchen, accessed via an alley just off High Street, and Bangkok House, on Hythe Bridge Street (on the way to the Railway Station) with its impressive Thai deco, are highly recommended.
- Japanese: Edamame is a tiny but an excellent Japanese restaurant on Holywell Street opposite New College.
- Mexican: Mission Grill on St Michael's Street and King Edward Street) offer decent burritos for ~£5 that are quite filling and appetizing!
- Chinese: Shanghai 30 on St Aldate's has an impressive Chinese deco and offers delicious Chinese food
- Indian: 4500 Miles from Delhi is a good choice for some mouth watering Indian dishes in central Oxford.
IV. Cafés
There are numerous local cafés that offer a good selection of salads, coffees, sandwiches and hot food.
- Grand Café: on High Street is the site of the oldest coffee house in England founded in 1650.
- Queen's Lane (QL) Coffee House: On High Street, opposite Grand Café, QL apparently founded in 1654.
- Jericho Café: in Jericho. A bit off the track for most tourists, but serves quite a tasty fish pie.
- Green Café: (St Gile's and Queen Street) is another option serving fair trade produce.
- The Rose: Another nice tea room on High Street with a good selection of teas and scones.
V. Sandwiches
For a quick bite on the go, try one of these sandwich shops:
- Taylors: Gloucester Green Coach Station and St Giles
- Morton's: Covered Market, Broad Street, Little Clarendon Street and New Inn Hall Street
- Alternate Tuck Shop: Corner of Holywell Street and Mansfield Road
- Ricardo's:Covered Market
- Harvey's: High Street
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