Oxford - where to have lunch?

[troika]

In Oxford (centre) next week for a mooch around. Any recent recommendations for lunch, nice but not too fancy. I’m thinking gastropub / bistro level?

Thanks!

[Chunkychucky]

Any preference for type of cuisine? Bistro/gastropub suggests European, I always enjoyed The Old Bookbinders for such occaisions, always keen for some decent Thai food so The Old Tom pub was a regular haunt - moved out of Oxford 7/8 years ago now so not sure if these still hold weight.

[PositronicRay]

The last couple of trips we've been to Quod for lunch, good buzz, service and a reasonably priced set menu.

Edited by PositronicRay on Tuesday 10th January 15:34

[SimonTheSailor]

Chunkychucky said:

Any preference for type of cuisine? Bistro/gastropub suggests European, I always enjoyed The Old Bookbinders for such occaisions, always keen for some decent Thai food so The Old Tom pub was a regular haunt - moved out of Oxford 7/8 years ago now so not sure if these still hold weight.

The Old Bookbinders specialises in French cuisine, was in there not so long ago - food smelled fantastic !! It's in Jericho so a bit of a walk from the city center.

[troika]

Thanks, bookbinders looks great but Quod more central. Any others to consider?

Also need a good pub which will be showing the 6 nations. Getting a few old mates together for a super Saturday session and Oxford works geographically. Any recommendations?

[JKRolling]

I always pay a visit to Pierre Victoire whenever I’m in Oxford, very decent bistro food

https://www.pierrevictoire.co.uk/

[Chunkychucky]

JKRolling said:

I always pay a visit to Pierre Victoire whenever I’m in Oxford, very decent bistro food

https://www.pierrevictoire.co.uk/

Forgot about that place! Only went once but agree it was good.

[The Ferret]

In the shopping centre itself you've got Victors on the rooftop level which is decent.

Other than that its more restaurant chain style options (dirty bones is great, but an acquired taste) but venture outside the city centre and you'll find much better options.

As already mentioned above, Pierre Victoire is probably the best locally if you can leave the city centre.

As for pubs, there's plenty in the city centre that will be showing it, but again a short walk and you'll find better. Jericho Tavern and the Victoria spring to mind.

[troika]

JKRolling said:

I always pay a visit to Pierre Victoire whenever I’m in Oxford, very decent bistro food

https://www.pierrevictoire.co.uk/

Looks excellent, thanks!

ETA lunch is only on Friday and Saturday. Damn!

Edited by troika on Wednesday 11th January 19:36

[Arranguez]

I used to work at The Old Parsonage which does (did?) a lovely lunch.

[witten]

I've heard good thinks about Cherwell Boathouse too

[BIRMA]

The Lexus RCF owners went to The Trout Inn it's by the river and the food was superb, huge place and packed full with people eating. I'd go back if in the area.

[Steve Campbell]

Went to Wilding about a year ago, though in the evening with work colleagues. Really enjoyed it.

[Jimbo.]

TBH there aren’t that many decent places for food in the city centre. Most are scattered around Jericho, Cowley Road etc, where you’re spoilt for choice but faced with a walk/taxi from the centre. There’re plenty of good places in the Covered Market, but nothing by gastro-pub or bistro.

For somewhere bistro-like in the centre, there’s The Handlebar on St. Michaels Street. It’s been a while since I’ve been there but I recall it being OK.

[troika]

Thanks all for the comments. We had a very enjoyable lunch at Quod. A slightly restricted menu as they are re doing the kitchen and are literally cooking outside but did a great job. Recommended, would certainly visit again.

[Rich135]

troika said:

Thanks all for the comments. We had a very enjoyable lunch at Quod. A slightly restricted menu as they are re doing the kitchen and are literally cooking outside but did a great job. Recommended, would certainly visit again.

Agree, I sent for dinner last week and it was delicious despite the temporary kitchen.

[PositronicRay]

I'm not in Oxford very often, but when I'am this is where I make a beeline for. The covered courtyard is a pleasant place to eat when in weather is nice.