Looking for the best brunch in Oxford? Having lived near Oxford for years, I’ve tried and tested plenty of brunch spots in the city, and this is my guide to the best.
The City of Spires has a lot to offer, whether you’re visiting for the sights, to go punting, or simply for some great food. Whatever it is you’re visiting Oxford for, make sure you plan time into your schedule for a decent brunch while you’re there. There are lots of new hotspots popping up across the city, as well as some old favourites. Whether you’re after a hearty brunch or something prettier in a fancy location, there’s somewhere with the perfect breakfast in Oxford for you. Here’s my pick of the best brunch in Oxford.
Quick tips for visiting Oxford
Get this: a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Oxford. Enjoy unlimited hop on hop off stops for 24 or 48 hours, and see sights including Oxford Castle and Queen’s College, as well as panoramic views of the city.
Don’t miss: an Oxford University and city walking tour. Explore Oxford University on a walking tour that also takes in a Harry Potter film site. Alumni of the university share unique insights into the prestigious university.
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George Street Social, New Inn Hall Street
George Street Social is a fun place to visit, offering great vibes and excellent food to the people of Oxford. Open from 9am on weekends, George Street Social offers some of the best brunch in Oxford. Of course – as any good brunch spot will offer, there’s a bottomless Prosecco option too. Expect to find heart favourites on the brunch menu. Think generous helpings of Eggs Benedict, and the ‘Manwich’ bun – a sandwich with egg, bacon, cheese, and hash browns. The shakshuka baked eggs is delicious too. For those who prefer something a little sweeter, there’s American pancakes with blueberries, raspberries, banana, and maple syrup.
The Jericho Cafe, Walton Street
Voted the second best brunch in Britain by The Sunday Times, The Jericho Cafe is a friendly family-run cafe in the trendy area of Jericho. You can enjoy homemade dishes by the team as it serves up some of the best brunch in Oxford. It’s also extremely reasonably priced. Feast on dishes including the classic Cafe Breakfast. It’s free-range eggs, bacon, Cumberland sausage, hot buttered mushrooms, baked beans, and Oxford sourdough toast. The bacon bap stacked with crispy bacon is equally as delicious. Vegetarians and vegans are catered for, too – check out the spinach, mushroom, and tomato grill, stacked on Oxford sourdough bread with a reduced balsamic dressing.
Gee’s Restaurant and Bar, Banbury Road
Originally a greengrocer and florist dating back to 1898, Gee’s is located in a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian conservatory. Served between 9am and 11am each day, at Gee’s you can find some of the best brunch in Oxford. Take a seat among the olive trees and plants of the conservatory, and peruse the brunch menu. Kick off with a spicy Bloody Mary, a mimosa or a coffee. You can then feast on dishes including crushed eggs with chorizo, onions, and potatoes, or burrata with smashed avocado on toast. You can’t go wrong with a Gee’s Breakfast, either. It’s a mix of chorizo, sausage, bacon, morcilla, eggs, and tomatoes – delicious!
The Handle Bar Cafe and Kitchen, St Micheal’s Street
If there’s one spot to go for brunch in Oxford, it has to be The Handle Bar Cafe. It boasts a generous brunch menu with some very tempting options, and even has a menu section devoted to the humble Bloody Mary. Its HB full house breakfast features award-winning sausage and bacon, as well as free range poached egg, plantain chips, roastedprovençale tomato, garlic mushrooms, spicy tamarind beans, and sourdough toast. The horseradish latkes are equally as scrumptious – gravadlax with free-range poached eggs, lemon dill and chive dressing, and pickled beetroots and shallots. Head here for some of the best brunch in Oxford.
Vaults and Garden, Radcliffe Square
A self-professed socially positive cafe, there’s a real focus on sustainability at Vaults and Garden. Where possible, they use locally sourced and ethically produced goods. All of this results in some of the best brunch in Oxford. Their breakfast menu is available seven days a week, and there are some incredible options. Give the Full Oxford a go – organic bacon, scrambled eggs, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, and toast. There are also vegetarian and vegan substitutions to enjoy. Another favourite of mine is the Oxford cheese rarebit, which is sourdough bread topped with cheddar and Gruyere cheese. All the menu is absolutely delicious and reasonably priced.
Victors Oxford, Queen Street
One of the coolest spots in the city, Victors also dishes up some of the best brunch in Oxford. In a classy setting, Victors is located on the beautiful garden terrace of the city’s Westgate centre. You’ll find a contemporary American menu featuring both small and large plates. While away the morning over a delicious brunch while you enjoy some of the best views of Oxford over its iconic spires. Enjoy classic brunch dishes including an English breakfast, or an American breakfast with bacon, sausage, eggs, and buttermilk pancakes. The eggs royale is a favourite of mine, as well as the avocado on sourdough toast with extra chilli flakes sprinkled on top.
Cafe Coco, Cowley Road
Situated on Oxford’s iconic and lively Cowley Road, Cafe Coco boasts friendly staff, a vibrant atmosphere, and some of the best brunch in Oxford. As well as some traditional breakfast dishes, Cafe Coco also offers a healthy range of brunch options. Try the superfood porridge with fresh fruit, and wash it down with a freshly pressed vegetable or fruit juice. Other tasty brunch options include the Full English breakfast with bacon, tomato, Oxford sausage, free range egg, toast, mushrooms, and garlic sautéed potatoes. The eggy bread with cinnamon and maple syrup is delicious too, as well as cherry tomatoes on toast, roasted with virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
That’s my guide to the best brunch in Oxford! Are there any other brunch spots you’d recommend in the City of Spires? Let me know in the comments below.
