Although Oxford isn’t typically known for its vegetarian eateries, there is still a great selection of vegetarian/vegan restaurants in the city. Not all have exclusively vegetarian menus, but those that don’t still offer a wide range of options! With so much sightseeing to do in the city, the vegetarians out there will definitely need somewhere to refuel. So, if you’re a student, local or just visiting Oxford, here are the 10 best vegetarian restaurants in Oxford revealed!
1. The Gardeners Arms
39 Plantation Road, Oxford, OX2 6JE
This is Oxford’s only 100% vegan and vegetarian pub. The pub was taken over by current owners in 2003, and its aim is to serve fully vegetarian food whilst appealing to non-vegetarians as well! The pub is located in the trendy Jericho area and has a mouth-watering menu that offers dishes such as dirty fries, burgers, hot dogs and calzone. There is also a weekly quiz night on Sunday’s!
2. Alpha Bar
84-89 The Market, Oxford, OX1 3DX
For a to-go lunch during a sightseeing or shopping trip, visit Alpha Bar in the city centre’s covered market and try something new. This value-for-money eatery is popular with students and locals, and it offers a variety of meat and vegetarian options. The menu is full of hearty salad dishes, falafel and unique specials. It changes every day, so the food is always fresh, and the staff are renowned for the personal service and their knowledge of the food.
3. Art Café
14 Bonn Square, Oxford, OX1 1EU
Located right opposite Westgate shopping centre, the independent Art Café is unlike other offerings in Oxford. As well as delicious food, the café also hosts local art exhibitions for customers to browse. The menu is perfect for a hearty lunch with a variety of baguettes, bagels, jacket potatoes and smoothies on offer as well as hot dishes such as pasta and quesadillas. There is a vegetarian option for almost every food offering here and the veggie chilli bowl with sourdough bread is always popular. The café also prides itself on a wide variety of gluten-free options.
4. Magic Café
110 Magdalen Road, Oxford, OX4 1RQ
Located in the popular student area of Cowley, the Magic Café is the perfect spot for a vegetarian breakfast, lunch or sweet treats. It offers value-for-money takeaway or eat-in foods such as breakfast pancakes or eggs and hot and cold lunches such as salads and curries. The delicious cake selection is also not to be missed. The café is independently owned and run, so there is always a welcoming feeling.
5. Hogacre Common Café
Whitehouse Road, Oxford, OX1 4QJ
This community-focused café is a local hidden oasis in the Hogacre Common Eco Park on the outskirts of the city centre. It is run by local volunteers, and it is a pop-up café open on Sunday’s throughout the summer. All food is locally sourced, and the café prides itself on its involvement with community gardens, employment schemes and its zero-food waste policy. The menu changes weekly but typical offerings involve veggie lasagnas, vegan macaroni and food surplus specials. There is also a variety of coffee and cakes on offer.
6. Za’atar Bake
166 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1UE
This is another hidden gem on the bustling Cowley Road. It’s Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods are fully authentic, and the cosy, intimate atmosphere creates a warming experience. Although the menu is not fully vegetarian, it does hold a wide selection of offerings that do not disappoint. The café is famous for its homemade lemonade and delicious baklava, shakshuka and tagines with a variety of flavour combinations. If you are eager to try some exotic foods, this café is for you.
7. The Coconut Tree
76 Saint Clements Street, Oxford, OX4 1AH
This atmospheric restaurant brings Sri-Lankan street food to the UK. Located just outside the city centre in East Oxford, it offers eat-in and takeaway food that is authentic and delicious. Food is cooked fresh daily, and there is a variety of veggie options available such as veggie kottu and pick and mix dishes like coconut sambal, red lentil dhal and stir-fried chickpeas.
8. Delhish Vegan Kitchen
19-20 Saint Clements Street, Oxford, OX4 1AB
As featured in the Waitrose Good Food Guide, Oxfordshire’s only vegan Indian restaurant is popular for vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters. The value for money large portion sizes do not disappoint. Traditional Indian offerings are available such as samosas and curry’s, but there is also a selection of wraps and a popular layered chickpea curry. There is also an Indian feast on offer with 12 different flavours that can be made for one or two.
9. The Nosebag Restaurant
6-8 Michael’s Street, Oxford, OX1 2DU
This restaurant is another one of Oxford’s independent gems, founded in 1971. Their homemade food is famous for being vegetarian, but Nosebag prides itself on catering for all dietary requirements, including coeliac. Food is made using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, and it is all served with hand-thrown crockery. The menu includes breakfast offerings such as a vegan breakfast or ricotta and raspberry pancakes, and there is an all-day selection including quiches, soups and fritters. There are also cream teas on offer with up to twelve homemade cakes to choose from.
10. Happy Friday Kitchen
282 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX1 1UR
This bright and cheerful eatery in Cowley is inspired by the vegan restaurants in California, USA. The entire menu is free from animal products and includes pizzas, loaded fries, burgers and hot dogs. The large dessert selection is not to be missed as it includes cookie dough, sundaes, s’mores and pancakes. A wide variety of sweets and chocolate-inspired milkshakes completes the line-up, this kitchen feels like something straight out of an LA movie, and it is definitely one of a kind.
