Now that summer is here, as far as eating outside is concerned, we’ve got it covered! From lush gardens and courtyards to orangeries, souks, decking, terraces, yurts, tents, marquees, huts, glasshouses and pop ups, it’s all going on!
Here are our suggestions, so get booking:
IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER..…
Arbequina, Cowley Road is famous for its incredible tapas which you can now enjoy via pavement dining while watching the colourful life on Cowley Road pass by. Just make sure you book. https://arbequina.co.uk
Ashmolean Cafe, Oxford has one of the most stunning views in Oxford stretching as far as the eye can see. Enjoy lunch and afternoon tea from its rooftop restaurant and terrace. https://www.ashmolean.org
Back Lane Tavern, Woodstock – a hugely popular summer spot which also boasts a separate covered and heated dining space at the back. Try the bar snack menu which won’t disappoint or book for a more lavish offering. https://backlanetavern.co.uk
Bell, Charlbury – not only has a lovely courtyard terrace but an extensive garden where you can enjoy the nostalgic and seasonal food.
Branca, Jericho has really pushed the boat out to create a wonderful Italianate courtyard and terrace to accompany the stunning food. https://www.branca.co.uk
Bbuona, Gloucester Green – Go for the pinsas, cocktails and the outdoor seating framing Gloucestershire Green. It’s easy to pretend you’re in Italy there! REVIEW: It’s the ingredients that do the talking at the Italian Bbuona Pinsa Bar on Gloucester Green – a neighbourhood restaurant to be proud of!
Canteen, Gagingwell – this year’s summer pop up REVIEW: ‘We booked in for dinner before finishing lunch’ from the guys at The Bull in Charlbury, is based on their Notting Hill restaurant, where Italian ingredients reign supreme. Open until September, don’t miss out!
Cinnamon Stick, Middle Barton – There’s something about eating Middle-Eastern mezze in a proper souk lounge, now fully weatherproof. And with a wood-fired oven to enhance the experience and new pizzas on the menu you’re good to go! https://www.thecinnamonstick.co.uk
Cheese Shed, Nettlebed Creamery – Literally made for the outdoors in all its incarnations, full of dog walkers, hikers and families desperate for one of their infamous toasties. With lots of parking. https://www.nettlebedcreamery.com/the-cheese-shed
Cherwell Boathouse, Oxford – Arguably the most picturesque location in Oxford, it is especially well situated for outdoor dining. Sit and watch the punts slide past from this classic Oxford setting, with sophisticated food to match. https://cherwellboathouse.co.uk
DISH, Harwell Campus near Didcot, offers outdoor street food shipping containers serving global cuisine, as well as seating and a roof terrace. So get out there while it’s hot!
Dosa Darlings, Cowley Road – the South Indian restaurant has taken full advantage of its rear garden, transforming it into a colourful and enticing area that matches its vibrant interior. https://www.dosadarlings.com
Double Red Duke, Clanfield. A picture perfect setting for an al fresco extravaganza. Join the beautiful people and dine in style. https://www.countrycreatures.com/double-red-duke/
Duke, Woodstock – a packed schedule of fun events and a gorgeous garden from where you can enjoy its delicious upmarket pub grub vibe, makes this a hugely popular spot. https://www.dukeofmarlborough.co.uk
Duke of Cumberland’s Head, Clifton – not only produces some truly stunning and elegant food but has an enticing outdoor space where you can relax and eat in style REVIEW: ‘Gastropub heaven’ Head chef Tom Farrar’s food at the Duke of Cumberland’s Head in Clifton is quite extraordinary. Get down there quick!
Edge Deli, Witney – there is lots of outdoor seating at its new cafe/deli from where you can try its daily changing menu and soak up some rays at any time of day. https://oxinabox.co.uk/review-the-edge-deli-brings-witney-something-novel-different-and-delicious
Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote – a foodie’s paradise thanks to head chef James Erasmus (REVIEW: What a meal! New head chef James Erasmus at The Feathered Nest at Nether Westcote. The one to watch!) which boasts some of the best views and food in the county. What’s not to like?
Feathers, Woodstock. The new look Aviary restaurant and courtyard have just reopened after an extensive refurb with multiple indoor/outdoor eating options, a pizza oven and some mighty fine cocktails – a little oasis in the busy town. https://www.feathers.co.uk
Folly, Abingdon Road – riverside dining at its best – eat some top notch food on the pontoon or set off with Oxford River Cruises. One of Oxford’s best kept secrets. Their high tea is another big draw. https://www.the-folly.co.uk
Fox at Middle Barton – just opened EXCLUSIVE: Richard Galli, former Executive Chef at Claridge’s, heads up The Fox in Middle Barton. Here’s what to expect! and with an extensive beer garden and outdoor seating area, the food and wine are set to wow!
Fox, Oddington – a beautiful space inside and out where the garden is the focus. The Daylesford pub serves seasonal food which reflects the summer climes. https://thefoxatoddington.com
Gees, Oxford – the glasshouse interior already makes you feel like you are outside, but after a recent refurb, the outdoor terrace is also holding its own, where you can dine in style https://www.geesrestaurant.co.uk
Gloucester Green Market, Oxford is bursting with exciting street food on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Korean to Thai, Peruvian to Nepalese and a wonderful seating area that brings you right into the heart of the action.
Handlebar, Oxford – one of Oxford’s quirkiest and most beloved cafes, has been working hard to ensure you can still enjoy its bohemian food outside on St Michael’s Street in little booths and tables. Cafe culture at its best. https://www.handlebaroxford.co.uk
Head Of The River, Oxford – This quintessential Oxford pub has a huge decking area ready to cater for you soaking up the sun and tucking into some proper pub grub. https://www.headoftheriveroxford.co.uk
Isis River Farmhouse, Oxford – only accessible by bike, boat or foot, this wonderfully idyllic location offers a seasonal menu of small/large plates, salads, pies and burgers. https://www.theisisfarmhouse.co.uk
Jolly Farmers, Oxford – A joyously secluded spot, right in the heart of the city offering a sun trap when you want one, shady spots when you don’t and a wooden beamed covering for the rest of the year! Enjoy the weather in Oxford’s oldest, and our favourite, LGBTQ+ venue. https://www.jollyfarmers-oxford.co.uk
Kibou, Little Clarendon Street, Oxford – has a gorgeous terrace out the back, as well as a huge conservatory where you can dine on the sumptuous Japanese menu and relax in style! And with Tokyo Nights to enjoy every Friday night in the summer, complete with DJs, you know where to head https://kibou.co.uk/locations/kibou-oxford
Killingworth Castle, Wootton – dine in splendour in the Killy’s sunny garden in this beautiful Oxfordshire village. https://www.thekillingworthcastle.com
Kingham Plough, Kingham – Offers a variety of outdoor dining to accompany its exquisite food. REVIEW: The Kingham Plough has lost none of its charm despite some increasingly stiff competition in the Cotswolds
Meet Point Cafe, Summertown – purely outdoor, with covered areas, and an extensive courtyard garden, enjoy the Indian street food, great coffee, milkshakes, lassis and more in the sunshine.
Mamma Mia, Summertown and Jericho – pizza and pasta on the terrace? Yes please. A great place to hang out and pretend you’re in Italy. If only……. https://www.mammamiapizzeria.co.uk
Medley, Binsey – Oxford’s riverside bar, pizzeria and beer garden is back open for the summer and boasts its own pizza ovens and eclectic, seasonal menu, plus you can dine with a riverside view. read about it here
Nut Tree, Murcott – has added an enticing garden framing its veg patches where you can dine in splendour on Mike North’s Michelin starred food. REVIEW: The Nut Tree in Murcott still leads by example, our lunch demonstrating why it’s retained its Michelin star for 17 years and counting!
Old Crown, Faringdon – Has a great courtyard for al fresco dining, and lots of outdoor events to enjoy. https://www.theoldcrowncoachinginn.com
Oxford Blue, Iffley Road – The plant-based pub has a secret watering hole of a garden hidden away out the back where you can forget about the hubbub outside and relax, far from the madding crowd. https://www.theoxfordblue.com
Parsonage Grill, Oxford – The outdoor terrace has been given a new look for those wanting to dine in style in central Oxford. A heavenly spot! REVIEW: Lunch at the newly revamped Parsonage Grill Terrace brings an exciting Moroccan vibe to Oxford city centre
Perch, Binsey – has lots of dining options thanks to its extensive lawn leading down to the river beyond, with outdoor tables and a marquee. The separate Perch Shed Bar offers drinks and burgers for those wanting a lighter bite but the terrace and conservatory are equally as popular. https://the-perch.co.uk
Plough in West Hanney is always busy and fun, their extensive garden the site of numerous fabulous events and top nights out, or just enjoy some appetising food in their picturesque grounds. Read about it here
Pompette, Oxford – terraced eating at its best – dine in style and watch the world go by as you tuck in to the Alsace-Lorraine based menu and fabulous cocktails. Tres chic! https://www.pompetterestaurant.co.uk
Punter, Osney Mead, Oxford – this stalwart Oxford pub not only boasts a riverside view but a beautiful dining courtyard much loved by locals and visitors alike. It also serves some stupendous vegetarian and vegan food with some new fish dishes thrown in for good measure. https://www.thepunteroxford.co.uk
Quod, Oxford – The Italian Garden Terrace at the rear of the historic restaurant means you can dine in style whatever the weather. https://www.quod.co.uk
Sir Charles Napier, Chinnor – head chef Andy Lewis’ food is immense, and the outdoor surroundings provide the perfect foil. Always a wonderfully eclectic and culinary experience. https://www.sircharlesnapier.co.uk
Slow & Steady, Abingdon Rd, Oxford – Such a great outdoor space for the huge pizza and burger offering provided by Dodo. Cycle there or walk across Christchurch Meadows. https://dodopubs.com/the-slow-and-steady/
Star, Rectory Road, off Cowley Road – Calls itself the best beer garden in Oxford you can see why, and as it’s just off the main drag, and boasts Moonie’s Pizza incredible offering, it’s a hard one to beat! https://oxinabox.co.uk/review-a-pint-of-dough-balls-uh-yes-moonies-pizza-at-the-star-off-cowley-road-blew-our-minds-right-up-there-with-the-best-in-oxford/
Tap Social, Botley – Tap’s pizzas are a big draw at the Botley brewery, as well as its eclectic partnerships with local foodie vendors, and of course, the added bonus of Tap Social’s own ‘criminally good’ brewed beer. Go to https://www.tapsocialmovement.com
The Covered Market. Not exactly open air, but its new hospitality friendly, late night opening ethos incorporates all sorts of cafes, bars and restaurants, meaning you can sit and eat everything from pizza to curry and gyros with a pint, wine or coffee in the communal eating areas. And with Arbequina and Lula’s now open, it’s going to be the place to be! https://oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk/traders/category/eat-and-drink/
The Store roof terrace, Oxford – dazzling views across Oxford and Broad Street, the recently opened hotel boasts a stunning outdoor bar on the top floor in the former Boswells, providing a sophisticated spot for sundowners. https://thestoreoxford.com/rooftop/
Three Horseshoes, Witney – Such a great local pub with smashing food and a lively garden which hosts some great themed nights. At the top of the garden there is also a private bar for events and private parties! https://www.threehorseshoeswitney.co.uk
Up In Arms, Marston. The low-key Dodo pub boasts a beautiful beer garden with film nights and events, accompanied by their infamous burger and pizza menus. https://dodopubs.com/locations/the-up-in-arms/
Victoria Arms, Marston – quintessential Oxford views complete with cows drinking from the river and punters floating past. With lots of seating options and an indoor outdoor/eating area, it ticks all the boxes. https://butcombe.com/the-victoria-arms-oxfordshire/
Wandering Kitchen, Queenford Lakes, Wallingford – come for breakfast, brunch or lunch at this wonderful lakeside location run by avid foodies Jo and Ed Chapman. Try their toasties, salads, burgers, snacks and some wonderful cakes. Check the website for opening times. https://thewanderingkitchen.co.uk
White Hart, Fyfield – its orangery is always busy and weatherproof. Throw in an extensive garden with outdoor kitchen and pizza oven and you’re sorted whatever the weather – from fine dining to something more casual and an incredible cocktail menu, this is a great place to hang out! https://www.whitehart-fyfield.com
White Rabbit, Oxford – Heated seats, pints, legendary pizzas and a charming outdoor area means this is one of Oxford’s favourite and busiest pubs come rain or shine. https://www.whiterabbitoxford.co.uk
Wild Rabbit, Kingham – has a huge and very tasteful dining area out the back, and tables at the front, to enhance your summer dining experience. https://thewildrabbit.co.uk
Woodstock Arms, Woodstock – With chef patron Jonny Pugsley in the kitchen, enjoy his tasty food in the leafy courtyard garden. A handy retreat! https://www.thewoodstockarms.com
Worton Kitchen Garden, Cassington – couldn’t be any beautiful at this time of year. Pop in for coffee and home-made cakes, exquisite lunches, pop up dinners and concerts, and marvel at the surrounding flora and fauna. Positively bucolic. read our review here
Yurt at Nicholsons in North Aston has a huge and stylish outdoor eating area and with head chef Andrew Carr at the helm, the food is incredible. read our review here Go for breakfast or lunch. https://www.nicholsonsgb.com
