The Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Oxford

These are some of the best coffee shops and cafes in Oxford, as picked by an Oxford University alumna!

Oxford is known for its beautiful architecture, the renowned university and its Harry Potter filming locations. But did you know that there is also a tonne of excellent independent cafes in Oxford?

Oxford’s ever-growing coffee scene is just another reason to add this to your UK bucket list.

When I was a student there, I loved visiting these cafes for breakfast, study breaks and catch ups with friends. Here’s the low down on some of the best coffee shops and cafes that Oxford has to offer.

Read more: The Best Places for Brunch in Oxford

22 of the Best Cafes in Oxford

Handle Bar Cafe & Kitchen

Handle Bar Cafe in Oxford is one of my favourite spaces for a slow breakfast. It’s located above a bike shop and takes its interior inspiration from there. You’ll find lofty ceilings, plenty of light and the odd bike or three.

I’d suggest getting up early for a spot of avocado on toast (with feta, chilli and paprika!) and then getting your laptop out for a productive morning of work. Alternatively, if you’re only in Oxford for 24 hours then this is also where my one day Oxford itinerary begins!

The space can often be very busy at mealtimes (they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner), but the in-between periods are great for knuckling down with your projects. Of course, there’s plenty of good coffee to fuel you through your session too!

Address: 28-32 St Michael’s Street, OX1 2EB
Opening Hours: Varies. 8pm – 5/11pm
Website: www.handlebaroxford.co.uk

The Missing Bean

The Missing Bean is, and always will be, an Oxford institution. It’s a firm favourite amongst students and locals alike because of its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. They sell their own blend of house coffee as well as ethically sourced coffees from around the world.

There’s often a queue going out the door for morning coffee so you know it’s good!

The breakfast and lunch options here are simple, but they hit the spot. A simple bagel and jam in the morning here was one of my favourite ways to start the day. They have a selection of sandwiches, with bread sourced from local bakeries, as well as cakes and pastries.

Whether you go and stay for a few hours or get your coffee to go, you simply must visit the Missing Bean on your trip to Oxford. Make sure to get there early to nab one of the coveted window seats!

Address: 14 Turl Street, OX1 3DQ
Opening Hours: 8am – 6:30pm Monday to Friday, 9am – 6:30pm Saturday, 10am – 5pm Sunday
Website: www.themissingbean.co.uk

Turl Street Kitchen

Turl Street Kitchen, or TSK, is a popular cafe in Oxford and one of the bigger cafes on this list. Unsurprisingly, it’s located on Turl Street, right in the centre of Oxford and a few metres away from The Missing Bean.

There are several rooms downstairs so there’s plenty of room to sit and enjoy your morning coffee or even a spot of lunch with a group of friends. I love the decor downstairs with its large wooden tables and patterned floor tiles.

They use seasonal produce here so the menu changes regularly but you can expect homey dishes such as warm soup, vegetable tagine, a full English and more. There are a decent number of plant-based options on the menu making TSK vegan and vegetarian-friendly.

What’s more, TSK have pledged to Oxford’s Good Food Charter, with the aim of improving the food culture in Oxford. This means healthier food, less waste, more vegetables and more.

Address: 16-17 Turl Street, Oxford, OX1 3DH
Opening Hours: 8am – 4pm every day

Barefoot

Barefoot is located a little way out of the centre in Jericho but it’s 100% worth making your way out there for these delicious cakes. Barefoot sell the very best cakes in Oxford, which are not only beautiful but very, very tasty!

Their cakes are so good that they supply over 30 other Oxford cafes, pubs, restaurants etc. with their yummy creations. I know their cakes can be found at lots of the other cafes on this list, so why not head to their main shop to discover all they have to offer?

I’m secretly glad that it’s located away from the busy centre because it meant that a) I wasn’t tempted to eat here every day and b) it wasn’t completely overcrowded.

Their cakes are so beautiful I think one could class them as art and so yummy it should be illegal so definitely make time for Barefoot. It’s the sort of place I’ll be keeping in mind if I’m looking for a wedding cake (it’s that good)!

Address: 74A Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6EA
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm every day (9am on weekends)
Website: www.barefootoxford.co.uk

The Grand Cafe

The Grand Cafe in Oxford has an absolutely gorgeous exterior that you’ll no doubt have noticed if you’ve strolled down the high street.

It calls itself the oldest coffee house in England (dating back to 1650!) so coffee lovers must take a step inside just for that reason.

It’s one of the best places for afternoon tea in Oxford and a good place to treat yourself after an afternoon of exploring or even to bring the parents if they’re visiting.

Address: 84 High St, Oxford OX1 4BG
Opening Hours: 9am – 6:30/7pm every day
Website: www.thegrandcafe.co.uk

Thirsty Meeples

Thirsty Meeples is a little different from the other cafes on this list. It’s a board game cafe open from morning ’til midnight and a great space to spend a rainy afternoon in Oxford. There are a whopping 2700 board games to choose from here so there’s plenty to keep you occupied!

You pay a cover charge and then you are free to play whatever you want. If you aren’t eating then it’s £7.50 for three hours play per adult but if you’re going to order food and drink at some point then it’s £6 for three hours instead.

Read More: Things to Do in Oxford in the Evening

If you’re not sure what you want to play then the Game Guru can help you pick a suitable game based on how long you want to stay, how many players there are and how experienced you are. What’s more, if you fall in love with a game, you can even buy it!

You’ll likely need sustenance to keep you going through that uber competitive game of Risk but you can rest assured that the food and drink options at Thirsty Meeples are also excellent.

My personal recommendation is the coronation chicken sandwich – it’s just so good! It’s called the Baratheon, which is a nice touch.

Address: 99 Gloucester St, Oxford OX1 2DF
Opening Hours: 11am – 12pm every day (9am on weekends)
Website: thirstymeeples.co.uk

Brown’s Cafe

When you’re in the mood for a big fry up, Brown’s Cafe is the one. Their full English breakfast is positively enormous (see below!) and delicious. I’m a firm believer that a full English isn’t complete with a large helping of baked beans and it seems the folks at Brown’s Cafe agree.

Brown’s have been a fixture in Oxford’s Covered Market since 1924. It’s a historic Oxford institution and popular amongst both locals and students. A little slice of history remains on the walls here as the original Brown’s menu is displayed on the wall. A full English used to cost “1/9” and a cup of coffee was “4d” (4 pence).

It’s a lovely local cafe with delicious and reasonably priced breakfasts that I’d highly recommend.

Address: 92, The Covered Market, Oxford OX1 3DY
Opening Hours: 8am-4pm weekdays, 8am-5pm Saturdays, 10am-3:30pm Sundays
Website: https://oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk/traders/browns/

Cafe Coco

Cafe Coco is away from the bustle of the city centre on the Cowley Road and worth visiting if you’re venturing to East Oxford. This place is closer to a restaurant than a cafe and has some truly scrumptious food options.

There’s a wide range on offer here from a toasted sandwich (with a huge helping of fries) or a beautiful mixed mezze platter laden with goodies.

If you’re stopping by in the morning then there are plenty of brunch options to enjoy, including the usual full English as well as some healthier options like superfood porridge.

PLUS, the owner of this joint is actually Florence Pugh’s Dad! Her faves are the garlic bread with tzatziki and chorizo pizza with chillis (she said so here!).

Address: 23 Cowley Road , Oxford, OX4 1HP
Opening Hours: 10am-11pm weekdays, 9am ’til late on weekends
Website: www.cafecoco.co.uk

Peloton Espresso

Peloton Espresso is another cycling cafe in Oxford serving up speciality coffee blends on the Cowley Road. I came here with a friend in search of their delicious banana bread and I was not disappointed. Pure. Toasted. Goodness.

And don’t get me started on the cinnamon swirls!

For those looking for the perfect Instagram flatlay, they also do some of the best latte art in Oxford. If you’re more interested in the cycling aspect, then they also do screenings of major cycling events.

It’s a little out of the way but worth poking your head into if you’re in the Cowley area.

Address: 76 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1JB
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm weekdays; 9am – 5pm Saturdays; 10am – 5pm Sundays
Website: www.pelotonespresso.com

Oxford Wine Cafe

Oxford Wine Cafe used to be one of my favourite cafes for remote working in Oxford because it is usually very quiet during the day and you can get yourself set up at a large table near a plug.

It’s not too expensive, despite the fancier setting than some of the other cafes, and I enjoyed both the breakfast and lunch options.

At night this turns into a wine bar and is a nice place to enjoy a bottle of good wine with a platter of cheese.

Address: 32 Little Clarendon Street
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm every day
Website: oxfordwinecafe.co.uk

Vaults & Garden

Vaults & Garden Cafe is slap bang in the middle of Oxford in Radcliffe Square. You’ll definitely go past it when you’re in Oxford because it’s opposite the Radcliffe Camera, Oxford’s iconic round library.

The best time to visit the Vaults & Garden is in the summer so you can sit on the patio outside and look up at the beautiful Radcliffe Camera.

The cafe is connected to the church behind it and so in the winter the interior section can be a little dark and I prefer to go on a nice sunny day and nab an outdoor table.

Read More: Things to Do in Oxford in the Summer

The Vaults & Garden is great for breakfast, lunch, or even a spot of cream tea. You can get an enormous (and delicious) scone, clotted cream and jam, a pot of tea and amazing views for £6.40.

Address: University Church, High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AH
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm every day
Website: www.thevaultsandgarden.com

Jericho Coffee Traders

Jericho Coffee Traders is often shrouded behind misty windows which steam up easily but this small coffee shop is one of the best in Oxford.

There isn’t much seating inside and it’s a popular establishment so it wouldn’t be top of my list for places to go if you’re hoping to have a natter with a friend or do some work as you never know if there will be room. It’s great for grab and go through!

Address: 105 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BW
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday; 9am – 5:30pm Saturday; 9am – 5pm Sunday
Website: www.jerichocoffeetraders.com

Society Cafe

Society Cafe is a small chain with branches in Oxford, Bristol and Bath. The Oxford branch sits opposite the Oxford Union and is a simple space with minimalist interiors.

There are lots of very small tables dotted around so it is a favourite spot for students to work in. For those who work more collaboratively, there’s a large table in the middle which is good for small groups.

There’s a wide range of hot and cold drinks available and I believe they get their cakes from Barefoot, the cake shop I mentioned above.

There are little touches that make me love this place like the tea timer you get so you can have the perfect brew, the culture magazines dotted around and the beautiful latte art!

Address: 12-16 St Michael’s St, Oxford OX1 2DU
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 6:30pm Monday to Friday; 8am – 6:30pm Saturday; 9:30am – 6pm Sunday
Website: www.society-cafe.com

Skogen Kitchen

Skogen Kitchen occupies a shop space right by the backdoor of my old college, Christ Church. Over the years, I’ve watched this space evolve into a number of different eateries but it looks like Skogen Kitchen will be here to stay.

For a brunch that’s a little bit different, drop into Skogen. Their Scandinavian brunch consists of fish, cheese bread and salads. Much healthier than a typical English fry up!

In fact, most of what Skogen has to offer is really healthy, so it’s a good place to stop for a fresh and delicious lunch. For naughtier days, there are homemade cinnamon and cardamon buns (baked fresh every morning) or heart-shaped nordic waffles.

For more Scandinavian food, there’s also KuPP in the Westgate centre. It’s located at the top of the massive John Lewis is a bright and beautiful space for all-day dining.

Address: 2 King Edward Street, Oxford, OX1 4HS
Opening Hours: 9am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 5:30 pm on weekends
Website: skogen.kitchen

BREW

BREW is the furthest cafe from the centre of Oxford on this list but because of that it is less busy than these other coffee shops and has a nice, relaxed atmosphere.

There’s a record player in the corner, which is usually playing jazz music, and the dark woody interiors make BREW seem more homey.

As this is quite a small space, you’re less likely to find people and their laptops here.

They serve teas and pastries on the most beautiful blue and white china teacups and plates and the cinnamon buns are delicious.

A cup of coffee at BREW is a little pricier than at these other cafes but it is a speciality coffee shop and they know what’s what when it comes to coffee. Their enormous vintage copper espresso machine is not just for show!

Address: 75B Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6PE
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday; 8:30am – 5pm Saturday; 8:30am – 4pm Sunday
Website: www.brewoxford.co.uk

Jericho Cafe

Jericho Cafe may not be as stylish as some of these other new and trendy cafes in Oxford but it’s a firm favourite in the Jericho area. It’s known for its friendly staff and super relaxed atmosphere and both locals and students adore it.

It’s a great place to visit if you want to sample lots of Oxford’s very best food as the bread is from the Natural Bread Company, the cakes are from Barefoot and coffee is from The Missing Bean!

One of the things I love about Oxford is how collaborative all the businesses in this small city are. It’s so nice to see a thriving community of independent businesses.

Also, order the bacon and egg waffles.

Address: 112 Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6AJ
Opening Hours: Varies. Around 8am – 7pm every day, late close weekends
Website: www.thejerichocafe.co.uk

Opera Cafe

The food at Opera Cafe is some of the best in the Jericho area of Oxford. They serve up delicious meals at very decent prices, all in a cute cafe with a very friendly atmosphere.

The food is homemade and if you want to try something a bit different then opt for the Morrocan crepes which are their speciality.

There are a great number of vegetarian options and milk substitutes for your coffee making it great for vegans and veggies too.

In the summer months, you can sit on the small patio area outside and enjoy fresh food out in the sun. It’s probably not enough to convince you that you’ve been transported to Morocco but you can close your eyes and try.

Address: 31 Walton St, Oxford OX2 6AA
Opening Hours: 8am – 7pm every day (9am weekends)

Organic Deli Cafe

Organic Deli Cafe is tucked down an alleyway leading off from Magdalen Street so it could be very easy to miss. Part cafe, part deli, this is the place to come for fresh produce and wholesome foods.

As you make your way down the alley you’ll see boxes and crates full of bright, fresh vegetables and you’ll know you’ve found the right place.

Upstairs in the cafe, you can expect to find bright and colourful bowls and plates of food, which will leave you full and ready to take on the rest of the day. They sell typical cafe fare: sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes, eggs on toast and more but each bite is healthy and hearty.

They’re really good at catering for different dietary requirements and are happy to make swaps to their menu items to suit you if you ask nicely!

Address: 24 Friars Entry, Oxford OX1 2BY
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm
Website: www.organicwholefoods.co.uk

G&Ds

George & Danvers, more commonly referred to as G&Ds, is famous in Oxford for its homemade ice cream. Whether it was for the unique ice cream flavours or tasty pizza bagels, I was a regular at G&Ds during my time at Oxford.

There are several branches in Oxford, all of which are fairly large, and since it opens early and closes at midnight, it’s a sure bet if you’re not sure where to eat or snack.

If you’re visiting Oxford in the summer then they might even be selling G&Ds from the ice cream bike outside the shop, which is a nice touch.

Address: 94 St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BT
Opening Hours: 8am – midnight every day
Website: www.gdcafe.com

Georgina’s Cafe

Georgina’s Cafe is a hidden gem in Oxford’s Covered Market. It’s not the easiest place to find if you don’t know what you’re looking for as the cafe is actually located on the first floor above the cafe sign.

Enter from the High Street, next to Whittard and Chelsea, and keep on that path you should eventually see the signs for Georgina’s on your left. Go up the stairwell with large colourful paintings lining it and you’re there.

Georgina’s serves up no-frills good food that is perfect for a quick bite to eat. They have an authentic Greek food menu, which is all homemade, and salads are made fresh daily. Good portion sizes too!

Also, the decor is something special and I didn’t know where to focus my eyes when I first visited! There’s a red/pink theme going on with lots of posters up on the walls and ceilings.

Address: The Covered Market Turl Street, Oxford OX1 3DQ
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 4pm Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm

Café from Crisis

Cafe from Crisis is a cafe with an important mission – to give homeless people skills to keep them off the streets. The charity runs a training programme which sees homeless people become barristers or cooks by giving them a job in a real working environment. How cool is that?

The “fireman’s breakfast” is the most popular option here but there’s also a range of sandwiches, soups and hot dishes. It’s all homemade from scratch and with each meal here you’ll be supporting a great cause so it’s worth a visit!

Address: Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AQ
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
Website: oldfirestation.org.uk/shop-cafe/cafe

Modern Art Oxford Cafe

The Ashmolean is the most famous museum in Oxford but there are lots of smaller ones, such as Modern Art Oxford, worth exploring too. There is a lot going on here from exhibitions to workshops and performances and the cafe space is great for working in.

With nice big work tables, it is a great space for collaborative working and there’s free wifi too. There isn’t an extensive menu but there’s usually a selection of soups, tarts, toasties and salads to keep you going after browsing the exhibitions or a work session.

Address: 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, 12 – 5pm Sunday
Website: www.modernartoxford.org.uk/cafe

How to get to Oxford

By Train 

There are regular trains from all major UK stations to Oxford. If you are coming from London, you will need to go via London Paddington. Oxford station is a little way out of the city centre but you can then take a bus or walk into town.

Book via the Trainline for the cheapest tickets.

By Bus

If you’re planning to come by bus, aim to get off at either Oxford High Street or Gloucester Green bus station depending on your first Oxford destination.

The Oxford Tube is a super convenient and cheap bus service that’ll take you from the centre of London straight into the heart of Oxford. If you’re taking this route, I’d recommend getting off at the High Street so that you can walk to Radcliffe Square in just 3 minutes. 

By Car

Oxford is easily accessible via the M4, M25, M40 and A roads.

Where to Stay in Oxford

Booking.com

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This post was updated in February 2023.