Top Ten Cafés in Oxford

I’ve posted general overviews of exploring Oxford both here and here, but I decided after two terms in the city, it was time for some more specific guides. After careful evaluation and lots of (delicious) research, I have come up with a list of top ten cafés in Oxford.

This list is the best of the best for teas, coffees, and quick bites. Out of concision, I have excluded places such as Nourish, where I go exclusively for meals. That being said, some of the recommendations I have listed are excellent spots for a lighter bite, or even a full lunch or afternoon tea. Yet their overall value is due to more than just the food they serve. These places are excellent workspaces, serve amazing drinks, and have an overall ambiance that makes every one truly irresistible. Additionally, each of these places is so different, that this list will provide you with the café for every occasion!

10. Barefoot Café

A relatively new discovery, Barefoot has excellent cakes and amazing “rainbow lattes”. These colorful treats are health food, tea lattes made with oat-milk and agave. I’ve been to this café only a small number of times, but the drinks I have tried were so unique that I think it earns its place on the list. Of course, they have your typical coffee drinks as well. In terms of working environment, it is quite small with limited table space, and it can be a bit of a distracting place to work.

Great for: catching up with a friend over a latte.

9. Greens

A classic option for a quick bite and a warm drink, Greens is a favorite for my Oxford college specifically because it’s practically on our campus. Students often grab a lighter lunch here, and I have always appreciated their gluten-free sandwiches (specifically the spinach and feta panini). There are also a range of tray-bakes constantly available. For a little treat, try the millionaire shortbread (either gluten-free or regular) or one of their delicious flapjacks!

Great for: a cozy, yet quick lunch in between studying.

8. Gails

Some of the best flat-whites around, Gails is another favorite for my college because of proximity. It can get a bit crowded, and there isn’t much space available, but if you float around for a few minutes usually something will open up. Their coffee is amazing and quite strong, but their tea is not as good, and I haven’t tried any of their food because they don’t have gluten-free options. That being said, there is something really great about Gails. I will go there for a couple hours, and magically my essay will get written. It’s an excellent place to do work.

Great for: fueling up for some intense studying and getting that essay complete!

7. The Missing Bean

Also a relatively new discovery, The Missing Bean has two locations. One of them is in the English Faculty Building, so I had visited that spot once or twice before. Going to the actual Missing Bean on Turl Street, however, was a completely new thing. The place is adorable! There are plenty of plants and good vibes in this café. Also relatively crowded, I haven’t yet been able to do work in this space. That being said, I do enjoy a good cup of tea in Missing Bean after my yoga classes just up the street.

Great for: chilling out in between lectures or intense work session in the Bodleian.

6. The Art Café

A cozy little spot right by Westgate, The Art Café has surprisingly great salads and lunch options, and a case full of cakes to get your mouth watering. With three floors of seating, there is rarely a problem finding a spot, and the variety on the menu means there’s something for everyone. They also sell art by local artists, which is a really interesting element that adds to the decor.

Great for: grabbing lunch with a group of friends or reading a book with a cup of tea.

5. Café Loco

This is the best place for afternoon tea, and has a delicious variety of food as well! Pretty much anything you’re looking for, Café Loco will have it. Inside, they have quite a nice, warm vibe, reminiscent of an upscale teahouse in the Cotswolds. They have both a sit down restaurant area, and a take-away counter which serves amazing sandwiches and decent flat-whites. Also, their gluten-free bread is some of the best I’ve had! It was so good, that I had to double check with the waiter that it wasn’t real.

Great for: afternoon tea with visitors from out of town or a quick sandwich on the go.

4. The Handlebar Café

One of my first favorites in Oxford, I used to go to the Handlebar after a particularly difficult tutorial to blow off steam. In terms of atmosphere, this one takes the cake. There’s a wall of huge windows letting in tons of natural light, a decor that manages to be both funky and classy, and charming flowers on all the tables. The food menu at Handlebar is a bit scarce, but what they do offer is sure to be delicious. There are two levels to this place; one is the restaurant section and one is the café, though I’ve never actually sat in the café itself. I find the atmosphere better in the restaurant area, and usually it’s not too crowded, so I can still use my laptop or do some light work.

Great for: a slightly fancier brunch with a date or a little treat for yourself.

3. Society Café

Society provided me with my first introduction to the flat-white, the fuel that has gotten me through 24 essays. On really stressful days when I can’t handle the library any longer, it has been the perfect place to grind through some work. I think my loyalty to society has certainly raised it up on the list. That being said, its chill, artsy vibe has attracted many other loyal customers, so it is definitely worth grabbing a loyalty card.

Great for: your regular coffee fix.

2. Opera Café

I can’t say enough good things about Opera!! Their food options are delicious, and always pretty light so you don’t have to worry about stuffing yourself. They always have quite a gourmet gluten-free pastry or cake offered, and their drink menu is the most expansive one I’ve seen. They have every juice, tea and coffee you can think of, and all of them will blow your tastebuds away. Additionally, their space is beautiful and provides the perfect ambiance for a special lunch. In the back, a small outdoor seating area allows more intense studying if that’s what you’re after.

Great for: any occasion!

1. Organic Deli Café

And finally, my number one on the list of top ten cafés in Oxford is Organic! I have a sweet spot for this charming little café. It is so homey and warm in there, that I am constantly finding my way back. I’ve become so much of a regular that they know my order (a omelette with roasted veggies and cheddar cheese, gluten-free toast, and peppermint tea with honey). Organic scores so high because they provide such a warm and comforting atmosphere, and their food always tastes home cooked. I can confidently say that I’ve never had a better omelette at any other restaurant (and that includes places in the US). On top of all that, they offer sustainable products, organic shopping and produce, and they have the best chocolate chip cookies I have EVER eaten. Come here for great vibes and an all around wonderful experience.

Great for: curing homesickness…or any occasion!