The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Oxford

A traditional British pub might not be the first place you think of when it comes to amazing vegetarian food, but The Gardener’s Arms, housing the Garden Restaurant, isn’t your typical boozer. Based in the cool and quirky Jericho neighbourhood, the menu is veggie and vegan comfort food heaven – think vegetarian hot dogs and vegan burgers with fries and all the trimmings. The pub even stocks a good selection of vegan wine, and is a great place to head for a chilled-out Saturday afternoon with friends.

Every summer at Hogacre Common, Oxford’s community eco-park, the Hogacre Café opens up on Sundays, serving fresh and delicious vegetarian and vegan meals, as well as a tempting selection of gluten-free cakes. All the ingredients are ethically and organically sourced, and the café has a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that will tempt you back throughout the summer months. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, so is a brilliant choice if you’re in a big group, or have brought the kids along.

The Magic Café is a bit of an east Oxford institution, serving up good portions of tasty vegetarian food to suit even the tightest of student budgets. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere mean The Magic Café is a very popular lunchtime haunt, and with a menu that changes daily, it’s not hard to see why students and locals come back time and again. There are always a couple of vegan options on the menu, as well as soya milk for teas and coffees.

Although strictly speaking this isn’t a dedicated vegetarian restaurant, Art Café has an impressive vegetarian and vegan menu that’s well worth checking out. Start the day with one of their veggie breakfast or vegan brunches, or try something from their extensive lunch and dinner menu, which offers everything from delicious salads and paninis to veggie chilli and vegan pasta – all at really reasonable prices.

Although The Nosebag caters for all dietary tastes, it has a strong reputation for its inventive and tasty vegetarian and vegan offerings. Using local suppliers and offering a seasonally changing menu, including things like lentil and sweet pepper lasagne, and carrot and pecan pastilla, The Nosebag sells quality home cooked food at great prices – which explains why it’s still a much-loved part of Oxford’s foodie landscape after opening back in 1971!

The lunchtime queues for the vegetarian-friendly Alpha Bar just show how amazing their salad boxes are! With a huge choice of vegetarian and vegan options – salads and hot food – don’t be surprised if you have trouble making your mind up about what to order! Set in Oxford’s covered market, there are a couple of tables and chairs for you to use, but if the sun is shining head outside and enjoy your food al fresco.