Top 10 Cafés and Coffee Shops in Oxford

Whether you’re visiting Oxford as a tourist or a student, caffeine is a must. During my time studying at Exeter College, I got well acquainted with many cafés. These are the best ones around! Let me know your favourites in the comments.

If you want more recommendations based in the U.K., check out my Cafés in London list, or press one of the links below:

peloton espresso

Bikes and Coffee - the two things that cycle through the minds of those at Peloton Espresso.

Great caffeinate beverages in a relaxed environment make this an easy choice of café to visit. The beans on offer rotate often, and the baristas are very knowledgeable about what they’re brewing.

I am so appreciative of their abundance of food for those with alternative diets: there are always gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, and vegan options available. The fact I can choose between various items is such a pleasure. The Bakewell is a must!

Location:
76 Cowley Road, Oxford

broche

Named after the French word for ‘brooch’, as a nod to the importance of the small details, Broche is tiny-but-mighty café in Jericho.

This coffee shop specializes in coffee and pastries. Both are done to perfection, every time. While there is no formal indoor sitting space, there are a few patio tables that make it possible to grab a quick drink, while having a quick chat.

It’s more of a takeout spot due to the seating arrangement, but this is the best takeout you’re ever going to try. In fact, it’s dine-in worthy.

Location:
165 Kingston Road, Oxford

coffeesmith

Tucked inside an alleyway between the high street and the covered market, Coffeesmith, is one of the coziest cafés in Oxford. In addition to great coffee and tea offerings, Coffeesmith also offers freshly baked cakes and bites. The selection changes day-to-day, so you know it’s going to be delicious.

Vegan, Gluten Free, and Vegetarian sweets make this a great café for a multitude of diners with a myriad of dietary restrictions.

With a patio, sun-soaked seating, and an intimate alcove, this is a perfect café for all your socializing or studying needs!

Location:
12-16 St Michael's Street, Oxford

CafÉ Society

Café Society is the first coffee shop that I visited in Oxford, and goodness me, what a high standard it set! It set the bar so high, in fact, that I’ve been back many, many times.

Speciality coffee is brewed by expert baristas, who take pride in their beverage creation. They offer pour-overs and cold brew, which, while not a requirement of a good coffee shop, is a promising sign. There is also proper matcha available, which I admire.

The grey interior is a bit more minimalist than my own preference, but it’s undeniably cool, and slick. There is an upstairs, and a downstairs area, plus a sunny patio.

As for the food - there are loads of offerings for multiple dietary restrictions. Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan diners can rejoice! I want to note that I have had excellent service every time I’ve visited. One barista in particular has been spectacular at managing my gluten intolerance, and minimizing cross contact. I feel safe, and satisfied, every time I visit!

Give it a go!

Location:
12-16 St Michael's Street, Oxford

new ground

New Ground is, in my opinion, the best speciality coffee roasters in Oxford. It’s one of the few places in which you can get a consistently good pour over. The baristas are helpful, and are knowledgable in regards to the beans they use, and the methods in which to extract them properly.

Th interior harkens to the thirdwave antipodean aesthetic, with clean lines, colour-blocking, and lot’s of minimalist pieces. There is both an upstairs, and a downstairs, seating area.

If you are a coffee aficionado, this is where you need to check out!

Location:
6, St Michael's Mansion, Ship Street, Oxford

the larder

A pristine spot for studying or socializing, The Larder is one of the most welcoming cafés in Oxford.

This spot is more focused on sweet treats and eats instead of speciality coffee. There are an array of vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten free options available. The staff have always gone above and beyond, in both service and serving up snacks. Definltey try the pineapple cake - it’s phenomenal.

The interior is also noteworthy. The large space has two distinctive ‘areas’; one is more communal, and one is more cool and chill. Whatever vibe you want, they have it all!

Location:
79-81 Magdalen Road, Oxford

101 Coffee

101 Coffee specializes in just that: coffee.

The brews here are excellent, and the quality of the beans chosen is highlighted by the baristas. The service has always been very friendly, and I appreciate the welcoming interior. There are plants throughout, which make it very appealing. While not ideal for studying, it’s ideal for a contemplative journal session, or catching up with some intriguing.

Bonus: The cups are very satisfying!

Locations:
101a Walton Street, Oxford

The Paper Boat Cafe

Paper Boat is a creatively inspiring café, set upon the Thames. True to it’s name, this is an excellent café to allow your imagination to float away while you write.

The café offers speciality coffee, that are brewed to perfection. There are also teas, and light lunches available. There was a gluten free cookie the day I visited, but it was not dairy free, so I didn’t give it a try.

From wherever you sit in the café, you feel connected to the outdoors, and especially the Thames. The downstairs seating area, with a wide open door, is my particular favourite. I have access to outlets, and river views.

If you like your coffee with a view, head on over!

Location:
Folly Bridge - The Old Toll House

jericho coffee traders

Unsurprisingly, this Oxford UK based coffee roaster makes great coffee!

Jericho Coffee Traders has three locations currently in the studious city, and each of them make fantastic brews from their own beans that switch up seasonally. I appreciate the friendly service, and branded cups (loooove the kitschiness of a branded cup).

My favourite café is the one on St Michael’s street. It’s intimate, and perfect for a chin wag. There are also a few gluten free and vegan treats available (but sadly, as of this writing this post, none that are both).

Location:
105 High St, Oxford

theo’s

Theo’s is a cute café that is a lot bigger on the inside than it appears on the outside. The interior is very social media friendly, with neon signs, clean lines, and floral decor.

The upstairs seating area is very pretty, especially for a chat or a snap, while the downstairs is perfect for studying, or writing.

If you want an adorable coffee shop, Theo’s is a fun pick!

Location:
12-16 St Michael's Street, Oxford

mostro coffee

Located inside of the record store Truck Oxford, Mostro Coffee is well-tuned to any speciality coffee drinker’s palate.

This sun-soaked (when it’s not raining) café makes lovely caffeinated beverages in a very laidback but lush space that is great for studying, reading, or journaling. Once you’ve finished your beverage, it’s literal steps away from browsing a fun array of vinyls. If you’re so incline, you can even eye up the selection while sipping

Definitely a fun place to check out!

Location:
101 Cowley Road, Oxford