Namaste Village Brings Fully Vegetarian and Vegan Indian Dining to Oxford

Oxford has no shortage of restaurants, yet sometimes one comes along to fill a real gap. Namaste Village is one of those places. Already well-known in Norwich and other UK locations, the brand has built a loyal following over the years for its authentic Indian vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Now, after much anticipation, it has opened its doors in Oxford and within just a couple of months it has already become a talking point.

Namaste Village occupies a familiar address in the Oxford Castle Quarter, taking over the former Prezzo site beside Malmaison and Slug & Lettuce. It’s a prime spot, with seating both indoors and spilling outside along the historic cobbled walkway. In summer, it will undoubtedly become one of those places that feels perfect for long, relaxed meals outdoors.

What truly sets Namaste Village apart is its exclusively vegetarian and vegan menu. In a dining landscape where many plant-based options are often limited to one or two adaptations of standard dishes, this restaurant flips the dynamic entirely. Here, plant-based dining isn’t an afterthought; it’s the foundation. For vegetarians, vegans and flexitarians, it’s a refreshing experience to browse a menu where every dish is accessible rather than negotiated.

The menu reflects a breadth of regional Indian cooking rather than a single-style offering. Highlights include Dahi Puri, crisp puri shells filled with potato, chutneys and yoghurt offering a perfect balance of texture and sweetness. The Gobi Manchurian stands out as a guest favourite, with cauliflower florets coated in a lightly spiced Indo-Chinese sauce. For those who prefer comfort classics, the Thali is a generous and flavour-forward way to sample a range of dishes, from creamy lentils to fresh chutneys and breads. The Masala Dosa, a South Indian staple, also deserves mention for its crisp texture and well-balanced filling.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with subtle details that reflect the brand’s ethos of community and hospitality. Service is attentive without being formal, and the restaurant’s popularity means booking ahead is quickly becoming the norm.

Namaste Village is a strong addition to Oxford’s increasingly competitive Indian dining scene. Long-standing favourites like Shezan and newer establishments across Jericho, Summertown and the city centre have helped raise the standard and variety of South and East Asian food available locally.

Namaste Village fits confidently into that landscape while offering something distinct: a fully vegetarian and vegan Indian dining experience that feels both traditional and modern.

If early response is any indication, this restaurant is here to stay. For Oxford’s growing plant-based community, and for anyone who simply enjoys thoughtful, flavour-driven Indian cooking, Namaste Village is a welcome and exciting new arrival.