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Feature Article

The Oxford Tapas Edit: Small plates, late nights & the joy of sharing

There’s a reason tapas have become one of the most loved ways to eat! It’s relaxed, social and perfectly suited to the way we actually like to spend our evenings. Whether it’s a first date that needs an easy rhythm, a long-overdue catch-up with friends, or one of those nights that starts with “shall we just get a few plates?” and ends somewhere between dessert and a second bottle of wine, tapas just makes sense.

At its heart, the tapas concept is about conviviality. Sharing plates breaks the ice, softens the structure of a meal and invites conversation to flow naturally. There’s no pressure to commit to one dish, no awkward pauses while plates are cleared. Instead, food arrives gradually, encouraging you to linger, talk, taste and order just one more thing. It’s informal without feeling casual, indulgent without being over-the-top; a sweet spot that makes it ideal for both romantic dinners and sociable nights out.


Oxford’s tapas and small-plates scene is quietly coming into its own. And let's be honest, really slowly. Anyway... beyond the traditional Spanish staples, the city now offers a rich mix of authentic tapas bars, modern Spanish kitchens and globally inspired sharing-plate restaurants, each putting their own spin on the idea of eating together. From buzzy Cowley Road favourites to tucked-away neighbourhood spots in Summertown and beyond, getting tapas in Oxford spans everything from classic patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo to inventive small plates designed for curious, adventurous diners.


🍷 Arbequina — Where Oxford’s Food Crowd Flocks

If you’re in Oxford and only make it to one tapas spot, Arbequina should be it. It’s effortlessly lively without ever feeling forced. The kind of place where you instantly feel at home but also like something exciting is happening. The menu is full of those dishes you want to share: patatas bravas that actually have a kick, Sanlúcar prawns you’ll fight over, smoky aubergine with romesco, and octopus that’s perfectly tender and full of flavour. The bar hums, the wine is good, and by the time your plates are cleared, you’ll already be planning your next visit. It’s not trying to be fancy or flashy. It just works, and that’s why it’s always packed and loved by anyone who takes food seriously in Oxford.

🍷 Al-Andalus — Traditional tapas done right

📍 al-andalus.co.uk Al-Andalus has been quietly feeding locals for years, and it’s easy to see why. This isn’t a restaurant that tries to reinvent the wheel. It’s about generous, well-cooked dishes you want to share. Gambas al ajillo, chorizo al vino, tortilla española… all the classics are here, done well and served in a relaxed, welcoming setting. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in, let the conversation wander, and trust that every plate will hit the right note. It's a student favourite for sure.



🍷 El Rincón — A tucked-away Summertown gem

Small, quiet, and utterly charming, El Rincón is the kind of tapas spot you stumble upon and instantly bookmark. The food is simple, authentic, and cooked with care: golden croquetas, blistered padrón peppers, and seafood dishes that let the ingredients shine. It’s a perfect place for a slower, more intimate evening where the food speaks for itself, and you can really take your time sharing plates, wine, and conversation.

🍷 La TaBerna — A little slice of Andalusia

📍 latabernaoxford.co.uk Tucked just off the High Street, La TaBerna feels like discovering a secret Spanish hideaway. Cosy, candlelit, and effortlessly welcoming, it’s a place where you want to linger. Classic tapas with patatas bravas, chorizo in wine, jamón, garlic prawns, all are paired with an excellent wine list or a jug of sangria, and suddenly Oxford feels a little warmer. Ideal for spontaneous evenings or relaxed dates, this spot is about letting the food and atmosphere do the work.





🍷 OXTWO — Small plates with big personality

Not strictly Spanish, but absolutely tapas-adjacent, OXTWO in Summertown is for people who love to try everything. The menu draws inspiration from across the Mediterranean, serving small plates designed to share and explore. Every dish feels intentional, every wine pairing thoughtfully chosen. It’s stylish but relaxed, perfect for couples who want a little adventure in their evening and a night that unfolds plate by plate.

🍷 Qué Pasa — Abingdon’s lively Mediterranean spot

📍 quepasaabingdon.com Just a short drive from Oxford, Qué Pasa brings big, bold flavours to the table. Colourful plates, generous portions, and a friendly, bustling atmosphere make it perfect for groups or celebrations. Croquetas, grilled octopus, seasonal specials. Everything is designed to be shared, and the vibe encourages lingering long after the plates are cleared. Worth the trip for any tapas fan looking to combine fun, flavour, and sociable dining.

🍷 Kazbar — Spice, colour, and late nights

📍 kazbar.co.uk A Cowley Road favourite, Kazbar blends Spanish tapas with Moroccan and North African flavours, creating a menu that’s bold, bright, and endlessly sharable. Spiced meats, mezze-style plates, and inventive cocktails make it the kind of place that turns “just a few small plates” into a full-blown night out. Lively, casual, and full of energy, perfect for groups, dates, or anyone in the mood for something a bit different.



For date nights, tapas offers something particularly special. Sharing food creates connection; choosing dishes together, passing plates across the table, discovering favourites in real time. It’s no surprise that many of Oxford’s most romantic restaurants lean into this style of dining, where the experience feels more like a shared adventure than a formal meal.

And for evenings with friends? Tapas is unbeatable. It’s flexible, generous and sociable, perfectly suited to group dining without the rigidity of starters and mains. Order widely, share freely, stay longer than planned.


For more delicious discoveries, keep eating with Discover Oxford. 

 
 
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