9 Great Brunches in Oxford: Where to Find the City’s Most Indulgent Late Morning Bites
- Lilian Ariss
- May 9
- 4 min read

There’s something gloriously unhurried about brunch. It’s the most civilised of meals—neither rushed like breakfast nor routine like lunch. Instead, it’s a delicious pause in the day that says, “Let’s enjoy this moment.” Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a decadent midweek treat, brunch is about easing into things. It’s a ritual of fresh coffee, runny yolks, glistening pastries, and perhaps something fizzy on the side. And Oxford—city of dreaming spires and equally dreamy cafés—does brunch very, very well.
But before we dive into the best spots, let’s linger for a second on what makes brunch so irresistible. Originating as a Victorian hangover cure (yes, really), brunch began as a leisurely, late-morning meal for those who’d overindulged the night before. It grew in popularity among the upper classes and later became a staple of modern weekend culture. Today, it’s less about mimosas post-debauchery (though we still love a mimosa) and more about the joy of good company, beautiful food, and time to savour both.
In Oxford, brunch becomes more than just eggs on toast. From casual cafés with bustling charm to elegant restaurants where every dish is Instagram-worthy, this city offers a range of flavours and vibes to match your mood. Here’s our shortlist of Oxford’s best brunch spots—whether you're after a relaxed morning bite or an elevated experience worth dressing up for.

1. The Ivy Oxford Brasserie – Elegant, Instagrammable Brunch in a Landmark Location
📍 theivyoxford.comLocated just steps from the Radcliffe Camera, The Ivy Oxford Brasserie is as much about the setting as it is about the food. Think Art Deco glamour meets all-day indulgence. Their weekend brunch is a luxurious affair: lobster benedict, truffle arancini, hot buttermilk pancakes, and perfectly shaken cocktails served under chandeliers. It’s the kind of place where you linger, chat, and maybe order just one more mimosa.
2. Vaults & Garden Café – Ethical, Organic, and Right in the Heart of History
Tucked beneath the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, this hidden gem offers a wholesome, nourishing brunch menu in a setting that oozes Oxford charm. Expect locally sourced, organic ingredients served in generous portions—eggs, mushrooms and greens on sourdough, veggie frittatas, or seasonal specials like shakshuka. Their sunlit terrace is perfect for a quiet catch-up or a solo moment with a flat white and a newspaper.

3. Quod Restaurant & Bar – Classic Brasserie Vibes with a Luxe Twist
An Oxford institution, Quod is ideal if you want a polished brunch with plenty of people-watching. Located in the Old Bank Hotel, the menu blends British and European flavours: smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, steak and eggs, grilled sourdough topped with all manner of goodness. Their courtyard garden is a dreamy spot on a sunny morning, and the service is always spot-on.
4. Jericho Coffee Traders – A Local Favourite for a Laid-Back Bite
This indie coffee powerhouse is known for roasting some of the best beans in Oxford, but their café on the High Street also serves up fantastic brunch staples. It’s a great spot for the casual foodie: avocado toast, loaded croissants, granola bowls, and artisan coffee that packs a punch. Grab a seat by the window and soak up the city buzz.
5. The Alice at The Randolph Hotel – Storybook Brunch in a Hotel Setting
For a brunch that feels like a mini getaway, The Alice inside The Randolph Hotel is a must. Designed by artist and illustrator John Broadley, this is an Alice in Wonderland-inspired dining room with serious culinary clout. Brunch dishes range from duck hash to ricotta pancakes, all served with top-tier presentation and seasonal ingredients. Ideal for a birthday treat or an indulgent start to a day of city strolling.

6. Barefoot Oxford – Laid-Back, Plant-Forward Plates with Soul
In Cowley, Barefoot brings a warm, community feel to its brunch offering. It’s a go-to for locals in the know who want vibrant, nourishing food in a relaxed, bohemian setting. Their menu is filled with colourful vegetarian and vegan options, from beet hummus toast to sweetcorn fritters with poached eggs. Plus, the coffee is excellent and the playlist is always on point.
7. Georgina’s Café – Bohemian Brunch Hidden in the Covered Market
If you like your brunch a little more eclectic, head into the Covered Market and up the winding stairs to Georgina’s. A long-time Oxford favourite, it’s colourful, quirky, and comforting. Their full veggie breakfast is a local legend, and they do excellent toasties, mezze, and fluffy pancakes too. Cosy up inside or sit on the balcony above the market bustle.
8. Coco Noir – Stylish and Sweet with a Hint of Parisian Flair
This boutique pâtisserie on Little Clarendon Street delivers the most photogenic brunch in town. Alongside perfectly crafted coffee and French pastries, you’ll find vibrant acai bowls, croque madames, and luxurious hot chocolates. Coco Noir is a favourite among Oxford’s fashion crowd and makes for a delightful mid-morning catch-up or a solo treat-yourself moment.
9. The Jericho Café – Homey and Hearty with All the Brunch Faves
Neighbourhood charm meets satisfying plates at this well-loved Jericho spot. It’s cosy and unpretentious, with a menu that’s all about feel-good comfort: full English breakfasts, eggs Florentine, cinnamon French toast, and seasonal cakes. The kind of place where everyone seems to know each other—and where brunch feels like home.
Oxford might be known for its libraries and lectures, but make no mistake, this city knows how to brunch. Whether you're craving a chic setting with champagne or a laid-back café where the eggs are always done just right, there’s something here for every bruncher. So take your time, bring your people, and treat yourself to the most delicious way to spend a morning. You’ve earned it.
🧡 Hungry for more Oxford foodie guides? Keep exploring with us at Discover Oxford.