Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Oxford

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Oxford? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Cherwell Boathouse

4.8

4.8 (319)

£26 to £40

Modern European

Oxford

About the restaurant

Step into the Cherwell Boathouse and experience the hidden gem of Oxford. Our menu showcases the finest ingredients, skillfully prepared to ensure each bite is a delight.

Make the most of our extensive, award winning wine list and our fantastic cocktail menu, as well as a range of non alcoholic options.

Top review

Carol

Dined 6 days ago

Food was delicious. The Potato Fondant sounded strange but was absolutely delicious and the beef was cooked to perfection. Lovely staff. A great place for a celebration

Kazbar Oxford

4.7

4.7 (44)

£25 and under

Spanish

Oxford

About the restaurant

Welcome to Kazbar, a lively Mediterranean tapas and cocktail bar on Oxford’s Cowley Road, just a short walk from the city centre. Colourful sharing plates, freshly shaken cocktails and warm, friendly service make it the perfect spot for date nights, after work drinks, office parties and big celebrations. Graze on patatas bravas, meat and fish tapas, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes, all made to share. Behind the bar you will find jugs of sangria, Spanish wines, ice cold beers and well made cocktails. Walk ins are welcome every day and evening; at busy times you are invited to relax with a drink at the bar while you wait, and thanks to quick service and steady table rotation we can usually seat you promptly and keep the atmosphere buzzing without it ever feeling rushed. Expect warm music, candlelight, vibrant tiles and a little holiday feeling all year round.

Top review

Jess

Dined on Oct 17, 2026

Wonderful atmosphere, great food and Boo was the friendliest waitress I’ve ever had. An excellent experience all round!

Parsonage Grill

4.6

4.6 (2372)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Oxford

About the restaurant

Founded in 1989 by Jeremy Mogford, Parsonage Grill is a Cotswold-esque bolthole located within the 5 star 17th century Old Parsonage Hotel in central Oxford on Banbury Road.

Famous for its intimate, bohemian, clubby atmosphere, the Parsonage Grill and its private dining space, the ‘Pike Room’, displays a carefully curated collection of eclectic oil paintings, original stone fireplaces, leaded light windows and a Bloomsbury club ambience throughout. Outside, inspired by the legendary Jardin Majorelle, created by Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech, a beautiful walled terrace sits dappled in the sun. This newly revitalised space seamlessly blends traditional British elegance with the vibrant energy of North Africa.

The Parsonage Grill team take pride in creating classic British dishes with a modern, light touch, and are open every day of the year to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and our famous afternoon teas, in the company of Oxford’s academic and literary luminaries...

Top review

Roger

Dined 2 days ago

I’ve always enjoyed lunch at The Old Parsonage Thoroughly recommended.

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Experience

Afternoon Tea at the Parsonage Grill

Experience

Christmas at Parsonage Grill

Experience

Christmas Party Parsonage Grill

Sticks'n'Sushi - Oxford

4.6

4.6 (352)

£26 to £40

Sushi

Oxford

About the restaurant

Located on the Roof Terrace in Westgate Shopping Centre, enjoy classic and creative sushi, sticks and Japanese-inspired cocktails with stunning views of Oxford’s historic spires. Perfect for quick lunches, leisurely dinners, celebrations and graduations. A sushi restaurant - even for those who don't like fish.

Top review

ClarisseGold

Dined 7 days ago

Perfect quick late lunch -early dinner snack to help me finishing a very busy Saturday.

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Experience

Lunch & Dinner Set Menus from £45

O X T W O

4.6

4.6 (274)

£26 to £40

Tapas / Small Plates

Oxford

About the restaurant

2 AA Rosette Small Plates Restaurant & Wine Bar in Summertown, Oxford

OXTWO is an independent restaurant and wine bar in the heart of Summertown, Oxford. Enjoy seasonal small plates, Sunday roasts, live music and Oxford's most exciting wine list in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Top review

Stephen

Dined 2 days ago

Visited for a catch up with my friend and, once again, had a good time. Firstly, staff were very friendly and very efficient, choice of food is great and suits whether you want something light or more substantial. The ambiance, despite being quiet this time, was very nice helped by the lovely decorative arrangement and lighting. Definitely worth a visit and I will definitely do so again!

Kibou Oxford

4.6

4.6 (320)

£26 to £40

Japanese

Oxford

About the restaurant

Bringing Tokyo-chic to Jericho, KIBOU Oxford on 11-12 Little Clarendon Street fuses vibrant Japanese dining with great design. Expect stunning murals, floral installations, and neon-lit booths in our stylish dining areas, including an open sushi kitchen, cocktail lounge, and lush Japanese garden.
Our diverse menu features beautifully crafted moriawase sushi and sashimi platters, A5 grade wagyu, hearty ramen, crispy tempura and pillowy bao buns, alongside vegan options, teriyaki, katsu curry and a range of Japanese-inspired puds.
Plus, sip signature Japanese cocktails, sake, and whiskies in our beautiful bar and lounge or check out our lunchtime Teishoku set menu for a great value lunch offering in Oxford.
Discover KIBOU's fusion of classic Japanese flavours in a lively setting that feels like a Tokyo hidden gem.

Top review

David

Dined 2 days ago

Food was great, service was fantastic, overall outstanding - we had a great time for by daughter's birthday!

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Experience

Teishoku Set Lunch - £17.50

Experience

Japanese Afternoon Tea

Experience

Vegetarian Japanese Afternoon Tea

The Folly

4.5

4.5 (1642)

£26 to £40

British

Oxford

About the restaurant

The Folly, Oxford's unique riverside restaurant.
Join us for elegant food, superb drinks, a charming atmosphere, and a unique location perched on the banks of the River Thames in the heart of historic Oxford.

Book your table online and visit us to indulge in some fantastic modern British food.

Top review

Adam

Dined on Oct 28, 2026

Beautiful restaurant. Service friendly and professional. Food fantastic , if a little pricey , but I would say worth it. A few more choices of cider / ale would be nice.

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Experience

Afternoon Tea

The Ivy Oxford Brasserie

4.5

4.5 (8575)

£25 and under

British

Oxford

About the restaurant

Set on Oxford’s bustling High Street, The Ivy Oxford Brasserie brings relaxed all-day dining to the bustling High Street, close to the University of Oxford and some of the city’s best-known landmarks. It’s an inviting Oxford restaurant for breakfast and weekend brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, pre-theatre dining, dinner and drinks. Step inside to discover marble floors, striking burnt-orange banquettes and beautifully detailed interiors, creating a lively yet elegant setting for everything from a casual lunch to graduation celebrations and special occasions. The menu brings together much-loved Ivy classics, modern British dishes, vegan options and seasonal favourites, alongside cocktails and an extensive wine list. Whether you’re exploring Oxford, meeting for brunch, celebrating graduation or planning dinner in the city centre, The Ivy Oxford Brasserie offers a memorable place to eat and drink from morning until late.

Top review

Lulu

Dined 2 days ago

We had a lovely birthday lunch for my Sister. The food was delicious and Torrin provided excellent service with humour and a smile. Thank you for not having music on, it was so relaxing to be able to eat and chat without having to compete with music.

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The Ivy Classic Shepherds Pie

The Manor Garsington

4.5

4.5 (112)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Oxford

About the restaurant

Our British gastropub offers relaxed fine dining with a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere and our chefs create hearty dishes using seasonal ingredients.

Enjoy a blend of traditional pub food with modern culinary flair. Or join us for a classic Sunday lunch with local vegetables, crispy roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and rich gravy together with your choice of meats or veggie options.

Our wood-oven pizza is a must-try. It's cooked to perfection in under two minutes and boasts a crispy crust and smoky flavour. You can enjoy it in our restaurant or via Deliveroo for home delivery. Come and experience all of this and more in our al fresco dining setting, where you'll find a nearby children's playground, perfect for families.

Our countryside venue is also ideal for rustic weddings and events, accommodating 15 to 300 guests between the Tipi Tent, Luxury Marquee and Heated Pergola.

Come and see for yourself!

Top review

Martin

Dined on Oct 29, 2026

Tremendous service - felt very looked after. Food was great - amazing gem tucked away!

Côte Brasserie - Oxford

4.0

4 (193)

£25 and under

French

Oxford

About the restaurant

Welcome to Côte Oxford, your go-to French restaurant in the heart of this historic and picturesque city. Our refined yet welcoming atmosphere, makes us the perfect destination for both locals and visitors. Just a short walk from Oxford Train Station, the High Street and the beautiful University Parks, we're ideally located for your city adventures. For those who enjoy dining outdoors, Côte Oxford offers a charming outside seating area. Whether you're relishing a leisurely lunch or a relaxed dinner, our al fresco space provides a delightful setting to enjoy classic French cuisine while soaking in the lively atmosphere of the city.

Top review

Richard

Dined on Oct 9, 2026

A very enjoyable evening and the food, waiting staff were excellent

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