Oxford is such a gem and I am honestly so lucky to spend so much time here. This guide is compiled with multiple years worth of investigating and trying places out to give you a comprehensive list. You definitely will be spoiled for choice – Oxford has so much to offer – with lots close by to the major tourist hot spots as well as some further out too.
Hope you enjoy your time in Oxford. Happy dining xx
Breakfast and Brunch
- Art Cafe: You can get a hearty gluten free breakfast here, in the city centre. Suitable options are clearly marked on the menu, but adaptations can be made to other dishes too. They do use QR codes for ordering, but it is advisable to order with the staff directly and explain you are coeliac so they take more care in preparation to minimise cross-contact.
- Handlebar Cafe: In Oxford centre, you will find the Handlebar. They have a couple of gluten free breakfast options, including their gorgeous pancakes.
- Organic Deli: My favourite spot for breakfast in Oxford. Probably the most gluten free friendly eatery around, with plenty of vegan options too. You can grab everything from avocado toast to a full English. They have an array of juices, smoothies and hot drinks to accompany.
- The Up in Arms: If you’re in the Headington area, then make sure to try this brunch spot. They serve brunch buns (gluten free upon request) as well as baked eggs and more. Just note that they are more suited for intolerance rather than coeliac.
Lunch and Light Bites
- Art Cafe: For a lighter sandwich lunch, this is a good ‘go to’ option. They have gluten free bread avalibale upon request. Just make sure to note to the server if you are coeliac so they can minimise cross contact.
- Bbuona: The best gluten free pizza around, with vegan options. You know it’s good when your Italian friend recommends it. I’ve been here a few times and it never disappoints.
- Flavours of Goa: Hearty curries which can be found on the Gloucester green outdoor market. The majority of the curries are naturally gluten free and there a couple of vegan options too. Very good value for money.
- Grounded Kitchen: Located in Headington, you will find a couple of gluten free options at this Korean-style eatery. Options are limited, but delicious. Just note it is a small kitchen, and whilst the staff try to minimise cross-contact, there is a risk here.
- Handlebar Cafe: In Oxford centre, you will find the Handlebar. They have an ‘all day’ breakfast menu (including GF pancakes) as well as several lunch options like noodle salads and tacos.
- La Cucina: An Italian eatery a short walk from Oxford city centre, on St. Clements Street. There is a full gluten free menu but is a warning that they use flour in the kitchen so cross-contact may occur (but they try to take as many precuations as possible).
- La Smorfia: An Italian eatery found on the popular Cowley Road in Oxford. They have an separate gluten free menu, as well as kitchen space making it coeliac safe.
- Lula’s Ethiopian Cuisine: For traditional Ethiopian food in Oxford. It is really highly rated, and I agree. One of the best places I’ve eaten. The lunch menu is completely, naturally gluten free with vegan options.
- Organic Deli: Probably my most-visited eatery in Oxford. They have all day breakfasts, lunch bowls, sandwiches and more. Everything is ‘healthier’ and they have lots to suit vegetarians and vegans too.
- Pan Pan: Be careful with here. They advertise a gluten free menu online, but after checking, they use the same pans and fryers for gluten and non gluten products. If you are ok with cross contact (intolerance) then this has good reviews for Asian cuisine. However, I do not recommend for coeliacs/severe sensitivities.
- Quod Restuarant and Bar: This place is a more premium spot on the high street. They have a lovely seating area outside for spring/summer. They do have gluten free options on the menu, however, I personally found the service hit and miss depending on the server, and their knowledge on allergens. Just note that they do not have separate fryers for gluten free items, so be sure to check the dishes on your visit.
- The Chester Arms: Home of the famous steak platter. This place is not for the faint hearted, but boy is it delicious! If you don’t fancy their steak (although I do recommend you try it), there are also GF fish and chips on the menu. You’d never know this place was predominantly gluten free, including the chips. They can also make the platter dairy free upon request.
- The Folly: A beautiful restaurant in a gorgeous setting. They have a reasonable lunch menu which has plenty of gluten free and vegan options.
- The Old Bookbinders: For hearty pub grub, make sure to head here. They have a couple of gluten free options (including items on the set menu for a great deal).
- The Rusty Bicycle: Another Dodo pub, sister of The Up in Arms. Gluten free burger and chips avaliable here.
- The Up in Arms: If you’re in the Headington area, then you should head here for a good burger and chips. They have gluten free buns and dedicated fryers. They also serve gluten free pizzas, but do not recommend these to coeliacs due to the flour in the air.
- The White Rabbit: One I’ve visited for pizza a fair few times now. They understand what coeliac disease is and take lots of precautions. They also have vegan cheese if needed for dairy free too.
- Vaults and Garden: Could you imagine a better spot for lunch other than next to the infamous Radcliffe Camera? You’d expect this to be a ‘tourist trap’, but it is actually reasonably priced. Lots of the lunch menu options are naturally gluten free.
Dinner
- Al-Andalus: A Spanish tapas spot in Jericho. This is a popular spot amongst locals for a dinner out. There are gluten free items marked on the menu (as well as vegan/DF options), but make sure to check coeliac safety with the server, as they do not have a separate fryer for GF items.
- Bbuona: My top pick for gluten free (with vegan options) pizza in Oxford. I was recommended here by an Italian friend and haven’t looked back since.
- Dosa Darlings: My go to spot for gluten free Indian food in Oxford. They have Dosas, curries, and more. I’ve been quite a few times, and they’ve been great with allergen knowledge. The cocktails/mocktails are worth trying, too. Such a sweet little spot with great ambience on Cowley Road.
- Dosa Park: Traditional Indian cuisine near Oxford train station. Gluten free options are marked on the menu, with dosa and curries to choose from. I’m not fully confident about cross-contact from my visit, so do check with the staff.
- Grounded Kitchen: Located in Headington, you will find a couple of gluten free options at this Korean-style eatery. Options are limited, but delicious. Just note it is a small kitchen, and whilst the staff try to minimise cross-contact, there is a risk here.
- Handlebar Cafe: A pop up taco night on a Friday and Saturday evening, which has gluten free options. Situated in the heart of the city centre.
- Jamal’s: Oxford is bustling with Indian cuisine in the city centre, that is suitable for gluten free diets. You’ll find this place nestled in Jericho. Quite a few of the curries here are also dairy free/vegan. You just need to check when ordering.
- Koto: Another one in the Jericho area, which is a gem for eateries in Oxford. This Japanese restaurant has more than just sushi as GF options, such as teriyaki dishes. They also have GF soy sauce! Perfect for both eat in and take away.
- La Cucina: An Italian eatery a short walk from Oxford city centre, on St. Clements Street. There is a full gluten free menu but is a warning that they use flour in the kitchen so cross-contact may occur (but they try to take as many precuations as possible).
- La Smorfia: An Italian eatery found on the popular Cowley Road in Oxford. They have an separate gluten free menu, as well as kitchen space making it coeliac safe.
- Lula’s Ethiopian Cuisine: For traditional Ethiopian food in Oxford. It is really highly rated, and I agree. One of the best places I’ve eaten. The dinner menu is completely, naturally gluten free with vegan options.
- Mamma Mia: There are good reviews for this pizza joint, and they do offer a ‘gluten free’ base. However, I’ve not personally eaten here as my coeliac friend advised me against it. They do not have a safe preparation, so only go if you are intolerant.
- Pan Pan: Be careful with here. They advertise a gluten free menu online, but after checking, they use the same pans and fryers for gluten and non gluten products. If you are ok with cross contact (intolerance) then this has good reviews for Asian cuisine. However, I do not recommend for coeliacs/severe sensitivities.
- Posh Fish: Located outside of the city centre in Headington, Posh Fish offers a gluten free fish and chips on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (dedicated fryers).
- The Folly: For a more fine dining experience, make sure to check out The Folly, based on the Thames river. They offer both an a la carte and tasting menu of an evening, both with gluten free and vegan options.
- Quod Restuarant and Bar: This place is a more premium spot on the high street. They have a lovely seating area outside for spring/summer. They do have gluten free options on the menu, however, I personally found the service hit and miss depending on the server, and their knowledge on allergens. Just note that they do not have separate fryers for gluten free items, so be sure to check the dishes on your visit.
- The Old Bookbinders: For hearty pub grub, make sure to head here. They have a couple of gluten free options avaliable.
- The Rusty Bicycle: Another Dodo pub, sister of The Up in Arms. Gluten free burger and chips avaliable here.
- The Up in Arms: If you’re in the Headington area, then you should head here for a good burger and chips. They have gluten free buns and dedicated fryers. They also serve gluten free pizzas, but do not recommend these to coeliacs due to the flour in the air.
- The White Rabbit: The most popular pizza place in Oxford. One I’ve visited a fair few times now. They are always really busy in the evenings, so be prepared to wait for a table. They understand what coeliac disease is and take lots of precautions. They also have vegan cheese if needed for dairy free too.
- Xi’an: Gluten free Chinese? Yes please! All items are clearly marked GF on the menu and are coeliac safe. Worth the trek from Oxford centre to Summertown.
Sweet Treats
- Barefoot Bakery: You’ll find this place in the heart of Jericho, Oxford. There are usually a couple of gluten free options on offer, even if they are not on display (just make sure to ask). Finding gluten and dairy free combined is a little more difficult here.
- Colombia Coffee Roasters: The perfect spot for coffee and cake in the Oxford Covered Market. They have a selection of gluten free cakes, separated from the others. Some of these are dairy free too.
- Icescream: An award-winning ice cream parlour in the Oxford covered market. Most of the ice cream is gluten free, with a couple of vegan options too. Just be aware that there is a risk of cross contact with the gluten cones. They do use a separate scoop upon request.
- Montezuma’s: All the chocolate you could want. This isn’t a ‘sit in venue, but I had to add it to the list. Most of the dairy chocolate is also gluten free. For gluten free and dairy free, options are more limited.
- Organic Deli: If I’m ever craving a cake, I always go here, particularly accompanied with their chai latte/hot chocolate. Most of the cakes are gluten free and lots are also vegan.
Afternoon Tea
- The Folly: You can order a gluten free afternoon tea with prior notice (at least 48-hours). Why not treat yourself to this on the river too with one of the Oxford river cruises?
- The Mad Hatter: Afternoon teas on a Saturday, with a minimum of 4 attendees. You can order gluten free, vegetarian or vegan options as well as the normal one. Oh, this one is a ‘tipsy’ version too. Note that they do mention on the website that there is a high risk of cross-contact so may not be coeliac safe.
Things to do in Oxford
- Visit the Ashmolean Museum
- Take a guided tour around the Bodleian library
- Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History
- Take a free walking tour to learn about the history of the city and more
- Visit Christ Church college (especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan)
- Take a picnic to Oxford Botanic Garden
- Go punting on the Thames
- Visit the Oxford colleges (I love Magdalen)
- Snap a photo with the Bridge of Sighs
- Stroll through the Covered Market
- Do not miss the Outdoor Market
- Check out the Radcliffe Camera
- Drop in for a Jericho Comedy night at Common Ground
- Outside of Oxford (which is incredible over winter with the Christmas markets and light trail): take a day trip to Bleinham Palace
