Oxford may be famous for its libraries, but its restaurants are just as impressive, especially if you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary. Picture candlelit meals in centuries-old buildings, menus scribbled on blackboards in art-filled cafés, or private rooms hidden behind bookcases. Some places still serve college traditions, others are all about bold flavours and no fuss. Whether it’s for a celebration, a private dinner, or a night out with a twist, the city has plenty of quirky restaurants that stand out. Let’s get you booked in. Browse now
Booking costs of quirky restaurants average £45 per person. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Oxford, based on Tagvenue data from May 2026:
| From £40 | to £50 | per person |
| From £225 | to £650 | hire fee per event |
| From £250 | to £2000 | minimum spend per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated May 2026), the best options include:
Private Dining Room at The Trout Oxford
in Oxford - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘Most of us had sea bass and all loved it. The starters very tasty, especially the soup and the fried squid.’
The River Room at The Folly Restaurant
in Oxford City Centre - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘A wonderful evening to celebrate daughter’s 21st birthday with her friends.’
Backseat Becky's at The Breakfast Club Oxford
in Oxford City Centre - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘Great venue, we were really pleased we could hire out the whole restaurant.’
You'll find quirky restaurants in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Oxford, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (May 2026):
| Small | up to 40 guests | prices average £225 hire fee per event |
| Medium | between 50 and 80 guests | prices average £250 minimum spend per event |
| Large | over 110 guests | prices average £2000 minimum spend per event |
These are the venues within 0.2 mi from central Oxford, available to book on Tagvenue:
Carfax is a central hub with plenty of dining options, from brasseries to themed restaurants. Hinksey Park offers more scenic, riverside locations like The Folly. Other sought-after districts include St. Mary’s for local pubs and casual dining, and Wolvercote for traditional English settings just outside the city centre.
For most quirky restaurants in Oxford, it’s best to book at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Popular spots can fill up fast, especially for evening or weekend bookings. If you're planning a private hire or a larger group event (over 30 guests), try to book 2 to 3 months ahead to ensure availability and allow time for menu planning or custom arrangements. Smaller weekday bookings may be available with shorter notice, but booking early gives you the most choice.
Page last updated in May 2026
To provide you with relevant information, our pages are refreshed using an algorithm that aggregates real-time data, including bookings, reviews, and venue updates.