The Ivy Oxford Brasserie

The setting

The restaurant took over the former NatWest bank site at 120–121 High Street. Inside, the look nods to the Belle Époque, with dark wood parquet on one side and black-and-white tiles on the other. The decoration draws on Oxford itself, with potted plants and prints inspired by the University's Botanic Garden and Natural History Museum. The Ivy name goes back to 1927, when the original opened as an Italian cafe in Covent Garden and became a favourite with London's theatre crowd. Oxford's branch brings that brasserie style to one of the city's best-known streets.

What to eat

The menu follows the Ivy brasserie formula: British classics such as steaks and Dover sole, plus a separate vegetarian and vegan menu. Because it runs from breakfast to late evening, it works for a leisurely start before sightseeing, an afternoon tea between colleges, or a celebration dinner.

Planning a visit

It is a large room, seating around 180, with a private dining room upstairs for up to 35, so groups are well catered for. Booking ahead is sensible at weekends and during graduation season. The Covered Market is a minute's walk away, and The Bear Inn, one of Oxford's oldest pubs, is just round the corner for a drink afterwards.

Highlights

• Two Grade II-listed Victorian buildings on the High Street
• All-day service from breakfast to dinner
• Afternoon tea and cocktails
• Separate vegetarian and vegan menu
• Private dining room for up to 35

Good to know

• Book ahead for weekends and graduation weeks.
• The upstairs private dining room seats up to 35.
• It sits opposite the Turl Street junction, close to the Covered Market.

Frequently asked questions