Is there a fully vegetarian pub in Oxford?

There is. The Gardeners Arms on Plantation Road has served only vegetarian and vegan food since 2003. It is my first suggestion in this city, and it is a proper pub rather than a health cafe pretending to be one.

Where can I eat healthily in Oxford city centre?

Georgina's in the Covered Market off Turl Street for vegan Greek mezze, The Handle Bar on St Michael's Street for breakfast and lunch, and Namaste Village by the castle for meat free Indian. All within a few minutes of each other.

Are there vegan options in Jericho?

Common Ground on Little Clarendon Street. It is a social enterprise, the food is plant-forward and unfussy, and the coffee is better than the average student haunt.

Do I need to be vegan to use this Oxford guide?

No. This guide is plant-forward, not plant-only. Some kitchens here are entirely meat free, others simply treat vegetables with respect and source honestly. Come as you are.

How are Oxford restaurants chosen for this list?

By me, on the same standard I have used for thirty years: purity, wholesomeness, organic sourcing where possible and an abundance of fresh vegetables, pulses, grains and seeds. Nobody pays, and nobody ever will.

Oxford · England

Healthy restaurants in Oxford.

Written by Gillian McKeith

Oxford has fed students stodge for centuries and I have never been impressed by that tradition. What has changed is the number of kitchens here now cooking vegetables as the point of the meal rather than the garnish beside it.

The Gardeners Arms on Plantation Road is the one I admire most. A pub with no meat on the menu since 2003, long before it was profitable to be sensible. Namaste Village by the castle is entirely meat free, and Indian vegetarian cooking gives you pulses and spice instead of butter and cream. Common Ground in Jericho is a social enterprise doing plant-forward food and decent coffee, Georgina's in the Covered Market labels its vegan Greek mezze clearly, imam bayildi included, and The Handle Bar above the bike shop on St Michael's Street will give you a breakfast worth eating before a long walk.

I judge Oxford as I judge everywhere: purity on the plate, organic where the chef can manage it, fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses, grains and seeds in real quantity. No listing here has been bought, and none is for sale.

Oxford, England

Independent Oxford cafe above a bike shop with vegan and vegetarian breakfast and lunch options.

Eating well in Oxford: your questions

Is there a fully vegetarian pub in Oxford?: There is. The Gardeners Arms on Plantation Road has served only vegetarian and vegan food since 2003. It is my first suggestion in this city, and it is a proper pub rather than a health cafe pretending to be one.
Where can I eat healthily in Oxford city centre?: Georgina's in the Covered Market off Turl Street for vegan Greek mezze, The Handle Bar on St Michael's Street for breakfast and lunch, and Namaste Village by the castle for meat free Indian. All within a few minutes of each other.
Are there vegan options in Jericho?: Common Ground on Little Clarendon Street. It is a social enterprise, the food is plant-forward and unfussy, and the coffee is better than the average student haunt.
Do I need to be vegan to use this Oxford guide?: No. This guide is plant-forward, not plant-only. Some kitchens here are entirely meat free, others simply treat vegetables with respect and source honestly. Come as you are.
How are Oxford restaurants chosen for this list?: By me, on the same standard I have used for thirty years: purity, wholesomeness, organic sourcing where possible and an abundance of fresh vegetables, pulses, grains and seeds. Nobody pays, and nobody ever will.

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Gillian McKeith, author of the Gillian McKeith Restaurant Guide

About the author

Written by Gillian McKeith

I'm Gillian McKeith: television presenter, creator of the global hit show You Are What You Eat, writer, nutritionist, and the editor behind this guide. Every Oxford entry here is chosen and written by me. I judge kitchens on the things that actually matter: real ingredients, honest sourcing, vegetables cooked with care, and food you feel better for eating.

Nothing on this page is a paid placement. Restaurants cannot buy a recommendation, and any listing marked as sponsored is labelled as such. If a kitchen slips, it comes out of the guide.

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