But for Oxonians hungry for something new – and visitors whose interests extend beyond dreaming spires to very good food, coffee and craft – there is a pleasing flurry of openings popping up across the city. It feels like a particularly fertile moment for Oxford’s independents. Here are the new arrivals we’re most excited about.
Arbequina, Covered Market
Arguably Oxford’s best restaurant, Arbequina long ago established itself at its original Cowley Road home as the go-to place for tapas every inch as good as anything we’ve eaten in Spain. Now it has opened a second outpost in the Covered Market and, well, it may sound gushy but it’s true: we are completely smitten. There is the beautiful green-tiled and zinc bar, the excellent cocktails and, most importantly, the same short, brilliantly conceived menu of sharing plates. Sitting opposite Sartorelli’s Pizza and Teardrop Bar, it has helped transform this little corner of the market into something of a foodie mecca.
Alfonso Gelateria, Little Clarendon Street
Oxford locals may already have happened upon Alfonso’s gelato truck on one of its appearances in Summertown. Now, after establishing permanent homes in Woodstock and Witney, the much-loved gelateria has finally bagged its first proper Oxford address, on the lovely Little Clarendon Street, no less – and from this moment on, we know exactly where we’ll be heading when only a scoop of the cold stuff will do. Founded by the Roman-born Lewis and named after his nonno who moved to England in the 1950s, it serves proper handmade gelato in inventive, ever-changing flavours alongside beautifully executed Italian classics. Add in the rather lovely interiors and we predict a new Oxford obsession.
The Good Habit Café, St Giles
A café run by Dominican friars, you say? Niche, perhaps, but remember: this is Oxford. Part of Blackfriars on St Giles, The Good Habit is due to open its doors in September, operating as a public café by day and providing dining and event space for the Blackfriars community at other times. We are already cheered by the pretty signage and, even more so, by the notice in the window calling for ‘lovely humans’ to join its bakery team. Excellent coffee, cakes, breakfast and lunch are promised; consider us intrigued.
Aromi, Oxford
Hallelujah: a Sicilian café has arrived in central Oxford and we are already huge fans. Aromi began life in Cambridge, where it has long had a devoted following, and its Oxford outpost brings the same glorious formula westwards. This is excellent fast food in its most perfect Italian incarnation: springy focaccia sandwiches, pizza, cannoli and, our favourite of all, crisp, golden arancini – the spinach version in particular. Quick, delicious and dangerously easy to become addicted to.
Savoir Boulangerie
Opening on 8 September – and we can’t wait. Every tantalising glimpse through the window at Savoir Boulangerie reveals another stylish detail, not least the sensationally pretty peacock-emblazoned packaging waiting to be filled with pastries and baguettes. The promise is simple but irresistible: a little slice of France in Oxford, complete with freshly baked bread, viennoiserie and pâtisserie. Our noses will be pressed firmly to the glass until opening day.
Oxford Clayhouse
One for the crafty types – and this one has us particularly excited. Oxford Clayhouse is not entirely new: its pottery classes and workshops have already been introducing Oxonians to the addictive pleasures of clay. But it is now moving into a proper bricks-and-mortar home, giving the city’s budding potters somewhere permanent in which to throw, hand-build, glaze and generally get their hands dirty. The fact that it happens to be on the same street as a knitting emporium only adds to the appeal. We foresee many, many handmade pots being pressed upon friends as presents. Consider yourselves warned.
FAQs: New Openings In Oxford
What are the best new restaurants in Oxford?
Arbequina’s new Covered Market outpost is one of the most exciting recent arrivals, bringing the much-loved Cowley Road restaurant’s excellent tapas, cocktails and convivial atmosphere into the heart of the city. Aromi is another welcome addition for casual Sicilian food, particularly focaccia, arancini and pastries.
What’s new in Oxford’s Covered Market?
Arbequina has opened a second Oxford site in the Covered Market, joining an increasingly impressive collection of independent food and drink businesses. Its ground floor centres around the restaurant’s signature zinc bar, with a first-floor dining room overlooking the market.
Are there any new cafés opening in Oxford?
Yes. The Good Habit at Blackfriars on St Giles is due to open in September 2026, serving coffee, cakes, breakfasts and lunches, while Savoir Boulangerie is also preparing to bring French-style breads, pastries and pâtisserie to the city.
Where can I find good gelato in Oxford?
Alfonso Gelateria makes its artisan gelato locally, with a changing roster of traditional and more inventive flavours. Its new Little Clarendon Street location brings the Oxfordshire favourite into the heart of the city.
What new things are there to do in Oxford besides eating?
Oxford Clayhouse is moving into a permanent new home, offering pottery classes and workshops for beginners and more experienced makers alike – a welcome addition to the city’s growing independent craft scene.
Is Oxford worth visiting for food?
Increasingly, yes. Beyond its historic pubs and established restaurants, Oxford has a lively independent food scene spanning tapas, natural wine, artisan pizza, gelato, bakeries and cafés – with the Covered Market in particular enjoying something of a culinary renaissance.
