The Vibe
Gee’s, in the ultra-salubrious enclave of North Oxford, is one of this city’s best-known and best-loved restaurants, currently celebrating its fortieth year. Part of the Oxford Collection owned by hotelier and restaurateur Jeremy Mogford, its iconic glass conservatory dining room has been a part of the Oxford dining scene for decades. Yet even a grande dame such as this deserves a glow-up and a recent refurbishment has not only added lustre to the main restaurant but added a secret courtyard garden, a new private dining room and given the menu a turbocharge that has turned this into an unmissable spot for everyone from couples in search of romance to celebratory occasions.
The Welcome
If you come in on a balmy evening – whether seasonably or unseasonably so – you are spoilt for choice as to where you sit. If you’re after something traditional, then the main dining room is stylish, classy and extremely comfortable. If, however, the weather is on your side, then the outdoor garden is one of Oxford’s very chicest spots, thanks to happy trio of arresting yellow chairs, low lighting and babbling fountain that conspire to make this a true idyll. It helps that the staff – always an Oxford Collection highlight – are friendly, highly professional and well-drilled, offering drinks and menus straight away and generally doing all they can to make the experience memorable.
The Food
Gee’s has traditionally had a reputation as a spot for people-watching and good times rather than necessarily for memorable food. This has now completely changed, thanks to head chef Nick Galer, who used to be head chef at Heston Blumenthal’s The Crown in Bray. All of a sudden, the menu has become turbocharged to sit somewhere between the high-end brasserie offering that the restaurant has traditionally been associated with and fine dining. Starters of haggis pakora – a kind of lamb offal tempura – squid are finely presented and taste delicious, and there’s real innovation in the way that the pork belly, so often a slab of meat, is served Asian-style, in a delicious broth of bak kut teh and with enoki mushrooms. Oxford is famously landlocked but that doesn’t stop the seafood dishes here being excellent, particularly monkfish tail served with charlotte potatoes in a fine chervil butter and samphire. And puddings are top notch, too, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, whether it’s a banana Eton Mess, a perfect chocolate and orange mousse or even the fried ice cream.
The Drink
The cocktails here are a real highlight, including the immodestly but aptly named perfect margarita and a moreish Cherry Tai, a brilliantly presented mai tai. Wine-wise there’s a very good selection by the glass, including a lovely, crisp Spanish Txakoli, and also a decent variety at all price points by the bottle. We opted for an unusual, excellent Greek red wine, the Agiorgitiko, but if we’d really wanted to push the boat out, there are some really fine vintages, albeit running into the hundreds. And if your tastes tend to the non-alcoholic, there are some carefully chosen options, including the Berry Sour, as well as the usual selection of juices and Diet Cokes and the like.
The Verdict
An Oxford stalwart returns, and is probably the best it’s been in its forty-year history. The combination of top-notch food and drink, brilliant service, a wonderful setting and an ineffable sense of occasion has meant that this has taken its place amongst the city’s finest restaurants all over again.
FAQs: Gee’s, Oxford
Where is Gee’s in Oxford?
Gee’s is on Banbury Road in North Oxford, a short walk from the city centre and close to the neighbourhoods of Jericho and Summertown.
What kind of food does Gee’s serve?
Gee’s serves modern British and European-inspired food, with a menu that now combines the feel of an excellent brasserie with more ambitious, fine-dining touches.
Does Gee’s have outdoor dining?
Yes. As well as its famous glass conservatory dining room, Gee’s has a secluded courtyard garden with outdoor tables, making it an especially lovely option in warmer weather.
Is Gee’s good for a special occasion?
Very much so. The elegant setting, polished service and newly elevated menu make it particularly well suited to birthdays, anniversaries, romantic dinners and other celebrations.
Does Gee’s have a private dining room?
Yes. The restaurant’s recent refurbishment included the addition of a new private dining space for parties and special occasions.
Does Gee’s serve cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes. There is a strong cocktail list alongside wines by the glass and bottle, plus a selection of thoughtfully made non-alcoholic drinks.
Who is the head chef at Gee’s?
The kitchen is headed up by Nick Galer, formerly head chef at The Crown at Bray, part of Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant group.
How long has Gee’s been open in Oxford?
Gee’s celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026 and has long been one of Oxford’s best-known restaurants.
