As a local, I figured I’d let you know some of the best places to eat in Oxford on a budget, whether you’re looking for a local café or a chain restaurant or a yummy snack, you’ll be able to find something that works for you. Most of these are located in the covered market and around the Cornmarket street area.
1. Tortilla Burrito
This is one of my favourite places to eat in Oxford, and I make good use of their deals! On Thursday’s after 3pm it’s £1 taco day! This means the Tres Tacos option is £3 if you eat in, and between Reilly and I we tend to eat 15 because they’re sooooooo good! Tortilla Burrito is a chain found all over the UK, I have linked the website on the list of locations. (And, everyday after 2pm it’s 2 for 1 on frozen margaritas!)
2. Leon
Whenever I go into Oxford with my Nan, this is where we go. Like tortilla burrito, it’s a chain and can be found all across the country. My favourite things from here are the cheesy fries, the chicken satay box and the aioli chicken box although I really want to try the Sri Lankan curry box! And the interior is really trendy and Instagram worthy, especially the upstairs window seats.
3. Sasi Thai
Located in the covered market, this local Thai restaurant is always super popular and perfectly located. The food here is very affordable which is made even more appealing by the generous portion sizes. I usually do the two dishes and rice for £8 between two people.
4. Brown’s café
Brown’s do an excellent breakfast for early morning shoppers, and their other menu options are great and will suit all appetites. From light bites to meals that rival the classic ‘pub grub’, this popular covered market hotspot is definitely worth eating at if you’re feeling peckish.
5. Alpha Bar
This trendy takeaway café in the covered market is similar to Leon with it’s ‘healthy fast food’ but the local vibes and ethically source food is much more appealing to many people. The portion sizes are great value for money, and you won’t feel the need to snack after. With options to suit all dietary requirements, as well as hot food and cold salads, if you’re looking for a healthy, hearty meal, this is the place to go.
6. Missing Bean Turl street
As a coffee lover, this is the greatest discovery I’ve made in Oxford. This trendy café is a hotspot with Oxford University Students but don’t let that put you off, the sandwiches, cookies and of course coffee are seriously yummy! It is also a well Instagramed location and rightly so, in the summer the outdoor seating in encased in a beautiful wood-framed garden and is located just round the corner from the Radcliffe Camera and Brasenose college so you’re surrounded by traditional looking buildings. They have four locations, two in Oxford (Turl street and Magdalen Road), one in Abingdon and one in Banbury.
7/8. The Four Candles / The Swan and Castle
These are two different Pubs, but I’ve grouped them together as they’re both Weatherspoon’s pubs (or as they’re more commonly known as: ‘Spoons’). The Swan and Castle is located by the Oxford Castle and Prison, opposite the Westgate; whereas The Four Candles is located on George Street, opposite the George street ODEON cinema. Weatherspoon’s is the perfect spot for anyone looking for super affordable (and yummy!) pub grub or a cheap night out, and they’re also dotted all across the country. I’d recommend downloading the app as it’s easier than ordering from the bar as there’s no table service.
9. Ben’s Cookies
This little cookie shop is part of an international chain, but don’t let that put you off. The staff are always super friendly, the service is fast and the cookies are mouth-watering. There are so many options to chose from, it can be overwhelming, but my favourites are any of the classic chocolate ones, the matcha and white chocolate or the peanut butter.
10. Moo Moos
Now, moo moo’s isn’t technically a place to eat out, but I felt it needed to be mentioned as the milkshakes are THE BEST! They have more flavours than you can possibly imagine along with lots of smoothie options and the portion sizes are better than the UK standards. Located in the covered market, it’s definitely worth checking out.
DISCLAIMER: This post is not sponsored, these are my honest opinions and recommendations