The White Rabbit
21 Friars Entry, Oxford OX1 2BY
Rating: 4.5 ★ (2394 ratings)
Details
The White Rabbit stands as an independent pub and pizza restaurant, nestled centrally within Oxford, just a short stroll from Gloucester Green and behind the Oxford Playhouse. This beloved establishment, once the Gloucester Arms, was transformed in 2012 into a relaxed, eclectic venue, boasting a warm and inviting atmosphere with rustic wooden tables and exposed brickwork. It consistently attracts a vibrant mix of regulars, students, and tourists, contributing to its lively, often bustling ambience. Adding to its charm is a popular, covered garden area, complete with heated seating, providing a comfortable space to enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Dining here centres around its celebrated wood-fired, Roman-style pizzas, crafted fresh daily with premium Italian flour and ingredients sourced weekly from Italy. The extensive menu features 26 distinct pizza options, including fan favourites such as the rich Zola and the fiery Diavola, alongside an exciting "Mad Hatter" choice for those who enjoy a culinary surprise. Patrons with dietary considerations will appreciate the award-winning gluten-free and vegan pizza selections. Beyond pizzas, the offering extends to antipasti, salads, and lunchtime paninis, complemented by a broad array of local ales from independent breweries, European lagers, artisan gins, spirits, and cocktails.
This welcoming spot suits a wide range of visitors, from individuals seeking a quiet bite to large groups and families. Its friendly and relaxed setting makes it an ideal choice for casual lunches, convivial evenings with friends, or simply unwinding after a day of sightseeing. The central location proves particularly convenient for pre-theatre meals or post-show drinks, given its proximity to the Oxford Playhouse. Locals, students, and tourists alike will find The White Rabbit offers an unpretentious and enjoyable experience for quality food and drink in the heart of Oxford.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Contact
+44 7523 201414 | http://www.whiterabbitoxford.co.uk/
Comments
From my perspective, this is a top choice for a relaxed evening focused on quality drinks. The constantly rotating taps showcase excellent local and national craft ales, making it a destination for beer enthusiasts. The food menu complements this perfectly, focusing on hearty, shareable pub classics with a gourmet twist.
While the burgers are solid, the standout is their sourdough pizza. The dough is fermented in-house, giving it a fantastic texture, and the topping combinations are creative yet balanced. The ‘Fun-Guy’ (wild mushrooms, truffle oil, and garlic) is a particular highlight. The loaded fries (try the ‘Dirty Fries’ with cheese, bacon, and jalapeños) also make for a perfect beer-sharing snack. Portions are generous, so consider sharing a pizza and a side.
Go in the late afternoon or early evening to secure a table in the quirky, cave-like back room. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to guide your beer choice to pair with your food. Don’t come for a quiet, historic pub experience—come for vibrant atmosphere, excellent modern pub fare, and some of the best craft beer in central Oxford. It’s a wonderfully whimsical and satisfying escape.
The day of arriving in Oxford me and my classmates were looking for a place to eat. Troubling thing is one of my classmates who wanted to join, has a severe gluten allergy.
Back in the Netherlands, we struggle to find proper restaurants that provide fully gluten-free dishes. When we do, it requires a lot of back and forth contact. The White Rabbit advertised with fully gluten-free pizza so we wanted to give that a try.
So I rang up the restaurant and asked about their gluten free dough. They told me the reason they have the fully gluten-free pizza dough in stock, is because some relatives of the owner had the exact same allergy as my classmate did.
So with all of this in mind, you might be wondering, how was the food? I’m delighted to say that both the gluten-free and the regular pizza were delicious!
All in all: amazing service, very attentive staff, if I’m ever in Oxford again, I would be delighted to eat here again!