Restaurants

Il Botanico the italian coffee 🇮🇹

100 St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1BT

Rating: 4.6 ★ (429 ratings)

Details

Il Botanico the italian coffee 🇮🇹 offers a delightful escape into authentic Italian café culture, with a central Oxford location on St Aldate's and another in Headington. This independent establishment cultivates a charming and serene atmosphere, often described as a plant-filled haven, which distinguishes it as a peaceful retreat in the bustling city. Visitors can enjoy a welcoming environment where the focus is on quality and genuine hospitality, making it a standout spot for both locals and those exploring Oxford.

The cuisine style at Il Botanico is distinctly Italian, with a strong emphasis on exceptional coffee and handcrafted pastries. Guests can indulge in expertly brewed Italian espresso, smooth cappuccinos, or a rich, thick Italian hot chocolate. The selection of delectable treats includes traditional Sicilian Arancini, freshly made focaccia, and a tempting array of Italian cakes and desserts such as cannoli, pistachio bombolone, and Nutella lobster tails, with options also available for vegan diets.

This welcoming cafe is ideally suited for a diverse range of visitors, from coffee connoisseurs and dessert lovers to students seeking a laptop-friendly workspace or friends meeting for a casual chat. It serves as a perfect spot for a quick coffee break during a sightseeing tour of Oxford's historic sites, or for a more leisurely pause. Furthermore, its dog-friendly policy ensures that furry companions are also welcome inside, making it an excellent choice for a relaxed outing with your pet.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM | Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM | Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM | Thursday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM | Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM | Saturday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM | Sunday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Comments

Jay H. Tepley
24 Jul 2026
5.0 ★
Officially my new favourite in Oxford.
The owners are from Puglia, Italy, which vouches for effortlessly excellent coffee right at the start...
But that's not all.
Their choice of deserts is RIDICULOUS. Equip yourself with plenty of time to make a choice because **everything** looks so delicious that you'll end up just staring at the counter fire an unreasonable length of time. Then, you'll then get your order handed to you on a golden platter—no puns, just reality.
Their first floor sitting is simply perfect. Brave the creaking winding staircase and you'll find yourself sitting my the window above the city noise, watching the light glittering on your spoons and feeling good about being alive.
If you're bored, you can also explore their exposed brickwork that looks suspiciously Tudor - with later Georgian and Victorian patches. Your call.
The staff is very friendly, and kindly helped me the tray—my nemesis— lest their venerable steps be decorated with new unsolicited art of coffee stains.

Recommend the place, will definitely visit again.
Anya Amrith
21 Jun 2026
5.0 ★
Amazing food and experience! Definitely coming back (we are regulars and it’s our favourite family stop). Best desserts in Oxford! No questions asked.
CityStrider
21 Jun 2026
4.0 ★
The cafe shop appears very narrow but there’s seating up stairs. The cake and sandwich choices are premium in both taste and price. I tried the pistachio lobster tail and found it very filling and unique. The coffee was very authentic with a deep and rustic flavor. I wasn’t able to try the unique fruit shaped cakes as they were sold out, but I will try on my next visit. Recommended
Nilay Kubal
7 Jun 2026
5.0 ★
I tried the tiramisu and the mango-shaped dessert, and both were absolutely delicious. The tiramisu was rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced—not overly sweet, with a wonderful coffee flavor and a light, velvety texture.

The mango dessert was just as impressive. It looked stunning and tasted even better, with a smooth, fruity filling and a refreshing flavor that felt light yet indulgent. The presentation was beautiful, and every bite was packed with flavor.

Both desserts were really good and clearly made with great attention to detail. I would definitely come back to try more from their menu
Shadia Islam
4 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
I had a dessert and cappuccino. It was one of the best things I have tried in oxford. This very nice gentleman served me on the 29th December. Very good service and veryyy good food. Please try all of their desserts!!

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