La Taberna Oxford
135A High St, Oxford OX1 4DN
Rating: 4.5 ★ (432 ratings)
Details
La Taberna Oxford is a delightful Spanish restaurant, offering a genuine corner of Andalucian Spain right in the heart of the city. Tucked away down a narrow corridor off the High Street, its hidden location creates a sense of discovery, further enhanced by the welcoming fairy lights illuminating the alleyway leading to its door. Inside, the warmly lit interior, traditional Spanish decor, and authentic music work together to transport diners, fostering an exotic and spectacular atmosphere. This cosy establishment even retains original eighteenth-century features, mirroring the ancient charm often found in Seville.
Specialising in Spanish cuisine, particularly tapas, the menu boasts an array of flavourful dishes including the popular king prawns with garlic and white wine, patatas bravas, and chorizo in red wine. Diners often praise the exceptional food, with notable mentions for the tasty cheesecakes and delightful churros served with chocolate sauce. To complement the culinary offerings, guests can enjoy a selection of delicious Spanish wines, refreshing sangria, and Spanish beers, along with great coffee.
This charming eatery is best suited for those seeking an authentic Spanish dining experience in Oxford, whether for a relaxed meal or a lively evening spent with friends. It provides an excellent setting for enjoying a wide range of flavours through its tapas, appealing to both locals who frequent the bar and visitors keen to discover a true taste of Spain away from typical tourist spots. The friendly staff and great service further contribute to its appeal, making it a place many guests wish to return to.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: Closed | Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM | Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM | Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM | Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM | Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM | Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Contact
+44 1865 806726 | https://www.latabernaoxford.co.uk/
Comments
However, after we finished eating, the good impression disappeared. Our empty plates were taken away and we sat at the table for around 15 minutes with an empty bottle, but nobody came to offer another drink or ask if we wanted anything else. I wanted to order churros for dessert, but none of the waiters approached us.
Eventually my partner had to call a waiter and ask for the bill because there was no point sitting at an empty table anymore, even though we were planning to try more drinks and dessert.
What made it worse was that a 10% service charge was added to the bill. Honestly, for what exactly? It certainly did not feel like attentive service. I would also point out that the restaurant was not busy — there were several free tables and other guests were already finishing their meals.
Unfortunately, this completely changed my opinion of the restaurant. Because of the poor service compared to the food prices and additional charges, I cannot recommend it.
As for the food, it was absolutely excellent,full of rich and delicious flavors. The royal shrimp were especially outstanding, perfectly cooked and bursting with taste. Honestly, everything we tried was incredibly good.
The atmosphere reminded me of a tapas bar in Spain, giving us the feeling of traveling all the way to Seville. A wonderful experience overall. Highly recommended!