Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant
Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH
Rating: 4.1 ★ (689 ratings)
Details
Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant offers a distinctive dining experience perched atop the historic Ashmolean Museum, providing guests with exceptional panoramic views across Oxford's iconic spires. This bright and airy venue boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows that open onto a spacious outdoor terrace, allowing for delightful al fresco dining when the weather is fine. The atmosphere is a harmonious blend of elegance and contemporary style, making it a truly stand-out destination.
The cuisine features modern British dishes with a focus on seasonal and, where possible, locally sourced ingredients. An enticing afternoon tea is a particular highlight, often drawing inspiration from current museum exhibitions and presenting a delicious selection of delicate sweet and savoury treats, accompanied by freshly baked scones and bespoke tea blends. Diners might also discover dishes with a European flair, including Italian influences, alongside a well-curated list of fine wines and signature cocktails.
This restaurant is ideally suited for a diverse range of visitors, including those exploring the museum, academics, and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat above the city's hustle and bustle. It provides a perfect setting for a leisurely lunch, an indulgent afternoon tea, or any special occasion, from birthdays and celebrations to romantic dates and group gatherings. The location also makes it a convenient and charming choice for pre-theatre dining.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact
+44 1865 553823 | https://www.benugo.com/sites/restaurants/rooftop-restaurant/
Comments
We shared two of the seasonal salads- perfectly ripe sweet melon with salty feta and olives, also grilled courgette over chickpea-avocado guacamole. One decadent chocolate ganache bar completed the meal. We enjoyed the view, ambience, and innovative seasonal cuisine.
Lavender scones are interesting too. Not sure what the sandwich flavours are but they're a little unusual - I preferred the sandwiches from previous version of afternoon tea personally, but this new version is intriguing and fits the flower theme well.
The starter was excellent. For the main course, we ordered the pasta (£26). What was strange was that the plate, vegetables, and fish were all hot, but the pasta itself was only lukewarm. I’m not sure how that happened. The vegetables were very good. However, we spent almost £90 for two people on a drink, two pasta dishes, and a dessert. Overall, it felt a bit overpriced for what we got. I kind of regret not grabbing a light meal at the basement café instead.
The service was great. The staff were friendly. Full respect to the staff - I was struggling just sitting there, and they were working through it all. 🫡 Someone please get these people some AC!