Arbequina at the Market
11-15 The Market, Oxford OX1 3DU
Rating: 5.0 ★ (11 ratings)
Details
Arbequina at the Market brings a vibrant and exciting atmosphere to Oxford's historic Covered Market, standing out as its first dedicated restaurant within the bustling thoroughfare. This dynamic new venue offers a welcoming setting designed with unique furnishings, where guests can experience the energy of an open-plan kitchen and the passion for hospitality that drives the team. It presents a lively, buzzy environment, contrasting with its sister restaurant's more laid-back vibe.
Specialising in Spanish-inspired small plates, Arbequina at the Market champions high-quality, unique, and well-sourced ingredients, crafting dishes with explosive and well-married flavours, occasionally with a Middle Eastern touch. Diners often praise delectable offerings such as the much-loved onion tortilla, tempting tempura artichokes, or the rich Iberico tenderloin with mojo verde. Complementing the innovative cuisine is a selection of hand-crafted cocktails, natural wines, and excellent coffee, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
This lively Oxford eatery suits a diverse clientele, from bustling tourists and local shoppers seeking a quick, delicious bite to students enjoying a more relaxed meal. It caters equally well for those wanting a glass of wine and a few nibbles or a full dining experience. Arbequina at the Market provides an ideal backdrop for casual gatherings, offering a consistently buzzy and welcoming environment perfect for sharing small plates with friends or savouring a solo treat.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: Closed | Tuesday: Closed | Wednesday: Closed | Thursday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM | Friday: 12:00 – 6:30 PM | Saturday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM | Sunday: Closed
Contact
+44 1865 602209 | https://www.arbequina.co.uk/
Comments
We really enjoyed the menu and ordered a bunch of dishes - all to share. It was one of those meals where we feel happy and joyful afterwards.
I strongly recommend that you go visit. Just that they open on very select data and timings. So you do need to plan ahead.
Highly recommended. We visited for lunch on a Saturday. They do not take any reservations.
Arriving at around midday, only a few tables were occupied, and thanks to the efficient service and quick table turnover, any wait would likely be minimal.
The space is small and cosy but cleverly designed and exceptionally well organised.
We chose to sit at the counter, which gave us a great view of the kitchen. The chefs worked with impressive speed and precision, and it was clear that the operation runs incredibly smoothly.
The food was excellent. The menu leans heavily towards Spanish tapas, with a few Italian influences, and showcases high-quality ingredients throughout. The cooking is highly accomplished, with plenty of tempting dishes that made choosing difficult.
The drinks list is also well curated, although our only criticism was that our drinks arrived after three food dishes had already been served and two had been finished. We would have preferred the drinks to arrive before the food.
The onion and potato tortilla was outstanding and worth returning for on its own. We also loved the crispy artichokes with aioli. The addition of fresh lemon segments provided bursts of citrus that cut beautifully through the richness of the fried artichokes, creating a wonderfully balanced dish. In fact, every dish we ordered was thoroughly enjoyable.
The value for money was exceptional, and the service was incredibly fast.
From arriving and being seated to enjoying our meal, paying, and leaving took less than 30 minutes.
We weren't in a hurry; that's simply how efficiently the restaurant operates.
For anyone short on time, Arbequina is an excellent choice.
Next time, however, we'd like to linger a little longer because the food is simply too good to rush