Rating: 4.5 ★ (558 ratings)
Parsonage Grill, nestled within the Old Parsonage Hotel in central Oxford, offers a distinctly intimate and clubby atmosphere. This bohemian retreat combines historic charm with refined elegance, featuring 17th-century lead-latticed windows, wood panelling, an original stone fireplace, and a striking collection of oil paintings adorning its stylish dining room. A charming walled terrace, often shaded by a mature wisteria, provides a secluded outdoor setting, creating an exceptional Oxfordian character that resonates with academic and literary heritage.
The restaurant champions classic British cuisine, presented with a modern and light touch, with the talented kitchen team priding themselves on using the finest local produce, reflecting seasonal flavours. Patrons can savour dishes such as ham hock and guinea fowl terrine, risotto of Jerusalem artichoke with ricotta, or a succulent rib-eye steak, alongside a sophisticated cocktail selection. A particular highlight is the renowned afternoon tea, a truly traditional experience complete with homemade scones, clotted cream, delicate finger sandwiches, and tempting cakes.
This celebrated venue is ideally suited for a variety of occasions, from leisurely breakfasts and lunches to romantic dinners. It proves a popular choice for locals, academics, and visitors seeking a refined yet relaxed dining experience in Oxford. Parsonage Grill also excels as a setting for special celebrations, including birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate gatherings, offering both its main dining room and private spaces to ensure a memorable event.
Monday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Thursday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Saturday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
+44 1865 292305
Join 10,000 subscribers and never miss out on events happening in Oxford again!
Comments
The food was excellent, perfectly cooked. Rabbit pie was good and had by one of my friends.
Had a Spanish white, Albariño, was really nice.
The Eton mess was light and fluffy. Cheese was good but would’ve wanted more of it!
Will definitely be returning:
I made the reservation on the day and when we arrived were welcomed very warmly.
Andrea was very efficient and friendly. The food was exceptional. Overall, it was a lovely evening.
I was impressed with food service atmosphere, and cleanliness (loos were super clean, in fact looked brand new, don't be put off by both gender door sign ... inside there are private cubicles!!
Thoroughly Recommended.
Food: I started with the mussels, which were served in a rich, creamy sauce that was perfectly seasoned with a hint of garlic and fresh herbs. Each mussel was plump and cooked to perfection, making it a delightful start to the meal.
For the main course, I opted for the steak, which was cooked exactly to my liking. The meat was tender and juicy, bursting with flavor in every bite. The accompanying chips were crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, the perfect companion to the steak. The sauce, served on the side, added an extra layer of depth to the dish, complementing the meat beautifully.
Service: The service at Parsonage Grill was impeccable. The staff were attentive without being overbearing, ensuring that all our needs were met in a timely and professional manner. They were knowledgeable about the menu and made excellent recommendations that enhanced our dining experience.
Atmosphere: The ambiance of Parsonage Grill is both cozy and sophisticated, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or a special evening out. The attention to detail in both the decor and the service made the experience feel special.
Overall: Parsonage Grill delivers on all fronts—delicious food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a local or visiting Oxford, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a top-notch meal.
I had the rabbit & tarragon pie with rosemary carrots and broccoli. The pie was memorable because instead of the usual pastry lid on a dish, it came as a round pastry ball filled with the pie inside. It felt special and tasted absolutely delicious. Trifle was also good.
It wasn’t very busy when I visited (early dinner), but it was a calm, comfortable atmosphere. Service was good and attentive without being overbearing.
The food is amazing!! They serve the bread warm and the butter is soft, melting on the bread - very nice!! The crab salad was great - highly recommend.
The service was good! We didn’t wait for long to order food or pay the bill. The waiters came to check in a few times during our meal.
The decoration and atmosphere is great too! Lots of art works and plenty space between tables, so we can enjoy our conversation.
Bookings are highly recommended. We booked the night before for Saturday dinner and they only got slots for 5:15pm or 8:30pm.
Really enjoyed the evening. Will come back!
Our food order was eventually taken and again it took forever before our starters arrived... Not really any cooking involved..it was a crab salad and some oysters. When it finally arrived I was appalled at the size of the oysters.. They were tiny! At £4.50 a pop you'd expect more... The crab salad was lovely according to the Mrs. We both ordered fillet steak for mains, medium for Mrs and medium rare for me. When it arrived the waiter presented them as 2 medium fillets so we told him that that was not what we ordered and he left with both plates again - instead of leaving the medium that was supposedly correct. He quickly returned with the same plates and said that they were now correct... But both sets of meat were overcooked. We mentioned it to the waiter and they offered to bring new dishes but by now we'd eaten over half so it would have been a waste of food. We did say that we would of course pay for the food, but thought it was important to mention to the kitchen. The dauphinoise potatoes and carrots side dish were lovely.
The manager did apologise profusely for the poor experience and offered several solutions to mitigate which was appreciated, but we said that everything was fine and that he didnt have to.
When the bill eventually arrived (having asked for it 3 times), they had taken both of our mains off the bill which was of course super kind, but not the reason we had raised the issue in the first place. Of course not the greatest experience for an anniversary dinner, but not a disaster. I think the tables and chairs actually annoyed me more than the slow service and the food.