Rating: 4.5 ★ (585 ratings)
The Olive Branch Café & Restaurant offers a truly inviting and independent dining experience in Oxford. This friendly establishment, also serving as a wine bar, creates a comfortable and cosy atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Its tastefully decorated interior blends modern elegance with traditional design, setting a relaxed tone for any visit. Situated conveniently in central Oxford, just moments from the train station, it stands out for its welcoming ambiance and exceptional service, drawing in both locals and visitors.
The menu at The Olive Branch showcases a vibrant selection of Lebanese, Moroccan, and Mediterranean cuisine, prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Guests can savour authentic dishes such as flavourful mezze platters, various tagines, and delectable lamb kofte wraps. Popular choices also include shakshuka, chicken souvlaki, moussaka, and a generous full English breakfast, with excellent vegetarian and vegan options available. Halal food is additionally offered, ensuring a wide array of dietary needs are met.
This café and restaurant is an excellent choice for a diverse range of visitors, from those seeking a quick coffee to friends gathering for a leisurely lunch or a relaxed dinner. It perfectly suits anyone with an appreciation for authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours in a friendly setting. Whether unwinding after exploring Oxford's sights or celebrating a special occasion, The Olive Branch provides a satisfying and memorable dining experience.
Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
+44 1865 244480
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Comments
The three of us made the journey up from London, and it was worth every mile. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed into a beautiful, warm, and inviting environment that made us feel relaxed straight away.
A special mention must go to our male server, whose name I unfortunately didn't catch. His service was truly exceptional. He was incredibly happy, friendly, and welcoming throughout the entire afternoon making us feel valued from start to finish. His positive attitude was infectious, and nothing was too much trouble. He was also extremely knowledgeable about the menu, offering excellent recommendations and explaining the dishes with confidence and enthusiasm. Service like this is rare and made a great meal even more memorable.
The food was outstanding – beautifully presented, full of flavour, and cooked to perfection. Every dish we tried was delicious, showcasing quality ingredients and excellent attention to detail. The taste and quality were second to none.
Between the amazing food, exceptional service, and wonderful atmosphere, this was a dining experience to remember. We left thoroughly impressed and will definitely be returning. If you're looking for outstanding food, a beautiful setting, and genuinely first-class hospitality, The Olive Branch is a must-visit.
Thank you for a truly memorable lunch
The service felt a bit lacking in energy. It wasn’t bad at all, just not very engaging or welcoming.
One highlight was the toilet, which is beautifully decorated with an old train station theme — a really nice touch.
Overall, it’s not a bad place, but I think there are better options around. That said, this place definitely has a lot of potential to improve and become something really great.
Lovely place for brunch with a really nice atmosphere! The food was delicious and well-prepared, with a great selection of options. The setting was cozy and relaxed, making it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a tasty meal. Highly recommend for a weekend treat!
Our only question mark was being asked to move to accommodate a group of four. We were almost finished, they could have waited.