Restaurants

Magdalen Arms

243 Iffley Road, Oxford, OX4 1SJ, GB

Rating: 4.4 ★ (1074 ratings)

Details

Home-baked bread, often the first delight to greet you, signals the serious attention to detail at the Magdalen Arms on Iffley Road. This isn't your average pub fare; expect a menu that changes not just seasonally, but often twice daily, showcasing the freshest ingredients. Known for its generous, flavourful dishes with a Mediterranean influence, you might find ultra-fresh brown crabmeat with sourdough toast or a meltingly tender oxtail pie. The focus is on 'real food', thoughtfully prepared and often featuring stunning sharing mains like slow-roasted lamb served in its own cooking pot. While the service is relaxed and unpretentious, the kitchen, once guided by chef Tony Abarno, consistently delivers memorable meals in a sympathetically refurbished setting with bare boards and wooden tables.

A lively, slightly bohemian atmosphere pervades this popular gastropub, making it a cherished spot for both locals and those visiting Oxford. The interior is an expansive, cheering space filled with warmth, mismatched furniture, and quirky old standard lamps, creating a welcoming, unpretentious vibe perfect for a casual lunch or a more celebratory meal. While it can get busy, particularly for their renowned Sunday lunches, the option of terrace tables provides a pleasant alternative for enjoying their sophisticated offerings. They are dog-friendly, and even host a flea market on the first Saturday of each month, adding to its community feel. Booking in advance is often recommended, especially if you're aiming for a table during peak evening hours.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Contact

+44 1865 243159

Comments

A BC

21 Jan 2026

5.0 ★

After fangirling over the beautiful food at the Canton Arms in Stockwell, I had their sister pub in Oxford marked on my maps. As part of a road trip we stopped at The Magdalen Arms for lunch and how wonderful it was. The menu concept is the same as that of their London pubs; authentic international/mediterranean classics executed very well. This time we went for the Sicilian style polpette in dandelion broth and then we had the Provençal fish stew accompanied by the house focaccia. Both dishes were divine, made with fresh seasonal produce and the fish was cooked to perfection. A must when in Oxford and when you’re looking for a traditional English pub but with fabulous food that goes way beyond the standard beige offering. What a lovely Gastropub with welcoming, attentive staff.

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