Jacobs & Field
15 Old High Street, Oxford, OX3 9HP, GB
Rating: 4.4 ★ (1218 ratings)
Details
Jacobs & Field, a charming neighbourhood eatery, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere on Headington's Old High Street in Oxford. This relaxed and friendly venue has evolved into a full-fledged restaurant from its beginnings as a cosy café, now boasting a spacious open kitchen where guests can observe the chefs at work. Its distinctive shabby-chic, chalet-style décor contributes to an informal setting, making everyone feel truly at home, and the outdoor terrace offers a lovely option for al fresco dining.
The culinary focus here is on proper, unfussy neighbourhood cooking, presented with consistent quality and without unnecessary flourish. Dishes are freshly made using locally sourced ingredients, showcasing a menu that includes innovative spins on brunch classics alongside a selection of pizzas and main courses. Past highlights have included options such as Eggs Neptune, a delicious samphire and crayfish linguine, and hearty tartiflette, ensuring an unpretentious yet well-executed dining experience.
This welcoming establishment caters wonderfully to a diverse clientele, including families, couples, and locals simply looking for a quality meal. It serves as an ideal spot for a relaxed brunch, a casual lunch, or a delightful dinner, suitable for unwinding after work or gathering with friends for a chat. While it accommodates spontaneous visits during the week, booking is strongly advised for weekend dining due to its popularity.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Contact
+44 1865 766990
Comments
As a coeliac, I asked about gluten cross-contamination. Unfortunately, there seemed to be very little understanding of the importance of this, particularly when my shakshuka arrived with regular bread on the plate. It wasn't enough to simply replace the bread, as the entire dish had already been cross-contaminated. I had to explain this before the meal was remade, which meant my wife and I ended up eating our brunch separately.
To make matters worse, after waiting almost 30 minutes we asked where our coffees and juice were, only to discover that our order had apparently been lost. Our food then arrived before the drinks, adding to the frustration.
Throughout the visit, the service felt dismissive. Our server was abrupt, even dropping the cutlery pot onto the table rather than placing it down, and when we politely raised our concerns, we felt they were largely ignored. Finally, as we left, we thanked the staff, but our goodbye was completely ignored, which unfortunately summed up the experience.
To be fair, the drinks were removed from the bill as a gesture of goodwill, and once remade, the food was enjoyable. However, good food alone doesn't make up for poor customer service and a lack of understanding around a serious food allergy.
Sadly, despite wanting to like Jacobs & Field, we don't think we'll be returning, which is a real shame.
We visited on Sunday 03/05 and had great service and great food. We appreciated that they were busy and offered patience and understanding.
Anton was outstanding. Really very busy but looked after us more than could be asked for.
Food was delicious and we are actually doing our own version of the Farmhouse in the morning for breakfast.
Thank you Anton. You were lovely - because of you, we will come back to see you.
Thank you.
James and Martine xx
Anton was a real credit to the place. From the get-go, he made us feel incredibly welcome friendly, attentive, and clearly passionate about both the food and the customer experience. It’s rare these days to come across someone who runs a place with such care and quiet confidence. Nothing felt rushed, everything ran like clockwork, and yet the whole vibe remained relaxed and easy going.
The breakfast itself was cracking fresh, full of flavour, and beautifully done. You can tell the kitchen takes pride in what they’re serving. But what really made it memorable was the atmosphere, and that’s down in no small part to Anton. He checked in with every table, chatted with guests in a natural, unforced way, and kept everything ticking along smoothly.
All in all, a proper gem of a spot. Great food, brilliant service, and a manager who clearly leads by example. I’ll definitely be back and if Anton’s on, you’re in for a treat.
The staff is always active, and they make a genuine effort to note and follow food preferences, which adds a personal touch to the dining experience.
The only minor issue we've noticed is that occasionally there’s a delay — both in staff approaching the table and in serving the food once it’s prepared. Even when the dishes are ready, there seems to be a lag before they reach the table.
That said, it's still a great place to visit and enjoy a meal — warm, welcoming, and consistently tasty.
Enjoying my visits
Thank you 😊
Best comfort food today with a lovely smoothie and flat white .