Best Vegan Restaurants in Oxford

Over the years, more and more people have embraced veganism for ethical, health, or environmental reasons. While finding delicious vegan food can sometimes be a challenge, Oxford offers an array of must-visit cafés and restaurants within its historic streets. Whether you're a lifelong vegan or simply curious to explore plant-based cuisine, hop on a train to Oxford with CrossCountry and satisfy your cravings.

Banana Tree

Banana Tree is a pan-Asian chain restaurant with a range of options that will delight vegans and omnivores alike. They offer a couple of different mock meat options and tofu, meaning that you’re not going to feel short-changed. With everything from soups to stir-fries, Banana Tree serves up some of the UK’s favourite dishes from across Southeast Asia, with a focus on big, punchy flavours. We love the Singapore Laksa, a fragrant street food dish of coconut broth, rice noodles, aubergine, and tofu.

Banana Tree is an easy eight-minute walk from the station, located on George Street. You’ll cross the idyllic Hythe Bridge with its magnificent weeping willow and stunning canal view.

CHICK PEA

Craving something fresh and plant-based? CHICK PEA is the ideal vegan café in Oxford and it should definitely be on your list. This unassuming little café serves up a range of jaw-dropping Mediterranean dishes, from delicious tagine to falafel.  It’s ideal for a quick lunch, a chill coffee date, or a filling vegan dinner in a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy good service and vibrant, colourful dishes at CHICK PEA.

CHICK PEA is around twenty minutes’ walking distance from the Oxford railway station. A walk to this charming spot will take you past Carfax Tower, a twelfth-century relic of St Martins Church. Alternatively, you can catch a bus and be there in under ten minutes.

Alpha Bar

With a passion for no-waste catering, Alpha Bar has been serving up sustainable and affordable fast food since the turn of the Millennium. Located in Oxford’s iconic Covered Market, it’s a place where service with a smile is matched by truly delicious, guilt-free food. Why not try the tofu bowl, served with lashings of dressing and fresh salad. At Alpha Bar, you know the food you’re about to consume has been mindfully prepared to reduce waste, minimise carbon footprint, and support local suppliers in an ethical way.

The Covered Market is walking distance from the station and a stroll there offers a great opportunity to enjoy some of the city’s independent shops and historical architecture. If you’re looking for a more accessible route, there will be numerous city buses running that can get you there in under fifteen minutes.

Chutneys Indian Brasserie

Chutneys are known in Oxford for their bold vegan selection. Their menu features a variety of plant-based options bursting with the authentic flavours of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Start with crispy popadums and a selection of chutneys, then dive into vegan-friendly curries like the Vegetable Jalfryzi or Chana Baigon, packed with enticing spices and fresh ingredients.

Chutney’s is a ten-minute walk from Oxford station, located on the corner of St Michaels Street. We recommend taking a second to appreciate the quiet street with its ivy-clad buildings and Victorian streetlights.

Al-Shami Restaurant

The hidden gem that is Al-Shami has some really great Middle Eastern and Lebanese treats for vegans tucked away on its extensive menu. With plenty of bites, dips, bread, and, of course, the vegan staple falafel, it’s an excellent option for a group outing where you can share a variety of dishes. We particularly recommend the fried cauliflower and their tabbouleh is absolutely out of this world.

Al-Shami is a fifteen-minute walk from the station or a bus ride of the same duration. Getting to Oxford is easy when you travel with CrossCountry, just hop on a train from locations such as Manchester Piccadilly, Reading, and Birmingham New Street.

If you're looking for more plant-based dishes, we've narrowed down our favourite vegan restaurants across the UK. Plus, we couldn't resist stopping by Sheffield for an in-depth look at the city's standout vegan hotspots.

At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.

If you’re planning to eat some vegan food in Oxford, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.