Today, Friday 20th April, sees the much awaited opening of Victor’s Oxford. Located on the Westgate rooftop, it seems to have brought the sunshine for us which fits perfectly with their American Hamptons vibe. Outside are pale rattan tables and chairs adorned with striped cotton cushions whilst inside is divided into two separate areas.
A bar with relaxed armchair seating and a restaurant area festooned with glorious wisteria. Tables are both intimate and social – a table for two tucked under a floral arch or a round party table that seats ten.
There is a pretty spectacular cocktail list – of which we managed to try a few. First up was a James and the Giant Peach vodka based with peach, red pear juice, figue and egg white, garnished with two peach sweets and was utterly delicious as well as being very easily quaffed! This was also available as a mocktail version for non-drinkers.
Next up and this was so good I had two was Smoking Eights – Gentleman’s Jack bourbon, chocolate, mint and brown sugar. This arrived in a bamboo steamer, with dry ice poured around the tumbler which was garnished with mint leaves and an After Eight mint.
We also tried their espresso martinis – regular Bitten followers will know we have a bit of a thing for EMs and like to make sure they meet our standards. These did. Smooth coffee with a faint butterscotch undertone yet not overly sweet.
Food is available from noon with a full all day menu as well as standalone brunch and afternoon tea options. Small plates including sushi, sashimi and sliders come recommended as three to four dishes each or there are larger dishes to share.
Flatbreads with chunky guacamole and salsa £3.50.
Teriyaki beef roll with charred tenderstem broccoli, enoki and wasabi (which we can confirm packs a punch!) £7.50 for a half roll, £12.50 for a full roll.
Buttermilk popcorn chicken with chipotle mayo £7.50.
White pizza with rocket, smoked lardons and truffle oil, £8.50. Look at that dough!
Tuna tartare in blue corn tacos with chilli, lime and guacamole £10.50.
Lil’ burgers with beef, Emmental, mac sauce in a brioche bun, £12.50. These were excellent.
The raw bar platter was stunning. The chef’s selection of sushi and raw bar dishes, ours featured charred tenderstem broccoli, salt and pepper duck sushi, tuna and salmon sashimi, tuna tartare, salmon crudo and a spoon of caviar – both salmon and a black variety.
These platters come in a range of sizes – for two, four or six to share and are priced from £32.50 to £64.50.
We will be going back very soon for a full review, but based on what we saw last night this is going to be one of the must visit dining destinations in Oxford. Every little detail, from seating, decor, presentation, all the way through to the serving dishes and water jugs is absolutely spot on.
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