Here at Bitten HQ, we’ve been thinking about our favourite foodie streets in Oxford.

I mean the places off the main thoroughfares, where you can find a significant concentration of restaurants, cafés, or food shops together. There might be one in your neighbourhood, or even somewhere you’ll cross town for. But in case you’ve missed out on some of these food-lover destinations, we’re launching a series highlighting the top local spots around Oxford. 

To get things started: Magdalen Road in East Oxford.

This is a serious heavyweight, chock-a-block street with tasty destinations and independent businesses, and featuring a strong sense of community.  My generous sense of geography allows for some spill-over around the corner onto the Iffley Road; trust me on this. Be sure to visit with an appetite and an extra shopping bag.  

Hungry for a full meal?

I strongly recommend that you pop into Taste Tibet for their famously delicious momos, curries, and chai. You can get friendly with the locals at one of the large, canteen-style tables or simply grab something for later from the large freezer section. Don’t forget to nab a copy of their cookbook while you’re there. 

Looking for top-notch pub grub? The Rusty Bicycle isn’t only a cosy setting for a drink; it also has a scrumptious choice of burgers and pizzas. I like the Mr Melanzane for its distinctive wood-fired crust and yummy name.

For an Oxford gastropub experience, there’s the revered Magdalen Arms at the corner of Iffley Road. This handsome fixture serves up full-on lunches and dinners: the whole gamut from appetising sharing plates to pasta, roast fish, and meats, through to elegant (and luscious) desserts.

Want lighter fare?

If you just fancy a cup of coffee or a small bite, Magdalen Road has got it. The laid-back Missing Bean roastery café offers the chance to watch the beans roasting, enjoy your favourite style of java, and sample one of their home-baked treats. 

The Larder is a recent addition to the area, providing Gatineau bread and pastries from Summertown alongside their own breakfast and sandwich options. 

Green Routes is a small but elegant plant-based café with excellent coffee and dreamy breakfasts: banoffee pancakes or hash browns, anyone?

And last but not least, you can stroll around to Hamblin for their signature sourdough bread and sweet buns, as well as for outstanding sandwiches, pizza and more. This is a place I can never leave without filling that extra bag!

Need to do your shopping?

Finally, you can even pick up some essential food items along Magdalen Road to take back home with you. 

Elle’s Deli has a carefully curated choice of produce from around the world for your gourmet needs; the beautifully stocked shelves will appeal equally to your eyes and stomach. Plus, they have Oli’s Thai food at lunchtime (Tuesday – Saturday) as a takeaway option. 

Wild Honey is a community health hub that sells a wide range of local organic produce and ethical food products.  

Noor Supermarket has halal food, along with an array of Asian foods and spices. I go there to stock up on mangoes when they’re in season. 

I haven’t quite managed to include everywhere on Magdalen Road, but by now you get the idea. It’s where you should be when you are hungry in Oxford. Is this your favourite foodie spot in Oxford or do you have another street to recommend? Add it below, and we’ll include it in our future research. 

N.B. The ‘Bitten Street’ name is borrowed from the celebrated food market that led the way for Bitten Oxford, both founded by our very own Jacqui Thorndyke.