There’s never a bad time for pizza. Come rain or shine, good day or bad day… pizza is there for you. Luckily, Oxford has absolutely no shortage of offerings!
We’ve pulled together this guide of some of the Bitten crew’s fave spots across town (and a bit further afield) but we are always on the lookout for more.
Bbuona
A firm favorite with the Bitten team, and a regular haunt for many of us. The restaurant is relatively small but has lots of outdoor tables (with umbrellas if needed). It serves pinsa, which use a slightly different dough mixture to other pizzas, and doesn’t come in your classic round pizza shape. There’s a delicious range of toppings and a good offering of vegan and veggie options.
In the words of Nicola, it’s ‘my go-to pizza spot and I’m such a sucker for a simple margarita. The tomato sauce was stunning […] can’t go wrong with Bbuona!’
Where: 102 Gloucester Green, Oxford OX1 2DF
Website
La Smorfia
Tucked away on Cowley Road, La Smorfia often appears at the top of the Bitten crew’s recommendations whenever people ask for pizza spots. It’s a vibrant, family-run restaurant offering great Napoletano style pizzas, that also promises ‘a contamination-free environment and experienced staff to guarantee complete peace of mind to all our coeliac or gluten-intolerant guests’. This place takes Chiara right back to her southern Italian roots – so so good.
Where: 247 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1XG
Website
Sartorellis
Sartorelli’s has a range of locations in-and-around Oxford, and offers delicious sourdough pizzas that can be made just how you like them. Start off with the basic margherita and add your preferred toppings for 50p each, or go for one of their pre-set pizzas from the menu. The Covered Market always smells great when these guys are fired up and cooking.
Oxford: Unit 21, The Covered Market, Oxford, OX1 3DZ
Witney: Unit F2, New Yatt Business Park, New Yatt Road, North Leigh, OX29 6TJ
Chipping Norton: Unit 11, Groves Yard, Shipton Road, Milton-under-Wychwood, Chipping Norton, OX7 6JF
Website
Valley Farm Pizza
Launched by sisters Xenia and Georgie, Valley Farm offers Neopolitan style pizza from a garden cabin that has been transformed into a rustic kitchen. The menu is relatively small but still offers a great range of delicious toppings. A really lovely outdoorsy and dog friendly option for when you don’t want to head into the centre of Oxford.
Where: Valley Farm, Eynsham Rd, Farmoor, Oxford OX2 9NL
Website
Oxford Blue
Tucked between Cowley Road and Iffley Road, the Oxford Blue offers vegan pizzas that are, according to Chiara, ‘amazing – you wouldn’t even know it wasn’t real cheese!’ Pizzas are served Weds-Sat evenings before they move onto equally yummy-looking roasts on Sundays.
Where: 32 Marston St, Oxford OX4 1JU
Website
The Medley
It’s no secret that the Bitten crew loves a wander across Port Meadow to this serene spot. Nab a table right on the river edge (if you can – it’s often busy!) or find yourself a spot on one of the many picnic tables to enjoy some fab pizzas. It’s a great stop-off on any walk, but worth a visit even if you’re not already in the area!
Where: By Rainbow Bridge/The Medley Footbridge in Port Meadow
Website
The Medley opens seasonally, usually from April-Sept.
Dodo pubs
There’s several of these scattered around Oxford – each with their own character, but all sharing great vibes and good pizza (alongside a nice selection of beers and sometimes cocktails). Whatever region of town you’re in, you won’t be far from one, and will be made very welcome.
The Rusty Bicycle: 28 Magdalen Rd, Oxford OX4 1RB
The Up in Arms: 241 Marston Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 0EN
The Rickety Press: 67 Cranham St, Oxford OX2 6DE
The Slow and Steady: 38 Abingdon Rd, Oxford OX1 4PD
The Part and Parcel: 2-4 Market Square, Witney OX28 6AN
Plus other locations – see the website for more info.
White Rabbit
An Oxford institution, tucked away in the middle of town. With a large menu there’s sure to be something for everyone, and there’s quite a lot of flexibility for adding extra toppings if you fancy. If you can’t find space inside the pub, nip outside to try and grab one of the many covered tables.
Where: 21 Friars Entry, Oxford OX1 2BY
Website
Jojo’s
Jojo’s sits in a great spot on one of my favourite stretches of Cowley Road! It offers a nice range of pizzas alongside some great cocktails – and live music on Friday evenings. Pair a pizza with a punchy cocktail and you’re good for the eve. Check out these highlights of Chiara’s recent visit, as well as her full review.
Where: 96 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1JE
Website
The Plough Inn
This pub couldn’t be more central if it tried, and while it might look very busy from the street it’s worth seeing if you can nip upstairs where there are several tables for 4+ people. The pizzas are large, square and chunky – perfect for sharing with some friends.
Where: 38 Cornmarket St, Oxford OX1 3HA
Website
Pizza Club
Tucked away in the residential streets of Jericho is this little spot on a corner. It’s only recently opened and offers New York style pizzas by the slice or in full. There’s an interesting range of toppings (goats cheese and apricot, anyone?). This is a great option if you’re looking for a lighter bite or very thin crust pizza.
Where: 9 Albert St, Oxford OX2 6AY
Website
Sunnyhill Vineyard
You’ll find this spot just outside the ringroad. Sit and overlook the vines (and alpacas!) while enjoying some delicious wood-fired pizzas. There’s several large picnic-style tables as well as a small playground for children. They only serve pizzas on Friday and Saturday evenings. Current website info also states this is from April-October and booking is required.
Where: 51 Cuddesdon Rd, Horspath, Oxford OX33 1JD
Website
Pizzeria Trattoria Mario
A well-known and relaxed spot in prime location on Cowley Road that also offers takeaways. The menu is extensive, covering the classic options and more. There are several vegetarian choices, as well as a section dedicated more unusually to fish pizzas!
Where: 103 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1HU
Website
Il Principe
Another option on Cowley Road (the people of East Oxford are very well provided for, pizza-wise). This deli has a small shop of Italian produce – great for picking up some nice olive oil, pasta and wine – as well as offering an extremely extensive takeaway menu, including 3 ‘fried pizzas’!
Where: 82 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1JB
Website
Leave a Reply