Restaurant Review: The Jericho Cafe, Oxford

Nestled in the heart of Jericho is the unassuming but ever consistent stalwart, The Jericho Cafe. This is one of those establishments that rarely springs to mind when I am asked ‘where is good to go in Oxford’ which is a shame as it is bloody good at what it does and is somewhere I keep going back to as I just know it will deliver.

Split across two levels, with oodles of seating in the basement as well as the obvious tables available when you walk in, The Jericho Cafe instantly has a warm, welcoming feel to it. The interior hasn’t been fine-tuned to within an inch of its life to the latest Pinterest fad and instead has an independent and local feel to it. This is enhanced by the enormous board by the stairs where people can advertise local events, items for sale, tuition and a million other things. It serves as a good reminder of just how diverse a city Oxford is and how much stuff there is available to do!! Checking out their website I spotted a line on their ‘About Us’ page that I think does a good job of summing things up:

We are an independent, Anglo-French family-run business, proud to be serving the community of Jericho from the heart of Jericho.

The Anglo-French connection comes through in the menu as well, with a bijou and well chosen selection available that includes home-grown classics to South of France/Mediterranean and North African inspired dishes. For example, you could go for the Pan Fried Chorizo (£4.95) as a starter, followed by a Lamb, Feta and Mint Burger (£9.55)  served in a pitta pocket with fries, salad and tzatziki as your main course. If that doesn’t take your fancy you could go for Crispy Salt and Pepper Calamari (£4.95) followed by Greek Orzo Salad (£7.95) – there is also a carefully chosen selection of wines and beers available to partner up with your choice of food.

The Jericho Cafe Oxford | Image credit Bitten Oxford — **The frieze runs around the cafe showing the shops of Walton Street**

An appetising selection of cakes is available if you don’t fancy a full-on meal and the usual array of teas and coffees courtesy of some familiar names in Oxford; Barefoot Cakes, Happy Cakes and The Missing Bean. You KNOW that you are going to be getting quality when you see those names listed.

The Jericho Cafe also has a rather good Brunch menu that is available throughout the day and that is what I opted for on my visit.

All bases are covered with Full Breakfasts, Bacon or Breakfast Baps, a selection of Egg dishes and Porridge or Muesli if you are looking for something a little more healthy.

I didn’t hesitate in going for the Cafe Vegetarian Breakfast (£7.45) boasting free-range scrambled, poached or fried eggs, veggie sausage, hot buttered mushrooms, baked beans and grilled tomatoes, served with Oxford Sourdough toast and tea or filter coffee!!

The secret to a good breakfast is not to get too fancy and this is the perfect example. Good quality ingredients, well cooked and seasoned, delivered on a warmed plate with an accompanying plate of toast and steaming brew – just what you need!!

So, do yourself a favour and next time you are thinking where to eat in Oxford head along to The Jericho Cafe, whether you are going in for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just for a brew and a cake it ticks the boxes.

Opening Hours