Perched on the rooftop of the Westgate, Victors offers a unique setting with its cosy igloos and stunning views of Oxford. With its vibrant atmosphere and stylish decor, it’s undeniably an inviting spot for a meal or drinks. However, our experience was a mixed bag of hits and misses.

Victor’s menu is a blend of Asian-inspired small plates and classic dishes, with some standouts and a few disappointments.

Among the highlights was the Teriyaki Salmon, priced at £24. The salmon fillet was beautifully cooked—moist, flavourful, and paired perfectly with chargrilled broccolini and a wasabi arugula salad.

This dish struck the right balance between freshness and bold flavours, making it a standout. Another success was the Crispy Duck Salad (£18.50), which impressed with its freshness and contrasting textures. The portion size was generous, and there was enough duck to ensure every bite felt indulgent. The toasted cashews and watermelon added unique elements, though chopping the cashews might save diners from chasing them around the plate.

The Crispy Tuna (£13.00) also proved to be a delight. These bite-sized morsels featured fresh, tasty tuna on crispy rice, topped with sriracha mayo and accompanied by a soy-teriyaki dip. The dish had a lovely afterkick. On the simpler side, the Tempura Green Beans (£6.75) were a solid vegan option. They were delicious when hot and paired nicely with the sesame-soy-chilli dip. Meanwhile, the Shrimp Tempura (£13.25) divided opinions at our table. While Rachel found the batter too thick, Holly enjoyed the crunchy texture and zingy yuzu-coriander sauce that accompanied it.

Unfortunately, not all dishes lived up to expectations. The Crispy Panko Squid (£11.25) was the low point of the meal. It arrived chewy and soggy, with little to no flavour. It felt reminiscent of Iceland party food, and had we been paying, we would have sent it back. We very rarely leave a portion of fries undemolished, but the fries were also a disappointment, arriving lukewarm and very unseasoned. If we dined here again, we’d strongly recommend staying well clear of the fried food. The fresh and well-balanced options fared much better. Although, I’m not quite sure why you’d come here for sushi when you’ve got other, more superior sushi places literally on your doorstep.

Victors’ cocktail menu offered some creative and refreshing options.

The 365 Days of Summer (£11.75) was a particular favourite. It was light, well-balanced, and not overly sweet or strong and made with Tanqueray Gin, lychee and rhubarb liqueurs, elderflower cordial, and fresh juices.

Service started on a slow note, with a noticeable delay in getting our drinks. However, once the food orders were placed, dishes arrived promptly (although sides and mains altogether despite requesting them to come separately), and the staff were generally friendly and attentive.

The igloos were a cosy touch, providing a warm ambiance with their own speakers, which added a personal and intimate vibe to the dining experience.

Victors shines more as a bar with decent food than as a destination restaurant. The cocktails are enjoyable, the setting is lovely, and the fresh dishes hold their own. However, the fried options felt underwhelming and not worth the price. For the cost, you could find more refined dining options in Oxford that also serve excellent cocktails.

If you’re looking for a stylish place to start a night out, Victors fits the bill. For a more memorable culinary experience, we’d recommend you look elsewhere.

Victors
RU5, Westgate Shopping Centre 307 The Westgate, Queen St, Oxford OX1 1PG

Bitten were invited as guests, all views are our own