Covered Market
The Covered Market opened in 1774, during the reign of King George III, bringing Georgian elegance to Oxford’s street markets. John Gwynn also designed today’s Magdalen Bridge, completed in 1778 to replace the old medieval crossing
Here is a summary of places to eat and drink in the covered market.
⭐ Guide’s Choice – Hand-picked recommendation from me
There are also boutique shops and a decent telephone repair outlet.
Covered markets are the UK’s closes equivalent to Les Halles of France.
Until quite recently there was game and fish mongers but it is now more and more a hive of artisanal produce although an excellent butcher hangs on offering traditional savoury pies such as sausage rolls, Cornish pasties and also wonderful less well known savoury pies.
It has a relaxed atmosphere. Many of the food outlets and restaurants have seating. There is also seating and table open areas.
🍴 Food & Drink in Oxford’s Covered Market – Highlights
The Covered Market isn’t just history and atmosphere — it’s one of Oxford’s best places to eat, snack, and shop for artisan food and gifts. Alongside cafés and world food stalls, you’ll find butchers, cheesemongers, and bakeries that locals rely on.
🌍 Cafes & Street Food
Donburi Inn – Japanese rice bowls with teriyaki, katsu or tofu toppings. ⭐
Brown’s Café – The original 1920s market café, with hearty breakfasts and tea. ⭐
Alpha Bar – Legendary salad bar with creative, generous toppings. ⭐
Sasi’s Thai – Huge portions of authentic Thai curries and stir fries at student-friendly prices. ⭐
Sartorelli’s Pizza – Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with sourdough bases and inventive toppings. ⭐
Sushi Bowl – One of the newest additions to the market, serving fresh, hand-rolled sushi boxes to take away. ⭐
Rozana – Homemade Lebanese wraps and mezze.
Lula’s Ethiopian – Spiced lentils, injera flatbread, and vegan-friendly dishes.
Georgina’s – Bright, bohemian café with mezze and stuffed pittas.
Pieminister – Award-winning British pies with hearty fillings, mash, and gravy.
☕ Cafés & Sweet Treats
Ben’s Cookies – Fresh, gooey cookies in dozens of flavours.
Moo-Moo’s – Shakes blended from chocolate bars, fruit, or biscuits. ⭐
iScream – Homemade gelato and sorbet, made in small batches and fantastic quality chocolates. ⭐
🍖 Traditional Butchers & Savouries
David John Butchers – Famous for sausage rolls, meat pies, and traditional cuts. A proper Oxford institution.
🧀 Cheese & Deli
The Oxford Cheese Company – A real highlight. Stocking farmhouse cheeses (local, British, and continental) plus chutneys and bread. Many visitors pick up cheese and a roll here to create their own sandwich picnic. ⭐
Taylors Deli – Well-loved sandwich and deli counter with fresh fillings.
🍺 Evening & Drinks
The Market Tap (Tap Social) – Craft beer café and bottleshop.
The Teardrop Bar – Microbrewery beers.
The Market Cellar Door – Organic and natural wines.
Gulp Fiction - Have a coffee and read a book.
🧭 Handy Map Tip
Lavatories are on Market Street.
The Market has exits North, South and West.
Some of the venues are on the upper floor
🌐 Best Websites for Planning Your Visit
Oxford Covered Market Official Traders List – Complete and up-to-date, with stall numbers.
Daily Info – Covered Market Guide – Local reviews and insider commentary.
Where Goes Rose Blog – Great photos, personal picks, and food-lover recommendations.
Search with the websites shown above
