Gees Restaurant & Bar
Oxford's iconic glasshouse restaurant where Mediterranean cuisine meets Victorian elegance and timeless charm.
Gees is an elegant Mediterranean restaurant housed in a stunning Victorian glasshouse conservatory in Oxford's Summertown neighbourhood. Originally converted from a greengrocer's in 1985, this long-standing establishment combines sophisticated dining with an inviting, convivial atmosphere. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with Italian influences, including fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and wood-fired pizzettas. The glass-roofed dining room, adorned with olive trees and soft lighting, creates an enchanting setting enhanced by a heated garden terrace and private events space. Known for impeccable service and an extensive wine list, Gees remains a premier destination for special occasions and memorable meals.
A brief summary to Gees Restaurant & Bar
- 61-63 Banbury Rd, Oxford, Park Town, OX2 6PE, GB
- +441865553540
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Luxury
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-10:30 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-10:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-10:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-10:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-10:30 pm
- Saturday 9 am-10:30 pm
- Sunday 9 am-10:30 pm
Local tips
- Reserve well in advance, especially for weekends and special occasions. The restaurant's popularity means tables fill quickly, and advance booking ensures you secure your preferred time and seating location.
- Request seating in the main conservatory for the full atmospheric experience, though the heated garden terrace offers a more intimate setting during warmer months. Each space has distinct character and appeal.
- The chocolate nemesis dessert is consistently praised as exceptional—save room for it. The wine list emphasizes southern European selections; ask staff for recommendations that pair with your chosen dishes.
- Service charge of 13.5% is automatically added to bills. Note that the restaurant can be quite noisy during peak times, particularly when larger groups are present, though this contributes to the lively atmosphere.
- Arrive during off-peak hours (early evening or lunch) if you prefer a quieter dining experience. The restaurant's energy and bustle are part of its charm, but quieter times allow for more intimate conversation.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Gees Restaurant & Bar location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Gees Restaurant & Bar
A Victorian Glasshouse Transformed into Culinary Sanctuary
Gees occupies a remarkable Victorian glasshouse that has been thoughtfully converted into one of Oxford's most distinctive dining spaces. Originally a greengrocer's, the building was reimagined as a restaurant in 1985 and has remained under the same ownership ever since, a testament to its enduring appeal. The conservatory's soaring glass roof floods the space with natural light, creating an airy, luminous environment that feels equally magical on cloudy winter days and sun-drenched summer afternoons. Globe lights dangle elegantly from the glass ceiling, while black-and-white tiled flooring and soft leather furnishings establish a sophisticated yet unpretentious brasserie aesthetic. The room pulses with the energy of well-heeled locals and visitors alike, creating an atmosphere that feels both celebratory and intimate.Mediterranean Cuisine with Italian Foundations
The menu at Gees draws inspiration from across the Mediterranean, though Italian ingredients and techniques form its backbone. Crispy, thin-based pizzettas with regularly changing toppings showcase the kitchen's creativity—think Taleggio with potatoes and thyme or mozzarella with anchovy. Handmade pastas feature prominently, from delicate crab linguine to rigatoni with duck ragù and pecorino. Fresh seafood preparations might include fillet of mackerel with anchovy and tomato salsa, braised octopus with romesco, or Cornish monkfish with fennel. Vegetable-forward dishes such as harissa-roasted squash with chickpeas and feta, braised aubergine parmigiana, and braised leeks with feta and dill demonstrate the kitchen's respect for seasonal produce. Desserts maintain the Mediterranean theme with offerings like chocolate nemesis, crema catalana, and orange and almond polenta cake. The wine list comprises approximately 30 selections, with southern European varieties taking precedence.Spaces for Every Occasion
Recent renovations have expanded Gees' capacity and versatility without compromising its essential character. The main conservatory remains the heart of the experience, but a heated garden terrace now extends dining into the warmer months, surrounded by lush landscaping that creates an intimate outdoor retreat. An adjacent private dining room and events space accommodates celebrations, weddings, and corporate gatherings. This thoughtful expansion allows the restaurant to welcome more guests while preserving the convivial atmosphere that defines the Gees experience. Tables are scattered throughout these interconnected spaces, offering diners choices between the theatrical energy of the main conservatory and the quieter charm of the garden.Culinary Leadership and Seasonal Menus
Under the direction of head chef Lee Parsons, Gees has evolved to embrace seasonal ingredients and contemporary techniques while maintaining its established identity. The menu shifts with the seasons, featuring in-season Wye Valley asparagus, fresh oysters, and other locally sourced produce. This commitment to seasonality ensures that each visit offers something new while preserving the dishes that have become beloved fixtures. The kitchen balances innovation with comfort, offering both adventurous preparations and familiar favourites executed with precision and care.The Gees Experience: Atmosphere and Service
What truly distinguishes Gees is the complete sensory experience it provides. The interplay of light, space, and colour creates an almost dreamlike quality—in winter, the gentle patter of rain on the glass roof becomes part of the ambiance, while summer lunches stretch languorously into afternoon. The staff moves with quiet efficiency, attentive without being intrusive. The room itself becomes a character in the evening, filled with the murmur of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the subtle theatre of a well-run dining room. Diners frequently describe the experience as escapist, a temporary retreat from the everyday into a space that feels special and celebratory. Whether dining alone, with a partner, or as part of a larger group, guests find themselves enveloped in an atmosphere that encourages lingering and savouring both food and company.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Essential places to dine
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
