Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant, Oxford
Stylish rooftop dining atop Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum with panoramic city views and modern British cuisine.
Perched atop the iconic Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, the Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant offers a stylish dining experience with panoramic city views. Known for its modern British cuisine, including vegetarian and vegan options, the bright, airy space features floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace with deckchairs. It’s a perfect spot for afternoon tea, casual lunches, or relaxed dinners, combining cultural heritage with contemporary culinary flair.
A brief summary to Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant
- Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont St, Oxford, OX1 2PH, GB
- +441865553823
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11:30 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 11:30 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 11:30 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 11:30 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 11:30 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 11:30 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 11:30 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Book ahead to secure a table, especially on sunny days when the rooftop terrace is in high demand.
- Try the vegan afternoon tea for a unique and well-reviewed culinary experience.
- Visit during daylight hours to fully enjoy the panoramic views and natural light flooding the space.
- Pair your meal with a visit to the Ashmolean Museum’s exhibitions to enrich your cultural experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant
A Unique Dining Experience Above Oxford’s Historic Heart
The Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant crowns Britain’s first public museum with a chic, modern eatery that blends cultural heritage with culinary innovation. Located on Beaumont Street, the restaurant is flooded with natural light through expansive glass windows, creating an airy, inviting atmosphere. The rooftop terrace offers sweeping views across Oxford’s famous skyline, including its dreaming spires, making it a spectacular setting for any meal. Whether dining indoors or alfresco, guests enjoy a sense of elevated privacy and calm in the bustling city centre.Contemporary British Cuisine with a Sustainable Focus
The menu showcases modern British dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and quality. Highlights include handmade wild-farmed black truffle and ricotta tortelloni, smoked haddock tart, and vegan shepherd’s pie. The restaurant caters well to vegetarian and vegan diners, offering a variety of thoughtfully prepared options. Afternoon tea is a celebrated feature, with vegan afternoon tea gaining particular praise. Desserts such as elderflower panna cotta and dark chocolate tort provide a refined finish to the meal.Atmosphere and Ambience That Elevate Every Visit
The interior design is stylish yet understated, with well-spaced tables and tasteful lighting that enhance the relaxed vibe. The rooftop lawn with deckchairs invites guests to linger with a drink on sunny days. The setting is ideal for romantic lunches, casual gatherings, or a peaceful break during a museum visit. Service is generally attentive and professional, contributing to a welcoming and polished dining experience.Connection to Oxford’s Cultural Landscape
Dining here is more than just a meal; it’s an extension of the Ashmolean Museum’s rich cultural narrative. Visitors often pair their meal with a visit to current exhibitions, deepening their appreciation of Oxford’s history and art. The restaurant’s elevated position offers not only physical but also metaphorical perspective on the city’s heritage, making it a memorable part of any Oxford itinerary.Practical Details and Visitor Experience
Open daily from late morning to mid-afternoon, the restaurant is accessible via stairs or lift within the museum. It is moderately priced, reflecting its central location and quality offerings. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak periods and sunny weather, when the terrace is most popular. The venue is family-friendly with a children’s menu available, and it accommodates various dietary preferences.Celebrated for Views, Food, and Ambience
While some guests note occasional inconsistencies in service speed and food pricing, the overall experience is enhanced by the stunning views and the stylish, light-filled environment. The Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant remains a favored destination for those seeking a blend of Oxford’s historic charm and contemporary dining sophistication.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Lively
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- 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
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
