Kazbar
Moorish-style tapas bar on the Cowley Road — lanterns, cocktails, and sharing plates.
Kazbar has been a Cowley Road fixture for years, and for good reason. The interior is a warm cave of Moroccan lanterns, dark wood, and coloured glass — atmospheric without trying too hard. The tapas-style menu draws on North African and Mediterranean influences, and the cocktails are strong and well-made.
What to eat
Sharing plates are the way to go. The halloumi fries are a crowd favourite. The lamb kofta and merguez sausages are reliable. The mezze platter for two is generous and good value. Vegetarian options are plentiful.
What to drink
The cocktails are the main event. The espresso martini is notably good. The wine list leans Mediterranean. Moroccan mint tea if you're not drinking.
Practical notes
Evening only — opens at 5pm. Gets busy on Friday and Saturday nights; book ahead. The Cowley Road location means it's a 15-minute walk from the city centre, but that's part of the appeal — this is where locals eat, not tourists. No children after 7pm.
Nearby
Within a few minutes' walk