Quod

Quod occupies the ground floor of the Old Bank Hotel on the High Street, and the space is impressive — high ceilings, large windows, modern art on the walls, and a terrace that looks out onto one of Oxford's finest streets. The menu is wide-ranging brasserie fare: pizzas, pastas, steaks, salads, and a brunch that runs every morning. It's the kind of place that covers a lot of ground and covers it well.

Quod's real strength is its reliability and its setting. It opens early, closes late, seats a lot of people, and occupies a handsome building on the High Street. When you need a central, dependable restaurant that everyone in a mixed group will agree on, Quod is the answer.

What to order

The brunch is the most consistent meal — the full English is generous, the eggs Benedict is solid, and the granola is house-made. At dinner, the pizzas are reliable and the steak is decent. The cocktail list is competent. The afternoon tea is popular with visitors.

Good to know

No booking needed for breakfast and brunch — just walk in. Dinner reservations recommended, especially at weekends. The terrace is prime people-watching territory on the High Street. Prices are on the higher side for what you get, but you're paying partly for location and convenience. The hotel upstairs is well-regarded if you need accommodation.