Best Specialty Coffee in Oxford
Country: United Kingdom (12 cafés)
Updated February 2026
Oxford offers a variety of specialty coffee spots tucked into its historic streets. You can find reliable brews at places like Paper Boat Cafe, Mostro Coffee, and Broche Coffee, or visit Peloton Espresso and Jericho Coffee Traders for a quick stop. Many locals also enjoy the atmosphere at Society Café Oxford, Coffeesmith, and Brew, while New Ground Coffee and Missing Bean provide consistent options across the city.
Coffee culture here often revolves around the mix of students and residents who frequent these spaces throughout the day. You will find that many shops focus on espresso-based drinks, though filter options are commonly available for those who prefer a slower pace.
Cafés
Of 12 cafés, 4 serve filter coffee and 4 have Wi-Fi.
Top rated Broche Coffee
165 Kingston Rd, OX2 6EG Oxford, United Kingdom
Broche is a small coffee shop located on Kingston Road in Oxford. Visitors frequently praise the espresso and V60 filter coffee for their smooth, fruity profiles. The shop is well known for its fresh pastries, which regulars often describe as a highlight. You can find outdoor seating available, and the space is dog-friendly. It is a popular spot, so expect to see a queue during busy periods.
Mostro Coffee
101 Cowley Rd., OX4 1HU Oxford, United Kingdom
Mostro Coffee is a specialty shop located inside the Truck record store on Cowley Road. They serve espresso and pour over coffee using beans from Origin Coffee and various guest roasters. Visitors often praise the friendly staff and the quality of the drinks, including mochas made with real chocolate. The shop offers cakes and pastries, with Swedish sandwiches available on weekends. Seating can be limited, and the space is dog-friendly.
Paper Boat Cafe
The Old Toll House, Folly Bridge, OX1 4LB Oxford, United Kingdom
Paper Boat Cafe is located at The Old Toll House on Folly Bridge. The space features both indoor and outdoor seating with views of the Thames. Visitors frequently praise the coffee and the selection of homemade cakes, including the plum and olive oil cake. The staff is consistently described as friendly and welcoming. Please note that some seating areas have restrictions regarding the use of laptops and tablets.
Jericho Coffee Traders Roastery
Unit 2, Roger House, Osney Mead, OX2 0ES Oxford, United Kingdom
Jericho Coffee Traders Roastery is located in an industrial estate in Osney, just west of the Oxford city centre. Visitors frequently praise the friendly staff and the calm, welcoming atmosphere of the space. The roastery serves a variety of espresso and filter coffees, and regulars often note the quality of the beans. There is limited seating available, and customers should be aware that there is no dedicated car parking or bicycle storage on site.
Peloton Espresso
76 Cowley Road, OX4 1JB Oxford, United Kingdom
Peloton Espresso is a cafe located on Cowley Road in Oxford. The space is popular with students and locals who often visit to work or enjoy a coffee. Regulars frequently praise the friendly staff and the selection of pastries, including banana bread and savoury muffins. If you visit on a Thursday, arrive early to secure one of their fresh donuts before they sell out.
Coffeesmith
14-15 Golden Cross, Oxford, OX1 3EU Oxford, United Kingdom
Coffeesmith is a cosy coffee shop located in the historic Golden Cross. They serve coffee from Origin using a custom La Marzocco machine. Regulars often praise the friendly staff and the variety of food, including grilled sandwiches and cakes. The space offers both indoor seating and a courtyard for outdoor dining. It is a popular spot for locals to work or meet, and visitors note that it is dog friendly.
Jericho Coffee Traders
105 High St, OX1 4BW Oxford, United Kingdom
Jericho Coffee Traders operates an espresso bar on Oxford High Street and a roastery in Osney Mead. Visitors often mention the friendly and knowledgeable staff who serve a variety of espresso-based drinks and filter coffees. The High Street location is a compact space that frequently gets crowded, so you may find yourself waiting in line or opting for a takeaway. Regulars enjoy the pastries and cakes available alongside their coffee. You can also purchase their beans online if you prefer to brew at home.
Society Café Oxford
12-16 Saint Michael's Street, OX1 2DU Oxford, United Kingdom
Society Café is a specialty coffee shop located on St Michael's Street in the city centre. The menu features single-origin espressos and filter coffees from roasters like Origin and Round Hill. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and the variety of coffee options available. The space includes seating across two floors, though it can feel busy and cramped during peak times. Local pastries and cakes, including vegan options, are available to accompany your drink.
Brew
75 Banbury Road, OX2 6PE Oxford, United Kingdom
Brew is a minimalist coffee shop located in Oxford. They serve coffee from Round Hill Roastery using both espresso and filter brewing methods. Visitors often mention the staff is friendly and welcoming. The shop provides vegan options and is dog-friendly.
Missing Bean
14 Turl Street, OX1 3DQ Oxford, United Kingdom
The Missing Bean is a coffee shop located on Turl Street in Oxford. Visitors often praise the friendly staff and the selection of pastries available. The space is cozy but tends to fill up quickly, especially on weekend mornings. You can order espresso-based drinks or filter coffee brewed with V60 and Aeropress methods. Note that there is no public wifi available for customers.
Missing Bean Roastery
66-72 Magdalen Rd, OX4 1RE Oxford, United Kingdom
The Missing Bean Roastery is located on Magdalen Road, about a mile from the city centre. They roast their coffee on site and offer an extensive menu including V60, Aeropress, and espresso-based drinks. Visitors often mention the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the relaxed atmosphere. The space features indoor and outdoor seating, though it can get busy during peak times. You will also find a selection of pastries and cakes available to accompany your coffee.
New Ground Coffee
2 Windmill Road, OX3 7BU Oxford, United Kingdom
New Ground Coffee is a roastery and cafe located on Windmill Road in Headington. The space features a minimalist interior where visitors can sit near the roasting equipment. Staff are frequently described as friendly and knowledgeable about their seasonal selection of single origin beans. Patrons often pair their espresso or filter coffee with a variety of available pastries. The company also operates a city centre location and provides job training for ex-offenders.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I go for a good cup of coffee in the city centre?
There are many options in the centre, including Society Café Oxford, Jericho Coffee Traders, and Coffeesmith. Each provides a different environment, so you might choose based on whether you want a quick takeaway or a place to sit for a while.
Do these coffee shops offer beans to take home?
Yes, many of the roasters and cafes in our directory, such as Missing Bean Roastery and Jericho Coffee Traders, sell bags of their own roasted beans. It is worth asking the staff about their current selection.
Are there places to sit and work with a laptop?
Some cafes are better suited for working than others. Places like Society Café Oxford and New Ground Coffee often have space, but it is always a good idea to check how busy they are before settling in.
Is it easy to find filter coffee in Oxford?
While espresso-based drinks are common, many shops like Society Café Oxford and New Ground Coffee offer filter options. You can ask the barista what they are currently brewing.
Are these cafes open on weekends?
Most cafes in the city remain open throughout the weekend to serve both locals and visitors. It is helpful to check the specific hours for spots like Paper Boat Cafe or Mostro Coffee before you head out.