The Handle Bar Cafe and Kitchen in Oxford

Delighted to have stumbled upon it while looking for an independent place that also serves vegetarian and vegan dishes. I really like the atmosphere and the decoration with the bikes. It’s a pleasant place where I felt welcome. Fortunately I arrived early and during the week because it was very busy. The banana pancakes were very tasty. I was hesitant with the avocado toast but that will be for next time. I highly recommend coming to experience the culinary experience. :)

Funky place themed on and showcasing bikes (cycles). Friendly service, lovely coffee and prompt serving of tasty and fresh food.

Alternative cafe with different styles of seating - tables and bar stools near the window with great views of nearby buildings. The £10 breakfast menu is good, I found it hard to choose what to have! Only thing I would say is the portions are small and I expected it to taste more home made - the hummus tasted shop bought. The drinks are small for the price but it was a nice treat for breakfast and something different.

Excellent food, service and atmosphere. Generous portion and delicious food at a reasonable prince in the heart of Oxford

I loved the food and decorations and especially the location. However, I was let down by the waiters when a man told us we were being rude for raising our hand politely when asking for the bill and sauces, etc. Overall, everything else was fantastic

Love the place - great staff and super nice atmosphere

We visited on a fairly busy Saturday morning, I had the bacon hulomi on sourdough, with pea/avocado mash, with honey drizzle, and my wife had the full breakfast. Both were very well presented, served in reasonable time, tasty, and were nice and hot. The coffee was very nice, a barista service and presentation, again a nice full flavour. Overall, it was a good brunch. Prices on the higher side of average, I would say. Loved the adjoining bike store, great service being offered there too!

Nice cool cafe with exceptional food had the kimchi pancakes and loved them

Everything was lovely until I asked for my chai latte to be a little warmer…see attached photo 😅

Not fast, not especially cheap, but extremely good food. Particularly recommend the lamb and halloumi burger with sweet potato fries.

Dope spot for good breakfast! Little pricey! But good vibes. Good quality food. Good staff! They make everything in house. Fresh ingredients.

Great little breakfast/brunch cafe just tucked away a block from the high street on one floor up. The bike theme runs throughout and makes for a cool vibe. Atmosphere is really nice overall. Food is delicious. Had a great Shakshouka and tried some French toast. Both really well-made. Service on point. Definitely a place to come back to. - Value for money? Yes - Worth a detour? Yes (a short one) - Best for (occasion)? Breakfast or brunch - Would I go back? Yes

Can’t recommend this place enough - the food quality is insane, flavours are amazing and menu is unique! Get here for a late brunch/lunch and worth the 10 min queue to get a table - have to try the squid gnocchi which is the best dish I’ve had in a while. Thank you Bart and team 🤙

The food was great but the servers were so miserable from the moment we walked in. No face expressions, no hellos - not very friendly in general, one even rolled her eyes at one point when we asked for another set of cutleries (there were only 3 sets on the table and there were 4 of us)!

Brilliant place! I love bicycles and this place is like a museum with great food to boot. Highly recommend

What find … fantastic food all made from scratch.. highly recommend!

Who knows? We came from Botley for breakfast/ lunch cos it said it was open. No it wasn't! Left cold and hungry. Would help if you took care of your website.

Very good breakfast, extremely friendly staff and great decoration!

So tasty! Great veggie breakfast at an independent Oxford venue. Loved the use of spices herbs and enjoyed the smashed broad bean and peas on toast 😋. Coffee good and service friendly. Recommend this place! Does get busy quickly, though, at weekends, so get in there in time!

The food was incredible. This place is a true Oxford icon.

Such a good find. Since Le Pan Quotidien closed I never really found "that' place to grab a good breakfast. That was until I found The Handle Bar Kitchen. Such a great space to start the day. The food was lovely. I had the banana bread french toast and my mate had the pancakes. Both really delicious. The coffee was spot on too and a good temperature. Would absolutely recommend

Really good vegan options for lunch and brunch!

As someone who is gluten free and dairy free, The Handlebar Kitchen is my go-to place for brunch in Oxford! The food is fun, flavourful, and full of breakfast/ lunch staples (think pancakes, fry ups, full English breakfast). The staff are well versed on dietary restrictions, and the menus are clearly marked. The restaurant, while not entirely gluten free, is a great place to bring people with a variety of dietary preferences. I can’t speak for celiacs, but it certainly suits gluten intolerant/ gluten sensitive folks! For a charming brunch while in Oxford, definitely give this a try!

We had the most amazing experience at the Handlebar Kitchen. The people working there were the loveliest and super helpful with any questions we had. The breakfast we had was great. One of the best chai lattes we had. It as sunny so we sat outside and we just loved watching people passing by whilst sitting sheltered in between the bamboo planters.

Visited on a Friday morning. Was expecting more vegan options judging by google reviews but it's a bit limited for vegans at breakfast during the week. Was planning on the vegan brunch, but the avocado toast was tasty still. It was a good deal (Americano, small smoothie and breakfast for £13) There's a very nice atmosphere to the place. Lots of bikes around everywhere

The handlebar kitchen is a cozy spot for brunch with friends or even as a couple. Atmosphere is very rustic with a bike shop downstairs and seating located outside, downstairs indoors which is very dark or upstairs. If your coming when it’s peak summer it’s super hot even with the fans on and windows open. Service is attentive and food and drinks come out on time. Would recommend

The food options are lovely and the waitstaff is fantastic. It's hidden away from the main street and is therefore quieter depending on the season. Really lovely staff. Pictured is the kimchi pancakes, and gochujang chicken. An excellent spot for lunch!

I came back looking for the coconut pancakes but they were gone! They changed the menu and replaced them with an oat stack. It's not as good and a little too sweet. The staff were friendly though and the coffee was good.

Good menu, very accommodating as we arrived quite late, but nothing was an issue. Food nice, service good and quick.

The food at The Handlebar Kitchen is absolutely amazing – it’s hard to find the words to do it justice. Each dish is crafted to perfection, offering a delightful blend of flavors that leave you wanting more. Bartek and his team are incredibly friendly and exceptionally helpful, making every visit a memorable experience. Their hospitality and dedication truly set them apart. I highly recommend The Handlebar Kitchen to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience. I hope this meets your expectations!

Great food, lovely staff and good location that had a sense of calm. Good coffee too! Go here!

This restaurant was such a gem! It’s tucked away off the Main Street in Oxford, and has some limited outdoor seating. The waitstaff are outstanding, and effusively apologetic about a very minor delay in service exhibiting their high standards for service. We ordered the smashed avocado and as a Texan visiting England I didn’t expect much, but I was shocked by a delicious guacamole with nicely seasoned chips. The drinks alone are worth a visit as the mango daiquiri was the best we’ve ever had. Also sooo amazing that they have lots of gluten free options!

A stunning experience. Very friendly staff. Delicious food. Beautiful interiors. Worth queuing!

It's just... haha, it's okay. lol

Great breakfast, delicious and interesting options as well as classics! Lovely friendly service (if quite laidback), coffee did the job but go elsewhere if it's the highlight of your breakfast. Would definitely come back.

Very good place, I enjoy going there for lunch when meeting up with a friend. Simple and good!

The food was delicious! I enjoyed sitting outside when the weather permitted. Looking forward to coming back here.

Loved the laidback vibe on a Saturday morning! Queued for around 20 minutes which was not too bad, and the food was served very quickly. Their freshly made smoothies were refreshing, alongside the delicious wraps and sweet potato fries. Highly recommend this cafe!

Pancakes were amazing, and so was the staff. I was glad I could dine in before leaving Oxford.

Had a delicious lunch here outside in the sunshine. A wonderful tofu salad, great coffee, friendly staff and a well stocked bike shop.

Great experience, kind staff, good food & coffee — highly recommend

Came for brunch, we all ordered sides and shared. One of the best places I ate while in England!

Good food, friendly staff and cozy atmosphere. What else would I want. <3

Great setting Lovely service Food was very good Absolutely recommended

Delicious full English breakfast. Friendly staff and nice outdoor seating and upstairs room.

Great stop for food in centre of the city. Very good choices of freshly made food on the menu. All female staff give great food and seevice

The menu has changed a lot since the last time I have been here. Would recommend the kimchi pancakes

Fantastic food. Great stuff and service. 1000% we recommend. Enjoy.

I had absolutely lovely latte and french toasts! Lovely decor and amazing atmosphere 😍

A bit tucked away by n the corner but Great choice of brunch. Some unique ones too.

Beautiful place in the centre of Oxford. From the moment you enter, you feel that this place is special, that you will be treated personally; it is very charming. Staff members are friendly and available. Food is absolutely delicious, tastes fresh and delightful, well done Chef!

Best English breakfast I've ever had. Somehow, the mushrooms stole the show.

Small cozy cafe attached to a bike shop that really leans in to the bike theme with its decor. Matched with excellent coffee. Definitely recommended.

Made the unfortunate decision to stop at the Handlebar Cafe for brunch today. First there was a hipster looking chap with a yellow hat who rudely barged past when entering. Then ordered the gochujang chicken as a side which was prohibitively spicy - just inedible. I’m very good with spicy food but this was just foul, and not mentioned on the menu. When raised with the waitress, and despite eating just one of the tenders, we were still charged full price. Appalling and won’t be returning - nice atmosphere but far too expensive for what it is. Plenty of other local options that are higher quality and better value for money.

Five stars across the board for this delightful hidden gem brunch spot. Interesting menu, great ambience, enthusiastic and generous manager, and at least seven different Sriracha flavors!

Great place. Fabulous staff. Delicious food

Delicious food and good portions!

Lovely place, great staff, good food, cool decor and atmosphere, there's a little bit of a hipster posh tax in evidence.. but it's a nice place.

Consistently excellent brunches. V pleasant staff.

The food is usually amazing. Service is really not good though. I have been going here for the past two years and it seems like they are always understaffed.

We had a wonderful time at the Handlebar ! Its one of those places where everything on the menu looks delicious and its hard to pick just one ! We’ll have to come back for more ! Friendly staff, delicious frood (lots of vegetarian options!) stellar drinks and great prices !

Sat outside to enjoy the coffee and breakfast. I really enjoyed my Pastrami hash.

Was seated at 11 with a breakfast menu. They didn't take our order until 1140 despite being able to seat many people during that time, not sure if they forgot about us, didn't like us, or just inneficient. When they took our order, they told us the breakfast menu was no longer available as it ends at 1130. We walked out as we were there for the breakfast menu. Staff was polite but so inefficient. Wasted an hour of our day.

Service was incredible! Some of the friendliest staff I’ve ever come across! Food was really great. Overall such a lovely experience

We had an excellent lunch here on Sunday. Delicious healthy food, friendly fast service and pleasant atmosphere. Nothing was too much for them and it was fun. The scratch kitchen, meaning they make everything from scratch, no processed food is a great model. Highly recommended! we will return

Lunch for 4. Great food & service. Not a chain! A scratch kitchen - everything made from scratch under their roof. Thanks

Nice place, nice vibe, interesting mix of breakfast offers.

Thoroughly enjoyed a bank holiday brunch here with my family. The service was great, the staff were very sweet and friendly. There was lots of choice on the menu and as someone with a gluten intolerance I was so pleased to see there was a french toast option.. something I haven’t been able to have in years. It did not disappoint. The coffee was delicious, not too strong and subtle flavour. Would definitely recommend!

Very good brunch in the center of Oxford! We came here on a rainy Friday around 11:30am and it was quite busy but there were still a few tables available. The service is friendly and fast, and the food delicious. I had the banana bread French toast and my girlfriend went for the quesadilla. Both of us were very happy with our choices. The French toast came with a very good maple syrup and fresh berries, definitely a very aesthetically pleasing and Instagrammable presentation👌🏼 The prices are fair for the quality of the food and ingredients. If anything, my drink (Chai Latte, also very tasty) was slightly on the small side and sometimes there was some confusion between the waiter and waitress about our table and whether we had already ordered and paid. Definitely thoroughly recommended for brunch!

Great dog friendly cafe, staff gave lots of attention to my dog, even giving her water and a sausage! Very friendly and welcoming with a great variety of drinks

Short queue as they don't take bookings, we were happy to sit at the bar tables by the window to wait less. Food is nice, with gluten free and vegan options. I found the chai too sweet but that's my taste. Overpriced like most cafes in Oxford. Staff brought us food and menus but never checked on us so I got pretty thirsty. Managed to get the bill (£41.24 for two brunches, including the tip they add for you). When we asked to divide it equally in half, the server said "I can't decide that, you have to tell me what you'll pay." Confusing system as I wouldn't describe the mathematical process of dividing by two as anyone's 'decision'. Overall if you're happy with mediocre service and decent food at expensive prices then go for it, it could be worse.

Popped in for brunch today and couldn't have had a nicer experience. Even though it was incredibly busy, the whole team was so welcoming to both us and our dog, they brought her a water bowl without us even asking, and even brought her a sausage! The full English was really tasty (my husband says that it might be the best full English he's ever had!) Despite it being a really busy shift the whole staff team was just lovely, and they were clearly working together as a team and supporting each other (not a passive aggressive comment in sight). We will definitely be returning.

Very sad and tired. While the food was nice it did not reflect value for money £48 for breakfast was a little excessive. The staff seemed nice, but again they seemed exhausted

My friend and I had an absolutely amazing experience at this restaurant, and a significant part of that was thanks to Bartosz, our fantastic host. It was my second time at Handle Bar since he's been in charge, and I am truly amazed by how well he runs this place. The food and drinks were lovely. I will definitely come again!

Cute cafe with nice food and drink. Not too busy and popular with many university students/faculty.

Great service, great food and great location. What more do you want?

HB Full House £14 The food is really delicious Originally I wanted to say that many people recommended it When ordering, I told the waiter that I wanted two glasses of water. As a result, the meal was served and I didn’t get any water. I went to tell the guy at the bar and he responded to me. But still didn’t get the water There is water on other guests' tables I thought he deliberately didn't give it to foreigners As a result, after I asked him at the final checkout He gave me another bottle of water before I left? ? There's no way I'm going to drink it all and I have to leave And they were charged a service fee Mainly because the food is salty and requires water HB Full House £14 The food is delicious Originally I wanted to say that many people recommended it When ordering, I told the waiter that I wanted two glasses of water. The food arrived, but there was no water. I went and told the guy at the bar and he got back to me. But still no water There was water on other guests' tables I thought he didn't give it to foreigners on purpose. When I finally paid, I asked the waiter why he didn't give me water. And he gave me a big jug of water before I left? ? I can't finish the drink, I have to leave We were charged a service fee Mainly because the food is salty and requires water

The service is terrible. They would not serve me because I am not British and this is a real case of discriminations

Let me start by saying that these people aren't simply dog lovers, they really do love dogs! We were greeted with a bowl of sausages for our dog, then a bowl of water. Then it was our turn and our food came, and it was delicious and the presentation was top notch!! Really tasted like food you prepare at home, with love and time. The members of staff were superb, friendly, definitely became my favorite spot in Oxford!

What a fantastic place tucked away off the high street. Super staff, great food and excellent coffee. Energetic vibe, what a joy to visit.

Everything amazing! The food was incredible and the staff was so nice! The atmosphere of the place was 5stars!

Wonderful food and incredible staff. So friendly, made us feel very welcome. I had the Kim chi pancakes which were heavenly.

We had one of the most delicious breakfasts in this lovely place! Highly recommend the Green Mezze and Shakshuka. Will definitely be coming back to try their tacos and Mexican menu ❤️⚡️ Super pet friendly and attentive staff!

I got the Chipotle tofu tacos - a fantastic choice. Lovely vibe, but a pricier brunch in Oxford.

Lovely spot, lovely menu, lovely staff! This place has been going strong for years and they're now super established. Great work!

Busy cafe, you might need to wait long before getting a seat. The food is a 'so so' creation more to the bland side. Like most food places in Oxford, brexit has really impacted on getting talented chefs and staff in general, £50 for breakfast for 2 people, not really worthy it, when the food is going to be bland and the staff are struggling to provide proper table service.

Great food, service a bit mixed but it was very busy

Cool place, staff friendly,service efficient. Prices on the high side for me for a casual lunch (£44 incl service two lunches and 2 coffees each) but innovative and tasty. And as a lifelong bike fan ( above a bike shop) a treat to see classic/ vintage bikes all around,from floor to ceiling! Went midweek but still full, we got the last table around 2pm, close at 3pm i think, so check online. Came at the weekend before and it was queueing so tried somewhere else, so maybe get there early for lunch😉

Just had a fabulous lunch here with my family. The food was delicious, tasted fresh and was well presented. The staff were polite, and there is a friendly atmosphere. We will be back.

Used to love this place for vegan brunch - it was the best one in the city. Now they completely revamped the menu and got rid of most vegan options, to the extend that you can only really get a salad or banana bread.. they used to have the best vegan pancakes and now no longer have a vegan alternative.. very sad to see, most likely won’t come back( the quality of the food is great though!

What a gem of a place - such smiley, friendly staff, great coffee and good choice on the menu. Plenty of vegan options!!!

Big queue. People said they were queuing for seats, so I went in to check it's the same queue for takeaway and GOT a very abrupt aggressive SHOUTY LOUD "YES ITS A QUEUE". Then went to society cafe around the corner which is great.

Excellent place to relax over lunch with delicious food and friendly staff. Thank you

Beautiful food and atmosphere. It was a bit of a wait before we went up but I feel it was worth it. We ordered the coconut pancakes and I have never had yogurt on top of my pancakes but man, it didn't disappoint. I would come back and queue for it happily. It was recommended by our friend who lives nearby so definitely check it out!

Such a relaxing atmosphere, and one of the most tasty lunches that I've had in a long time. Excellent value lunch, although pot of tea felt a bit pricey to me...

Lovely atmosphere, lovely staff, amazing food!

Fantastic brunch spot!!! We have come before and will come again- fantastic options for everybody and so accommodating. Our waitress was so sweet and helpful. Highly recommend the dirty chai- absolutely delicious. They have a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options too- and clearly a LOT of love and care has been put into the menu. No reservations are made so you may have to wait as they are quite popular but usually they get people in quite quickly and it is WELL worth it! It’s our favourite place for brunch in Oxford and we always come here on our visits.

Lovely staff and amazing food xx

Such a special Oxford gem, incredible interesting food, good service and a great atmosphere

Food was alright, service was great. Got the all plant and English breakfast, along with dirty chai. Did not wait on a Saturday morning