Whistlers in West Oxfordshire

So incredibly impressed were we with our visit to Whistlers last night that I was intrigued to identify the hugely talented chef who had treated us to such an amazing dinner. For, we were honestly blown away by the sheer quality of the food we received. First course, a simple bowl of soup you might say but this one was bursting with such interesting flavours it stopped you in your tracks. Just delicious. And accompanied by beautiful homemade bread. Then, the main course……oh my goodness! Exquisite pieces of cod served with such beautiful mushroom risotto, gorgeous aubergine purée and a delicious creamy tomato sauce that I had to pause at each mouthful to take in all the incredible flavours. I didn’t want it to end! On top of this the restaurant itself was relaxed and characterful, the menu well priced, the staff super friendly and eager to please - so was there a problem? Well, yes. I regret that when the chef (Nathan Phelps - I’ve seen your photo!) appeared in the bar at the end of the evening I did not take the trouble to thank him for giving us a truly unforgettable experience. But hopefully he’ll read this review and know. Mel and Anne Dunn

My husband and I had the most incredible meal here this evening. The flavours were insane and the dishes were beautifully presented. We were greeted with a friendly smile and the service from Kerry was excellent. We're not local but will definitely be paying Whistler's another visit when we're next in the area.

I had the best pork belly dish I have EVER had last night, at Whistler’s. And I have had a few! The combination of AMAZING pork belly, amazing potato creations and the purple sprouting broccoli and buttery, sauce and puréed veg, honestly .. out of this world and nothing has topped this 🥰. On top of that , the bread and olives were a stunning surprise, all homemade and warm, a clever brown and white mixed mini loaf, crispy on the crust and light and fluffy inside, paired with balsamic butter.. something I have never had but , trust me, it was an absolute treat! The staff are outstanding too. 10/10 for the best place to eat in Chipping Norton. Thank you, I’m planning my next visit ♥️

Really enjoyable meal from an interesting menu in a lovely setting. The set menu is great value, but we got swayed by dessert😋

Lovely food and such a helpful Australian manager. Really enjoyed our lunch and coffee. We had olives and bread to start, then risotto and fish cakes. Both excellent.

I Took old school friends from Wales to Whistlers last night. I have been there many many times and have loved it. Last night, the food and the service were amazing, as I expected. I have never had fish and chips as good! Wow! Our compliments to Nathan. As they say in Wales, llongyrfarchiadau 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Cracking little restaurant! I'd never been here but knew Chipping Norton. Having just left the cinema needing food, they were able to squeeze us in, unbooked, at half 5. I've just got home from the restaurant and sat down, but was immediately compelled to leave a review, it was that yummy. We only had 90 minutes for the table so had bread and olives, followed by a main. The bread was delicious and Olives flavourful but the smooth light pate unknown thing was out of this world. We couldn't work out what it was but the taste was to die for. It turned out it was a foamed balsamic butter. I asked to buy a pot of it to take home but chef was too busy to want to get some potted up for me. Minor grumble as it wouldn't have taken him long but if the only bad point was that I couldn't take home their special butter, that's saying something. The pork belly with creamy winter greens, mustard sauce and potato dauphinoise was absolutely delicious. Both me and my friend, who had duck, said that each component was packed with flavour. I will definitely be going back, everyone was mmming about their food around us. Mains about £25 on average, nice atmosphere, good service.

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner in romantic, chic atmosphere that transported you away from the winter. The food choices were plentiful, and the dishes we had were well sized and very tasty. A nice wine list to accompany. Service was relaxed and very friendly. All in all, very good and would return to the area just to eat here again.

Good food, Chippy is always nice.

Lovely terrine and hake filet from the Christmas menu. We met a charming couple while taking in the comedy show after dinner. It was a stitch.

We enjoyed a delicious meal in this lovely small bistro . Staff were welcoming and the service excellent. We had some bread and olives to start. The bread was fresh and the balsamic butter a real treat. We both chose and very much enjoyed the duck confit main course which was served with a great well cooked selection of vegetables. Our desserts of figs in mulled wine and Christmas pudding crème brûlée were equally excellent. If we are ever in chipping Norton again we won’t hesitate to return here.

I don't like being told off for being early because other diners turned up late. The owner (?) was patronising and defensive

This has got to be, hands down, the greatest tasting food that doesn’t currently have a mitchalin star! The staff offered us bread and olives while we waited for our starters, this was warm freshly baked bread with a ball of balsamic butter, this kicked the meal off perfectly. Our Salmon, Pigion and Scalop starters were cooked to perfection with the greatest care for balance and textures that a chef could conduct. Our risotto had the grace of a couple of swans dancing! The cheese and truffle complimented each other so beautifully. The elegance of the whole meal was outstanding! We couldn’t be more happy that the food was Divine.

We had a wonderful meal at Whistlers. From the starters, to the venison with a well balanced plate and a delicious gravy to a delicious sticky toffee pudding. Food was delicious and I was surprised the restaurant was pretty quiet. Also tried a Romanian Pinot Noir, great recommendation. Close to many nearby Cotswolds towns and I would highly recommend this for a dinner option.

Delicious food! Had the trout starter, very light, fresh and perfectly seasoned. We both has the venison - loved it!

Michelin level quality at pub level pretentiousness. The perfect place. Has live music, comedy, and overall great vibes.

If I can, I would like to rate their food 6-star. Simply dishes like duck breast and cod fillet are excellent. A hidden gem restaurant in Chipping Norton!

My partner & I had the tasting menu at Whistlers as a treat to celebrate a special occasion and every course was excellent, the range of flavours complementing each other on every dish. Our particular favourites were the monkfish tail with celeriac mash and apple, and the fillet steak. One thing to note is that the tasting menu will change regularly depending on the availability of fresh ingredients - this didn't bother us as we were open to trying new things but if you're keen to confirm what will be on the menu I'd recommend calling on the day. The service was equally great - we were made to feel very welcome and all staff were friendly and talkative. This really is a hidden gem and somewhere we will be sure to return to. If you're staying in Chipping Norton then add this to your list, you won't be disappointed.

A fantastic experience. Wonderful food, atmosphere & service. My partner & I had the tasting menu at Whistlers as a treat to celebrate a special occasion and every course was excellent, the range of flavours complementing each other on every dish. Our particular favourites were the monkfish tail with celeriac mash and apple, and the fillet steak. One thing to note is that the tasting menu will change regularly depending on the availability of fresh ingredients - this didn't bother us as we were open to trying new things but if you're keen to confirm what will be on the menu I'd recommend calling on the day. The service was equally great - we were made to feel very welcome and all staff were friendly and talkative. This really is a hidden gem and somewhere we will be sure to return to. If you're staying in Chipping Norton then add this to your list, you won't be disappointed.

First time dining alone. What a lovely place, beautiful food and the waitress, Kerry, was lovely and I felt very relaxed and looked after here....And..imagine my delight !!..a soft, stong cheese, soaked in brandy!! What's not like! Thank you!

Great little hidden treasure in Chipping Norton. Lovely food, atmosphere and service. Definitely recommend to pop in there if you're visiting the area.

Extremely well cooked seasonal food, great service. Will definitely be back

Absolutely wonderful food!! And much better value and a more interesting menu than the gastropubs around.

We were celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary. Whistlers menu ticked all of our boxes so we decided to give them a chance. So glad we did as the menu was select, varied and tempting. Both our starters and main courses did not disappoint and in fact were refreshing and delicious. Nothing negative to say at all. The chef who works here clearly has a passion for creating great tasting dishes. This place is definitely a little hidden gem and would highly recommend if like us, visiting the area or who are local.

The food was delicious,very well presented. Our waiter Ed was very helpful and knowledgeable. Second visit here and the quality was just the as good as our first visit. Will definitely return again.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a smiling waiter, Hannah, who showed us to our table and introduced the menu and was there for any question or request, nothing was too much. The food was incredible, so fresh and imaginative. It detonated a chef that cooks with passion for each dish, as if they were to be receiving it, as the diner on a special occasion. We had the pork begniet and beetroot with goats cheese as starters, the sirloin and cod fillet as main and shared the lemon meringue cheesecake for desert and they were all truly stunning. The value of it all is unbelievable. My wife had the beetroot and Cod fillet, both included in their £30 starter/main offer. The wine and drinks were excellent, a superb bottle of English rose at £35 and a superbly recommended glass of red to go with the steak. We loved our time at Whistlers and can’t wait for an excuse to come back again!

We ate at Whistlers on Saturday night before going the the Theatre to watch a film. Arrived at 6.00, although they were serving from 5.30 and my wife ordered the pork belly and had the cider battered monkfish. These were the best meals we have tasted in the past 12 months. Great ingredients cooked perfectly and served with great charm. They even gave us a 10% discount as were going to the Theatre! Perfect start to an unforgettable evening in Chipping Norton.

Me and my girlfriend dined on a Saturday evening. The staff were attentive and friendly from start to finish! There was a wide range of food and drink choice especially for someone with an allergy. Would definitely recommend this little spot in the Cotswolds

We made a reservation as the reviews seemed good and we thought it would be hard to get into. We turned up at our 5:30 booking to find we were the only people. It felt a little awkward but as we had our meal more people arrived but they only filled 3 other tables. The staff was very friendly and chatty. When taking our order my wife told the waitress about her gluten intolerance and even though the menu said gluten free she insisted on noting it down. The wait for food wasn’t very long and tasted great, my wife absolutely loved the risotto. Even though we had a starter and main we still felt hungry and opted to get dessert too. The sticky toffee pudding was delicious even though it fell apart as the waiter brought it over, they apologised and it doesn’t affect the taste so didn’t bother me. After we had finished our table was cleared of plates and was told to take our time before asking for the bill. Overall great food but we still felt hungry so it just didn’t fill us. It’s expensive and I would’ve hoped to walk away feeling like I was going to pop.

Booked a few weeks back asked to pull the booking forward by an hour … didn’t think I would get sat at the door …. Down for two days the meal the night before was awful in another place read reviews before booking both. Won’t be back . Went for soup nice but £9.50 🤷‍♀️ fish and chips how can you get that wrong they did so badly and pulled pork normally succulent and moist not here dried out re heat turned people away .. wished they had downed us away

The most beautiful, delightful, friendly, peaceful, place you could ever visit. The food was splendid, tasty, pretty. Your taste buds will tingle with delight. The service was top of the tree, the young 18 yr old lad is a star in the making & Hannah was a delight and I give her 11 out of 10 for her wonderful service & manner. Please please try to eat here you will not regret it

We visited local favourite Whistlers for a mid-week dinner. I'm delighted to report that each dish was a revelation. I had the Orkney scallop starter, Chalk Stream Trout main course and a cheeseboard finale. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate, providing insights and recommendations. A must-visit for culinary enthusiasts in the Cotswolds.

Excellent, most friendly people and best chips I've ever had

Truly amazing experience, food was absolutely delicious and homemade

My partner and I visited Whistlers over the weekend for dinner – what can we say, simply stunning. The menu is on another level with delicious food, extremely well executed by Nathan. The scallop and fish cake starters were excellent, as was the cod fillet main; it literally just fell apart. The pesto risotto was a lovely addition and really brought out the flavours of the fish. The bread was on another level, warm and soft (pictures below). There is an extensive wine menu, we enjoyed a couple of bottles of New Zealand white - needless to say Kerry was extremely informative (and welcoming), as was Hannah and Jacob (waiting staff) who couldn’t do enough. They are a credit to Whistlers. As the evening progressed we could see it was popular with the vast numbers arriving, which again illustrates the fantastic food and service. We will be back that's for sure, make sure you give it a try if in Chippy or nearby. You won’t be disappointed!

My partner and I visited Whistlers over the weekend for dinner – what can we say, simply stunning. The menu is on another level with delicious food, extremely well executed by Nathan. The scallop and fish cake starters were excellent, as was the cod fillet main; it literally just fell apart. The pesto risotto was a lovely addition and really brought out the flavours of the fish. The bread was on another level, warm and soft (pictures below). There is an extensive wine menu, we enjoyed a couple of bottles of New Zealand white - needless to say Kerry was extremely informative (and welcoming), as was Hannah and Jacob (waiting staff) who couldn’t do enough. They are a credit to Whistlers. As the evening progressed we could see it was popular with the vast numbers arriving, which again illustrates the fantastic food and service. We will be back that's for sure, make sure you give it a try if in Chippy or nearby. You won’t be disappointed!

Found this place on our second night, shame we didn’t find it earlier. The food was absolutely delicious, freshly cooked and very good value. Helped by the whole atmosphere of the place. The staff very very helpful and friendly. If we ever go back that way we would certainly visit here again.

Amazing food. Amazing service. One word: Outstanding!

We enjoyed our lunch at Whistlers very much - everything was delicious and a cheerful friendly atmosphere

Delicious food, lovely vibe, highly recommend. The bread and olive platter, in particular, was a real hit. The bread was like eating a pillowy cloud! Dog friendly too 🐶

Service was great, friendly and attentive. The portions were good and everything was well cooked and presented. The ribeye steak was ok, the risotto was lovely and the smoked salmon was also really good. The background music could have been a little louder so you didn't feel like you were listening to other people's conversation but it was still a lovely evening. We'll be back for more soon.

Fabulous meal. Service by Annette first. Excellent value.

I can't praise the place, people, food or atmosphere enough. Dog friendly too. Steps in might be an issue for some. Definitely recommend booking first as it gets full up and has entertainment on too some nights.

The food was great (lovely bread and olives as nibbles for example) and the staff attentive without being omnipresent. It is however a compact space so sound carries. There were however 2 larger parties in at the same time hence it did become difficult to hear our own conversation. As we had loads to catch up on with our friends after 5 years absence that was our disappointment re atmosphere.

Amazing experience food was excellent the 6 course tasting menu is a must... Anett was super friendly and attentive would highly recommend Whistler's 5 *

Attended a comedy night at Whistler's and had a fantastic time! Great turn out and atmosphere, nice variety of very funny comedians, cute and quirky restaurant with amazing staff!! Can't wait for the next one!!

Really enjoyed our candlelit Valentines day dinner. Food was excellent. Service was a little slow as place full and all diners ordered at essentially the same time. Staff did a great job.

Garbage town and even more Garbage food!!

This really is a gem! We had dinner here and every dish was beautiful. Everyone agreed it was up there with the nicest meals we’ve had in years… and for a great price. The staff are lovely too. We’ll be back very soon!

Great Restaurant with amazing food and service

We booked in advance for 5 people to celebrate my 60th birthday We ordered steaks ribs eye but already run out and also lamb shank , we were asked to changed to sirloin steak. Steak taste really good but It was served in 5 slices per plate, very disappointed it should be served whole steak not in slices.

Lovely atmosphere, great service. But the start of the show was the food - which was amazing. We had the Venison special and everything was simply delicious. Highly recommend a visit if you are visiting the area

Delicious food, lovely service and a really nice relaxing atmosphere. Great for gluten free and vegetarian - high quality food but with a relaxed feel.

Oyster mushroom risotto followed by vanilla brulee - absolutely scrummy

Visited whistlers last week for a meal, I throughly enjoyed the 3 courses I had from their set menu - the soup and homemade bread to start was especially good. The trout with pesto risotto was also delicious. The staff were extremely attentive and welcoming. Will definitely be back for another meal soon!

Food was excellent. Had the fish cake and trout from the set menu which were both delicious and bursting with flavour. For desert we shared the vanilla brûlée which was a perfect way to end the evening. Service was prompt and friendly, will definitely be back.

Great fun and very friendly staff

Loved the food. Such unique tastes and lovely atmosphere. Very friendly staff and good choices for vegetarians.

Staff were great but unfortunately the food didn't match up. It was be us as there's lots of good reviews but wasn't to our liking.

Booked a table for two for Whistlers after walking past when we visited Chipping Norton last week. Went on Saturday night and it was nearly full so a lovely atmosphere. The waitress was lovely, very attentive without being overbearing and the owners brother was visiting from Australia and working that night - he was great ! The menu was fantastic - they do a set menu, a tasting menu or a la carte- which was what we had. A lot of the food was Gluten free which I need so it was perfect ! The food was outstanding - best meal we had in the week we stayed in Oxford. I had the scallop, then the John Dory and then the strawberry and raspberry terrine - divine ! A lovely restaurant with lovely staff and amazing food - highly recommended! No photos of food I’m afraid - it was so good I forgot 🙈

What a find, what a jewel of a restaurant, tucked neatly away in the heart of Chipping Norton. I was there yesterday for dinner with my wife and we both loved it. The food was utterly delicious. The service was professional and friendly. Also the background music was great. If there were more stars to give, I would. Well done indeed :)

Amazing food and great service, highly recommended

Food was good ,friendly service,had a 8 coures dinner ,sad they a other customers with crying babies which spoiled the evening ,not too happy with the service charge

I came in while an amazing Irish folk band were playing. The atmosphere was great, and the service was very friendly, even if I did knock over a pint.

Flavoursome food, well cooked, but eyewateringly expensive. London prices in a small provincial town can't be justified.

What a wonderful find this restaurant was. Fabulous food and wonderful service. My only regret is I won’t have time to return for another dinner before returning to Australia. Well done guys for a truly wonderful experience.👍

Excellent service and amazing food, definitely be back.

Very nice and professional service. Tomato soup home made very tasty, my wife and I ordered a steak and it looked beautiful and tasted delicious. Comfortable and friendly atmosphere. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Really nice food and excellent service. Highly recommended.

We have always dined at this restaurant for many years for pre theatre, as it has always offered atmosphere, good variety of food ,good service and most importantly good value for money. Last night was the first visit back since unlocked and we were Very disappointed with last night's pre theatre meal. Something has fundamentally changed at this restaurant?No atmosphere, limited menu selection, no specials,And the price has increased astronomically .The food was edable but did no represent anything close to value for money. A great great shame but we won't be returning.

Fantastic very friendly small restaurant. Attentive staff, amazing food, we shared the Scallops to start, duck breast and rump steak for main courses and a superb chocolate, salted caramel and Grand Marnier sorbet pudding, accompanied by a large glass of Primitivo each. Would definitely recommend for fine dining.

I stumbled across whistler's online looking for a bit of fine dining in a small town and was taken back by the welcoming nature of the staff, the sheer incredible level of food that was served.Each serving was better and better, the level of detail to each dish didn't disappoint and the flavour of each ingredient complemented each other truly made a perfect mealCan not recommend this place enough to anyone looking for good fine dining.

Back in the area after a long gap we booked here for four people on a Saturday night and were glad we had as the restaurant was very busy. Friendly attentive staff who gave the restaurant a very caring atmosphere. We all opted to forgo a starter having seen some of the delicious options for dessert. The menu is limited but that is not necessarily a bad point as it allows the kitchen to concentrate their energies. The food was all very tasty and the portions were of a good size with the price reflecting the good quality of the food. We would definitely return if the area again.

The best meal we’ve had in a long time! Delicious lamb with a variety of outstanding vegetables. Very pleasant ambience, quiet enough to have a proper conversation, and excellent service. Would recommend.

Found this little hidden gem on the last day of short break in the Cotswolds. Staff coldnt have been friendlier. Had the delicious truffle chips. Only wish I was staying longer as it is a 1st class place to visit, and so welcoming.

We visited Whistlers restaurant during our stay in the area. The manager is an absolute credit to the owners, she was incredibly helpful and even went the extra mile for my pregnant partner making her a mocktail which wasn't on the menu. The food was unbelievable and portion size was very generous could not manage 3 courses would definitely go again.

Fabulous meal, good choice for vegetarians, beautifully cooked and presented. Service was outstanding, background music and ambiance perfect.

We only tried to book on the same day and happily secured a table . Lovely welcome and interesting decor. After ordering drinks a mini hot loaf of home made bread with beef dripping butter arrived ….. delicious! One order of duck breast with garlic and duck fat potatoes, roasted carrots , mushrooms and beetroot purée ….. spectacular flavours and clever presentation. Madam ordered the Sea Bream with fennel and potato dauphinois with a white wine and chive sauce . Similarly delicious. Luckily Chef Nathan was spotted behind the bar so we were able to convey our appreciation to him and Kerry . Anyone looking for high quality food and relaxed friendly service MUST visit this place. We will return.

Lovely restaurant and atmosphere. Brilliant staff and mostly great food. One dish not up to scratch but they kindly took it off the bill. Cant complain about the rest, it was lovely

My husband and I visited this evening, we were very impressed! Friendly atmosphere, attentive staff and excellent food. Couldn’t fault our meal. The homemade honeycomb ice cream is the best I’ve ever tasted, absolutely delicious. Thank you for a lovely evening :)

We had an hour, we both chose the confit duck with a glass of rose for my wife and one of Primativo for me. We thought the duck delicious and the Primativo was as good as any I’ve had. I had an Affogato to finish….not a lot of cooking involved, but good to see it on a menu. Charming service and we were out in the hour…..perfect.

probably the best meal i have ever had

Poor quality food. The main was ok but the starter and pudding were inedible. Bit cheeky to add service charge without giving you the option to add it. Used to enjoy coming here but never again. Over £100 wasted .

Friendly and helpful staff, stunning food & drinks and a relaxed atmosphere! Would highly recommend! Definitely one of the highlights of the trip ☺️

Had a very nice and relaxed dinner on a Friday evening. Good quality food, excellent waiting staff and a very relaxed and enjoyable evening. Also an excellent, central location.

Hubby and I were driving around the Cotswolds in boiling hot weather and decided to look for lunch in Chipping Norton. We came across Whistler's and were not disappointed. The food was excellent and the service was very friendly and we felt very welcome. I'd go back in a shot to try more of the menu.

What a lovely restaurant - relaxed atmosphere, excellent menu selection and the most hospitable warm people. I had a great experience on Saturday evening and the sea bream was one of the best seafood dishes I've tasted. You won't be disappointed!

Good food in general, but one of the ladies who served us today wasn't very friendly with our 3 years old son. He was upset at some point and he start crying, she approached us saying "is a restaurant here, we have other customers around and we don't like children who are crying". That make us feel very unwanted there. Definitely we won't be coming back ever again. 0 stars I'd give if possible.

Friendly, excellent food, we will visit again.

We booked a table here at very short notice and they were able to accommodate us. Couldn’t be happier that they did. From the moment we got there we were welcomed in with wonderful cheer. We ordered cocktails off the menu and the barman happily obliged and made them perfectly. Anett the Restaurant manager was attentive and her customer service was second to none. The food was absolutely immaculate. The whole experience was fantastic and I would highly recommended Whistlers for their quality food and drinks and exceptional customer service

Delicious food and gorgeous sitting outside in the shade! Good wine selection.

Top food, friendly staff, and a outside seating away from the busy road. Excellent

A lovely meal. The scallops were some of the best we have had, and the mains were also very tasty. The service was excellent - very friendly and obliging. We were very well taken care of.

Family meal after visiting the local cinema. We received a very warm and friendly welcome and the service was first class. The menu is interesting and very well prepared and presented.

Amazing food, menu was extraordinary and delivered flavour. Wonderful owners with friendly service. Really enjoyable evening. Highly recommended.

If we ever return to the Chipping Norton area, we will definitely revisit Whistlers. The food was equal to the best that we have tasted for a very long time (and that includes Michelin starred places). Good friendly service. We are so glad that we booked a meal here. As an aside, after a while (we were eating inside) we realised why it is called Whistlers - I will leave it to you to find out!Some have mentioned prices - this is not expensive for a good restaurant. It is a little dearer than eating in local pubs, but the food is in a different league, so do not be put off by those comments.Very highly recommended.

The food was fantastic, service great. Would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting the area. Be sure to try one of their pizzas!

My friend and I both had one of the best meals we have had out in a long time. Some of the best customer service I have had in soooo long! Do not miss out on this gem! If you get a chance, order the mint sauce...it came with my friends roast but it was phenomenal on my pizza!! Fantastic experience

Showed up last minute and the staff were very accommodating. Both meals ordered tasted amazing, generous in size and fresh, even the condiments were homemade. Definitely visiting again when back in Chipping Norton!

Great food , fabulous hosts and a relaxed atmosphere would definitely return and highly recommend a visit. Booking is advised .