Arbequina

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4.7

( 8 reviews )

Grocery, Specialty Food, Meat Shops $$

Open 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM See Hours

72-74 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1JB, United Kingdom

+44 1865-792-777

Arbequina is a tapas restaurant located in Cowley, known for its Spanish-style tapas and creative dishes. With a cozy and fun atmosphere, it is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The staff at Arbequina is attentive, friendly, and ensures a delightful dining experience for guests. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including a delicious tortilla that is highly praised by customers. Despite some reviews mentioning the food being good but not exceptional, Arbequina continues to attract customers who appreciate its unique culinary offerings. Although reservations are recommended, the restaurant also accommodates walk-ins, providing seating at the bar where guests can enjoy a glimpse into the bustling kitchen. Overall, Arbequina offers a memorable dining experience with its flavorful tapas and welcoming ambiance.

Reviews

4.7/5

8 reviews

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Bill b

March 22, 2024

A tapas restaurant in cowley. The food was good, but not amazing. It was pricey, as we spent almost £50 and I didn’t think we ordered too much. I would say you can get better food in Oxford for this price. The service was okay. One staff was really friendly and helpful, whereas the other one was quite cold faced. Hence, overall an average experience with the service.

Ryana spencer

March 22, 2024

Superb! Great food, wonderful staff. Came in at Saturday night without reservation and got a seat at the bar (which we loved because you could look into the kitchen). The kitchen staff just seemed to be having a great time, obviously recognized in the food. Lovely service too. Great food, great recommendations by the (kitchen) staff as everything on the menu looked amazing. The chickpea salad and the salmorejo were amazing! Thanks so much

Galen oettel

March 22, 2024

This is the rare occasion when a restaurant lives up to its hype. Critically acclaimed and loved by locals, Arbequina offers Spanish style tapas and creative dishes. Our favorites includes the tortilla (best we’ve had outside of Spain), roasted aubergine, and the chickpea salad. The staff was warm and knowledgeable and our server at Arbequina was one of our favorites throughout our time in the UK. TL;DR - Highly recommend, lives up to the hype, can’t wait to go back!

Doug ck

March 22, 2024

We were seated and had very little interaction from the waitress. Or anyone for that matter. She kind of ignored us and kept pacing up and down until she came to take our order. No recommendations, no bubbly service - Just order your food, eat and we need the table back in an hour and a half - Although it was not very busy. When asked about the ingredients in a dish, she just answered with “yeah pretty much.” No further interest, which slightly put us off the atmosphere in the restaurant. We read reviews and assumed everything from the food, atmosphere and service would be fantastic. The food was the saving grace, especially the sea bream - very fresh and flavoursome. Highly recommend. As for the service however, this is the reason we are not eager to return. Shame, as this place has been on our bucket list for a while and had good potential.

Aaron parness

March 22, 2024

We went to Arbequina for a causal lunch. Food was great, it being bit on the pricey side, service charge of 12.5% felt bit steep for lunch menu. Atmosphere was cosy and pleasant. There were few other items that we didn't order, so planning to go again. Not sure if the menu changes but considering their selection, summer menu could also be interesting

Kevin king

March 22, 2024

Had dinner here which was lovely. Didn't have a reservation but was still able to get a table for two. We had the whole sea bream, aubergine/whipped feta/molasses, potatas bravas and bread with aoili. This was £54 with service charge. We were served by Freya, who was polite and professional. We sat near the bar, and saw the manager Ben working with his staff. It was very busy in the restaurant but he was calm, friendly and professional with the staff and diners. We were very impressed with both the food and service that we had. Will definitely be coming back another time!

Tak yan

March 22, 2024

Just a really great tapas place and just generally one of the very few great restaurants in Oxford. The dishes are unique, change regularly and just prove the exceptional ingredients that are being used. Some dishes are incredible, some are "just" good. Sadly, many dishes lack spices and thus just focus on the (honestly) great raw(/cooked) materials. Atmosphere is casual, but intimate. Perfect for a date of two; maybe not so ideal for bigger groups. You are, however, really close to the kitchen counter, which means that you will leave with quite smelly clothes. Service is really friendly and relaxed, which doesn't match the reservation system that might be quite confusing. Places seem fully booked weeks in advance and then suddenly open up again on the very same day...

Fefe

March 22, 2024

Was looking for a nice neighbourhood place for date night and was not disappointed. The food was delicious (amazing selection of veggie options) and all fresh and hot. The non-alcoholic cocktails were also really delicious.