Nestled in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, the quaint town of Woodstock offers not only stunning vistas but also a diverse dining scene that caters to every palate. From traditional English fare to international delights, Woodstock boasts an array of dining options sure to tantalise your taste buds.
List of Best Food in Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Whether you're a local resident or a visitor passing through, here's a curated list of must-try foods in Woodstock:
Oxfordshire Lamb Shank
Oxfordshire lamb shank is a local delicacy known for its tender, slow-cooked meat infused with aromatic herbs and spices. It's a popular dish in Woodstock due to the region's renowned lamb farming heritage. It is best enjoyed for its succulent texture and rich flavours. Restaurants typically serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, drizzled with a savoury jus.
Woodstock Beef Wellington
A classic British dish elevated to perfection, Woodstock Beef Wellington features tender beef fillet enveloped in a layer of mushroom duxelles and wrapped in puff pastry. This dish is beloved in Woodstock for its luxurious taste and elegant presentation. Restaurants often serve it with a side of buttery mashed potatoes and a red wine reduction sauce.
Italian Pizza in Woodstock
There are a few Italian restaurants in Woodstock that serve up delicious pizzas made with fresh ingredients. You can find classic pizzas like Margherita and pepperoni, as well as more unique options with creative toppings.
Cotswold Ploughman's Lunch
A quintessential British meal, the Cotswold ploughman's lunch consists of a hearty selection of local cheeses, cured meats, pickles, chutney, and crusty bread. It is popular in Woodstock for its rustic charm and diverse flavours. Typically served on a wooden platter, it allows customers to create their own combinations of flavours.
Woodstock Blue Cheeseburger
A gourmet twist on a classic favourite, the Woodstock blue Cheeseburger features a juicy beef patty topped with tangy blue cheese, caramelised onions, and crisp lettuce. Loved for its bold flavours and indulgent experience. Restaurants often serve it with hand-cut fries or a fresh side salad.
Bibury Smoked Trout
Bibury smoked trout is prized for its delicate flavour and silky texture, achieved through traditional smoking methods using local wood chips. A popular choice among fish enthusiasts in Woodstock. Restaurants often serve it as a main course, whole, with a butter and caper sauce.
Woodstock Apple and Blackberry Crumble
A comforting British dessert, Woodstock apple and blackberry crumble feature sweet, stewed fruits topped with a buttery crumbly oat topping. It is celebrated for its nostalgic taste and seasonal ingredients. Restaurants often serve it warm with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's a perfect dish as the nights draw in and we head into autumn.
Cotswold Honey-glazed Ham
Cotswold honey-glazed ham is a succulent cured ham coated in a sticky, sweet glaze made from locally sourced honey. A beloved dish in Woodstock for its balance of savoury and sweet flavours. Restaurants typically serve it thinly sliced with mustard, pickles, and freshly baked bread.
Oxfordshire Venison Pie
Oxfordshire venison pie is a hearty dish featuring tender chunks of locally sourced venison cooked in a rich gravy and encased in buttery pastry. Esteemed for its robust flavour and comforting qualities. Restaurants often serve it with buttered greens and creamy mashed potatoes.
Woodstock Raspberry Pavlova
A show-stopping dessert, Woodstock raspberry pavlova consists of a crispy meringue base topped with whipped cream and fresh raspberries. Admired for its light, airy texture and vibrant flavours. Restaurants often drizzle it with a raspberry coulis for an added burst of sweetness.
Cotswold Pork Belly
Cotswold pork belly is a succulent cut of pork with crispy crackling, slow-cooked until tender and infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Highly regarded in Woodstock for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and depth of flavour. Restaurants typically serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, braised red cabbage, and a rich cider jus. Be sure to ask what breed the restaurant is serving. Gloucester Old Spot is usually the best.
Cotswolds Asparagus Risotto
Cotswolds asparagus risotto features locally grown asparagus cooked to perfection and folded into creamy Arborio rice infused with white wine, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Celebrated for its vibrant colours and delicate flavours. Restaurants often garnish it with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of truffle oil. Asparagus is grown readily in the North Cotswolds, particularly around Evesham and Pershore.
Woodstock Steak and Ale Pie
A beloved British classic, Woodstock steak and ale pie features tender chunks of beef cooked in a rich ale-infused gravy and encased in flaky pastry. Woodstock is revered for its hearty, comforting qualities. Restaurants often serve it with buttered peas and chunky chips. This dish is perfect served with a pint of ale, and taken in front of an open fire in the winter.
Cotswold Cream Tea
Cotswold cream tea is a delightful tradition featuring freshly baked scones served with clotted cream, strawberry jam, and a pot of hot tea. It is a popular choice for afternoon indulgence in Woodstock. Restaurants often present it on a tiered stand alongside a selection of delicate finger sandwiches and cakes to make a Full Afternoon Tea.
Oxfordshire Game Terrine
Oxfordshire game terrine is a rustic dish consisting of assorted game meats, such as pheasant, venison, and rabbit, blended with herbs and spices and set into a smooth, rich terrine. It is highly regarded in Woodstock for its robust flavours and artisanal craftsmanship. Restaurants often serve it with toasted sourdough bread and homemade chutney.
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Woodstock wild mushroom risotto features a medley of locally foraged wild mushrooms cooked with Arborio rice in a flavorful broth infused with garlic, shallots, and white wine. It is celebrated for its earthy flavours and creamy consistency. Restaurants often garnish it with freshly shaved Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Cotswold Beef Burger
The Cotswold beef burger features a juicy beef patty made from locally sourced, grass-fed beef, served on a toasted brioche bun with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and your choice of toppings. A popular choice among burger aficionados in Woodstock for its quality ingredients and satisfying taste. Restaurants often offer a selection of gourmet toppings, such as smoked bacon, caramelised onions, and melted cheese.
Oxfordshire Rhubarb Crisp
Oxfordshire rhubarb crisp is a comforting dessert featuring tart rhubarb baked with a crumbly oat topping until golden brown and bubbling. I loved its balance of sweet and tangy flavours. Restaurants often serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This seasonal dish is a firm favourite.
Woodstock Chicken Liver Pâté
Woodstock chicken liver pâté is a smooth and creamy spread made from locally sourced chicken livers, butter, shallots, and herbs. Admired for its rich, indulgent taste and silky texture. Restaurants often serve it with toasted baguette slices and a tangy fruit compote.
Cotswold Rarebit
Cotswold rarebit is a savoury Welsh rarebit variation featuring locally produced cheese melted on toasted bread and seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and a hint of ale. It is a beloved comfort food in Woodstock for its gooey cheese and robust flavours. Restaurants often serve it as a hearty appetiser or as a satisfying lunch option with a side salad.
Oxfordshire Apple Pie
Oxfordshire apple pie is a classic dessert featuring sweet, tangy apples baked in a buttery pastry crust until golden and fragrant. Cherished in Woodstock for its timeless appeal and simple, comforting flavours. Restaurants often serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of custard.
Woodstock Farmhouse Burger
A signature blend of locally sourced beef, topped with sharp cheddar cheese, caramelised onions, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and a tangy aioli, served on a toasted brioche bun.
Farm-to-Table Vegetable Lasagna
Layers of handmade pasta sheets filled with a medley of locally grown vegetables, creamy ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and a blend of herbs, baked to bubbly perfection and served with garlic bread.
Woodstock Harvest Salad
A vibrant salad featuring a mix of organic greens, heirloom tomatoes, cucumber slices, roasted beets, candied walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and a house-made balsamic vinaigrette, showcasing the flavours of the local harvest.
Cotswold Artisanal Cheese Platter
An assortment of artisanal cheeses sourced from nearby dairy farms, accompanied by freshly baked bread, seasonal fruits, honeycomb, and spiced nuts, offering a taste of the region's rich dairy heritage. There are many local cheese producers so this is a must.
Woodstock Harvest Pizza
A thin-crust pizza topped with a savoury-sweet combination of caramelised onions, roasted butternut squash, tangy goat cheese, fresh arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction, showcases the bounty of the local harvest.
Woodstock Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Creamy artisanal ice cream is infused with locally sourced honey and delicate lavender blossoms, offering a refreshing and aromatic treat that captures the essence of the region's pastoral landscapes.
Special Tips for You
Try Local Specialties: When dining in Woodstock, don't miss out on local specialities like Oxfordshire lamb shank or Cotswold Cream Tea for an authentic taste of the region.
Explore Seasonal Offerings: Many restaurants in Woodstock offer seasonal menus featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to ask about any specials or seasonal dishes for a unique culinary experience.
Reservations Recommended: Especially if you're planning to dine at popular restaurants or during peak hours, it's advisable to make reservations in advance to secure your table.
Ask for Recommendations: Don't hesitate to ask restaurant staff for recommendations or suggestions based on your preferences. They can often provide insights into the best dishes or hidden gems on the menu.
Enjoy the Ambiance: Beyond just the food, take the time to soak in the ambience of the restaurants in Woodstock. Whether it's a cosy pub or an elegant dining room, the atmosphere can greatly enhance your dining experience.
Whether you're craving hearty comfort food, artisanal delights, or sweet treats, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, has something to satisfy every palate. So, embark on a gastronomic adventure and discover the diverse flavours that this charming town has to offer.