CuttleFish — Restaurant in Oxford

I have taken a while to consider which out of disappointed, depressed or offended was the best word to describe tonight's meal at Cuttlefish. I've settled on depressed. My two friends and I have been many times before to here and La Cucina (whom I believe own Cuttlefish?) We entered to a laminated policy sheet which we were invited to read...a rambling explanation as to why we now pay up front as all the naughty peoples are doing a runner. And a random caveat on the menu citing that YOUR immune system would be responsible for any shellfish induced malaise. Depressed already? There's more. But what if the food isn't great and we've already paid, we asked the waitress? She nervously shrugged. And it really wasn't great. In fact, the word great shouldn't even be here Average. Misrepresented. Dry. Passionless. Poor quality. On request for condiments we received a service station canteen selection of plastic sachets....because of covid apparently. Because everyone catches covid from freshly poured mayonnaise rather than a plastic sachet passed from table to table. The special really wasn't. Dry cod wrapped in pancetta on a mussel hot pot....I added the dry bit. Mussel hot pot was just your usual mussels with a splash of chilli sauce with the cod balanced on top of the shells....I kid you not .The calamari were definitely straight out the freezer and not a patch on Posh Fish scampi for flavour and texture. The mussels were meh (not in season apparently). My friend's prawn cocktail was embarrassing. The French Sauvignon was delicious mind. We won't come back. We spoke to the manager very politely....we didn't want our money back or any freebies. We aren't the naughty peoples spoiling everyone's fun. But don't make everything and anything else an excuse for your poor quality meal that we paid substantially and up front for. Sweet serving staff. Nice wine. Awful tablecloths. Get yerself...

Review: CuttleFish, Oxford

just across Magdalen Bridge on St Clement’s Street, CuttleFish is a hidden gem for seafood lovers visiting or living in Oxford. With its focus on fresh, beautifully prepared fish and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, it strikes just the right balance between quality and comfort.

Food & Drink CuttleFish is best known for its excellent fish and seafood offerings. The Fritto Misto is a particular standout—a crispy, generous plate that’s become a firm favourite with regulars. The menu is impressively varied, with something for almost everyone, including burgers, vegan options, and a dedicated children’s menu. Whether you're after a casual bite or a more indulgent seafood dish, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Service & Setting Service here is consistently warm and attentive. Staff are friendly and helpful without being overbearing, creating a laid-back dining experience. The location is another bonus—just a short stroll from the city centre, making it convenient for a pre-theatre meal or a relaxed evening out.

Value for Money For the quality of the food, CuttleFish offers very good value. The portions are generous, ingredients fresh, and the preparation simple yet thoughtful. It’s a reliable choice that feels a little special without being overly formal.

Final Thoughts If you’re in Oxford and fancy a meal with a maritime twist, CuttleFish is well worth a visit. With its tasty seafood, friendly service, and central location, it’s a standout in the city’s casual dining scene. Book ahead if you can—it’s popular, and for...

Came for a seafood feast and left slightly traumatised and extremely unsatisfied.

The raw Oyster came and went. It was extremely fresh and tasty. Drinks were pretty and yummy.

Came next: Grilled seafood platter looks delicious. Digging in to find that the mullet taste really muddy. While it's my first time tasting mullet, i have eaten many bottom feeders. Some had taste I can't appreciate but I know it's me. This mullet though, I think it just bad preparation. Though the service staff says that's how it is supposed to taste. We didn't want to create a fuss and Maybe it's us. So we just left all the pieces of mullet behind. Which unfortunately is a big part of the dish.

Mussels w garlic in pot. This was traumatising. The mussels tasted like sewage. I'm not the only one that think so. I wanted to throw up. Told that to the server, she doubted us until we said she should try it herself. I have eaten soooooo much mussels. One cannot tell me that's how it is supposed to taste.

The service staff took the mussels out of our bill and also the bread basket in good will. Something we appreciate but do feel the response could be better. Cuttlefish has always been our go to place for yummy seafood but this trip have left such a bad taste in my mouth(literally too). This is us spending more than £100. It is very disappointing. I do not think I...