Parsonage Grill — Restaurant in Oxford

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Parsonage Grill in Oxford, and the experience was truly exceptional. The setting, the food, and the service all came together to create a memorable meal.

Food: I started with the mussels, which were served in a rich, creamy sauce that was perfectly seasoned with a hint of garlic and fresh herbs. Each mussel was plump and cooked to perfection, making it a delightful start to the meal.

For the main course, I opted for the steak, which was cooked exactly to my liking. The meat was tender and juicy, bursting with flavor in every bite. The accompanying chips were crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, the perfect companion to the steak. The sauce, served on the side, added an extra layer of depth to the dish, complementing the meat beautifully.

Service: The service at Parsonage Grill was impeccable. The staff were attentive without being overbearing, ensuring that all our needs were met in a timely and professional manner. They were knowledgeable about the menu and made excellent recommendations that enhanced our dining experience.

Atmosphere: The ambiance of Parsonage Grill is both cozy and sophisticated, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or a special evening out. The attention to detail in both the decor and the service made the experience feel special.

Overall: Parsonage Grill delivers on all fronts—delicious food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a local or visiting Oxford, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a...

One underwhelming waiter (what establishment unceremoniously plonks down a bread basket AFTER you’ve all finished your starters?); one brilliant waitress (possibly she was the house manager, in which case my sincere apologies); four perfectly palatable, if not truly outstanding meals.

So why the single star? Well, for better or for worse, my wife believes in paying for things in cash, which I duly did, handing over £270 on a £268 bill.

As we were leaving, I told by the waiter not to worry about the £2 change and I’d just take the bill, only to be informed that I was £50 short …

This was a barefaced lie. I counted the money three times, so was well aware how much I handed over.

I appreciate that such cases are insoluble, and that basically it’s one person’s word against another, but as I have no intention of ever returning to the Parsonage Grill and am not seeking form of remuneration from it, I have zero to gain from making unfounded accusations against its staff.

Paying £268 for a four-person dinner was by no means unreasonable; paying £320 (I was still gracious enough to leave the extra £2)...

We came for the “Very High Tea”. The selection of finger sandwiches included ham and cheese, cucumber, egg mayo, smoked salmon and shrimp. They were tasty enough, as were the scones and clotted cream with jam. Everything was mild and while nothing particularly stood out, the sandwiches were still enjoyable. The waiter came around and asked if we wanted more, but we declined, as it was actually quite filling. Not sure if a sandwich top-up would’ve cost extra, although I imagine/hope not, as £33 per person is a touch expensive already.

Sadly, the letdown for me was the desserts, which were not very good. The cakes were either too sweet or had an off-putting texture (i.e., the raspberry (?) gelatine layer on the cheesecake). Moreover, the garish orange and green macaron had a pretty awful flavour, whatever it was. The only dessert that I enjoyed was the chocolate cake.

Despite this, I still had a satisfactory experience. The table could’ve been bigger for the four of us, but the restaurant had a nice ambience and...