Crime & Safety
Three Oxfordshire restaurants named among UK’s top 100
Gino’s, Quod Restaurant & Bar, and The Three Tuns were recognised in OpenTable’s 2026 list of the best eateries for outdoor dining.
The list is compiled from more than 750,000 verified diner reviews and dining metrics collected from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
Gino’s in Oxford has been praised by customers for its Italian-inspired menu and welcoming atmosphere.
READ MORE: TV legend helps ‘nervous’ Kate Middleton away from BBC cameras
Liberato and Marco Maioriello (Image: Andy Ffrench)
An OpenTable diner said: “Lovely lunch sat outside in the beautiful courtyard. Gino always makes you feel welcome — a great spot for lunch on a beautiful evening.”
Quod Restaurant & Bar, part of the Old Bank Hotel in central Oxford, also received praise for its “modern European cuisine and contemporary style”.
The outdoor terrace, set back from the high street, is a favourite among diners looking to enjoy meals in the open air.
A recent diner said: “The food was excellent and the staff very friendly. Eating out on the terrace was great as it was a warm sunny evening.”
READ MORE: UK drivers warned over soaring fuel prices amid heatwave
The Three Tuns in Henley rounds off Oxfordshire’s contributions to the list.
Barry (left) and Nigel Sutcliffe at The Three Tuns (Image: Gabriel Machins)
A traditional pub with a focus on high-quality British fare, it features a spacious garden area ideal for outdoor dining.
Pairings of seasonal dishes with local ales and wines have made it a favourite for both residents and visitors.
The three Oxfordshire venues are among 16 in the south east to be recognised, highlighting the region’s growing reputation for alfresco dining experiences.
Nationally, OpenTable data shows outdoor dining is up by 13 per cent year-on-year, with 78 per cent of Brits planning to dine outside at least once a month this summer.
READ MORE: Waitrose issues customer statement on changes at in-store cafes
Sasha Shaker, senior director at OpenTable UK and Ireland, said: “Outdoor dining has become a key draw for UK diners in the warmer months, shaping everything from catch-ups to celebrations, and even dog walks.”
Oxfordshire diners are travelling up to 45 minutes for a memorable outdoor meal, with some willing to go even further for the right setting.
One diner described Gino’s as “simply outstanding — impeccable food, wonderful atmosphere, and an owner who clearly cares about every diner’s experience.”
Another review praised The Three Tuns as a “delightful pub with excellent food and a lovely garden — perfect for a summer evening.”
According to OpenTable, 27 per cent of UK diners plan to dine outside weekly with their dogs during the summer.