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Hours
Mon
17:30 - 21:30
Tue
12:00 - 14:3017:30 - 21:30
Wed
12:00 - 14:3017:30 - 21:30
Thu
12:00 - 14:3017:30 - 21:30
Fri
12:00 - 14:3017:30 - 21:30
Sat
12:00 - 14:3017:30 - 21:30
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
£11.00 – £35.00
CUISINES
European, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Is this restaurant good for brunch?
Details
About
Renowned local bistro providing an elegant dining experience in the heart of the university town of Cambridge. We pride ourselves on offering outstanding home-cooked food, prepared with quality ingredients; an extensive, hand-curated wine list; and impeccable, unfussy service.
PRICE RANGE
£11.00 – £35.00
CUISINES
European, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
1,502 reviews
Excellent
1,063
Very good
304
Average
78
Poor
33
Terrible
24
les b
11 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
With just 2 days in Cambridge and nothing booked I think myself very lucky and got a table on a very busy Sunday night. We were greeted with very reassuring specific Covid requirements and taken direct to our table. Things got off to great start when I could not decide which wine to have and without fuss I found myself with a taster of both and like the different quantities you can order to suit your needs.
There is a good choice on the set menu but the creativity of the full menu was to tempting and can recommend first hand both the Trout and Cod dishes.
The presentation of both dishes was spot on. On this occasion we were not able to try the deserts but from the reaction of fellow diners I need to spend a little longer on my next trip. We were not the only first timers and the positive feedback from the next table only added to the confirmation of a true dining experience.
Remember to book in advance, I would hate you to miss out !!
Written 6 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
June L
Cambridge143 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
My husband and I decided to try out the Oak Bistro on Friday for the first time. We were extremely impressed with the atmosphere, the delicious dishes and the best customer service we've had in Cambridge. We had pre-booked a table as the restaurant is often fully booked when we have previously walked passed and I do recommend that if you plan to visit you book a table to avoid any disappointment. We both enjoyed a three course meal which were all prepared to perfection - would highly recommend the Beef Wellington paired with a bottle of wine which they have a great range of. We would definitely be returning again soon and would highly recommend The Oak Bistro. Thank you for a lovely evening.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon
Cambridge4 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
The Oak Bistro has been a favorite of ours for years, fantastic food and fantastic customer service. It is very pleasing to see nothing has changed since the last time we visited. The food and customer service was outstanding as always especially in this new post lockdown normal, temperature checks on arrival and socially distanced dining does not detract from the ambiance of the restaurant at all. It almost makes the experience better.
The Oak Bistro is definatley worth a visit if you haven't had the pleasure of dining there with arguably some of the best food in Cambridge.
Thaks Oak Bistro team for another exceptional experience.
Written 12 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RockyJohnnyB
Norwich337 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We love the Oak Bistro. Great for couples, friends, groups, delicious food, good ambience. We keep on coming back, and if you haven’t tried it then you should!
But we always seem to have a problem.... last time one of our party got a drink in his lap after a serving tray lost balance, and this time we reported an over-cooked steak (we didn’t want it taken away) and had a slightly over the top reaction. They made good each time, but can’t give five stars as the service, although friendly and helpful, hasn’t been quite in the mark
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomad731803
United Kingdom40 contributions
Jul 2019 • none
The food at the Oak Bistro is fabulous, it's certainly not the most glamourous of settings between a Chinese and a taxi firm but the food more than makes up for it.
They also have a great wine list. I always have the Beef Wellington which is fantastic but my wife tells me the fish is equally good. The scallops as a starter are to die for.
It is fabulous value or money and the service is great too.
There's no bar area to have a drink before you eat so you need to arrive on time and you'll be shown straight to your table, there are a couple of bars just around the corner if you are early. I can't recommend this place highly enough.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gailsumo
126 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
First impressions when we walked in were of a lovely intimate bistro had checked the reviews and was looking forward to the meal, when we arrived I gave him my name as has reserved a table a few weeks back. However they could not find my name booking, anyway there was a mix up over my name and we were indeed booked in after laughing this off we then had the most delicious 3 course meal with wine I had belly pork, lamb and chocolate fondant which were delicious as was the wine. All the staff were very friendly and helpful including booking us a taxi back to our hotel. Would definitely recommend. And would return if back in the area.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chuck
13 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
The positive reviews on TA did not match our experience at all. Welcome was ok, service ok. Starters, pork belly was basic but the duck salad was comedy - a huge plate of chopped cucumber and duck, nothing refined about it at all, something kids would enjoy. Main courses, the Beef Wellington was so rare that my partner had to leave it. I also left the steak, it was not cooked to my order and it was bathed in some grim truffle butter, which I expected to be separate. So disappointed because I love a decent steak. The waitress looked at us in shock, we were leaving plates of food, she offered that we could take it away, which was nice, we declined. Not a hint of apologies or engagement from the staff, in the end we couldn't wait to get out of there. Apart from that, the place is a bit grubby, the whole place needs a refurb, particularly the loos. It's a fairly costly lesson to learn, but suffice to say we won't be back.
Written 29 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan D
12 contributions
Dec 2021 • couples
We would echo other reviews that the beef wellington main course is barely edible (served cold, extremely rare in the middle) and the staff can indeed be frosty, defensive and unhelpful when faced with complaints. We saw first hand that one particular individual can quickly resort to becoming passive aggressive and rude, we were made to feel very uncomfortable after respectfully pointing out the issue with our food and we spent the rest of the meal just hoping to get out of there as fast as we could.
We also requested wine with each dish but instead received all three of our choices at once, which seemed highly inept considering the type of experience the restaurant aims for.
After leaving, we felt upset and disappointed by the experience and won’t be returning. Please consider other options where possible - the service levels and quality of food is MUCH better elsewhere.
Written 5 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul O'Keeffe
London112 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
I hadn't done too much research on finding a nice restaurant for dinner but thankfully I was drawn to here. My other half loves Prawns and I've never had a beef Wellington so I went with this restaurant.
We tried Saturday but was fully booked so we got a 7pm slot on Sunday. You need to take a mask with you (COVID) and at the door, they ask you for as temperature check using their device. Once in, we were seated and was looked after by an Italian lady who was very nice and welcoming.
We chose the wine and for food, starters were King Prawns Sautéed in shallots, white wine and garlic & Slow Roasted Crisped Pork Belly with mild mustard and apple compote. Both dishes came out in good time and were delicious. Mains we chose were Salmon en Croute with spring onion mash and a white wine, spinach & watercress cream sauce & Beef Wellington with mashed potato, spinach and red wine jus. Again, food was lovely and came out in time. I could of done without dessert but my head was saying go for it. We went for the Chocolate Fondant with vanilla ice cream (please allow 12 minutes) not runny inside and Strawberry Cheesecake. I got the cheesecake down but I struggled, in a good way.
They also had a little candle surprise and happy birthday for my other half. Overall, a great night out.
Oh, the 2011 Rioja was superb.
Written 22 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HannahJames2016
Greater Manchester7 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Had the Beef Wellington and Halibut. Presentation was quite old fashioned, as was the decor. The food was really good quality.
However, the Covid measures were completely over the top and made the meal slightly unenjoyable. Having to wear a mask to walk five steps to the toilet is not necessary. I'm not sure if I would go again.
Written 15 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VSM
6 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
Stayed in Cambridge for a few days and this was definitely the best meal we had, best meal out in quite some time (even pre COVID).
They are more particular about precautions - temp check at entrance and a request to wear masks when moving around the restaurant - we were perfectly happy with this to look after both guests and staff.
Service was completely lovely and the food was amazing both in its taste and presentation. The chef also makes a yummy dip for the complimentary bread that they serve. Highly recommend, put it top of your list.
Written 10 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew C
United Kingdom1604 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
It seems that it is nigh on impossible to produce a menu in Cambridgeshire these days without having a burger, steak and ale pie and fish and chips on the menu, quite frankly we are fed up with lazy menus offering poor value food we could easily make at home. We notice that the Oak bistro offers none of the above which made it worthwhile booking. On arrival we immediately noticed that it also employs professional staff in the dining room, not a bunch of disinterested kids with mobile phones hanging out of their back pockets. We started with the scallops, cooked perfectly and oh so sweet. Then the beef wellington, I did ask why they gave us a steak knife, the beef was so tender a butter knife would have been sufficient.
Yes the prices are above other establishments but so is the experience. An excellent evening and we will return soon.
Written 19 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glyn J
1 contribution
Oct 2020 • none
Very good Covid measures to ensure safety of the customers. The menu is excellent. Our starters were lovely . Unfortunately my beef wellington was over cooked , having requested medium and the spinach and mashed potatoes were lukewarm . I don't often complain about restaurant food but on this occasion I did. The female waitress kindly offered an alternative but I was quite full from my starter and having eaten some of the main course. What was unpleasant is that we felt uncomfortable for making a complaint. A refilled jug of water was slammed on the table top and the head waiters only comment was " I see you didn't like it".
My husband's plate was removed before he was finished without checking with him first.
This spoilt a very special occasion. The customer should always feel that constructive criticism is important for the chef and restaurant reputation . They shouldn't be arrogant to think otherwise and should welcome feedback.
The main course was deducted from the bill but actually I wasn't interested in how much it cost. I would have paid double if the food quality merited that. It was the attitude I was upset by.
Written 2 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura B
4 contributions
May 2022 • friends
Having had many wonderful meals in the past I booked an outdoor table to enjoy the weather on a trip to Cambridge with a friend, however upon arrival was advised that I was being seated indoors. This isn’t the end of the world, however the manner in which I was dealt with was appalling.
Due to a mix up it appeared that it was full outside and we were rudely advised there was no way we could sit there, no apology, no explanation, just blank faces advising me. It wouldn’t even be so bad had the chap that took my telephone booking had actually not offered the outdoor table, or if there was some sort of recognition for how disappointing this was.
The surly service continued throughout the rest of the meal with again no mention or acknowledgement of their error. The fish cakes were extremely bland and barely warm, and was extremely overpriced for the quality - so all in all it was a terribly disappointing meal at a restaurant that I have been visiting for years and even recommended friends to. I won’t be going back myself having been met with such poor customer service, lack of basic good manners, and poor quality food.
Written 6 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mattia
Paradiso1096 contributions
Jul 2022 • friends
Here for the first time, we arrive in 2 without reservation on Monday evening; we ask for a table but all is full; they phone back in 30 minutes as agreement. We sit in the main room. Sparkling water arrives immediately. I take as starter a mixed salad: very good and huge portion. For main dish, beef wellington. It comes in 25/30 minutes more or less; nice presentation, good cook and very very tasty!!! The best in my life! For dessert a dish of cheese (4 types), one glass of red wine from Portugal, espresso double coffee, in total for mine part 58£. Good price in line with excellent quality. Very welcoming place, Mr. Philip is very qualified and friendly with everyone. I will come back!
Written 20 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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