Perched on the corner of Lensfield Road since 2009, we're proud to have become iconic of elegant Cambridge dining, and a firm local favourite. Our menu offers classic British and European dishes, home-made using traditional recipes and quality ingredients, matched with an extensive, hand-curated wine list.
Join us for special occasions, for discussions with colleagues over lunch or dinner, or to gather for a meal with friends and family. The Oak Bistro rests at the site of The Oak, an old historic coaching inn that was once a welcome stop for weary travellers on the road to London. It's said that The Oak was itself named after an ancient tree that once grew on the same spot; and that the wood from the tree was used to build the inn.
Join us for special occasions, for discussions with colleagues over lunch or dinner, or to gather for a meal with friends and family. The Oak Bistro rests at the site of The Oak, an old historic coaching inn that was once a welcome stop for weary travellers on the road to London. It's said that The Oak was itself named after an ancient tree that once grew on the same spot; and that the wood from the tree was used to build the inn.
Reviews (21)
S.
Jan 16, 2022
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Sophie McDonald
Dec 30, 2021
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John Tsichritzis
Dec 19, 2021
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I give 5 stars only because I can’t give 6... impeccable service, excellent food. Philip and his colleagues do an amazing job, I’ve been there multiple times and I can’t find a single thing to say it’s not perfect. It’s a must if you come to Cambridge!
Highly recommend: the salmon terrine for starter, the halibut fillet for main and the strawberry cheesecake for dessert. You won’t regret it!
Thank you Oak Bistro!
Highly recommend: the salmon terrine for starter, the halibut fillet for main and the strawberry cheesecake for dessert. You won’t regret it!
Thank you Oak Bistro!
Suzi Bremner
Oct 27, 2021
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Navin Olschewski
Sep 28, 2021
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Daniel Picado
Aug 25, 2021
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The oak Bistro is walking distance from downtown and can easily be reached by bus or walking. The restaurant is neat and clean and all staff was wearing protective covers. The wine was good but I probably made the wrong selection by picking a UK Pinot grigio, it was just OK. The food was quickly delivered, the plates are well presented but the taste was lacking a bit more flavour for my taste. Overall it was a good experience but not extraordinary.
Mierunalan Seyon
Aug 09, 2021
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A gem in the city centre with great food and great service!! Hand picked short menu offers you great choices. Tried the rib-eye steak and beef wellington. Both were excellent and cooked to perfection. Chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream is a treat. Should also mention the excellent service right from arrival to departure. Thanks to Alessandra, Daniella and Philip for making our stay pleasant. Make sure to book a table before you go as the place is usually busy. Highly recommended!
Yih Shean Tan
Jul 15, 2021
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Khalid Chaudary
Jul 09, 2021
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Great food and exceptional customer service!!! Celebrated our anniversary at the restaurant for an early dinner. Greeted with respect and seated by the window. The restaurant is small but the ambience is welcoming. The menu is small but has many choices freshly prepared. We ordered one appetizer (forgot the name) which was delicious. For entrées we decided on the ribe-eye steak and chef's special lamb loins. Both dishes arrived in a timely manner full of flavor and absolute deliciousness. The meat was tender, juicy and melted in your mouth. The sides complimented the meats. For dessert we ordered
Ying W.
Dec 01, 2017
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S. M.
May 16, 2017
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Food great quality and good variety. Accommodating hosts - in terms of dietary requirements. Hosts we're friendly. Location is good and the noise level is low with quiet music in the background which means you can actually talk. Only reasons for dropping one star are - the service was a little slow and we were disappointed that they didn't tell us about the set menu (2 or 3 courses) which is far cheaper than the regular menu, so our bill was quite expensive!
Taryn R.
Aug 28, 2016
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Fairly underwhelming. Nothing on the entrée list peaked my interest so I ordered two appetizers... The scallops were undercooked and had a slight fishy taste. The goat cheese and fig salad was better but served luke-warm, which wilted the greens and gave the entire dish a strange taste.
We opted to sit outside because the heat wave sweeping the UK and lack of AC at the restaurant made it very warm inside. The garden area out back is nice but we were swarmed by flies as soon as the food came. Someone also watered flowers above our heads while we were dining, so we got a bit damp. And, to round
We opted to sit outside because the heat wave sweeping the UK and lack of AC at the restaurant made it very warm inside. The garden area out back is nice but we were swarmed by flies as soon as the food came. Someone also watered flowers above our heads while we were dining, so we got a bit damp. And, to round
Chris T.
Nov 11, 2015
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Agnes L.
Nov 30, 2014
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A bit fancier than expected as some reviewers say it's good for a "casual meal" (AKA - There was a romantic, lovey dovey, all dressed up date on my left and high society couples whose mutual friends know the U.S. president on my right.)
My husband and I ordered a couple bottles of cider, which were unique to the area while enjoying complimentary bread with an unusual yet tasty olive oil herb/tomato mixture.
Ordered two apps - one was a goat cheese/walnut salad - large size but fairly normal, and the other a very smooth creamy pate of Mackeral that stole the show
As this was our
My husband and I ordered a couple bottles of cider, which were unique to the area while enjoying complimentary bread with an unusual yet tasty olive oil herb/tomato mixture.
Ordered two apps - one was a goat cheese/walnut salad - large size but fairly normal, and the other a very smooth creamy pate of Mackeral that stole the show
As this was our
Mattias L.
Sep 19, 2014
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I was provided pristine service. I was fortunate enough to receive a table with no reservation. I received an exquisite suggestion for wine. Then, there was the swift service, food came like fast food, which I enjoyed. The washroom could be a bit more in shape. I felt it was always the customer first service. The taste of the food was palatable. There was also adequate proportions, gratis bread, and dipping sauce. The restaurant itself is very clean, organized, and possessed trained staff. Just when I thought they couldn't top it: the dessert.
Jen F.
May 15, 2013
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Had a wonderful dinner and would definitely return. Walked in and sat down at 6 pm on a Thursday night, but if you are going later, you probably need a reservation. Wine list provided fairly good selection. I had the Chargrilled cajun swordfish with mango salsa and green beans/new potatoes. The fish was cooked perfectly and the cajun flavors and mango salsa created a very flavorful dish. We split two desserts - and these were absolutely delicious. The chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream is worth the 15 minute wait. This is similar to a "lava cake" in the US and the chocolate is amazing
Libbi J.
Jan 05, 2013
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Fantastic dinner with friends while we were visiting Cambridge. Lovely service and delicious food. Not big, so booking can be essential. As with any good restaurant in town, it can get full. Our food was delicious, the wine list is good and the company even better. We would certainly go back when we're there again.
Qype User Kotlet
Jun 08, 2010
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The Oak is such a versatile place - you will feel comfortable there if you are just after a casual meal, a coffee or a glass of wine, but you would be equally comfortable if you wanted a more formal event. White walls and local art mixed with exposed brickwork, a small dark wooden bar (with a couple of beers on tap), white linen and a hidden courtyard garden give the place a wonderful atmosphere. The restaurateur and his staff run a tight ship, but make everything look effortless.
I have recommended The Oak to anyone who will listen, and they have all agreed that it has to be one of the best
I have recommended The Oak to anyone who will listen, and they have all agreed that it has to be one of the best
Qype User Jctute
Jun 05, 2010
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Qype User Pinkfi
May 14, 2009
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The oak bistro on the corner of lensfield road Has just re-opened it was formerly a rather dingy winebar. I went there one saturday evening as i have walked passed a few times and it looked quite nice and inviting. It was really refreshing to go some where that felt so intimate and friendly there were just a few tables at the front and then a small passage way leads to the back room, it all flows very nicely and doesnt at all feel as small as it is. The decor is very neutral there is alao some local artwork on display which is nice. Very refreshing to not be in bog standard chain resturant or gastro
Qype User Hoboma
Mar 28, 2009
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The newly refurbished bar/restaurant looks much brighter than the pub/wine bar that used to be here. The menu had a good mix of European classics and the fish I had looked and tasted amazing. I would definitely come back for another meal- or just for a glass of wine in the bar area. It was raining when I came, but I did notice a nice garden area out the back.
