The Coconut Tree

On St Clement's, Oxford

A taste of Sri Lanka, Oxford-style

Not every night out has to be hushed and reverent. When we want colour, spice and a bit of noise, The Coconut Tree is where we head. Just over Magdalen Bridge on lively St Clement's, it is a Sri Lankan street food restaurant and cocktail bar started by a group of Sri Lankan friends, and it has become one of the best-loved casual dinners in the city, with a Travellers' Choice award to show for it. Candles flicker in half coconuts, the paper napkins are unpretentious, and the whole room hums with the sound of people enjoying themselves.

The food comes as small sharing plates, so the way to do it is to order a spread across the table and dig in together. Expect fragrant rices and hoppers, kotthu and devilled dishes, punchy curries and sambols, and plenty for vegetarians and vegans alongside meat and fish. It is genuinely affordable, generous, and full of flavour. To drink there are the famous “cocotails”, coconut-based cocktails that go down dangerously easily, plus Sri Lankan beers and soft drinks. Go hungry, go in a group, and let them steer you if the menu is unfamiliar.

Good to know

• Sharing platesThe menu is built for sharing, so order several dishes between you rather than a plate each, and mix meat, fish and veg.
• The cocotailsCoconut-based cocktails are the house speciality and half the fun. There is a good choice of non-alcoholic ones too.
• Plant-based friendlyA big proportion of the menu is vegetarian or vegan, and it is some of the best of it, so it suits a mixed table well.
• Book aheadIt is small, popular and lively rather than quiet, so weekends fill up. Book a table, and expect a buzz rather than a hush.

Getting there from the cottage

Oxford is around forty minutes from Well Cottage, and St Clement's is just east of the centre over Magdalen Bridge, an easy spot to reach and a little away from the busiest streets. It sits a short walk from the Botanic Garden and Magdalen College, so it makes a natural end to a day in the city, and central park-and-ride buses run close by if you would rather not drive right in. For more places to eat, our eating and drinking guide runs from village pubs to city tables.

“It's our go-to when we want dinner to be fun. A tableful of little dishes, a couple of cocotails, and a proper buzz in the room. Great value, and always a good night.”

Visit the official site →

Also nearby

• Oxford Botanic Garden · Garden · Magdalen Bridge
• The Rooftop at The Store · Rooftop bar · Broad Street
• The Bear Inn · Pub · Oxford
• The Randolph Hotel · Grand hotel · Oxford