Oxfordshire is a truly magical place that never disappoints no matter what you are looking for. Whether you are a keen shopper, nature lover, culture explorer or fine dining connoisseur, the heart of the English countryside can live up to the expectations. 

When thinking of Michelin-star restaurants, perhaps the image of the capital is the first thing that pops up in your mind. Not that London lacks such places, but the best restaurant awarded with the prestigious star is right here in Oxford. It’s the dream-come-alive of the incredible French master chef Raymond Blanc. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is more than a restaurant. It incorporates chef Blanc’s vision of organic produce, unmatched gastronomic experience and extraordinary hospitality. 

The Restaurant

Since its establishment in 1984, the restaurant has retained its 2 Michelin stars and welcomes guests not only from across the country but from various international destinations, too. The wine list features around 600 specially selected wines from around the world. The unique feature of the menu is the fresh organic produce, grown on the grounds of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and its spacious gardens. You can book a table for lunch or dinner at least 3 months in advance, unless you are staying at the hotel. The lunch menu has 6 courses, while the dinner is made up of 7. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available – one of the reasons the restaurant was granted the special Green Michelin star.

The Educational Experience 

Raymond Blanc believes in the connection between exquisite taste and quality of ingredients. That is why the products used in the kitchen of his famous restaurant are grown on site in the 2-acre garden. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons isn’t just a place for fine dining. Here, enthusiast and professional chefs can sign up for short courses in the gardening school. The lessons and practical sessions include sustainable cultivation techniques, tree pruning, edible flower selection and then taking all that to the kitchen when the final link of the garden-to-plate process is complete. There are also courses adapted for children, encouraging them to explore the journey of a seed and how it may be utilised on the plate. 

The Hotel 

Chef Blanc wanted a full experience for his guests, so the restaurant is part of the Belmond  hotel with 32 rooms in a manor building. The outdoors feature lavish gardens part of which are used for growing the ingredients used in the kitchen. The rest of the greenery is perfect for enjoying the beauty of nature. The rooms and suites are inspired by various parts of the world and evoke a true feeling of luxury. But with prices starting at £950 per night, gastronomers might be tempted to look for another accommodation nearby. 

Where to Stay in Oxfordshire

If staying at the Belmond hotel is out of pocket, or you simply prefer an extra level of privacy, we can recommend booking a short let apartment in Oxfordshire. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons restaurant is located 8 miles from Oxford and just a 7-min drive from our holiday let flat in Wheatley. For a fraction of the cost at Belmond, you can enjoy a lavish atmosphere, undisturbed peace and just the right level of privacy. The accommodation is fully serviced and close to a variety of local amenities. 

If you are up for another gastronomical experience, you can visit the other Michelin-star restaurant in Oxfordshire, the Nut Tree Inn in Murcott. That’s just a 20-min away by car from Wheatley and you will witness incredible natural landscape views on the way.