The Oak Bistro

Don’t even bother!!! Nice little place at a good location but forget about service — they have ZERO willingness to accommodate !!

Fish and chips were so greasy. The fish would have been tasty if it didn’t still have all of its skin.

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 pâté of Mackeral that stole the show
As this was our first meal in Cambridge, we were hungry and also ordered two entrees — duck confit for me and lamb for husband. Both were hearty portions that had the warm, comforting, stick-​to-​your-​ribs feel.
The duck had crispy skin and tons of meat. The red cabbage and mashed potato on the side helped to fill me up and were traditional European accompaniments. The lamb was very tender and had a butterbean ragout underneath along with mashed potato for extra heartiness.

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.

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. The blackberry and apple crumble with custard was also fantastic, though if I had to choose one, I’m partial to chocolate. Finally, the service was very good.

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.

My Favourite restaurant in Cambridge. Food and service are always fantastic. Lovely and clean!

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 averagely priced bistros/​restaurants in Cambridge.
Their lunchtime menu (which is also available on Saturdays) is an absolute steal: 2 courses for £12 and 3 courses for £15.

Possibly the best place to eat in Cambridge, certainly for steak which is excellent. Nice informal bistro style place, and the owner and staff were very friendly.

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 décor 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 pub.
The range of dishes was good although the food was just a little above average my starter was very salty but the cod main course more than made up for this.
Service was very friendly and relaxed, there was no hustle and bustle as there was no rush to fill our table as soon as we had finished. it was very nice. I would return again but would try and different starter.

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.