Historic Rooms. Refined Spice.

Set above Oxford’s historic High Street in a 17th-century Grade II listed building, Shezan brings heritage-inspired Mughal cooking to dining rooms that have welcomed guests since 1915.

Drawing on the food traditions of Old Delhi and Old Lahore, our menu combines aromatic classics with contemporary sharing plates, all freshly prepared in our own kitchen.

Step upstairs and discover Shezan.

Over a Century of Dining on Oxford's High Street

Long before Shezan, these first-floor rooms were part of Oxford's restaurant life. Their story reflects more than a century of changing tastes, traditions and hospitality.

1915

Sidney Slay’s Refreshment Rooms

The documented history of these rooms as a place for dining begins.

1925

The Swiss Restaurant

1928–1977

Town & Gown Restaurant

By 1978

Gate of India

Indian dining becomes established in the historic rooms.

2002–Today

Shezan

Under the present ownership since 2002, the restaurant opened as Café Zouk and later became Shezan, continuing the building’s long tradition of dining.