A highlight of design in Tampa, Florida, Oxford Exchange is one of my favorite spots in the city. This European-inspired space houses a delicious restaurant, a must-see bookstore, a lovely home decor shop, and two of my favorite local businesses: TeBella Tea and Buddy Brew Coffee. With an Instagram-worthy staircase, carefully curated design pieces, and an atmosphere of creativity and community, it’s easy to see why Oxford Exchange is such a popular spot in Tampa!
The Oxford Exchange Bookstore
The OE Bookstore is the first thing you see when you walk into the building. With a seasonal center table full of the latest and greatest publications, the store opens up to the left with two walls of bookshelves and various themed sections. (To the right, when you walk in, is a well-stocked Warby Parker, which is handy if you need your glasses adjusted!) I love this bookstore so much, and I always leave with a new book or two. It’s great not just because of the beautiful bookish vibes, but also in the variety of writing they offer. From beautifully bound classics to local travel guides, the OE Bookstore is a must-see independent bookstore for any of my fellow readers!
Buddy Brew and TeBella
Just beyond the bookstore at Oxford Exchange are the two drink counters. First up is Buddy Brew Coffee, my go-to local coffee shop here in Tampa. Buddy Brew uses some of the highest quality coffee in the world, and they make an amazing affogato, which you can get from the counter or the Oxford Exchange Restaurant (more on that below). The counter also offers some cute Buddy Brew themed products, like tees and coffee mugs.
Next, just past a gorgeous sitting space with couches and big leather chairs, is TeBella. TeBella is a local tea shop with a few locations around Tampa. Their counter at Oxford Exchange was what originally introduced me to the brand, and it’s been fun to find their teas in other favorite restaurants around town. The TeBella tea counter is well-stocked with a range of teas, from floral to fruity, classic to eclectic. The baristas are super helpful if you need recommendations, and the loose leaf tea isn’t unreasonably priced for purchase. I tend to leave with a couple ounces of a new flavor every time I visit! My all time favorite tea of theirs, though, is the earl grey lavender, which you can read about here.
The Shop at Oxford Exchange
Towards the back of the building, past the book shop, Warby Parker, coffee shop, and tea counter, there was a rather large storeroom. This shop featured a wide variety of home goods and trinkets. They had a couple impressive displays of coffee table books, with topics ranging from food related to travel to collectable watches.
The shop reminded me of an oversized Anthropologie home selection. I wish I could say I’ve made a purchase here, but it is rather pricy, so I’ve restrained myself thus far. However, it is a great spot to get home inspiration, if not actual home decor pieces, as well as special gifts!
OE’s Champagne Bar
The Restaurant is often rather busy (so make reservations!), but the wait is made even less cumbersome with their new Champagne Bar. The Champagne Bar is located within the OE Shop, just outside the Restaurant’s entrance. Adorably decorated and offering delicious bubbly drinks, this is pure *vibes* in the best way. I tend to default to a glass of Champagne or Prosecco, but was tempted to try the Rifle Paper Co. themed drink (pictured below). Made in collaboration with Anna Bond, this themed drink combines three of my favorite things — Rosé Champagne, Rifle Paper Co., and Oxford Exchange!
The Oxford Exchange Restaurant
The focal point of the entire Oxford Exchange experience is the Restaurant. The Restaurant offers both indoor seating and a pseudo-open air feel, thanks to the glass ceiling on what would otherwise be a patio. Their menu rotates seasonally to some extent, but many of my favorites remain on the menu year-round.
The Crispy Avocado Wedges are a satisfyingly unique appetizer, as is the Whipped Feta. I tend to get one of these to share with whoever I’m dining with, plus a salad. The Seasonal Chopped salad is slightly misnamed, since it’s been available year-round since I first visited Oxford Exchange in 2019, but I’m not mad about that because it’s absolutely delicious. The salad features kale, shaved Brussels sprouts, quinoa, and shredded manchego, among other gorgeous ingredients. I highly recommend getting it with salmon!
Alternatively, splitting the appetizers and then getting a side of their Truffle Mac and Cheese is a great way to go. The term “side” is rather relative, as it’s a hefty portion. Great for sharing, too, if you prefer!
As for desserts, coffee lovers must try the affogato. This espresso drink is a double shot of espresso over the best vanilla gelato I’ve had in some time. It’s rich, creamy, and just big enough!
And don’t forget a tea or coffee to go! On the way out, I typically order a lavender earl gray iced tea from TeBella Tea Company to go. You can see all the teas the Restaurant brews here!
The Overall Oxford Exchange Experience
As I mentioned above, Oxford Exchange is one of my favorite spots in Tampa. The whole building is consistent and cohesive in its design and aesthetic. Whenever I visit, I wonder how I can mimic the design in my own home. So, whether you’re visiting Tampa for a few days, or you call the city home, definitely make plans to stop by and spend the day at Oxford Exchange!
Visiting Oxford Exchange & FAQ
Address: 420 West Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, Florida 33606
Useful Links: Website | Menu | Instagram
- Do you need reservations for the Oxford Exchange Restaurant? – The Restaurant tends to fill up quickly, so I would definitely recommend making a reservation!
- What are Oxford Exchange’s hours? – Oxford Exchange is open Monday – Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Is there parking for Oxford Exchange? – There is some street parking outside Oxford Exchange, but it is pretty limited. There is a paid parking lot across the street that is generally available. It costs $10 to park all day.
- When did Oxford Exchange open? – Oxford Exchange opened in 2012, after extensive restoration of what was once Henry B. Plant’s Tampa Bay Hotel. You can learn more about the history behind the building here.
If you’re a fan of Oxford Exchange, you’re going to love their
sister restaurant across the bridge in St. Pete!
Learn about The Library Restaurant, created by the
designers behind Oxford Exchange, here!
*This post was originally published April 8, 2019. It was most recently updated on February 6, 2023.
