The story
Named after the charming French word for tipsy, Pompette is an independent restaurant and wine bar in Summertown, Oxford, run by husband-and-wife duo Pascal and Laura Wiedemann. The restaurant has retained its place in the Michelin Guide for 2026, a recognition the team wears with quiet pride.
Pascal Wiedemann brings classical French training to the kitchen, honed over 14 years in London — first with Henry Harris at Racine, then as Executive Chef at Terroirs, and later at Six Portland Road. At Pompette, his cooking takes inspiration from across Europe while remaining rooted in French technique. The result is food defined by simplicity, comfort, and care.
Every dish reflects the philosophy that great food starts with great ingredients. Stocks, sauces, desserts, and even the baguettes are made entirely from scratch. The menu changes with the seasons, highlighting the best produce available. Whether you choose from the à la carte, the weekday prix fixe (three courses for £28), or one of the themed evening offers — Tuesday’s saucisse frites, Wednesday’s half roast chicken for two, or Thursday’s onglet steak — the focus is on flavour and craft.
The restaurant also offers a private dining room upstairs, decorated in a vintage elegant style, seating up to 12 guests comfortably. Two distinct menu formats are available: a Seasonal Menu (£75 per person) where each guest chooses their own dishes, and a Seasonal Sharing Menu (£95 per person), designed for a more convivial, family-style meal.
For those who want to take the experience home, Pompette has published its first cookbook — a heartfelt collection of classic European recipes rooted in French tradition, alongside the story of the restaurant’s founding.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
‘Francophiles love this place,’ although Pompette is not only a godsend for Summertown locals but also draws in diners who are prepared to undertake a long trip to sample its wares. With its walls emblazoned with artwork, a gorgeous summertime terrace and ‘attentive but knowledgeable staff’, no wonder it is reckoned to be ‘a must-visit’. And that’s before we get to the food. Long-serving chef/co-owner Pascal Wiedemann’s menu is entrenched in bourgeois French cuisine (with the odd European detour) and everything is crafted with care, passion and ‘perfect balance’. Welcome to the world of sautéed lamb’s sweetbreads with peas, broad beans and anchovy dressing, richly flavoured coarse-textured beef onglet, and kirsch choux buns with griottines and warm chocolate sauce. Other highlights include poulet frites on Wednesday (served Provencal-style in summer), a proper petit-déjeuner from 10am, and also a regular apero hour. Pompette is the charming French word for tipsy, so we do need to mention the drinks: Ricard, Picon Bière and Normandy cider all get a look-in alongside a list of patriotically French wines.
2 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence
Location
Facebook
Instagram