Dinner at Char & Lemon: A First-Hand Look at Oxford’s Culinary Star

Last night, I had the chance to finally check out Char & Lemon in Oxford, CT—and let me tell you, it’s a place that knows how to make an impression. The venue itself is absolutely beautiful. Tucked into the Quarry Walk plaza, it blends modern architecture with a warm, inviting vibe. You walk in and immediately feel like you’re somewhere special—big open space, industrial touches, and an ambiance that somehow feels both fresh and familiar.

I kicked things off with the Calamari Fritti, and it was unreal. Crispy, tender, and paired with this zesty lemon aioli that brought everything together. The slight heat from the cherry peppers gave it just the right amount of kick—easily a must-order appetizer.

But the real highlight? The pizza. Char & Lemon isn’t your typical pizza joint—they take risks with bold, flavorful combinations, and they pull it off in a big way. I went with their signature Char & Lemon pie, topped with bufala mozzarella, mascarpone, lemon zest, and fresh arugula. The lemon gave it this unexpected brightness, and the balance between the creamy cheeses and the peppery greens made each bite something to savor. My friend ordered the Short Rib Pizza, and that combination of tender beef, crispy onions, and chipotle honey had us both shaking our heads in disbelief at how good it was.

The menu’s creativity really stands out—classic Italian flavors with an original twist, and everything we tried was clearly made with intention and care. You can tell they put serious thought into every dish, and the execution backs it up.

All in all, Char & Lemon is one of those spots you find yourself planning to go back to before you even leave. The venue’s gorgeous, the food is unforgettable (especially that calamari and those standout pizzas), and the whole experience just feels... cool. This place is doing something different in the best way.