Latest reviews for Restaurants in Oxford, United Kingdom

The Mission Mexican Grill - Burrito heaven by SamanthaC

SamanthaC — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:40:33 +0000

Review by SamanthaC

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 722020

Website: www.missionburritos.co.uk

This place is heaven!
I used to live in Mexico and can say with authority that â¬ÜThe Missionâ¬" captures the essence of really flavoursome, freshly cooked food with enough of a chipotle kick (which is delicious by the way). The service was friendly and there was an abundance of everything your salivating heart could desire. Definitely recommended, especially for a healthy cheap eat.
This place is heaven!
I used to live in Mexico and can say with authority that â¬ÜThe Missionâ¬" captures the essence of really flavoursome, freshly cooked food with enough of a chipotle kick (which is delicious by the way). The service was friendly and there was an abundance of everything your salivating heart could desire. Definitely recommended, especially for a healthy cheap eat.

Victoria Arms - Great location, poor menu by vegimari

vegimari — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:15:33 +0000

Review by vegimari

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 01865 241382

Tags: lively, family & home feel, british

What an amazing location. You can sit out by the river watching the swans and the ducks, or sit inside in this quaint traditional country pub.

The food, unfortunately, isnâ¬"t great, although, being a vegetarian with a preference for vegan dishes, thatâ¬"s academic as they donâ¬"t cater for vegans; the only possible options are 1) salad which virtually consists of lettuce and sliced onion or 2) a side order of chips! What caterers donâ¬"t consider is that, although vegans and people who are lactose intolerant together currently make up around 1.5% of the population, we do have friends! If vegans canâ¬"t eat in their restaurants then you could be losing out on from 2 to possibly 8 or more customers.

I donâ¬"t think it would take a huge imagination or effort to provide at least one vegan dish â¬ choose the vegan option well and youâ¬"ll find it sells really well â¬ to non-vegans! Give it a go; you might find it becomes a popular option.What an amazing location. You can sit out by the river watching the swans and the ducks, or sit inside in this quaint traditional country pub.

The food, unfortunately, isnâ¬"t great, although, being a vegetarian with a preference for vegan dishes, thatâ¬"s academic as they donâ¬"t cater for vegans; the only possible options are 1) salad which virtually consists of lettuce and sliced onion or 2) a side order of chips! What caterers donâ¬"t consider is that, although vegans and people who are lactose intolerant together currently make up around 1.5% of the population, we do have friends! If vegans canâ¬"t eat in their restaurants then you could be losing out on from 2 to possibly 8 or more customers.

I donâ¬"t think it would take a huge imagination or effort to provide at least one vegan dish â¬ choose the vegan option well and youâ¬"ll find it sells really well â¬ to non-vegans! Give it a go; you might find it becomes a popular option.

Jamie's Italian - I buy the food, not Jamie by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:14:55 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 83 83 83

Website: http://www.jamieoliver.com/italian/oxford

Tags: italian, lively, expensive

Jamie Oliver now sells scented candles amongst his other J'me' (geddit?) merchandise. In my unreasonable and decidedly stilted view that is reason enough to take all of his books, DVDs and all earthly traces of the man and burn them in a pyre. Ultimately he is a chef, a very good chef, possibly a great chef. As a chef, when you find yourself contemplating a range of candles, that is when your ladle should start to vibrate at warning frequency, and your hat wilt, because you are moving too far away from your true path. That said, its impossible not to feel some residing warmth for the sheer enthusiasm and apparent good nature of the guy. He probably gives all his candle profits to a home for retired kittens with poorly paws.

And on my visit to Jamie's in Oxford the evidence is that his food standards are still high enough to keep most people happy, including me. The decor is simple - sturdy furniture, not too closely packed in, which is just as well given that it is constantly stuffed with us eager Oxfordshire bumpkins eager to get close to objects which JO may have at one time looked at. The music is upbeat and noticeable, giving the whole place a buzzy feelgood youthful vibe. And the staff are plentiful and attentive. The place is child friendly too, with the staff apparently under clear instructions to welcome the pesky creatures, rather than shoot them on sight.

The food is interesting and wholesome. We had three starters - a vegetarian anti-pasto (delicious but a bit light for Â£6.50, a bread basket with olive oil and balsamic vinegar (did as much as could be expected with different breads, and a very interesting looking sausage papardelle(declared 'very good'). For main course we had grilled mackerel with crushed fennel, tomato and caper sauce. It was well cooked and delicious. The other adult main course was pumpkin and ricotta ravioli with rosemary sauce, which was very tasty, but ultimately a bit boring - it would have benefitted from less ravioli and something else, even if only a side salad, to offer a different sensation.

The kids food was, for ours at least, a step to close to fancy food. Admittedly it doesn't take much, but an option for very simple food still separated into its constituent ingredients is always a good menu option for boys! Desserts and coffees were all good - nothing too spectacular, but done well enough. A bit more froth on the cappucino would not have gone amiss, but that really is splitting hairs.

Pricewise it came ot about Â£23 per head per adult for three courses, not including drinks but could easily have been more. Overall I would go back with no qualms at all because the food was good, but I did feel that were the great man's moniker not attached to the place I would be paying 10-20% less. And then there is that candle issue...Jamie Oliver now sells scented candles amongst his other J'me' (geddit?) merchandise. In my unreasonable and decidedly stilted view that is reason enough to take all of his books, DVDs and all earthly traces of the man and burn them in a pyre. Ultimately he is a chef, a very good chef, possibly a great chef. As a chef, when you find yourself contemplating a range of candles, that is when your ladle should start to vibrate at warning frequency, and your hat wilt, because you are moving too far away from your true path. That said, its impossible not to feel some residing warmth for the sheer enthusiasm and apparent good nature of the guy. He probably gives all his candle profits to a home for retired kittens with poorly paws.

And on my visit to Jamie's in Oxford the evidence is that his food standards are still high enough to keep most people happy, including me. The decor is simple - sturdy furniture, not too closely packed in, which is just as well given that it is constantly stuffed with us eager Oxfordshire bumpkins eager to get close to objects which JO may have at one time looked at. The music is upbeat and noticeable, giving the whole place a buzzy feelgood youthful vibe. And the staff are plentiful and attentive. The place is child friendly too, with the staff apparently under clear instructions to welcome the pesky creatures, rather than shoot them on sight.

The food is interesting and wholesome. We had three starters - a vegetarian anti-pasto (delicious but a bit light for Â£6.50, a bread basket with olive oil and balsamic vinegar (did as much as could be expected with different breads, and a very interesting looking sausage papardelle(declared 'very good'). For main course we had grilled mackerel with crushed fennel, tomato and caper sauce. It was well cooked and delicious. The other adult main course was pumpkin and ricotta ravioli with rosemary sauce, which was very tasty, but ultimately a bit boring - it would have benefitted from less ravioli and something else, even if only a side salad, to offer a different sensation.

The kids food was, for ours at least, a step to close to fancy food. Admittedly it doesn't take much, but an option for very simple food still separated into its constituent ingredients is always a good menu option for boys! Desserts and coffees were all good - nothing too spectacular, but done well enough. A bit more froth on the cappucino would not have gone amiss, but that really is splitting hairs.

Pricewise it came ot about Â£23 per head per adult for three courses, not including drinks but could easily have been more. Overall I would go back with no qualms at all because the food was good, but I did feel that were the great man's moniker not attached to the place I would be paying 10-20% less. And then there is that candle issue...

Strada (Oxford) - Tasty food, friendly staff, happy families! by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:28:44 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 4.00

Tags: italian, lively, good value

First off I won't apologise. I have two boisterous young boys, who constantly slip out of their strait jackets when we dine out, and, yes occasionally they chew through their gags and make a noise as well.

Many British diners and restaurant staff seem shocked that a) children exist and b) they can be noisy. On the continent children seem to be positively welcomed at eateries, and thankfully this is the approach that Strada have adopted. I have eaten in both the Henley and Oxford branches now and the staff and atmosphere in both is great for families and adult diners alike.

Bizarrely, Strada Oxford was half empty on New Years Eve, when other restataurants around were packed out so we managed to get a booking on the day for 9 adults and 9 children. Perhaps its because its a newish branch, perhaps its because of the imminent end of the world as we know it. It certainly wasn't a fair reflection of the restaurant.

At very mid-range prices the food was generous and tasty italian style fare, with a good range for all. The kids had challenging amounts to consume, but went at it with gusto, joyfully smearing the rest on their faces, clothes, tables etc. The decor was smart with plenty of space between tables, leaving an airy feeling.

And the staff, as mentioned, were very busy, but efficient, and above all friendly. I know they were one member down on the night, but it didn't show in the service. The man who served us for most of the evening actually seemed to enjoy being there, which is an achievement when faced with nine gnashing kiddies. The mid range italian market in Oxford is very competitive, but on this evidence Strada will do more than compete. I think all present on New Years Eve will be back.First off I won't apologise. I have two boisterous young boys, who constantly slip out of their strait jackets when we dine out, and, yes occasionally they chew through their gags and make a noise as well.

Many British diners and restaurant staff seem shocked that a) children exist and b) they can be noisy. On the continent children seem to be positively welcomed at eateries, and thankfully this is the approach that Strada have adopted. I have eaten in both the Henley and Oxford branches now and the staff and atmosphere in both is great for families and adult diners alike.

Bizarrely, Strada Oxford was half empty on New Years Eve, when other restataurants around were packed out so we managed to get a booking on the day for 9 adults and 9 children. Perhaps its because its a newish branch, perhaps its because of the imminent end of the world as we know it. It certainly wasn't a fair reflection of the restaurant.

At very mid-range prices the food was generous and tasty italian style fare, with a good range for all. The kids had challenging amounts to consume, but went at it with gusto, joyfully smearing the rest on their faces, clothes, tables etc. The decor was smart with plenty of space between tables, leaving an airy feeling.

And the staff, as mentioned, were very busy, but efficient, and above all friendly. I know they were one member down on the night, but it didn't show in the service. The man who served us for most of the evening actually seemed to enjoy being there, which is an achievement when faced with nine gnashing kiddies. The mid range italian market in Oxford is very competitive, but on this evidence Strada will do more than compete. I think all present on New Years Eve will be back.

The Magic Cafe - Strange but strangely wonderful! by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 21:30:02 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 794604

Tags: vegetarian, good value, cheap eat

The magic cafe is as near as you can get to the green field at Glastonbury whilst being in an Oxford Coffee shop. Situated very much at the heart of Oxfords mystical golden triangle, the magic cafe proves that beauty and simplicty often go hand in hand. Serving 100% vegetarian food (not 100% vegan though) it may put some die hard carnivores off, and all the better for that I say. The crowd in there are interesting, lively, intellectual, the sort of people you'd probably like to have as your neighbours. The food is always wholesome, often healthy, but don't let that put you off - its very tasty and I often find myself going back for more. Very child friendly, student friendly and well worth a visit if you are in eat oxford. But make sure you know where it is before setting out. It can be hard to find if you don't know the area.The magic cafe is as near as you can get to the green field at Glastonbury whilst being in an Oxford Coffee shop. Situated very much at the heart of Oxfords mystical golden triangle, the magic cafe proves that beauty and simplicty often go hand in hand. Serving 100% vegetarian food (not 100% vegan though) it may put some die hard carnivores off, and all the better for that I say. The crowd in there are interesting, lively, intellectual, the sort of people you'd probably like to have as your neighbours. The food is always wholesome, often healthy, but don't let that put you off - its very tasty and I often find myself going back for more. Very child friendly, student friendly and well worth a visit if you are in eat oxford. But make sure you know where it is before setting out. It can be hard to find if you don't know the area.

La Cucina - Recommended to me, and lived up to it by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 21:17:39 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 793811

Tags: italian, lively, good value

The lovely Italian lady who lives down the road recommended La Cucina to me as the best authintic Italian food in Oxford. I'm not Italian so I have no idea how authentic it was, but it certainly hit the mark. I had a seafood salad in a bread basket which was superb and very big, always a winner with me. My partner is vegetarian and she found the menu a bit uninspiring. She had a pasta dish which, whilst very edible, was a bit more run of the mill in truth. Having said that the house red was veery drinkable and the staff were friendly and relaxed. Interestingly I saw a few italians dining there, so perhaps it really is authentic. If I could give this 4.5 stars I would, but it doesn't quite deserve 5 until veggie food is pepped up a bit. But we will definitely be going back. Very child friendly feel to the place, so we would take the kids as well.

Went back in on Saturday and it was full of people so word has obviously got around that this place is good. I'm glad - it deserves the successThe lovely Italian lady who lives down the road recommended La Cucina to me as the best authintic Italian food in Oxford. I'm not Italian so I have no idea how authentic it was, but it certainly hit the mark. I had a seafood salad in a bread basket which was superb and very big, always a winner with me. My partner is vegetarian and she found the menu a bit uninspiring. She had a pasta dish which, whilst very edible, was a bit more run of the mill in truth. Having said that the house red was veery drinkable and the staff were friendly and relaxed. Interestingly I saw a few italians dining there, so perhaps it really is authentic. If I could give this 4.5 stars I would, but it doesn't quite deserve 5 until veggie food is pepped up a bit. But we will definitely be going back. Very child friendly feel to the place, so we would take the kids as well.

Went back in on Saturday and it was full of people so word has obviously got around that this place is good. I'm glad - it deserves the success

Hi-Lo Jamaican Eating House - Late night beer, with possibility of food by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:39:33 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 3.00

Tags: lively, african & caribbean, friendly

This place is very very odd. If the Hi-Lo has a charm all of its own then it has fundamentally warped the idea of charm forever. The service whenever I have been swings between disinterested and hostile. I have not been on the receiving end of an unprovoked outburst but I have seen them enough to feel uncomfortable. People used to go here because it mysteriously stayed open very later than anywhere else, year after year. It possibly managed this on the vague promise that food might be purchased there. 99% of people were there for the Red Stripe, and nothing else so the scarcity of food didn't bother anyone. It now remains popular because it has become something of an Oxford rite of passage, and because it stays open even later! Not a glowing recommendation, but if you need late beer, its there and its always full of people with at least one shared interest.This place is very very odd. If the Hi-Lo has a charm all of its own then it has fundamentally warped the idea of charm forever. The service whenever I have been swings between disinterested and hostile. I have not been on the receiving end of an unprovoked outburst but I have seen them enough to feel uncomfortable. People used to go here because it mysteriously stayed open very later than anywhere else, year after year. It possibly managed this on the vague promise that food might be purchased there. 99% of people were there for the Red Stripe, and nothing else so the scarcity of food didn't bother anyone. It now remains popular because it has become something of an Oxford rite of passage, and because it stays open even later! Not a glowing recommendation, but if you need late beer, its there and its always full of people with at least one shared interest.

Longwall Beefeater & Travel Inn - great restaurant by ilovegoodfood

ilovegoodfood — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:39:07 +0000

Review by ilovegoodfood

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 779230

I reguarly visit the longwall beefeater for evening meals either with family or friends. The food is above standard for this sort of chain restaurant and the steaks are great.The menu is large and always wonder what to have this time round.The food is always served hot and at a good pace.The service is normally pretty good too.All in all an excellent meal.I highly recommend.I reguarly visit the longwall beefeater for evening meals either with family or friends. The food is above standard for this sort of chain restaurant and the steaks are great.The menu is large and always wonder what to have this time round.The food is always served hot and at a good pace.The service is normally pretty good too.All in all an excellent meal.I highly recommend.

Mimo Al Shami Lebanese Restaurant - Excellent food at ridiculously cheap prices by oogywawa

oogywawa — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:58:55 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 310066

Website: http://www.al-shami.co.uk

Tags: lively, lebanese, middle eastern

The Observer listed this as one of their Top 30 UK places to eat for Â£10. We spent an astronomical Â£14 each at this place and had 9 different dishes !!!

This spacious Lebanese favourite of Oxford town and gown gets stupidly busy later post 8pm but my advice is go early and fill your boots ! It opens all day from midday and the food is simple, full of flavour with a vast choice including a significantly large range of vegetarian dishes.

There are over 40 hot & cold starters and the best idea is to order a few and share. For "Mains" we opted for a selection of skewered meats from the charcoal grill and a particularly tasty cod fillet in hot sesame sauce.

Delicious, fresh, affordable, highly recommended...The Observer listed this as one of their Top 30 UK places to eat for Â£10. We spent an astronomical Â£14 each at this place and had 9 different dishes !!!

This spacious Lebanese favourite of Oxford town and gown gets stupidly busy later post 8pm but my advice is go early and fill your boots ! It opens all day from midday and the food is simple, full of flavour with a vast choice including a significantly large range of vegetarian dishes.

There are over 40 hot & cold starters and the best idea is to order a few and share. For "Mains" we opted for a selection of skewered meats from the charcoal grill and a particularly tasty cod fillet in hot sesame sauce.

Delicious, fresh, affordable, highly recommended...

The Oriental Condor - Outstanding food! Great place! by kspence

kspence — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:58:38 +0000

Review by kspence

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 250988

Tags: lively, chinese, good value

Itâ¬"s a pleasure to be able to recommend the Oriental Condor with five stars. It is without a doubt the best Chinese restaurant I have ever visited in this country â¬ I lived in London for a number of years and it quite literally knocks the spots off anything available in the more â¬Üfamousâ¬" restaurant districts of Soho and Chinatown (where tourists are abundant, repeat customers are rare and the food quality often seems to suffer as a result). But back to the Oriental Condor. Itâ¬"s an established restaurant, located fairly centrally in Oxford, with good-sized premises that despite a smallish-looking â¬Üshop frontâ¬" extend quite a way back from the street. The interior is very pleasant and light â¬ some of it is something like the inside of a conservatory, and itâ¬"s fitted out more like a modern cafÃ© than a traditional Chinese restaurant. The quality of the food and the cooking â¬ from the menu as well as the daily specials - is outstanding, absolutely excellent, and as well as the familiar dishes that visitors to Chinese restaurants in Britain will easily recognise there are also more...I donâ¬"t like to use the word â¬Üauthenticâ¬" in this context, but the various noodle and soup/dumpling options â¬ well, they pretty much are. If you're in Oxford and like Chinese food, you should visit it immediately. If I still lived anywhere near Oxford, I definitely would do.Itâ¬"s a pleasure to be able to recommend the Oriental Condor with five stars. It is without a doubt the best Chinese restaurant I have ever visited in this country â¬ I lived in London for a number of years and it quite literally knocks the spots off anything available in the more â¬Üfamousâ¬" restaurant districts of Soho and Chinatown (where tourists are abundant, repeat customers are rare and the food quality often seems to suffer as a result). But back to the Oriental Condor. Itâ¬"s an established restaurant, located fairly centrally in Oxford, with good-sized premises that despite a smallish-looking â¬Üshop frontâ¬" extend quite a way back from the street. The interior is very pleasant and light â¬ some of it is something like the inside of a conservatory, and itâ¬"s fitted out more like a modern cafÃ© than a traditional Chinese restaurant. The quality of the food and the cooking â¬ from the menu as well as the daily specials - is outstanding, absolutely excellent, and as well as the familiar dishes that visitors to Chinese restaurants in Britain will easily recognise there are also more...I donâ¬"t like to use the word â¬Üauthenticâ¬" in this context, but the various noodle and soup/dumpling options â¬ well, they pretty much are. If you're in Oxford and like Chinese food, you should visit it immediately. If I still lived anywhere near Oxford, I definitely would do.

Dancing Dragon - by worst_trip

worst_trip — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:03:22 +0000

Review by worst_trip

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 554475

Tags: takeaway, chinese

This Chinese restaurant also has an adjoining, spacious bar / sometime karaoke area on the premises. The Dancing Dragon tends to be popular with families with young children, and draws in the evening crowd of folk on office birthday outings, probably on account of the set prices for its all-you-can-eat menu - but unlike many of these sorts of places the food is well-cooked and of excellent quality. All-you-can-eat-ers serve themselves from a daily changing range of (mostly meat-based, though there are also a couple of vegetarian alternatives) main courses with seafood options, an array of saltily delicious deep-fried appetisers a small selection of desserts including fresh fruit. There is some free parking for patrons in the restaurantâ¬"s car-park - down the side-street on the left of the restaurant (be aware that you will encounter a one-way system on leaving the car park and find yourself in the street behind the restaurant) but a rather limited number of places if the place is busy, which it tends to be, during peak hours. Itâ¬"s a first-class restaurant of its type, and Iâ¬"d thoroughly recommend a visit.This Chinese restaurant also has an adjoining, spacious bar / sometime karaoke area on the premises. The Dancing Dragon tends to be popular with families with young children, and draws in the evening crowd of folk on office birthday outings, probably on account of the set prices for its all-you-can-eat menu - but unlike many of these sorts of places the food is well-cooked and of excellent quality. All-you-can-eat-ers serve themselves from a daily changing range of (mostly meat-based, though there are also a couple of vegetarian alternatives) main courses with seafood options, an array of saltily delicious deep-fried appetisers a small selection of desserts including fresh fruit. There is some free parking for patrons in the restaurantâ¬"s car-park - down the side-street on the left of the restaurant (be aware that you will encounter a one-way system on leaving the car park and find yourself in the street behind the restaurant) but a rather limited number of places if the place is busy, which it tends to be, during peak hours. Itâ¬"s a first-class restaurant of its type, and Iâ¬"d thoroughly recommend a visit.

Shanghai 30's - Dane by DANE

DANE — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:14:48 +0000

Review by DANE

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 242230

Website: http://www.shanghai30s.com

Tags: chinese, lively, romantic

Wonderful food excellent service uique venue. Best restaurant in Oxford, would go back!Wonderful food excellent service uique venue. Best restaurant in Oxford, would go back!

Cafe Rouge - Nice chain restaurant by Jongleur

Jongleur — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 22:14:34 +0000

Review by Jongleur

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 01865 310194

Website: http://www.caferouge.co.uk

Tags: french, bar, good value

With a Cafe Rouge you know what youâ¬"re getting â¬ generic French food and a reliably familiar decor. In the case of Cafe Rouge, of course, that decor is a bit crazy (do they really employ someone to travel the country painting those strange doodles on the walls of all their restaurants?). The food is good and occasionally excellent, especially the specials menu â¬ Iâ¬"ve had a great plate of snails in butter at this restaurant, which was a bit more adventurous than I was expecting from them. Service is very friendly and itâ¬"s usually busy but not overcrowded. Youâ¬"re not rushed and prices are pretty reasonable.With a Cafe Rouge you know what youâ¬"re getting â¬ generic French food and a reliably familiar decor. In the case of Cafe Rouge, of course, that decor is a bit crazy (do they really employ someone to travel the country painting those strange doodles on the walls of all their restaurants?). The food is good and occasionally excellent, especially the specials menu â¬ Iâ¬"ve had a great plate of snails in butter at this restaurant, which was a bit more adventurous than I was expecting from them. Service is very friendly and itâ¬"s usually busy but not overcrowded. Youâ¬"re not rushed and prices are pretty reasonable.

Edamame - Best Japanese food in the UK by Jongleur

Jongleur — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:08:45 +0000

Review by Jongleur

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 246916

Website: http://www.edamame.co.uk

Tags: japanese, family & home feel, crowded

This tiny restaurant in an Oxford backstreet serves the best Japanese food Iâ¬"ve ever eaten anywhere. Itâ¬"s a family setup and you are likely to be seated by the owner, then served food by his son thatâ¬"s fresh off the pan wielded by his wife :-) Opening hours vary on different days of the week and one night a week is sushi night so no hot food. No reservations are taken so get there early or youâ¬"ll be queuing by the door â¬ this isnâ¬"t the place for a long leisurely meal but perfect for lunch in town.

Food is gorgeous, my favourites are the pork teriyaki and their eponymous edamame, which is much, much better than youâ¬"ll get from any of the Japanese chains like Itsu, Wasabi or Wagamama. They also serve hot saki and cold Calpis (if you know your Calpis from your Calpico then youâ¬"re a real Japanese food aficionado!).This tiny restaurant in an Oxford backstreet serves the best Japanese food Iâ¬"ve ever eaten anywhere. Itâ¬"s a family setup and you are likely to be seated by the owner, then served food by his son thatâ¬"s fresh off the pan wielded by his wife :-) Opening hours vary on different days of the week and one night a week is sushi night so no hot food. No reservations are taken so get there early or youâ¬"ll be queuing by the door â¬ this isnâ¬"t the place for a long leisurely meal but perfect for lunch in town.

Food is gorgeous, my favourites are the pork teriyaki and their eponymous edamame, which is much, much better than youâ¬"ll get from any of the Japanese chains like Itsu, Wasabi or Wagamama. They also serve hot saki and cold Calpis (if you know your Calpis from your Calpico then youâ¬"re a real Japanese food aficionado!).

Restaurant Du Liban - Restaurant Du Liban by mbaldrick

mbaldrick — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:37:05 +0000

Review by mbaldrick

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 01865 242494

Tags: lebanese, lively, friendly

I haven't been for a while but used to go quite often. If you like Lebanese food then you will be happy at the resturant. I think the decor could do with a bit of help and like others have said be prepared to be enticed to belly dance.I haven't been for a while but used to go quite often. If you like Lebanese food then you will be happy at the resturant. I think the decor could do with a bit of help and like others have said be prepared to be enticed to belly dance.

Pizza Hut - Pizza Hut by mbaldrick

mbaldrick — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:33:12 +0000

Review by mbaldrick

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 01865 790089

Website: http://www.pizzahut.co.uk

Tags: italian, pizzeria, takeaway

Well you know what you are getting there. My only complaint is sometimes it can get extremely busy and therefore often the service can be a bit slow. Great for the kids but as I am not one I will go for Pizza elsewhere most of the time.Well you know what you are getting there. My only complaint is sometimes it can get extremely busy and therefore often the service can be a bit slow. Great for the kids but as I am not one I will go for Pizza elsewhere most of the time.

Chopsticks Chinese Restaurant - Chopsticks by mbaldrick

mbaldrick — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:30:03 +0000

Review by mbaldrick

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01865 725688

Tags: chinese, vegetarian dishes

I beg to differ with the previous review. I have been about 5 times (not recently I have to admit) and have yet to have a decent meal or decent service. If you want to go to a restaurant that serves all you can eat and cooked to order then I would recommend the Pink Giraffe on St Clements. I always found the food greasy and had to drink about 3 pints of water during night. The service was not better - it felt like if the waiters could throw the food at you they would. It would take a minor miracle for me to return to Chopsticks. Sorry but have to speak the truth.I beg to differ with the previous review. I have been about 5 times (not recently I have to admit) and have yet to have a decent meal or decent service. If you want to go to a restaurant that serves all you can eat and cooked to order then I would recommend the Pink Giraffe on St Clements. I always found the food greasy and had to drink about 3 pints of water during night. The service was not better - it felt like if the waiters could throw the food at you they would. It would take a minor miracle for me to return to Chopsticks. Sorry but have to speak the truth.

The Pink Giraffe Chinese Restaurant - The Pink Giraffe by mbaldrick

mbaldrick — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:23:59 +0000

Review by mbaldrick

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 01865 202787

Website: http://www.thepinkgiraffe.com

Tags: chinese, vegetarian, lively

I agree that the restaurant could do with a bit more room ro a few less tables crammed in the ground floor. The upstairs is quite nice and if you can reserve the window seat upstairs that was always my favourite. I used to go in on a very regular basis but after a run in with the owners brother I refused to return. However, my decision shouldn't stop others and I think for an all you can eat menu (although it may be a Â£1 or Â£2 more expensive than others) it is excellent. Unlike other "all you can eats" the food is cooked fresh to your order and is always piping hot. Can't beat the salt and pepper prawns!!I agree that the restaurant could do with a bit more room ro a few less tables crammed in the ground floor. The upstairs is quite nice and if you can reserve the window seat upstairs that was always my favourite. I used to go in on a very regular basis but after a run in with the owners brother I refused to return. However, my decision shouldn't stop others and I think for an all you can eat menu (although it may be a Â£1 or Â£2 more expensive than others) it is excellent. Unlike other "all you can eats" the food is cooked fresh to your order and is always piping hot. Can't beat the salt and pepper prawns!!

The Mission - The Mission by mbaldrick

mbaldrick — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:16:30 +0000

Review by mbaldrick

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 202016

Website: www.missionburritos.co.uk

Tags: mexican, american, good value

Is a hit with me. It is about time that we had a place in Oxford where you can get something other than sandwiches or burgers as a lunch take away. The food is about a fiver and what ever you order is more than enough to fill you up - espcially for lunch. The place is really small, and rather hot if it is warm outside but I usually get a take away. You can also get a frequent user card - which is a good idea and no one else in Oxford offers one as far as I am aware. One recommendation is for the "bowl" as they call it which is in fact a "box", this needs to be changed. Maybe they should use a bowl made out of an tortilla or something. Very reasonable.Is a hit with me. It is about time that we had a place in Oxford where you can get something other than sandwiches or burgers as a lunch take away. The food is about a fiver and what ever you order is more than enough to fill you up - espcially for lunch. The place is really small, and rather hot if it is warm outside but I usually get a take away. You can also get a frequent user card - which is a good idea and no one else in Oxford offers one as far as I am aware. One recommendation is for the "bowl" as they call it which is in fact a "box", this needs to be changed. Maybe they should use a bowl made out of an tortilla or something. Very reasonable.

Chiang Mai Kitchen - Lovely place by mbaldrick

mbaldrick — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:07:51 +0000

Review by mbaldrick

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 202233

Website: http://www.chiangmaikitchen.co.uk

Tags: thai, good value, crowded

I have been many times and have enjoyed the restaurant setting as much as anything. The food is very good, the Thai Green Curry is excellent but it is the hot soup like curry rather than the milder creamy type Thai Curry. Always enjoy their rice and starters also.I have been many times and have enjoyed the restaurant setting as much as anything. The food is very good, the Thai Green Curry is excellent but it is the hot soup like curry rather than the milder creamy type Thai Curry. Always enjoy their rice and starters also.