Good food in Oxford?

[Chunkychucky]

In my past 12 months in Oxford, i'm ashamed to say that the few times i've ventured into the town, I have been confronted by endless Asks, Pizza Expresses, Pizza Huts and whatever else you care to mention, with only the odd pub chain thrown in for good measure. I have had a couple of good meals at a Thai restaurant (the name escapes me), but was wondering if there was anywhere in town that serves fine European cuisine. Not really pub meals, more somewhere nice to go for an occaision, as all these restaurants are beginning to get a bit tiresome now... Any help appreciated.

[enioldjoe]

St Giles Cafe.

[Puggit]

Not quite in Oxford, but Le Manoir isn't bad

[fatboy b]

Puggit said:

Not quite in Oxford, but Le Manoir isn't bad

I've heard that too. Bit posh innit.

[Chunkychucky]

Been to Le Manoir once before, the food was rather good - some French bloke was working that day...


Haven't heard of St Giles, will be sure to check that out thanks

[anonymous-user]

There is a fabulous tapas bar off the roundabout at the end of the road that university college is on. Been a few times when visiting my sister, great tapas, great sangria and a cool atmosphere. Can't remember the name though...

[Chunkychucky]

bulldong said:

There is a fabulous tapas bar off the roundabout at the end of the road that university college is on. Been a few times when visiting my sister, great tapas, great sangria and a cool atmosphere. Can't remember the name though...

Hmmm that would be interesting to try, only ever been to couple of tapas restaurants before and would definitely be interested in trying more!

[0a]

Edamame - good value Japanese home cooking, absolutely delicious and one of the favourite 'affordable' lunch options when I lived there. They do some complex thing with servings/tables to keep quality high and value low that I never quite understood though. Look at the reviews here for more info http://www.edamame.co.uk/

Get up to Freud’s bar in Jericho. The food is okay (as good as the chains, Pizza etc), but the building and décor is stunning (a former church), the cocktails are good. http://www.freud.eu/cgi-bin/shop/page.cgi?file=bar...

Grand Café – nice brunch and just a nice old school institution. You can't go wrong: http://www.thegrandcafe.co.uk/

In the summer, sit outside in the courtyard at the Old bank hotel and enjoy their cocktails and a snack. http://www.oldbank-hotel.co.uk/main

I hope that helps! You have no excuse as there are so many places to eat aside from the usual chains.

Edit: I ignored your requirements entirely, try http://www.gees-restaurant.co.uk/

Edited by 0a on Sunday 9th October 17:54

[anonymous-user]

Chunkychucky said:

Hmmm that would be interesting to try, only ever been to couple of tapas restaurants before and would definitely be interested in trying more!

Sorry, not tapas, Moroccan food, but served in dishes like tapas... still v nice and good price. http://www.kazbar.co.uk/

[Chunkychucky]

0a said:

Edamame - good value Japanese home cooking, absolutely delicious and one of the favourite 'affordable' lunch options when I lived there. They do some complex thing with servings/tables to keep quality high and value low that I never quite understood though. Look at the reviews here for more info http://www.edamame.co.uk/

Get up to Freud’s bar in Jericho. The food is okay (as good as the chains, Pizza etc), but the building and décor is stunning (a former church), the cocktails are good. http://www.freud.eu/cgi-bin/shop/page.cgi?file=bar...

Grand Café – nice brunch and just a nice old school institution. You can't go wrong: http://www.thegrandcafe.co.uk/

In the summer, sit outside in the courtyard at the Old bank hotel and enjoy their cocktails and a snack. http://www.oldbank-hotel.co.uk/main

I hope that helps! You have no excuse as there are so many places to eat aside from the usual chains.

Edit: I ignored your requirements entirely, try http://www.gees-restaurant.co.uk/

Edited by 0a on Sunday 9th October 17:54

Excellent list there, should keep my pals and I busy for a while! Thanks!


And as for the Moroccan place a friend of mine has been and says it was a nice change, and the food was good, so will have to try that too..

[Mobile Chicane]

0a said:

Edit: I ignored your requirements entirely, try http://www.gees-restaurant.co.uk/

Edited by 0a on Sunday 9th October 17:54

Sorry - anywhere but there.

My roast partridge was dried out and tough. The 'conservatory' is cold and draughty.

[Liokault]

Try Portobello in Little claringdon Street, my favourite Sunday Afternoon hang out.

[SammyW]

Not exactly fine food, but Pie Minister in the covered market is bloody brilliant!

[Dr_Rick]

Go to the Chinese called SoJo. Just let the guy there create a menu for you. It's well worth it. He'll ask a couple of questions as to what you like / don't like and he'll come back with some plates.

Not too pricey either.

Dr Rick

[egomeister]

Chunkychucky said:

Excellent list there, should keep my pals and I busy for a while! Thanks!


And as for the Moroccan place a friend of mine has been and says it was a nice change, and the food was good, so will have to try that too..

Edamame is great, although I don't think you can book so be prepared to queue outside for a table!