The Water Margin in West Oxfordshire

I have been a fairly regular customer for several years and have had some really nice food . Unfortunately last week when I ordered the food was not good . I had crispy duck which was not crispy and totally tasteless , the rice was pale , boiled but not that you could tell fried, the singapore noodles were tasteless and almost no meat or spice etc added and the spring rolls tasted like they had been fried in last years oil. Please change your chef so I can come back !

Excellent, very tasty food. Very efficient service, it was ready for collection. Great value. Definitely use again. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Half the order was wrong. The other half cooked in dirty oil. The food was taken back and a refund was asked for. This was refused because one bite was taken out of the pork ball. We will never ever order from here again

Speechless! The best Chinese I have had. So we've all had beef and black bean sauce, but the water margin they offer fillet steak in black bean sauce, complete game changer! the best beef and black bean I've ever eaten.

Been coming here for year. Friendly staff, amazing menu and super service. You won’t find a better tasting Chinese restaurant in the area. Well done guys

Had a takeaway and it was disappointing, beef and black bean was tasteless and fried rice I would swear was just boiled rice that had only looked at a wok for a second.

Amazing food as always, Jenny ( the owner ) is a great host. Unlike other Chinese restaurants you don't get bloated on the food. I had a potion of crispy duck pancakes for one. Best duck in the town. Plenty continents, spring, onion, cucumber, hoisin sauce. The duck was cook beautifully. Thank you

No longer a restaurant, open as a take away. Made a detour from to go there specially. Nope. Wanted a sat down meal. Disappointed as I loved the food when I lived locally.

We have recently moved in to the area and wanted to order a Chinese meal to share with family this evening. I’m so glad I found The Water Margin. Very helpful advice over the phone and friendly welcome when I called in to collect the food. Everyone loved the meal - very tasty and the vegetarian dishes were very good. We will certainly be black. Thank you!

I was staying in Witney with my family for the weekend and fancied a Chinese so we had a look round on the internet and found this place, we ordered quite a bit of food and we thoroughly enjoyed the meal and you received lots of good too. Do recommend.

We just had the most amazing food from this wonderful take away restaurant The Watermargin in Witney. Our first time and I’ve never had such wonderful food. The Mongolian Lamb was just excellent, we have travelled all over the world and eaten and we have never had such good chinese food anywhere- and we go to a lot of high end and michellin star restaurants. I also suffer from many allergies. The food was exceptional and the staff kindly were so careful and understanding about all my allergies. Highly recommend this place. Wonderful people too! Superb thank you!

What is there to say but that a meal at Jenny’s is an event, not just something to fill your belly (it does that too, and very tastily) Great food, wonderful People, nothing is ever a problem. Impromptu quizzes are a bonus! Don’t forget the deep fried tofu with chillis (they are the red bits), salt and garlic. Dare I say its better than chips? TSINGTOOOOOAAAAAAAA!

I ordered crispy chilli beef and Singapore rice noodles. The food was edible but the beef was covered in a tomato sauce, similar to a pasta sauce, and the noodles had no seasoning or flavour at all. Usually crispy chilli beef is spicy and Singapore noodles is curry/chilli flavour. Disappointing

We came across The Water Margin a few years ago, as it sits discreetly. We were so impressed with our find. The owner/server Jenny knows everything about the menu and dishes on offer - and explains thoroughly without even having to ask. Food is all prepared to order and is so fresh, flavoursome and full of authentic flavours. It is hard to find a Chinese alacarte restaurant, and this one is for sure the best Chinese food we have ever had. Recently returned all the way from Scotland and it was exactly as we remembered. Looking forward to returning in the near future.

Had a few days around the Cotswolds and discovered the Water Margin in Witney. Messaged before we left to check they could accommodate dietary requirements and to book a table (restaurant is small so definitely book). Jen was very reassuring and talked us through what could and couldn't be done gluten free (no red sauce or curry, but most other things could be tweaked). We ordered chicken balls with sweet and sour sauce, crispy chilli beef (slightly adjusted sauce), Special Yung chow fried rice (substituted char Sui pork for duck), chips and prawn crackers. Tamari sauce was on the table when we arrived instead of soy sauce, and they had gluten free oyster sauce too. Couldn't finish it all. Very reasonable price and obviously a big hit with the locals as they were packed with people collecting their take aways

Made very welcomed by Jen & Roz. Service was efficient & plenty per portion. Highly recommended for anyone. Have as much chilli as you wish.

We love the Water Margin and regularly order from them. We love the crispy shredded beef and a sticky lemon chicken. Their chow Mein is excellent and I love that it is not greasy at all.m

What a find! As a newly diagnosed diabetic I was worried about the amount of sugar in Chinese food so asked for the dish with the least amount. With no hesitation they said that I could order any dish without sugar as everything was freshly cooked - wow! And I didn’t miss the sugar - had the fillet beef with ginger and spring onion and it was incredible. The beef was so tender and I would definitely go back for that.

£35 for two meals unfortunately most of it went in the bin. The chicken in multiple dishes was all dry and stringy, either overcooked or poor quality meat. Was like chewing on leather and had to go in the bin. The sources were thick and almost like jelly, again like over cooked or pre heated to within an inch of its life. Noodles were great, no complaints there at all, and staff were very friendly and pleasant. we wouldn’t go back, disappointed as it has fantastic reviews so was looking forward to it.

Without fail the best in Witney. Amazing food. Lovely staff. Always happy to help and recommend new dishes. Try the ribs done in garlic and chilli ... WOW!

The Water Margin came recommended by friends of ours, so it was on our list to visit during our recent trip to the Cotswolds. We were very glad we went! The food was fantastic, and the lady who served us (I think she was the owner, and I'm sorry I've forgotten her name!) was so helpful and personable. This place is a gem!

Visited the Water Margin for the first time for a few years for a take away last night. The staff were very friendly explained the contents for allergies etc. The portions were very big. They tasted great and hot. Will definitely be returning. The phone...

Lovely takeaway food, this is our families favourite Chinease takeaway. Brilliant friendly service. Looking foreword to eating in the restaurant soon.

Ordered a takeaway yesterday as staying on a visit to Cotswold with family. The food was all delicious and no complaints in that department. The only issue was that it was very expensive and the discount being offered in all other restaurants Mon to Wed...

Always tastes so fresh and arrives hot! Staff lovely. Salt and Pepper Chicken pieces and shredded chilli beef is worth a try!

Lovely quirky little place, the staff are really friendly and the variety of different freshly produced meals was wonderful to share.

After reading trip advisor reviews, we thought we would try this takeaway. It’s safe to say it will be our first and last visit! Chicken was chewy and tasted like it had been re heated. Crispy beef was bland and tasteless. The meal left us...

Excellent food served by a very friendly lady who was greeting most customers by name as they came through the dot Only reason not five stars was my boiled rice was definitely Luke warm by the time got it back to our guesthouse and needed...

Was lucky to get late booking for a table for the Monday night's cook to order from their eat as much menu. Plenty of prawn, meat and vegetarian dishes to choose from too. Jenny and staff helpful. Jenny gave helpful suggestions re. portion sizes and...

After reading the reviews thought we’d better try it out. Ordered our favourite dishes and to be totally honest, food was average. Portion sizes were small for the money. Certainly did not live up to the hype or people who have reviewed do not eat...

Love this food and service so much. The salt chilli garlic beancurd has now become my deathrow meal....

Best Chinese ever. Nothing is to much trouble will sort dietary needs and if you ask will even do slimming world style and Jenny will let you know how many syns it is. Love this place x

Camping in the area so found this place on trip advisor so thought we would give it a try so glad we did food very good service was excellent allergy information very good not a lot of tables so be sure to book as it...

Unpretentious Chinese restaurant, offering takeaways and a small restaurant. We were very well looked after in the restaurant, and they were excellent with regards to my wife's dietary issues (gluten, potatoes and potato starch). Clearly a busy and popular place. Nice food.

Seemed to be the nearest Chinese takeaway to where we were caravanning - and after checking trip advisor for all of the other Chinese food outlets around Witney this seemed to have the highest rating. Our plan was to order a takeway and take it...

Having moved away from the area I recently returned to The Water Margin. I couldn't wait to get in there and taste again the most delicious food that is served there. Even though it had been 8 months since I had been in, I was...

Been to the water margin several times with friends on a Monday night!! This was a friends birthday meal! The food as usual was excellent and has never disappointed!! You have to book weeks in advance now because it's so popular and it's not difficult...

Absolutely delicious meal out with family. Lovely atmosphere and nothing too much trouble for the staff. Advise booking.

Had a takeaway from here during the last week . Friendly staff served our order very quickly . Salt and Pepper chicken strips were very tasty

Very good food I had the garlic chips with sweet and sour chicken and chilli beef would recommend excellent value for money

Found this gem 3 years ago,after a day at cheltenham ,been back each year since.excellent food,great service,value for money.staff are superb.wish we lived nearby. Well done 👍

We decided to try here as I had read lots of good reviews, especially about the availability of gluten free options. I haven't had a Chinese since I became gluten intolerant 3 years ago and was nervous having been 'glutened' recently at a Thai restaurant who assured my food didn't have gluten in, and then clearly did. However, I had no need to worry because from entering the restaurant I felt looked after and my intolerance taken seriously. The restaurant is small and cosy - would recommend booking at the weekend. I think the lady that served us mainly was the owner. She brought tamari sauce over for me to use and made a special dipping sauce for the prawn crackers. I was guided through the menu and we had suggestions made - was so happy there was lots I could eat. We had crispy chicken strips and ribs to start, and crispy chilli beef and king prawns with ginger and spring onion for mains. All the dishes were really delicious, well presented and cooked well. They made me a special sauce for the beef which was just as good as the original. The service was excellent and I felt really confident in their knowledge of allergies. And the proof was I was fine after eating there! I am so happy to have found somewhere I can now trust and will be back to eat there again soon.

Visited Friday 8/2/19 with a friend from Witney area what a quirky little restaurant but hosts were great, food was fantastic we shared a quarter duck for starters that was lovely then had a variety of mains , That were top notch the 3 of us had no complaints at all the dipping sauce was world class and I would buy if it was bottled. We were told how to make it So will be trying it out. Lastly but not least we were treated to an impromptu quiz overall we had a fantastic night would recommend this place if you are in the area.

Took our son, for an experience having not been for a few years, nothing changes, Food still excellent, service great if not quirky. If you want high quality surroundings and all that goes with it, this is not for you. If you want good quality food cooked to your tastes with down to earth service this place is spot on.

A party of 6 of us had decided to spend the weekend in the Oxford area. We stayed in a nearby hotel and discovered the Water Margin on Trip Advisor and booked based on the excellent reviews we had read. We were certainly not disappointed. The food was of a very high quality and included a number of unusual dishes which were recommended by the owner and were delicious. The restaurant is very small and quirky and you feel as if you are sitting in someone's front room, but this all added to the experience. One of our party was a vegetarian but the owner pulled out all the stops to make sure she got as much variation as the rest of us. If we ever stay in the area again we will certainly be returning to the Water Margin!

The friendly, accommodating staff gave the place such a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant was full of locals who clearly had been there before so I knew this meant the food would be great. It was ! Crispy Chilli Beef was the best I’ve had (of many I assure you) and the portions were generous - however it was so good I had to finish it off ! I am now on my way home to sleep it all off !!!

My husband and I went to The Water Margin for dinner. Our first visit. What an amazing friendly place and the food is superb. Beautiful authentic Chinese food . The lady who served us was was so lovely and extremely funny too. Her recommendations we spot on.

Used trip advisor for the recommendation, don't let the facade of a takeaway put you off, it's not posh or wow, but food is very nice, staff very attentive and accomadating, would return when next in area.

Have come to the Water Margin for many years and unlike anywhere else in Witney it’s standards have never dropped! Had a takeaway two weeks ago and have never tasted such amazing food, I had a prawn and garlic sauce and it was so flavourful, everyone else thoroughly enjoyed their meal, the reception is always warm like walking in to talk to family and you can see why their eat all you can deal on a Monday is so popular

I highly recommend this place . Even though we live in Swindon we have been coming here for 25 years. The food is amazing and the staff are so friendly and helpful in every way. It is a lovely small restaurant. In Monday's they do all you can eat for £17,50 and if you eat all what you order you get 10% of your bill. If you do go here I recommend you book in advance . This place is always fully booked especially Monday's and weekends so please book before hand.

The food was very disappointing, tasteless - especially for the amount of money you are paying. There was a low selection of food. It was cold and very dry. The staff was unfriendly and couldn’t care less. I was sick when I got home and definitely know I have food positioning as a result of this disgusting experience. Gone off McDonalds would have had better than Water Margin food. Don’t go there if you value your taste buds and overall well-being.

Visited with family last nigh, found this gem through trip advisor. It’s a short 5 minute walk from the town centre. Small restaurant, in an old building. The welcome we received was very warm and friendly, staff are amazing they know the menu and ingredients inside out, talked me through everything on the menu that was gluten free, and the stuff they could do for me. As a celiac anything in a restaurant deep fried in batter is usually off limits - not here! Deep fried gluten free chicken balls - amazing! Lovely people, good food, you won’t be disappointed.

Absolutely beautiful food happy friendly staff nothing was too much trouble happy to adapt our meals to suit our taste will definitely be going back soon

When with friends Marco etc and had some of the best Chinese food in this area it is excellent as for the service nothing was too much trouble and the lady who served us was nothing sort of fantastic I would have no worry about recommending this restaurant to anybody well worth it (well done to all)

This is the best Chinese restaurant I've ever eaten AT. The owner is absolutely lovely, and will sit with you as you order to offer recommendations and advise on any allergens etc. in the food.

Three of us popped in on the off chance. Great to find an unpretentious restaurant serving delicious, tasty food. We had the set meal for three and loved every dish. Great service. Thank you

The title says it all the food is absolutely fantastic, it is cooked to perfection and tweaked if there is something you don't like even the spring rolls are freshly made to order. If you like Chinese then this is the only place to eat sit down or takeaway it can't be beaten.

Three of us ordered a takeaway on Saturday night, restaurant was busy. Had a mixture of dishes, gorgeous ribs, meat literally fell off the bone. Dumplings are always a favourite and my friend raved about her chow mein. Can't go wrong.

Easily the best Chinese in Witney. Delicious. Get the deep fried prawns with chilli and garlic. Mmmmmmm.

Not a pretentious restaurant at all. The service is great and the food's better. Plenty of choice for vegetarians.

Ate here on a Wednesday evening, at about 6.30 and were lucky to get a table. Full of locals who all obviously eat there regularly and know the owner, Jenny, very well. Lots of hearty conversation befween diners and Jenny whenever she was in the room. It’s like eating in someone’s front room really, so not for you if you like a posh restaurant atmosphere. A little background music for when Jenny not in the room could be helpful to create a bit of atmosphere. Food was great and plentiful. Jenny was over attentive and helpful. When a place is full of locals who obviously return over and over, you know it’s gonna be ok! We did have duck starter and 4 dishes, with a soft drink, meal was almost £48,so not cheap, but good food so we didn’t mind. A little heater to keep it warm would have been good as food was plentiful and time could be taken to eat it all! Overall a good experience and we would head there again if in the area.

Just had the worst Chinese meal ever.Had mixed platter Spring rolls were soggy inside,Curry puffs I think other people call them Samosas.Also had Chicken Satay???,Dark brown sauce if you like sugar and garlic and stringy chicken order these.Had Crispy Mongolian Lamb with letuce wraps and hoisin sauce.Lamb was borderline burnt hoisin sauce had lots of garlic.We will not be back if you like CHINESE FOOD DO NOT GO HERE.

Birthday Meal with 6 adults (1gluten free!) and a toddler! Great service. Welcoming. And the food ..... Amazing. You can’t get better anywhere!

This restaurant is an experience not to be missed!!

A small but well run place with jen keeping a firm hand on the tiller. I loved the food and my partner who had spent several years in the far east thought it was good Chinese food.

We were really impressed by this Anglo-Chinese restaurant - they serve typical Chinese food that you might expect in the UK. However, everything was freshly prepared and delicious. On a Monday they do a eat-as-much-as-you-like-off-the-menu for £17.50 per head, but you get a 10% reduction if you finish everything (it just encourages people not to be silly). The service was absolutely brilliant and couldn't be faulted; the owner even held our baby for a few minutes so that we could eat our starters baby-free (they weren't busy at the time). I would highly recommend booking in advance, especially on a Monday!

We got there when it opened on a Sunday, to a warm welcome by the female proprietor. The service was excellent and the food perfect. If you want top notch decor, it won't be for you, but if you want great, freshly cooked food, generous portions, friendly service and all at reasonable prices, then this is the place.

We always call in when in the area, in our opinion certainly better than any Chinese locally. The food is amazing, fresh and hot the service is so friendly, good atmosphere lovely place. Don't be fooled by appearance or you'll certainly be missing out!! Well done guys, looking forward to visiting again next year!!

As someone who has frequented the Water Margin for many years it just gets better and better. Jenny is a wonderful hostess, will advise on food and get something special made if required.

Totally delicious and cooked from fresh. Mongolian Lamb was beautiful, ribs had some much meat on them that fell off the bone, chicken in garlic chilli sauce beautiful and even the prawn crackers were so light and fresh. Won't be going anywhere else from now on.

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I have been visiting this restaurant for over 25 years and it's never changed, the food is amazing, friendly atmosphere to

This place is amazing. I was with a group of 13 that went on an all you can eat Monday!!! Jen provides such a warm welcome. All the food you can eat, cooked to order from the menu!!! It was all amazing, salt and chilli ribs, wings, crispy duck, Singapore noodles, spicy king prawns, all outstanding. All of our group had a brilliant experience. Highly recommended!!!

Loved this place. Great freshly cooked food at a reasonable price. The star of the show is Jen the host. Ignore comments about needing updating. Not enough words to describe how lovely this place is. Just go and enjoy it!

As the title says Looks can be deceptive when you pull up outside of the Water Margin. The food on the other hand is truly fantastic and definitely recommended.

Went to Water Margin last night, table of 7. We told Jen what kind of food we liked and how much we wanted to spend. It was marvellous, the selection of dishes were perfect. Thank you for helping us celebrate Friday night 0;)

We travelled here from Southampton as we're going to a wedding the day after. We chose this place because of the reviews as we're not familiar with the area. We must admit we almost turned away as we approached because it just looked like a house from the outside. But we were so glad we went in. The staff were so friendly. Everything was explained to us, we were warned that the food we had ordered had chilli's in them and were told we could request without chillis if wished but we wanted to eat the meals as it was meant to be served. The food was so delicious, the hot food really was hot and we liked that. The portions are very generous, we couldn't even finish. If we weren't staying in a hotel we would have taken the leftovers home (we love Chinese food the next day!). Although the food was familiar Chinese food, you could tell it was homemade because it didn't taste like every other place you go (pretty much all Chinese takeaway / restaurants taste the same). They had their own take on it and we liked that. We cannot fault this place, we loved it, especially the staff!

The owner is always very kind and welcoming.Food is very good, and definitely affordable.I would suggest a refreshing on the dining area, just a bit updated.

Being up for a wedding in Northmoor and needing a meal for eleven of us we found this wonderful restaurant.Dont be fooled by the ordinary frontage and interior',the food is excellent and beautifully prepared.The service is relaxed and nothing was too much effort for our host.Highly recommended Great food x

The best Chinese food in the area, and the Water Margin is always so friendly and relaxed. We were a group of six and decided to leave the menu choices to them. For £15 per head we had crispy duck, pork ribs & prawn toast to start and then 6 fabulous mains with rice and noodles. More than we could eat but they happily gave us takeaway boxes so we could take the rest home. Total bill for 6 people with at least 4 rounds of drinks was under £150. Great value, great food, great service!

What a great place, felt like having a great meal in your own dining room. Food was fantastic, bent over backwards to make sure that all tastes were looked after.What really makes the place is Jen, what a great hostess, looked after us all evening, had great banter and was spot on with her suggestions.

Lovely hosts, hadnt booked, walked right in and had a table ready, prawn crackers given straight away, really helpful and friendly service, food was very yummy and speedy, plenty to choose from and cooked to our requirements. Really pleasant visit, would go again for sure!!

beef in black bean sauce really really nice compare to couple of month ago. and the chicken satay is very nice as well. i normally visit there once a week and now i visit there 3/4 times per week. i think they have changed a new chef that is why the food is more flavour than before. very thank you.

Jen is an absolutely delightful host, from the 1st time I visited she made me feel welcome. I cannot say how many times we've eaten here now at least a half dozen, but it is wonderful. The food is always fresh, wonderfully cooked, full of flavour, cooked to requirements, you can also order a half portion which is great if you like to try a few different dishes. I really love visiting here, it isn't the most glamorous of establishments but it doesn't need to be. The atmosphere & friendliness is worth more than decor, plus the food is always a pleasure. 26a crispy chicken & cashews is a dish I've not come across anywhere else, it is delightful & extremely tasty too!

Hadn't booked (Wednesday evening) very pleasant, friendly lady said to give her a few moments she would be able to fit us in. All tables taken. Didn't wait long to be seated. Wondered as they were very busy would have to wait a while for for our order to be taken, this was not the case. Were given hot plates, a delay before our choices arrived on plastic plates so unfortunately had to eat quickly as the food cooled rapidly. Did enjoy the meal and also banter from the proprietress. An interesting and varied menu, something for everyone.

We went to the Water Margin after we moved to witney in April 3016 and haven't been back since.Mediocre food, interior decoration that you would expect to see in homes under hammer BEFORE they start the renovations, cramped interior, and two of the largest loudest servers who seem to take great delight in trying to outshout each other.Was recommended this place by an Asian lady who is now NOT my friend.Better places than this exist.

5 · Went there tonight for my stepsons birthday meal, fantastic service from Jen and her staff, amazing amounts of food which we couldn't finish so we were offered a doggy bag to take with us which we gladly took, will definitely be going back, best chinese i've ever been to.

Went here for dinner tonight, small restaurant seating 30.Food was good, would happily return but nothing really 'wowed us'.Service was good, drinks expensive

Visited Witney this week and had a takeaway from the Water Margin. Served right away by friendly staff, food was prepared quickly and wasn't expensive. The food was one of the better Chinese takeaways I have had in a while. Very tasty and well prepared.

Been here couple of times now.... The standard of food is excellent .....one of the BEST chineses we have ever tasted.....service too was excellent , and Jenny , the waitress , is lovely,, nothing is too much trouble ,very friendly lovely service.... Will DEFINATELY be back ...

Out with friends and this was the only Chinese siting restaurant that we know of in Witney, on going in the place looks very old , the man behind the counter had traky bottoms on with paint on them, the floor looked a mess and there kids where playing in the bar , we almost did not go in the restaurant part, but we did and O my god , got the seat in my hand and it was all sticky, on the plus side the food was good , but think the environmental health must have white sticks in Witney ,when we payed the new man behind the bar must have been for a jog as he was dripping wet with sweat

Fast and friendly service amazing food they were ready to close but stayed open for us we were a party of 5 great night with great friends and food will Deffo be back if in the area again

The food here is superb. It serves simply the best Chinese food in the area. We always take out as the restaurant decor isn't great, and have never had a bad meal. The prawn in black bean is excellent as the prawns are always succulent, and fresh chillies bring the mouth alive. Love it!

We visited, based on reviews, whilst on holiday on the Monday night all you can eat offer and weren't disappointed. The selection of food was great and excellent value for money. It arrived quickly and was piping hot, couldn't pick the ribs up! All the staff we really friendly, wonderful experience! Well done you've got it just right! If you're wanting posh, this isn't the place for you. It's small and relaxed, we had walking attire on and didn't feel out of place. Hidden gem, you won't be disappointed if you just want excellent food and a friendly service!

Amazing range of fantastic food to either eat in or take away. Great choices for vegetarians. Friendly staff, reasonable prices.

Oh my world. All you can eat chinese on a Monday night. We tried so many dishes -all expertly cooked. Well we surprised ourselves and ate everything we ordered to get 10% off but paid them anyway. Food was excellent as was the service. Absolutely fantastic and would highly recommend

Wonderfull Chinese Restraunt with owners and staff that look after your needs,good food again!! Might have to review it every Monday Night thank you again for a great night.

Excellent food, friendly staff, clean and tidy, great prices too. The garlic chicken wings are amazing as is the rest of the food. 5 star service.

All ways a warm welcome & the menu is extensive. The decor is somewhat tiered but the food makes up for that.

Lisa who owns the place is absolutely lovely. We went for a family meal here and she was so attentive and amazing with the children.The food is great, good quality and good selection.