The best restaurants in Summertown Oxford South East

We were looking forward to a Valentines Evening at Joe’s - we had even paid for it upfront after enjoying a number of evenings at Joes before. We booked well in advance as we wanted to ensure we had a nice booth. Yes, we were a bit later than originally booked, but I had phoned ahead to let the team know. However, when we arrived we found that our booth had been given to someone else. The maitre d showed us to a small table for 2, I pointed out that we booked a booth and noted on their table plan my name against a booth with our original time. He informed us that the guy in the other couple had the same name and that “they had already started eating”. Which frustratedly I informed him that I was afraid that was their issue, this was then rectified, but felt embarrassing as this was all played out in the middle of the restaurant. Throughout the evening the team seemed stressed and overwhelmed. Then with the menu, we were informed that the prawn and avocado cocktail was no longer available, this was a favourite of my wife’s. But the starters were ok when served. We had both gone for the pie option as main course, it wasn’t the most amazing choice available given it was Valentine’s Day. When the pie arrived, once you broke through the puff pastry and the steam cleared we found a small covering of filling in the bottom of the bowl. The handful of accompanying green beans were not much to go with anything, my wife had already been told that there was no mash to go with the pie (odd given there was sweet potato mash accompanying the venison). My wife had had enough. The pie was very disappointing and we asked for another main course - which we reverted back to what we know at Joes - Burger & Chips - not romantic, but a safe bet we thought. However, burger was very basic, not to the standard we had there before. Whether that was because it was a replacement order rather than a main order which would have had more time taken. All while this was going on, the band started, a tribute to The Sylistics - something we were looking forward to and the reason we booked it. But unfortunately again, disappointing, as singers they were mediocre and one was particularly poor. The music was enough to keep it going but we were very disappointed with the quality. We did take to the floor to try and make the most of it and there was a bit of a positive atmosphere building up as others started to dance on the impromptu small dancefloor. But then the band decided take a break, strange as it was picking up pace and going somewhere. This was when we decided to make our move and head home. Seemed to be the other couples also decided that this break was their opportunity to leave too. We had paid in full, in advance and overall had a very disappointing evening. It is not something we will be doing again at Joes, in fact we will not be going back at all. We believe that it was also overpriced for what was a mediocre evening and expected more based on how it was presented to us when we booked. Very Disappointed.

No porridge left at breakfast time. Only jam with toast no marmalade. Expresso coffee freezing cold.

Services was okay, the guys was rushing for us to order and waiter will come over to keep the rice bucket even before we finish the food and will scoop the rice for you. Sweet and sour pork the best I would say. Others are still okay.

Qué pequeño hallazgo increíble 😁 el personal es tan amable y acogedor. Había un grupo largish de nosotros y el personal no podría ser más servicial. Lo recomendaría a cualquier persona local o que visite por igual

Este lugar sirve algunos platos increíbles que realmente capturan la esencia de su rica cultura. El ambiente es acogedor y vibrante, por lo que es un gran lugar para reuniones. El servicio era atento, aunque un poco lento durante las horas punta. Los precios son razonables para la calidad que obtiene. En general, una experiencia encantadora que me hizo volver por más!

The dirtiest coffee shop I’ve ever visited. Upon entering I noticed 3cm of dust everywhere, as well as in the air conditioners, the toilets were shockingly dirty, there was also mould on the walls and trays with dirty plates on most of the tables. On top of that my order was wrong, instead of oat milk I had whole milk in my coffee. They changed it immediately but didn’t rinse the jug where that have made oat chocolate before that. I won’t be visiting again.

Vegan: no! 😢 Their placard advertises Hot Breakfast. I asked for the vegan option and was offered Salmon, then sausages, then eggs! On saying for the third time Vegan and explaining, was told that wasn't an option.

¡Considera cuidadosamente antes de ordenar! Pedí gambas reales con salsa Assam (creo). Incluía casi una cebolla entera apenas cocida, unos trocitos de piña 2 frijoles picados y unas gambas. Costó £ 14 y tenía que pedir arroz por separado.

So this place doesn't have the atmosphere or decor of a Breton creperie but we were really impressed with the savoury crepes. Its straightforward and reasonable value. I was specially impressed that they had a decent range of vegan sweet and savoury crepes as well as standard ones. I enjoyed one from the vegan selection that included spinach, tomatoes and vegan cheese along with a generous helping of smashed avocado on top. My partner enjoyed a vegetarian offering with goats cheese, confit onion, spinach and walnuts. A good choice of hot and cold drinks. The only thing lacking that we would have liked to see on the menu is a side salad to accompany our crepes. I would happily return when in Summertown.

La comida muy buena y el servicio era genial, las crepes son increíbles y porción muy generosa, Sorina hizo las maravillosas crepes y fue muy atento.