We’re more of a packed lunch crew due to the fact that nobody ever eats, yet is simultaneously starving all time…until the food arrives. But these places below have been an instant hit for us, we hope they are for you too!
Mario’s Pizzeria
This is the real deal when it comes to authentic Italian food! Packed at the best of times, you’ll be wise to book ahead to grab your table because it is a serious hotspot for locals. Open kitchen, Italian memorabilia and the very best of pizza and pasta await. We’ve been coming here for donkeys years and nothing much has changed: still the best pizza in town and still unable to finish it because it is so HUGE!
Mission Burrito
A Mission Burrito is the crowd pleaser we all need in our lives as you build it yourself! Don’t fancy rice? Don’t put it in! Black beans give you a windy bottom? Do us all a favour and give them a miss! It’s like the Subway of burritos and gives children the autonomy that they enjoy. There’s also mini burritos for only £1, great for the repeat offenders who are starving until actual food is placed in front of them. Hidden down a side street but forever busy, this is for the super casual diners who want in and out.
Rachel’s Café
If you are a fan of Malaysian Chinese Dim Sum, dumplings, steamed buns and Chinese pastries then you must visit this independent, family-run café in St Clements. It’s impossible to walk past and not be lured in by the delicious smells, so every time we pass we come out laden with Char Siu BBQ Pork steamed buns, followed by Coconut Custard buns – delicious!
The Rusty Bicycle
This is a hidden gem like no other and a great place to eat with children, or without them! Down a pedestrian street in East Oxford, the Rusty Bike is famed for Burger Wednesday where you can fill up on a massive burger and chips for only a tenner from 5pm. We’ve enjoyed many a Wednesday night dinner here and I’ve enjoyed a lot of late nights here with pals too. They also do a £6 pizza lunchtime during the week (Wednesday to Friday) as well, a good one to bank for the holidays. Expect laid back vibes with children’s menus, games and colouring in. Oh, and if you enjoy a pub quiz, their bi-weekly offering is off the scale popular. Book in advance to secure a table!
Pizza Pilgrims
Funny story: I once walked out of here without paying the bill and didn’t realise until the next day! In my defence I had 7 children with me, 4 were not mine and I had just taken them all to the cinema. Give this woman a medal! I digress, get yourself in here but do remember to pay the actual bill before you leave. The pizzas are awesome and absolutely HUGE, but what gives this place the edge is the entertainment: vintage arcade games, table football and air hockey keep the children busy whilst they wait for their food, and it’s a blast from the past that adults will enjoy too. Big, big fans of any restaurant that provides free entertainment – you really are on the side of the parent and we thank you!
