Oxford's Grill is firstly a silly name for this restaurant. Though they do grill various ingredients the name conjures up images of big grilled breakfasts and gammon steaks and so on. None of which is served here. They serve Turkish and Mediterranean food and Turkish Grill would be a better name though perhaps still not perfect. However, I'll forgive this error of judgement – much the same as I don't mind the occasional typos on the menus (like the “glass of vine” on offer).
The restaurant is bright and breezy with a nicely laid out dining space with plants and decent/interesting art on the walls. It is – in short – nothing like one might imagine from the outside signage or the silly name (incidentally many moons ago this was the second branch of Joe's Bar & Grill as still found in Summertown).
The food here is quite simply delicious. Beautifully presented by gracious hosts, sometimes the wait can be a little too long but it's a perfectly nice place to be sat waiting. There is also a small paved garden at the rear of the restaurant.
The set menu deal is phenomenal value. Two courses for £6.95 during the day or £10.95 in the evening. The evening version comes with a free glass of wine.
Once seated and given menus the drink orders are taken as one might expect (good selection of tea, coffee, wine, cocktails, spirits and juices including a pretty hard going traditional yoghurt drink – Ayran. Note no beer/ale/cider is on offer) and then a basket of delicious warm pita pieces and hummus is offered as a complimentary – excellent.
On my latest visit I had Cop Lamb Shish (marinated lamb skewers) which was beautifully seasoned and presented and very tender. My companion had a chicken dish, equally lovely.
For mains I had the lamb kofte which was three small lamb burgers, a side salad and a dome of the most tasty rice imaginable, like everything seasoned to perfection. Divine. My companion opted for the Chicken Shish as a main, a long line of tender grilled chicken with the delicious rice and side salad. The food is fairly simple but the care and attention given to such fulfilling and delightful food makes this a truly awesome place to be.
Service: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Venue: 4/5
Food: 5/5
Total: 18/20