Al-Shami
Offering a great selection of traditional Lebanese dishes at very reasonable prices, Al-Shami on Walton Crescent is a very popular Oxford restaurant. Deservedly so, for the food is really good, both the grilled meats and the vegetarian dishes. And if you want something a bit out of the ordinary, try the fried lamb's brains as a starter.

25 Walton Crescent
Tel: (01865) 310 066.
Website: www.al-shami.co.uk
Price: $-$$

Brasserie Blanc
This establishment opened in 1996 as the first of several brasseries run by Raymond Blanc. It is one of Oxford's very best restaurants, and it has reasonable prices. The seasonal menu changes often, but the cuisine is decidedly French, albeit with influences from Asia and Med. The restaurant is located in the Jericho area.

71-72 Walton Street
Tel: (01865) 510 999.
Website: www.lepetitblanc.co.uk
Price: $$$$

Browns
Something of an institution in Oxford, Browns is just as popular for lunch and afternoon tea as for dinner. The cuisine as well as the ambience is mainstream and hence appealing to a wide audience, but there's still no question about the quality of the food. It is not surprising that Oxford has taken Browns to its heart. Its steak and Guinness and mushroom pie is a classic.

5-11 Woodstock Road
Tel: (01865) 511 995.
Website: www.browns-restaurants.com
Price: $$-$$$

Fishers
This is a busy place both at lunchtime and in evenings. A superb seafood restaurant, it has a varied menu based on daily supplies of fresh fish and shellfish. Impulses from Mediterranean, Northern Atlantic and Pacific Rim gastronomy are discernible in the food, which is rarely less than delightful. A stylish place with an extremely assured touch.

35-37 St Clements Street
Tel: (01865) 243 003.
Website: www.fishers-restaurant.com
Price: $$$

La Dolce Vita
What distinguishes this family-run Italian restaurant in Summerton, a couple of miles from the centre of Oxford, is that it offers authenticity - both the food and the atmosphere being genuine and full of character. The food really is exceptional, with a menu full of traditional specialities, and the service is both friendly and professional.

215 Banbury Road, Summertown
Tel: (01865) 553 990.
Price: $$-$$$

Thai Orchid
Great service, a warm, authentic atmosphere, a wide-ranging menu and excellent food combine to make this restaurant a favourite. A wealth of exotic, flavoursome dishes tempts guests while the staff, all dressed in Thai silk, are courteous, discreet and friendly. Open for lunch Monday to Friday and for dinner seven days a week.

58A St Clements Street
Tel: (01865) 798 044.
Website: www.thaigroup.co.uk
Price: $$