Reviews of Za'atar Bake. (Bakery) in Oxford (Oxfordshire).

Za'atar Bake

736 Reviews

386 Comments

Bakery

Middle Eastern restaurant

166 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1UE, United Kingdom

Description

Information of Za'atar Bake, Bakery in Oxford (Oxfordshire)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of Za'atar Bake

Popular times

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Reviews of Za'atar Bake

W. B.

Thoroughly enjoyed my Lamb Shawarma 👌🏿. Considering there are only a small handful of eateries I will give the green light in Oxford. PS: The Baklava was fresh & so beautiful also. Nice big portions.

R. A.

Some great food gems happen by accident! We walked in after a long walk in Oxford, hoping to have anything to eat as we were desperately hungry & tired! The name Bake is deceiving, as we ended up with Maqlouba instead of baked stuff! We were not wrong, the food was delicious & enjoyed both the meat & the chicken versions of it! Topped with Mamul & Turkish coffee, all was dreamy satisfying! Will definitely go back, next time we are in oxford, as I loved the beats of the food here! Greetings to all staff, truly friendly & made the whole experience an amazing one!

J. C.

This is one of my favourite places in Oxford, right at the heart of Cowley Road – one of its liveliest. I've been here often for some great Arabic Coffee and tasty Baklava, but eventually felt compelled to try one of their mains. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner! I had the Kofta and can't wait to go for another. Delicious lamb meatballs served with potatoes, tomato sauce, and herb infused bread.

H. C.

Overall, the service was great, the food was delicious with huge portions and big flavours. We particularly enjoyed the chili prawn tagine, which was super spicy but delicious. It was filled with lots of different vegetables and perfectly cooked prawns. Definitely worth getting an ayran or lemonade to cool down your mouth! The breads were freshly cooked right in front of us in the open kitchen. The dips were fantastic, especially the baba ganoush, which didn't last long. Make sure you're hungry, as the portions are big and lots of things come with bread. The fatayah were tasty, especially the spinach and cheese one. With two pescatarians and one vegan, we were spoilt for choice, no wonder Za'atar Bake is always recommended as one of the best restaurants for vegans in Oxford. We will definitely be coming back to dine in, or ordering takeaway, and can't wait to try more dishes (and the desserts and coffee!).

H. Z.

We ordered vegetarian and lamb maqloubah. The seasoning for both is good, the sauce (salty yogurt with cucumber) particularly refreshing. However the portion is indeed small for the price. My friend find the vegetarian one tasty; for me the lamb is still a bit too dry. Plus there are only two pieces of aubergine and a slice of tomato in the lamb one, while the promised cauliflower is no where to be seen. Service is very good. Sitting in front of the oven, you can also see how your dishes has been produced, which is pleasant and entertaining. On the whole, I like the ambience, but the background music is too loud. One has to raise their voice speaking to their companion. That being said, I would like to visit the place again. The tagine and flatbread on other tables all look very delicious.

I. M.

WOW! Really amazing restaurant! The staff are friendly and the food is amazing. The decor is also really good. It is not a very big restaurant so I would suggest making a reservation for groups bigger than 3. We had the chicken Maqloubah and the Lahme chilli Fatayer. Both dishes were good and large portions. A must visit if you’re in Cowley!

K. S.

Place: the place is very nicely decorated and has an outdoor seating area that’s great. Service: the staff are very friendly and extremely helpful. Food: I had the lamb maqloubah and I thought it was very delicious. It’s very authentic. Portion was a bit small though. Price: On the pricier end. Overall: loved the experience. Would recommend this place to anyone wanting to try authentic Palestinian food.

P. S.

This was an awesome experience having piping hot Middle Eastern delight's. We ordered veg moussaka, spinach and cheese fatayer, veg manakish and a rice dish the name of which eludes me 🤐🤐🙈🙈. The food was spectacular and the service was with a warm smile. Brilliant experience

S.

Food was fresh and tasted great. Went on one of the hottest days of the year, and the Baba Ghanoush - as well as the minty-lemony drink- were perfect for the weather.

D. D.

Arabic bakery with a trendy vibe. Spectacular pastries on display at the entrance. Mixed reviews from the diners I was with. My honey fig tangine was great, the chicken tangine boney. Although it says there is a lot of vegan choice that’s not really the case. Most are starters and there was inflexibility when trying to change the mains just a little to make the vegan. Oh and the music was too loud to have a conversation. Hmmmm so some will find it just fine others will struggle to see why they’d want to go back.

T. E.

One of the best places for food in Oxford. Very friendly staff, a laid back environment and amazing food. The berry lemonade is worth a try!

N. H.

10/10. Excellent ambiance with mouth watering food. The staff was very friendly and courteous. Their lamb maqadood was very tender. Kunafa was one of the best I had since long time. Chilli Humus had kick in it. Fresh naan bread made it even better.

B. J.

Dropped by to pick up some baklava, the restaurant atmosphere was very cozy and staff were friendly. Bought 4 pieces (2 small and 2 regular) and it came to £17, quite expensive but it did taste good

F. U.

Inside was so hot, chairs and tables are too small. That's why the place is not comfortable, definitely. We went there on a Saturday evening and it was too crowded. I suggest you to make booking before going there especially on the weekends. Dishes were delicious, the staff was kind, portions were enough. So I give this place 4 stars, but again, keep in mind that it is NOT a comfortable place to eat a dinner.

D. V.

Great restaurant with great atmosphere from the owner and the staff members! The starter of fava bean was amazing Great vegetarian dishes and an incredible desert selection! I felt that the masks were sometime down from the staff member so maybe viser might be better if they want to talk to the customers :) The owner was lovely and a lot of great live music as well! The mint tea was really nice as well :)!Highly recommend the musaka and the birds nest! Having a bit more hand sanitisers on the table and some fans in the restaurant could be even better :) highly recommend!!

L. M.

I have returned tonight for the spectacular Baba Ganoush and I ended up having two portions of it. Really can’t resist it, it’s delicousss. It’s not just the Baba Ganoush, it’s the lovely pitta that comes with it that makes it amazing. I might consider trying something different from the menu next time, I am sure others dishes are incredible too.

R. S.

Fresh, fast and delicious!! Amazing customer service and friendly staff. I can't wait to come back. Update 29/7/21 Came back here for lunch and again was not disappointed! Ordered the falafel, musakhan, lahme ajeen, spicy naqaniq and lahme chili fattayer. The portions are just huge and the food is top-notch quality! The falafel was a little bit firmer and hard to break into with a fork but were tender on the inside. The whole family left feeling incredibly satisfied and the kids asked when we were going to be back before we had even left!

K. C.

Fast, flavorful, and a fun place to eat! The place has Moroccan vibe with Arabic music playing in the background. The restaurant is clean and vibrant. The menu has so many selections to choose from and everything is cooked fresh. We tried their green chillies hummus and it was a delight. We also order tagine and maqloube, both dished served fresh and hot. Also, don't forget to try their mint lemonade, it is freshly made from scratch. They use real and fresh ingredients. Owner of the restaurant is a great guy who personally makes sure every table is getting the attention and food reaching the table straight from the kitchen in quickest way possible. Definitely stopping here when we visit Oxford again. Try to book before you go because they're busy.

S. B.

My first time at this popular spot. It was busy on a Thursday evening so would recommend booking. Really enjoyed the food. We chose veggie but the neat options looked good too One person was very allergic to gluten and they accommodated this in a kind and thoughtful way. Very much enjoyed the food. Will go again

J. M.

Excellent, authentic food, just like going on a holiday to the middle east, without an aeroplane or hotel. The mint lemonade was so refreshing, and the food was succulent and tasty. Staff were super friendly and helpful, including the owner (I assume it was the owner!) who was checking on customers and having little chats with them - its clear he is passionate about his restaurant and cares about the experience they have. Will be back!

R.

Wonderful Food. Very Nice Staffs. Remember to make a booking if you come of Fri or Sat evening

M. S.

The ambience is amazing. The food is top notch. The service is friendly. We just loved our time there. The only disappointment were the baklava. I've had better ones. But all the food from the menu was delicious.

E. D.

Great food, good customer service and chilled ambience. Recommended in Oxford. Chicken maklouba and Chicken schwarma

G. B.

The food was incredible, everything was delicious and beautiful. We were a large group so we shared lots of starters and few main dishes. Everything was perfect, the service super friendly and the atmosphere is happy and lively, happy faces and bellies all around :-)

l. P.

Well cooked meal, great flavour. Only problem were the staff, disconcerting that because it was not too busy, they started sweeping the floor and wiping shelves etc around us, does not make you feel comfortable or wanted. When I went to the toilet before leaving, that did need some attention, but obviously had not been done. Shame for an otherwise good place.

C. C.

Had a wonderful lunch here, the portions were just the right size for a lunch, and very reasonably priced. Very much enjoyed the presentation of the maqloubah. Baklava was also delicious! Would highly recommend!

R.

I have just left this fine establishment and would strongly suggest that you visit. Next time I'm in Oxford I certainly will. The staff were super and will talk you through things but take it from me, get their famous 'upside down' rice with lamb. And accept the offer of chili sauce on the side - it adds a tickle without overpowering. Price wise it's not cheap nor expensive but 100% entirely reasonable. Came to £54 inc. tip for two of us but realistically we probably ate for three! I am therefore confident to give this fine establishment the strongest of all accolades... Rustom recommends!

J. S.

If I could give them six stars, I would. Incredible food, the chili hummus was green and lush with flavour, the za'atar manakeesh and spinach fatayer were incredible. We were visiting Oxford and noticed this on the map and traveled out of our way go come and it was worth it! Will be back when next in Oxford!

S. B.

Good quality, big portions of well priced food. Ate on a busy Saturday night. Service was good and atmosphere was great too. No alcohol and fully halal so Muslim family friendly.

A. C.

There’s nothing that isn’t perfect here! Amazing hospitality, food is creative and never ceases to amaze me. Even the restaurant floor is beautifully constructed, designed and decorated. You are missing out if you’ve never been here!

H. S.

Excellent! Fresh, authentic snd delicious food at reasonable prices. The staff are very welcoming, I often come here alone. Would highly recommend!

A. S.

What a great place to eat! The design of the vibe here was so good, the owner made sure we were seen to and made recommendations. Stevo was also very nice, the food was great too. If you’re looking somewhere nice to have Palestinian food this is definitely to place to go

C. W.

The food was delicious, we enjoyed all of it. I'd go again - but never at a weekend... The service was awful - the whole place is very chaotic and the music very loud. Very stuffy, it wasn't a particularly warm day but we were all uncomfortably hot. We could see the staff arguing with each other. Not a great vibe. I booked a table for 8 in advance and we were sat at a table for 6 - there wasn't enough room for the food and drinks. We had to keep putting things on the bar area behind us as the wait staff weren't around to take things away. We moved another table (it was empty!) to join to ours so that there was room for all of us - then we were told we had to put it back as someone else was going to use it. I assumed they had overbooked - but there was no reservation sign on the table and no one ever showed up to use it. After about 15 mins of no one showing up to use the table, we asked a staff member if we could move the table again and they said yes. Then 2 mins later another staff member appears and tells us off and that we need to put it back. It was stressful and loud. But the food...brilliant. A dilemma! Just don't go at the weekend and I expect when they have fewer customers it should be a bit more chill.

D. H.

Outstanding meal here. Great atmosphere. Palestinian run restaurant with very international staff serving great selection of middle eastern dishes. We had veg moussaka, selection of mezze and desserts. Great flat breads straight out of oven. As their sign says, people who turn up without money get given food to take away.

S. M.

Outstanding food. The best Baba Ganoush I've ever tasted. Friendly staff. Music too loud - can't really have a conversation without shouting.

T. K.

This is one of these rare jewels: something different at an unexpected place. The place is low key in it's decoration, yet there is this homely atmosphere. The owner of the place is clearly passionate about the food he serves and goes out of his way to both serve awesome, unique food and entertain his guests (not in obtrusive way btw). The rest of the staff also enjoy their work and are very friendly. The place doesn't make you feel 'customer is king', it makes you feel like a welcome guest in the home of a very hospitable host. We ordered the Mussakahn, a flat bread topped with sumac-flavored chicken; the lamb Maqloubah, a rice and lamb dish that is revered at your table; and the kofta for our daughter, covered with a sesame seed covered crust which is cut open at the table. We also ordered the homemade mint and the homemade berry lemonade. As a dessert we had Om Ali, an Arabic variant of bread pudding, but based on filo pastry. Our opinion about the food: when you go here, order exactly the same as us - or anything else on the menu as they probably taste just as good as our dishes.

R. S.

The best lunch we have ever had in years and years. Service was exceptional food was just amazing. Was and Richard

W. N.

This the most amazing food I ever ate in the UK as Syrian food and Middle Eastern. I suggest that everyone in Oxford should give it a try. it worth every penny you spend.

K. K.

Amazing! Incredible food and lovely staff. Can’t wait to go back.

M. U.

The owner really puts effort into making it a fun environment to entertain — the food was amazing as well! Highly recommended! The labneh yogurt bread was the best of what we tried (makloubeh, zaatar bread, falafel, both milkshakes, and fatayer)

M. O.

The food was delicious with an authentic feel to the restaurant too. The staff are friendly, and the music was great!! Reminded me of my time spent in Turkey a little!! Book in advance for a table as I had been turned down 3 times due to how busy they are. Also make a request if you have a physical disability, because the tables and chairs are quite low and asked to be seated at a higher table.

T. B.

Had an amazing breakfast here early on a Sunday (they open at 9am). The shakshukah was really good and you can watch them make and bake it in the oven. Whilst we waited we had delicious coffee and a walnut and cinnamon baklava which was just incredible. Even had a quick chat with the owner who popped over to say hello. Overall an amazing place to eat and one we will be back to when we're next in Oxford.

R. T.

Great range of food and kitchen in full view to watch preparation and cooking. Just too too noisy with music pretty full blast making conversation difficult and took the edge off the meal. Also bring your own as local booze pretty limited and selection in local supermarkets not great. Would come back if the volume could be turned down from 11.

D. V.

Amazing food. Amazing hospitality. Amazing friendly atmosphere. I forgot I was still in the UK.

K. W.

This place is a total joy. From the moment we came in for my lunch the staff couldn't be more helpful and kind. We got a lovely seat right by the main bread oven, and we spent the first 15min just looking at each dish that emerged from the brick fire. When our food came, I was blown away by the quality. The lamb I had was just perfect. Sticky, fat infused rice with honestly the best aubergine I've ever tasted nestling inside. It was a total revelation. I tried to needle out a recipe but was told even the serving staff aren't allowed to know it. I can see why. Every dish had this same attention to detail with such a reasonable bill that we ordered the same thing for dinner that night. It is now without doubt my favourite restaurant in Oxford. I should be yours too. A note on staff: I ate with my dad, who needed help being seated. I have allergies that require me to talk to the chef about prep. The staff were so kind and professional and never made us feel like we were an inconvenience. I want to give a shout out to each of you who made our visit so joyful. Thanks.

P. S.

Delicious food, reasonably priced, friendly staff and great atmosphere! The baba ganoush is spectacular, and so is the upside down veggie rice

S. P.

Amazing place with great menu. Friendly staff and beautiful authentic atmosphere with decor

S. F.

Fun experience. Interesting and tasty food. Lively music. Friendly service.

M. B.

Good food, good environment, very friendly staff. A must visit in Oxford

A. R.

Introduced to this Palestinian cafe on my visit from SF by my dear friend Paul. Excellent selection of breads, with cheese, pomegranate, dips were very tasty, mint lemonade - refreshing.

M. M.

My daughter and I enjoyed a lovely Eid brunch at Za’atar Bake last Friday. Great atmosphere, freshly cooked / baked Palestinian specialities and friendly staff starting with the owner! Would definitely recommend 😊

S. M.

An absolute gem. Food is very unique and authentic with specialities from the middle east such as the chicken shawarma (looks actually more like a pizza but is incredible) or the palestinian allayah (a tomato, aubergine and lamb hot pot served with flatbread). Drinks are interesting as well. Try the mint lemonade and the banana and date milkshake. And finally for those with a sweet tooth, the baklavas are to die for. Overall if you are looking for something different with a lot of taste and at a very cheap price, Zaatar is the place to go!

T. H.

Went here for breakfast on a Sunday and was blown away by the quality of the food; one of the best Shakshukas I've ever eaten, lovely fresh bread and complimentary tea. The service was great too. I'd go back to Oxford just to eat here.

M. E. P.

The place is very comfortable and amazingly decorated with so many Arabic details. The food was delicious and we'll presented. We all want something different and this is something really special. The place is little and at lunch time is a bit crowded and noisy, like all places in Oxford anyway. The only reason for the four star is that the service was lacking. There was enough staff and the girls were lovely but they seemed like they were all running but not having good results. Not so good managed on this part. We had to ask for the table to be cleaned, ask for clean cutleries. The place accepts only cash and you have to order at the till. And food is served to you. But please you shouldn't be put off by this. As it's really a special and different place to go and visit.

S. A.

Fantastic dinner here with friends. Friendly wait staff and great recommendations. We loved the pide, baba ganuj, and fattoush salad and the baklava and coffee were superb. Very busy and noisy, so not great if you want an involved conversation!!

M.

Great food charming decoration and good prices. Homemade food and real fresh juices Just problem is that they don't take card payments.

M. B.

Always delicious - some of the best middle eastern food out there. The service is always warm and the restaurant has a great atmosphere.

M. H.

Love this place!! Good food breakfast till dinner and well priced!! Great service get a table and just order at the till. Cash only but loads of atms across the road by the Tesco. Enjoy!

T. T.

Omg! Need I say more? The most entertaining and delicious food ever. Loved it. For more info, photos and videos on Saudi dinning and lifestyle go follow @thisismysaudi on Instagram 😊

P. H.

Its a amazing experience, food is absolutly great, friendly staff, live atmosphere. A unique place.

F. s.

One of the best middle eastern restaurants in Oxford.. love the ambience.. Owner is an amazing guy..he supports the community in different ways apart from business..

S. R.

Best baba ganouj I've ever encountered. I didn't know baba ganouj could taste so good. It's an order of magnitude better than any other version I've had. Also their baklava - amazing.

G. B.

I work across the road at YogaVenue, a few people had come in recommending Za’atar Bake for its super friendly service and delicious food. Decided to finally give it a try tonight, didn’t disappoint! The friendliest service, I think the person who served me was the owner - he was so lovely, welcoming and helpful. Both the coffee and fatayer were amazing. I’ve already been saying to friends they need to come and try it too!

Z. M.

Fabulous cafe Great food Friendly staff What's not to like Want to try something different give it a go!

M. O.

Great, healthy food, friendly service. A great place to stop on Cowley Road.

E. S.

Excellent variety of options for different dietary restrictions. Good price, tasty food and reasonable portions

Y. T.

Absolutely amazing experience. Friendly staff, authentic atmosphere and next level delicious food. We ordered what we thought was too much as we were hungry but we scoffed it all down as it was all so good. Particularly the falafel, fava beans dish and chicken lemon targine. Heavenly!

C. T.

Nice food and drink helpful staff and coffee was great 👍👍.

N. S. M.

Delicious food and nice stuff good for family 👪 Every time I visit this restaurant I enjoy a new meal on thier menu 😋 they are really creative man can test different burgers in special way baked in oven and they have the most delicious Mediterranean Arabic manakeesh specially the meat and chicken. Starting dishes I can give it five stars 🌟 and I advise you to try baklava it's amazing and tasty. It famous for his special occasion like birthday party or anniversary party the staff are clever and the atmosphere in the restaurant can change in one second all people will enjoy thier show between singing and dancing and let everyone sitting share that special moments which will be unforgettable. Every time of the day has special music and character so if you visit them in morning you will enjoy different music than night and it all cheerful and can change your mood directly so you can feel yourself in another world. I recommend it hardly if you haven't already been there give it a visit and wouldn't regret it 😉.

S.

Incredible Experience! This place had lovely staff, that gave great service. Food got served really quick, and tasted amazing. The atmosphere was also impeccable, from the music to the aesthetic of the whole restaurant. 5/5 experience. Definitely recommend, very well priced too!

M. N.

Perfect. Tasty food and good environment. Ending the meal with cake and mint tea is perfect! Really nice. Will be back for sure.

G. C.

Love the place, love the food and the atmosphere as well! If you haven't tried yet , you must go :) such a nice experience

Z. A.

Had an excellent lunch, generous portions, tasty za'atar and a separate hummus portion. (i over ordered but they helpfully packed me up a doggy bag). Staff very welcoming & attentive. Slightly disappointed it wasnt black leaf tea, but maybe I had made wrong assumptions about what to expect.

M. A.

Fantastic mannAkeesh, love the place, the food and the authentic experience...will come back for sure also the maqloubah so yummy

P. J.

I have been craving for kunafa since I came to UK. After exploring few options online and I found this place with awesome reviews. The kunafa was frozen one and it was a total disappointment. I think they burnt it in oven as well. I checked with staff whether they have freshly made kunafa and they replied no one really asks for fresh kunafa. But the vibe is awesome loud and energetic Arabic music is a speciality. Saw many other dishes. They were looking great. Will come back for sure to try other dishes.

A. S.

Busy and bustling, so a good atmosphere! Pretty good selection of food, but quite expensive.

S. S.

Mahmood a great host and friendly guy. Food just 10/10. Ambience 5 ⭐️ what more you want, eh? Definitely would come back and recommend others.

S. J. B.

Absolutely enjoyed the atmosphere at this place. Staff is lovely. The place was packed when we visited but still got a seat without reservation. Their kanafeh is very good! I’d revisit for the good service alone.

T. X.

Great place, food and atmosphere, loved the fresh baked breads, would definitely recommend

M. A. H.

Good variety of Middle Eastern food. Happening place.

C. G.

Amazing food and brilliant service we will be back ☺️

N. L.

Never tried Palestinian before but will return again. The food is as good as the welcome. There's no alcohol available but don't let that put you off. Highly recommended

j. m.

Amazing food and service. You must book ahead it's always busy.

f.

The place is cozy, staff are super nice, food is great, best place for Arabic cuisine in Oxford

A. I.

Im just wowed with the place. We were just casually walking and saw the name and being Palestinian and 37 years away from my country when I saw the name I decided to stop to find out it’s a Palestinian restaurant. It’s one of the best Arabic restaurant I’ve ever had, the atmosphere was amazing and not to forget to mention the owner Mahmoud so happy and greeted us with the biggest smile he was so friendly and loved our dog. Mahmoud thank you so much for your service. If I could I would give it 10 stars. See you again in August. This place will def be THE. Place to visit every time I come to London.

C. A.

Oh my goodness this place was sooooo good! Our food was some of the best we've had in ages, so fresh and absolutely amazing flavour. Staff were friendly and attentive. It was my partners birthday and they sang and played the little drums for him, was so lovely. My only complaint is that you don't have a bakery near us! Come to Bristol please? or even better, Stroud ☺️ x

r. C.

We went in for lunch and its our 3rd times now. The staff were very friendly especially Mo, super helpful we always felt welcoming. Food was superb especially the lamb upside down we had it with homemade chilli sauce and I wanted recipe!! You deserve 5 stars and we are Definitely coming back!!!

i. (.

Great food at a price worth paying! Staff are very friendly and helpful. Would recommend for anything from breakfast to tea to dinner. Outdoor seating in the summer months enhances the ambience

t. y.

Strongly recommend to visit if you're around Oxford! I came a few weeks ago with my friend. I ordered the lamb maqloubah and Za'atar flatbread. The lamb was so impeccably tender and flavourful. The Za'atar bread was not like anything I've had before, would have again! We sipped some fresh mint tea, which complimented the food perfectly. It is a beautifully decorated restaurant, so clean and authentic. The staff there are like a big warm family who are energetic and accomodate you like you're one of their own. The vibes are immaculate from the singing, dancing and music. The price of the food was reasonable given the portions. Such a beautiful, unique experience. Thank you!

R. C.

This is hands down, one of the best restaurants in Oxford. I absolutely adore this place and insist on bringing my friends and family here to eat. The food is incredible, affordable and the service is excellent. The staff are very friendly and the restaurant owner is so entertaining and accomodating. The food is unbelievably delicious and our evening here won't be forgotten. Thank you so much!

B. M.

Definitely going back!! Highly recommended! 🙂

n. d.

Fantastic food! And great local entrepreneur running the place! The staff are friendly and make extra effort to give you an experience aswell as a lovely meal! Low seating in areas could be a problem for some but is also what forms part of the authentic experience! Must try in Oxford!

S. B.

My family and I all had great meal today. Excellent service, large portions, fresh food, very tasty. As we are of South Asian origin, we normally find Middle Eastern food a little bland, but some of the dishes were spicy and flavoursome. We are not local and were on a day trip to Oxford and were fortunate enough to discover this little gem of place. Will definitely be coming again on our next visit.

p. m.

Their food is amazing. Arabic food very different.

A. M.

I have been wanting to visit Za'tar for such a long time and a couple of weeks ago I finaly found some free time to do so. The food was amazing, so very tasty and the presentation was also great. The portions are more than generous, so it's fair to say that this place is definitely value for money. The fatayers and the flatbreads were heavenly. I personaly also loved the whole vibe and atmosphere and I would recommend visiting, even if you are vegetarian as they do a big variety of plant based dishes as well. As a note, I would just say that the vegetarian maqlubah that my friend had was not the best, but other than that,everything else was great!

K. W.

Good was amazing, looks lovely and oh so tasty. Was the busiest restaurant we saw and you can see why.

W. B.

Absolutley LOVE this place, very friendly staff and the most amazing food! Highly recommend! If you come you will probably see me there!! They also feed the local homeless people every day which proves their kindness and love. If I could, I would give 10 stars!

A. Z.

good halal food but a bit pricey

L. A.

Amazing food and friendly staff.. Highly recommended 👌

M. S.

Lovely atmosphere and food. Staff relaxed and welcoming.

A. M. U.

Fabulous food and flavours and a great welcoming atmosphere. The waiters and the boss are super nice and funny. They even played the drums for us! What a unique place. Highly recommended

I. V. S.

I always recommend this place! Fun atmosphere, delicious food, and very friendly staff. And they have great vegetarian options too!

K. B.

Really REALLY good food, with authentic spices and ingredients that make eating here feel less like some restaurant in Britain and more like a truly middle eastern dining experience. Great staff, service and ambience add to the fun in a big way. The best part of my time at Za'atar was the manager's interactions with staff, having conversations, encouraging us to try different food options and even playing music and getting all patrons to sing along with him!

m. s.

Amazing Middle Eastern experience. Go for the Maqlouba for a lovely surprise. But don't miss their Manaqeesh and Fatayer.

T. C.

An amazing casual restaurant which makes you feel part of the family. The prices are great for the quality and portions of the food. Everything is served hot and fresh (unless you order the berry/mint lemonade which is the perfect iced beverage). The staff are not only friendly but also provide a show when presenting you with certain dishes. It was a wonderful interactive experience and I will definitely be visiting here again.

T.

The food and service was okay. The tap water was warm, so don't know how long it had been left out on the side for without being refreshed. The owner was rude! Even though he knew my companion and came over and spoke to them. He completely ignored me, I wasn't acknowledged in any way at all and felt totally invisible. That's not how an owner should treat paying guests!!

L. S.

Omg this place is amazing. My new favourite restaurant. Shame I live 45 miles away but that won’t stop me returning. See you again very soon. BTW the mint lemonade is out of this world!!

Y.

Top notch food, top notch service. Bit pricey so be mindful of that

V. M.

I was looking to have breakfast early in the morning but nothing was open so I found this very nice place. The staff here are very friendly and the food is very good and delicious.

J. H.

Everything is amazing and approved by Arabs in our family! Fast service, fresh delicious food, friendly and attentive staff. Highly recommend.

M. E. Y.

Fantastic Middle East cuisine. Everything was delicious and the serving size is quite big. During our visit to Birmingham, we had a breakfast there and we were very full & happy. I wish they had a branch in London. Would definitely go regularly.

S. A.

Absolutely love it, the manaeesh (flat bread) is one of the best . Very authentic The decorations and style is also great

J. D.

Popular little café which styles itself as an Arabic bakery (to a degree it is but it's this and so much more!) They make and serve excellent fresh-from-the-oven homemade breads (watch them being prepared at the back) which they turn into wraps, pizzas, quiches ... If I'm going to be critical it's to say that my mint-lemonade was a touch too heavy on the ice, but what I was able to get up through the straw was a great flavour (and a vivid colour!) Super-friendly staff who seem genuinely keen to please. Definitely worth a second (third, fourth ...) visit!

S. W.

Food was really tasty and the mint lemonade was great. Staff were lovely too.

N. I.

Absolutely a stunning middle eastern vibe. I had brunch at Zaatar bake, and it was delicious, and good size portions. Really friendly staff, and order was on time. Definitely wanna go back to lunch or dinner, when they play the Palestinian drums/music. It looks so coool 🇵🇸 ❤️❤️

k.

Never tried their services but from their front I'm judging they are amazing and need to visit soon and meet them. Well done Za'tar Bake!

M. K. M.

Very delicious food and good service I really enjoyed my experience with all kinds of dishes sweet and tasty

J. R.

Wow! Great food and the mint lemonade is on another level. The staff, especially Connell, made us feel really welcome too

s.

Incredible food. The food is flavoursome. Everything has a lot of punch and it tastes amazing. The babaganoush , hummus are so fresh, the meat pizza type bread are so good.

M. C.

This has been one of my best meals in the whole UK. Wish could give it 6 stars.

E. D.

Service is very good, atmosphere is lovely, but most importantly the food is amazing. One of my favourite restaurants, never been let down.

G. C.

Update: 2021. These guys are as good as ever, just dropped in and treated ourselves. Great staff as ever and (Mo) on this occasion took care of us recommended great food. A must go place!! 2020. Such a great experience, a truly authentic visit from beginning to end. This is so much more than a place to eat, passionate staff who understand their menu and enthuse about what they serve. Will eat here again and throughly recommend.

M. H.

We started eating here since the first lockdown. Amazing food, wonderful & welcoming staff and a brilliant service in a wonderful restaurant. I would give this place 100 stars if I could. It is genuinely a lovely, lovely place to eat. I have too many favourite foods to list but hands down, the best falafels I have ever had. The staff, your smiles, kindness & exceptional customer service is incredible! You always make our experience so welcoming and special.

S. s.

From Outside, Inside and all the way to the Heart, delicious food, unique hospitality its a treasure to find such a warm authentic Bakery/ Restaurant. We loved it and would Highly recommend. Authentic Palestinian food with so much love. ☝🏽💯

S. P.

Great place. Staff were very accommodating.

R. Y.

Really liked the chicken wrap that we got. Also got the egg & sujuk breakfast. it's was good the only thing is that I would have liked it to have been more cooked a little more. I got the energizer drink which was very tastes. I would go again I just wouldn't get the egg & sujuk. The atmosphere is really nice. Good spot to rest on a walk up and down Cowley road.

T. H.

Stellar Middle Eastern Food With Superb Service and A Warm-Hearted Host I love eating authentic middle eastern food at Mahmoud‘s restaurant. The ambiance is welcoming, the service superb and the food is delicious. The cherry on top is that my friends and I always leave Za‘atar Bake with a smile on our face.

D. G.

Bustling atmosphere on a busy mid-week night. The team welcomed us in for a last minute booking. The food was everything it promised and better. A slight wait on food and getting seated was more than made up for by the diligent staff and kitchen who were obviously running at full speed. Terrific experience and wonderful, vital local business.

H. M.

Best hospitality around for miles. Mahmoud has been giving everything not only to passing and regular customers, but also to help the homeless of Oxford get fed around the festive season. A dinning experience like nowhere else, go and see for yourself.

S. D. C.

Totally deserving all the excellent reviews. Amazing food, great atmosphere and friendly staff. They have an incredible chilli sauce. They have really succeeded in creating a vibrant atmosphere. You'll have so much more than just a meal here.

S. A.

Amazing place, the food is super delicious & cooked to perfection! The atmosphere is fun & friendly too with fast service. Will visit again asap

S. 9.

Amazing place for breakfast I feel like I spent a morning in Syria

M. A.

One of my absolute favorite spots in Oxford. The owner is a gem, the service is always great (I've been here so many time) and most of the food is good and well-priced. The bread stuffed with soft cheese is an absolute MUST.

A. A.

Excellent food and atmosphere. Great vegetarian options. Generous portions and quick service. Very friendly owner. All dishes were very tasty, particularly the baba ganoush and the spinach and cheese fatayer.

A. N.

One of the best Middle Eastern foods I've ever had.

K. M.

Food was nice, but the music was way too loud for a restaurant.

M. H.

Absolutely delicious food and drinks 😋 Very friendly and welcoming staff, who certainly go the extra mile! Also great selection of vegetarian food.

K. C.

Best restaurant in cowley! Delicious, complex dishes made with passion and served in a laid back atmosphere. Food is always made fresh and arrives quickly and with a smile. The very charismatic owner is almost always there, bringing with him a lovely energetic vibe and constantly making his customers laugh. This place is relatively new, and it's trending like crazy among students and locals alike - don't miss out on it!

A. F.

Really good food and quality/price is amazing. For both vegeterian and meat dishes and a large variety of options. Good and friendly environment, too. Highly recommended!

S. P.

This is my favourite restaurant in Oxford. The food is great and very fresh. I love the lamb and chicken stews, the wraps, the salads, the deserts, the superb bread, etc.The bakery and large oven give this place a unique atmosphere. I have been coming here since it was opened last year and have never have been disappointed. The friendly staff really looks after you and they clearly take pride in their work. I love the music too. You feel with this restaurant as if you are on holiday in the Middle East. This is a truly unique place. Highly recommended!

B. P.

Truly the best dining Experience I've had in my life. Experience 10/10, Food 10/10, Service 12/10, Atmosphere 9/10. The atmosphere for one was incredible - I felt so comfortable, so at home and at ease. The owner was magnificent and charismatic, recommending the best dishes, talking us through each one, despite how busy I know the restaurant was. Each dish had finesse and he put on a performance with each. And the food itself? WOW. So authentic. The owner assured us that every single thing was made from scratch, and you could taste it. The flatbread was fresh and soft and flaky, the chicken was tender, the dips and baba ganoush were to die for! Highly recommend the Maqloubbah So much flavour and texture that I felt like melting with every dish. And they were all so cool and original. YOU HAVE TO COME HERE. You could taste the care and effort in every bite. If you're visiting oxford you HAVE to go here. No question about it.

a. s.

Finally a taste of home. Been here twice, food and menu are improving. Most importantly that the food is just great, especially the maklobeh ( traditional Palestinian dish ) which is a spot on. Then new mains and sides are added. Today I also tried the green beans in tomato sauce. Very surprised how they got this one right as you need the perfect sour tomatoes for it. I don't review places mush. But this place is worth trying. I really hope that they don't change the cook or management

A. L.

This place is outstanding, the owner gave us a really lovely welcome, his staff are friendly and provide a slick service. Seating is informal. The food is second to none, I have never had Baba Ganoush like it, the Fava bean dish was superb and the flatbreads where outstanding, we took away a selection of the baklava it was all top drawer, only wish we'd got more The mint tea was great. I'm glad we go there early it was super busy and deserves its success. Go there you will not be disappointed. A real gem of a place.

P. W.

Wonderful experience here! Very tasty authentic food with lovely welcoming staff! The meals they give to the homeless also looked very tasty and it is great to see a local business help out the community! A must go restaurant when visiting oxford 10/10

M. A.

Amazing service and very delicious food!

B. G.

This place is fantastic. I went there for the first time yesterday and I wish that I had been sooner. The food was freshly made and was tasteful, the hummus was incredible, the authentic Turkish tea and coffee were very pleasant, the staff were very friendly and the prices, for Oxford, were very reasonable. I would thoroughly recommend.

s. m.

Best tagine and baklava I've tasted ever! The hospitality is very warm and friendly and the atmosphere is unique. Would make a trip to Oxford just to eat there again. Highly recommend it.

N. F.

Amazing atmosphere, very welcomimg and fun staff, and most importantly one of the best places to eat in Oxford, sooooo delicious. shakshuka is a must try! the portions are big and the food is served beautifully, every meal feels like a special treat. Highly recommend!

I. H.

Za'atar is definitely unique, no other place like it in Oxford - and I mean that in a good way. The food is cooked fresh. How fresh you ask? Well, its cooked in front of you! They have a huge stone oven which bakes the lovely Arabic bread and cooks most of their other delicious dishes. Great place for a weekend brunch with a difference. This being an Arabic bakery, there are some unique flavours and aromas. The wife loves the fresh made pastries and cakes here. The management are super friendly and very enthusiastic, they obviously love what they do and that permeates through to their food. Try it, you will not be disappointed.

R. A.

Absolutely loved the food. Everything was absolutely on point! Spicy naqaniq(a type of pizza) was full of flavour and 100x better then your average pizza. Chicken maqlooba was delicious and the special baked burger is just too mouthwatering with the best baked beef patty ever. Must visit this place! Thanks Mehmood!

D. A.

Excellent food and good, friendly service.

P. B.

Went here for lunch with a friend. This place really stands out, and Cowley Road has a lot of excellent places to eat too! The owner is one of the friendliest people you could meet, the food is the golden trio of good value, freshly made and most importantly in possession of the most amazing flavours! On top of this the interior design of the place looks great and the rest of the staff are friendly and very happy to help. Just a top notch place all round!!😀

M. M.

Lovey place, friendly staff and had a delicious falafel wrap with their amazing mint lemonade.😊

M. C. H.

You know what? This is an amazing Middle East food that I never ate like this before. I lived in Sheffield,but there is no like this kind of amazing food. Besides, the boss is very nice and friendly. And I am from Taiwan, I will come here again. Thank you you guys give me very special food in Oxford. Very appreciated.

s.

Delicious Lebanese food cooked in Turkish open oven. Very friendly staff. Restaurant donates about 40 free meals a day to people on the street and in poverty. Spontaneous drum and clapping session when I was there. Just getting to learn the menu.

C. C. H.

Friendly staff, was recommended to this by a Syrian friend. I had the first bread and the delicacies

d. g.

There are not enough plaudits I could give this restaurant. It's simply an amazing place. The food is incredible, and the atmosphere makes you feel you are sitting in the middle East. It's a gem Oxford is lucky to have, and I will definitely be returning. 10/10 for value as well

T. P.

Can you please come to London soon! This is one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants/ cafes I’ve been to! Big portions, reasonably priced, and most importantly - absolutely delicious. The head chef has very pleasant and offered us tasters of the beetroot hummus. I had the chicken yakni - amazing. If I’m ever back in Oxford, definitely coming back!

R. C.

Top place. We visited and had the Flat bread. My companion had the Palestinian style and I chose the Syrian style. Tasty and good price. They bake the bread in a fired brick oven visible at the back of the shop. There is a variety of baklava for dessert. Looks like a popular place to eat.

T. A.

Family atmosphere, oriental decoration that reminds me of homeland, friendly staff, and lovely delicious food 👌

M. B.

The food is amazing, there is a lot of choice starting from the starters and the main dishes to the dessert and drinks, and also the staff is very friendly and they treat you like you're part of a family. The space is nice and there is good arabic music to relax and enjoy a glass of hot tea

j. a.

staff was very friendly and food was delicious. the chefs realised that my younger sister was amazed by how they kneaded the dough so the gave her a piece of it with a mini rolling pin and board, she was so happy. the place was clean and the food only took max of 10 mins to be served (keep in mind that i was with 6 ppl). there was not a time i visited that i didn't enjoy. I would recommend the spinach manaeesh, but all the food is DELICIOUS. Overall amazing experience.

M. A.

My new favourite place to eat out in Oxford. The relaxed atmosphere is unique - none of the usual formalities here. The owner Mahmoud is great and super friendly with all as are the whole team. And then the food. Excellent choice of dishes for brunch, lunch or dinner and all taste great. Way better than the last time I ordered Palestinian cuisine and paid top dollar at The American Colony Hotel in East Jerusalem. But the breads are an excellent reminder of that same trip - so fresh and cooked right in front of you in the huge oven. Great concept, keep up the good work.

P. Y.

Nothing short of awesome food! Be warned - the portions are very generous. Great service and great food. Would highly recommend.

L. F.

Amazing food.I had the lamb maqloubah and my husband the pie burger. Unfortunately the waitress didn't turnout my dish so I missed the presentation of such a beautiful meal. Can't wait to return.

R. Z.

Fantastic. Highly recommend the veg moussaka. Large portions, great environment, and very high quality.

S. M.

Wow, what an incredible dining experience at Za'atar Bake. From the mouthwatering chilli hummus, to the honey fig lamb tagine, I was blown away by everything. A huge shout out to Mahmoud for being a fantastic host, always checking in with us and making sure everything was exceptional. We ordered around 7 dishes between only 2 people, and it was so worth it. We will be back for dessert!

M. D.

Amazing foodn, lovely atmosphere, owners are very nice people...

H. A.

We had a really special lunch with our friend. A very friendly and caring staff and the owner Mahmoud is really energetic. He played the traditional arabic drum for the customers. The atmosphere was great in addition to the delicious food

K. P.

Absolutely outstandig place, food and atmosphere. We've been here second time and again have been truly amazed. Absolute gem on the Oxford Restaurant map.

L. R.

Great food, amazing sweets, absolutely lovely staff. A bit chaotic and noisy inside but in the most friendly way (and the staff, being absolutely lovely, turned down the music when my mum, who is hard of hearing, asked them to)

K. J.

Take those five stars above my review and multiply them by infinity. I wish every restaurant on the planet had this much flavour, charisma, and hospitality. What an incredible establishment and overall experience. I was completely floored by the time I left on how amazing every dish and detail was. To say that Mahmoud is an unbelievable host would be the understatement of the year. He is truly a wonderful character and embodies everything a restaurant owner should be, he is attentive, caring and actually takes the time to REALLY ensure that everything is perfect during your meal. He spoke to us about how the recipes are his mothers and how authentic the food is and it isn't a surprise clearly based by how much it translates through the dishes. The freshness, the smells, the aromas, I could go on and on. Don't even bother second guessing coming here for an unforgettable dining experience. The Bedouin Palestinian Allayah was UNREAL. This is honestly the 8th world wonder. Counting down the meals until I am here again savouring some of the best food I've ever had the pleasure of eating! LONG LIVE ZA'ATAR BAKE!!!

D. D.

Amazingly tasty Mediterranean food. Huge portions. Lovely staff and owner who walks around and gave our son a special treat. Definitely worth coming

J. C.

Generosity of spirit (free meals for homeless - we counted seven handed out during the course of our dinner) matched by generosity of portion and flavours. Great lentil soup, and chilli prawn tagine, and the full-on mint lemonade. Will come again..

P. S. R.

Great atmosphere and more importantly fantastic food. If weather is good you’ll enjoy eating on the street!

R. A.

Fun all around - don't miss the freshly baked flatbreads

V. W.

Ordered a takeaway during Covid lockdown. Food was amazing of abundance. The lamb I had was really tender and tasty. Their bread based product are home made in the woodfired oven and of the best quality. Everything was wrapped up in a friendly service by a chatty chap who just embrace you as a customer. Will definitely be back next time I'm in Oxford.

V. K.

“When love and skills work together, expect a masterpiece “ The proprietor is an excellent host. The face of the company. He made sure we were looked after like princess... ...and the food..the food was a delight. I am a Greek, and was borne with baklava in my mouth... and the hot baklava we were served, was a killer ! I can’t wait to come again Vasilis

J. W.

Authentic Middle Eastern food, wonderful staff, attracts a lovely customer base. Delicious, great value, would recommend to anyone. Literally the best shakshuka I’ve ever eaten.

N. M. (.

the best shawarma ive ever had, all round insane vibes and the guy is an absolute legend 12/10 will definitely come again!!! extra points for playing mad riddims on the bongo

B. P.

Had the veg moussaka, was really nice . I would visit again

S. A.

The food was amazing, especially the shawarma 😍😍

C. D.

Absolutely amazing food. You can watch it fresh being made right in front of you. Friendly middle eastern hospitality, make you feel right at home. Will defo be returning and reccomending to all my friends. It's very reasonably priced you can stop here for sweet or savoury, for a real authentic experience. We left feeling very happy and satisfied!

S. O.

Lovely atmosphere, delicious food and our waitress fahima was very helpful!

C. S.

Excellent first time there, great food service was excellent great knowledge of menu wonderful atmosphere.

Y. A. A. J.

Covid-safe & delicious meal A gem of a restaurant 💎❤️ Best dining experience : exquisite authentic food , superb customer service ( staff actively focusing on our needs, making sure we are satisfied ). Looking forward to returning. Support local business owners instead of bigger corporations. 😉

L. G.

Authentic and delicious.Large portions, a little drama in the presentation and bags of flavour. Excellent tagines, pie-burger (exactly as it sounds) and baklava. Great atmosphere.Loved it !

A. D.

We really like this place. It has been beautifully renovated and has a great atmosphere. The food is cooked to order and the breads and coffees are delicious. The staff are delightful. What's not to like!

E. A.

Booked here a day before for 12 people I must say excellent food , excellent service , very hospitable staff , the decor and atmosphere felt like we were abroad on holiday especially since we were visiting Oxford for a couple of day’s. Genuinely the best Middle Eastern food experience I’ve had.

R. C.

From the last Christmat have changed owner and menu . My valutation, for now, are lower. Pay only cash. I see next time.

N. A.

Always AMAZING. Try the fool - fava beans are a unique dish my Egyptian family always makes, and you can't get it or the fresh pita better anywhere else in Oxford. This is really authentic Arab food, and the prices are so reasonable, we eat there as often as we can

O. A.

Amazing food, wonderful atmosphere and friendly staff! Highly recommend trying the sweets they have fresh on the counter.

S. M.

Really good food and friendly staff!

N. H.

Excellent food, amazing service, and a place which gives back to the local community too by way of offering free food to those who have no money. The kofta and tagines are delicious, as are their wraps. Great place to eat.

J. M.

Amazing food. Vibrant and musical scene both in and outside of the place. No alcohol served. Maybe it is BYOB?

A. R.

Very delicious Arabic food! The staff is very nice! Prices are more than fair. Its a chilling atmosphere. I loved the Manaeesh with meat, the chai and the sweets!

B. C.

Lovely atmosphere and food

R. K.

Amazing food and service, we really enjoyed everything during our visit to Zaatar Bake, all food is freshly prepared and made infront of you , the atmosphere is very homely and the staff are super friendly. You must try the Baklava there too, it’s just amazing. Thank you so much for the lovely dinner, it was fantastic.

A. R.

What a discovery! I was looking for a place to bring family not used to the spices of the Middle East/North Africa and they felt in love with every single dish we ordered at Za'atar Bake. What made me go there was their homemade and freshly baked flatbread as it is not usual at all in the UK to find Middle Eastern places serving their meals with bread that comes just straight from the stone oven. Dishes are plated as it would traditionally be in their home country. And, most remarkably, are packed with flavour and made with fresh produce, which makes all the difference. The owner will take care of you if you seem to be a bit lost and will guide you through the menu with pictures and personal recommendations.

T. W.

Very lovely place and team , food is delightful.

A. C.

First time in Here. Very busy. Yet relaxed atmosphere. Sat inside and can see all food how it is prepared and served. Very friendly. Be prepared to wait as It can get busy. I will come here again. ZSO SHOULD EVERYONE ELSE. ARABIC FOOD AND COFFEE. The Nutella and banana manousheh is a grand portion of butter indulgence. I love the food and Arabic coffees

A. H.

Best arabic cuisine in town. Arguably the best hummus in Oxford. Deco is wonderful with open kitchen. Host is a very friendly and warm person. Definitely a must visit

M. K.

The food is always amazing, i used to go for breakfast and it is always delicious and fresh from the over... The best bakeries in oxford.. In ramdan, the atmosphere is great, it is like you are in the middle of the middle east . Feels like home to me, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Also the open buffet during ramdan is of great quality and on time for iftar

M. K.

Exceptional good, great service and reasonable prices! Must try the lamb maqlubah and ask for the house chilli sauce. Very friendly owner and the place is a local favourite! Must visit if you are in Oxford!

L. F.

Incredible service and food. The baklava is the best I’ve ever had and the atmosphere was super enjoyable. This place will feed both your body and your soul.

A.

Stop reading reviews, come along bring your friends and family. I rarely, if ever leave reviews so the fact that I'm doing so explains a lot. What amazing fresh food, great atmosphere with kind and friendly staff. Pop in, you won't regret it.

L. L.

I went to this place with my friends last week. Very tasty food,great atmosfere and friendly staff. For sure I will come back :)

W. H.

Lovely place. Delicious food.

A. S.

Very good food. Very friendly. Owners walked in and spoke to all the dinners. Really worth a visit if you like middle eastern food.

I. M.

The taste of Middle East in the middle of Oxford. I cannot recommend a particular dish as everything we tried was fabulous. However, you must try the sweets and the Arabic coffee!

a. g.

Superb place! amazing food and very friendly staff

W. K.

Had an 'upside down' lamb and rice dish called Maqloubah - was great - the waiter even plays the drums on the pot to get it to come out - a little lunch time flair

A. E. L.

Lovely place, with wonderful food and an incredible vibe! Even celebrated my birthday there, to show how much I live this place.

D. K.

Excellent food at earthly prices. Very simple and to the point. Very close to the real experience in the middle east. Highly recommended, but no alcohol - be warned 😁

B. A.

This restaurant is a must visit and eat place in Oxford. Delicious food and causy seating. Amazing staff.

C. D.

Great atmosphere with authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Take your own drinks if you want alcohol.

C. K.

Very good food and very reasonable prices. I loved the free water on offer. But of a wait for food but well worth it. Loved the chicken tagine and lamb Maqloubah. Thus is presented so theatrically, great showmanship.

A. S.

Very nice and friendly owner who gives attention to every customer. The food is amazing, especially the pita that is made before served. Vegans have plenty of options.

J. A. P.

So delicious !!! The baba ganoush is extraordinary. (as is all the food!) and there is a wonderful selection of baklava to have with a coffee. I love it!

K. G.

Amazing food, good prices. £8.90 for vegetable moussaka

O. D. S.

Exceptional, one of the best places to eat in Oxford, and well priced. Good for vegans and vegetarians, and still with dishes for meat eaters. Flavours fabulous.

C. C.

Excellent place - very friendly and, more importantly, the food is great - an authentic taste. It reminded us strongly of the food we have eaten when we visited the Holy Land. We'll definitely be visiting again!

K. C.

Delicious food, large portions and excellent service. Will definitely be coming here again!

N. G.

Lovely, freshly made food from an interesting and varied menu, served by friendly staff. The venue is comfortable and cool, nice and open with a laid-back atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit.

S. Z.

Perfect food, great atmosphere, great baklava. Live music if you're lucky. The happiest day I had in a restaurant since lockdown.

G. M.

Awesome food. Ask to heat your baklava. Amazing!

E. K.

Had my 20th Bday here - great food, nice service. Would defo recommend

D. S.

Great Arabic food and specialities

a. a.

Amazing fresh food and extremely friendly staff who are very welcoming. Prices are cheap and the place had a nice comforting vibe to it overall. Definitely recommend.

M. B.

Absolutely amazing place, the people that run this are always friendly and give a great service! It has a large oven where you can watch the flatbreads and pizza's being made from fresh! Very much recommended are the baked eggs (shakshuka) and Baba ganoush!

j.

Good food and friendly service -but they don’t take cards even after months of being open. Makes one wonder why. When I went they had only small coins as change so ended up with a handful of shrapnel.

a. k.

This place definitely lived up to all the hype adn reviews. Superb service and a fantastic atmosphere, the staff were absolutely on point. Thank you.

A. L.

The best Arabic food I've had outside of the Middle East. Absolutely phenomenal!

س. م.

I come here with my friends nice place and we have fun

s. c.

They made a free buffet on Christmas Day and many food were given away to those who needed help! The owner is so kind and nice and this is one of my best days here!

Z. N.

We ordered food for a party from Za’atar Bake. The taste was exquisite, everything was well packed for the journey to the party, and the service was simply outstanding. I cannot recommend enough!

s. G.

The sweet pastries in Za'atar are incredible, best I have ever tasted. A bakery in East Oxford, you can watch the baker's craftsmanship whilst you sip a fabulous coffee. Real love and real ingredients.

A. F.

Absolutely brilliant food - from the simple flatbread over to the Fatayers and of course, not forgetting the delicious pastries!

Z. N.

The Most amazing place with the best customer service! Highly highly recommend, one of the best places in oxford as the food is very authentic and delicious.

D. I. J.

Delicious food, lovely staff & great atmosphere! Top…

R. T. V. H.

This place is the full package - reasonable prices, really lovely staff that really care about their customers, and the food... oh my gosh, the food! The bread is PERFECT!!! I cannot recommend this place too highly! Come!!!

L.

Super good food, lots of vegan amd veggie choices and wonderful atmosphere, they even danced and joked around with people, it was really cool!!

T. N.

I do love this place. Excellent food, charismatic staff. I have poor mobile signal inside and lack of Wi-Fi mean I am less likely to sit for hours doing some work on my laptop which is a development opportunity for them. Why cash only? I will keep going

M. G.

Really flavourful food. Everything freshly baked. Very good pricepoint too for the portion size you get. Would definitely be back for more

A. S.

amazing food and amazing service !! the staff are so nice, and the food is tasty, light and refreshing :)

A. M.

Excellent Restaurant with the best Middle East food in UK, if possible, I can give more than 5 stars.

D. K.

Such a beautiful warm place made me feel at home. Food was divine and homey yet classily presented. By far the best Arab food in Ox!

M. M.

Came with the kids and the food was glorious!! They really looked after us, great to the kids. Food reminded me so much of my childhood in Sudan and London. Thank you so much!

A. M.

I'm a regular fan of this place. Amazing food, staff are so lovely and kind.

B. B.

This is our favourite place on Cowley Road. It is a relaxing place and we do feel like home each time when we visit. :) I think that the best review is given by our presence there nearly every weekend. Shakar! (Thanks translated by Google)

R. S.

Welcoming and delicious! We had the maqloubah, falafel wrap, sweet potato fries, and chai. All outstanding. Very good value. Would definitely go back!

A. K.

Great food, the staff are really friendly. Try the maqluba.

C. C.

Amazing food, friendly staff, great service and music. Definitely go again.

A. V.

Always a great experience, get their early

J. G.

Best baklava I have ever had (I tried the vanilla and walnut one). Amazing service and great atmosphere. Can’t wait to come back and try more of the main dishes!

A. G.

The food tastes great and the authenticity in the ambience makes the visit very enjoyable!

L. A.

I absolutely love the food and ambience of this place, however you cant rely on the opening hours. They seem to open when they feel like it! I've been a dozen times and only once were they open at 8am when it says they are open. In fact today it's nearly 9.30 am and still not open!

A. V.

Mahmoud is the star, the food is amazing, the company is always good. It's so communal and enjoyable!

P. K.

What a place! Both the food and the sweets are amazing! The people very friendly too. I literally had the biggest portion of my life there!

M. T.

Very nice food and good service 👌

J. T.

Loved it! Beautifully laid out, nourishing food & good service.

m. i.

Amazing manages, homus and falafel

W. A.

What can I say, the food is absolutely amazing, the prices are more than reasonable and the customer service is just something else. Would recommend for anyone who is looking for an authentic Middle Eastern feel.

J. H.

Love this place. It's great to be able to try new dishes that I'd never heard of before. All freshly cooked and delicious!

A. R.

Great food, lovely and entertaining service (but can be slow when they have a huge rush) Good number of veg options. Must try!

L. V.

My favorite place in Oxford, so yummy food.. except it is a little far from where I live.. Pleaseeee Deliveroo or Uber Eats and I will order every meal from you! Update: they have new dish "Um Ali" so gooooooooooooooooood

F. F.

Amazing, well worth it

J. W.

Went in this place for a quick lunch and was not disappointed. Amazing food and can see why it is busy.

L. E.

Food here is just AMAZING!!! Soft cheese desert is a total killer and must to try😍😍 !! Atmosphere is warm and you do feel like you outside UK 😂😂 I just love this place 5*

A. A.

The food was very delicious, friendly staff and reasonable prices. I highly recommend Maqlopah

R. C.

A really rich cup of coffee with outlandish Baklava. Really good.

C. I.

This place is a nice place as Cowley Rd is full of dull middle class eateries. The menu is varied and fresh, the owner friendly, and he may even break his 🎶 skills out if he likes you...

A. V.

The staff and service is amazing, so is the food

S.

Great fun atmosphere, great food and very good size portions, good value

F. M.

Chilli sauce worth any amount of intestinal rapid transit. Owner so friendly I changed my holiday plans. Wraps in fresh bread like your mumma made.

T. C.

Such a lovely atmosphere; the food and service was faultless. Very sweet staff and food not too expensive at all. Will definitely be returning.

a. z.

Amazing place to go The staff are awesome The food is just outstanding Everything is cool Definitely u should visit

W. A.

Tasty and fresh! They also gave my son a free Nutella wrap ! Which was very sweet!

I. H.

A bit expensive but lovely food!

J. E.

Consistently friendly, delicious, and fast. One of my favourite places on Cowley Road, and the best manakish zaatar I've had outside the Middle East. The Fatayer is completely irresistible!

N. L.

a very special place!! Amazing food; cozy chill setting, and a really friendly owner.

A. R.

Polite and friendly staff, owner is very hospitable. Food was lovely and is definitely worth a visit. Would recommend the Lahmeh Ajeen.

S. G.

Lovely food and for a good price! Perfect for friends and family

S. H.

Great Lebanese food with some of the nicest dishes outside of of Lebanon. Staff are friendly and welcoming and the place is very authentic.

S. K.

Great food, lovely staff and warm welcoming atmosphere. Thank you!

V. S.

Amazing food. Very friendly staff.

s. k.

Great ambience and service, freshly baked bread, although kofta dish is not that great

Z. D.

Delicious breakfast in a very authentic atmosphere. The service was also very good and Peter was very friendly and welcoming. A must try.

A. A.

Excellent new bakery on Cowley Road. Try the za'tar mana'eesh. Za'tar is a blend of dried thyme, toasted sesame seeds, and sumac (tangy red herb) with olive oil on a man'oosha - like pizza dough base. I also had the mahlabiyya desert - made from milk - which was delicious. Will definitely go again.

G. T.

Really brilliant food with a great atmosphere and staff. The best restaurant on Cowley Road in my opinion. Try the Baklava!

N. O.

One of the best dining out experiences I've had in Oxford. Mahamoud is a legend.

E. G.

A must go place to go to enjoy middle East delectable foods and beverages. Love love love it.

S. S.

Lovely place , food is amazing , staff are lovely ( they were giving out free meals to homeless people)

K. P.

Fantastic food and prices that won’t hurt the wallet😃

M. H.

Very cool owner! Food is excellent and prices very affordable. Atmosphere is relaxed and inviting! Will be coming back!

S. S.

Great food and service. They are not a number 1 on TripAdvisor by mistake.

M. M.

Amazing experience, superb atmosphere, friendly staff and of course exceptional good, definitely one of my favourite restaurants in Oxford.

B. W.

Even in these difficult times the owners made you as comfortable as possible. The food was delicious.

A. N.

The choice in Oxford for authentic Middle Eastern flavours.

M. I.

All food taste good.

T. H.

Brilliant...the food, the service, the atmosphere...couldn’t fault anything. Next time I’m in Oxford, this’ll be the first thing I book.

J. M.

Wonderfully friendly staff and beautiful food. So authentically and Middle Eastern this place is no fakers. They are home cookers

B. S.

Great food, friendly service. Visited as a family of 4, children both under 9 and they loved it.

R. J.

Amazing food, amazing staff!! Best middle eastern food,, very clean and great value for price مطعم اكثر من رائع

R. T.

The best Middle Eastern food in Oxford! Friendly owner, great ambience and mouth watering food, at very reasonable prices.

F. B.

One of the loveliest bakeries I've ever been to. The food was mind blowing, the service was incredible.

B. O.

Glad we came here. Lovely food. Good portions and a fair price.

B. M.

Good food good staff and a great atmosphere really enjoyed every minute of my time there.

S. E.

Amazing everything, just absolutely exquisite food and the most amazing service.

P. H.

Amazing nice food and super friendly staff, they also do a movie night on Thursdays

N. K.

Excellent food and service

A. N.

High quality, delicious food, brilliant customer service. The best restaurant in Oxford...

R. C.

Real gem. Very best Arabic food in Oxford. Friendly owner and very reasonable price.

A. B.

Great pizza-style Za'atar flat breads. Definitely a lunch gem and ideal for meeting up with people.

A.

I’ve truly enjoyed my experience today. Thank you for the authentic, quality taste and excellent customer service. Top 👌

R. M.

Really great food, the owner was super friendly and the live music was great!

T. T.

Insanely delicious desserts! You can't go wrong here.

O.

Mahmoud is a legend. He never failed to make everyone full and happy!! #FreePalestine from Boston ❤

E. P.

Awesome place with amazing atmosphere. The manager there is lively and entertaining. Thank you very much

A. Z.

Extremely tasty food, highly recommend!

J. M.

Excellent food, large portions, don't be tempted to order lots. Cash only unfortunately.

Y. D.

Delicious food all around. Can't wait to try the rest of their menu

K. H.

Very friendly service, good quality food and generous portion sizes.

A. W.

This place is great! It has amazing food and the most wonderfully jovial manager.

j. d.

Absolutely delish, massive portions, great value and lovely people working there. Try it. You'll love it.

D. N.

This is a hidden gem in Oxford. Amazing food , friendly staff and good location. High recommended

A. G.

Reasonably priced quality food

f. f.

Full of people! It's the most important quality to value a bar! Good food and kind service.

D. E.

Superb, I must go back for a sweet, too full after the most fantastic moussaka washed down with a refreshing homemade lemonade stuffed with mint.

n. m.

Lovely food and a great service too.

M. S.

Freshly cooked delicious food at reasonable prices. Loved our visit

t. w.

Great food cooked with tradition and passion. Fabulous atmosphere, great service.

D. D. I. M.

I love this place, amazing food and really lovely people, crazy cheap too. If I'm hungry in Oxford, this is where I go

A. B.

Great food, very attentive service and good atmosphere. One the Oxford jewels

f. a.

Delicious food, good service and a nice atmosphere

A. M.

They have a delicious menu, and nice people

P. V.

Great middle eastern dishes, Baklava was amazing!

S. W.

Great experience great food and a host with the most! Get the babganush!

S. R.

Amazing food, staff and atmosphere. Huge servings and smiles 😊

T. (.

I was first time in this place and it's flipping amaaaaazing! Food is

R. K.

Amazing food, delicately spiced, great service.

J. L.

Excellent food, excellent service! The mint lemonade is a must!

J. B.

Delicious food and friendly atmosphere. One of my favourite 5 Oxford.

R. P.

Awesome food, great for sharing a few dishes.

a. a.

Loved everything we ordered, but they don't accept credit cards, cash only.

G. C.

Great place nice staff

J. D.

This place is great! Really delicious food, great coffee and the owner is really friendly.

N.

Amazing food and amazing hospitality! Would 100% recommend and visit again!

T. H.

Amazing food and staff, very homely. Highly recommended!

B. Z.

Amazing atmosphere and friendly staff. Great food 100% recommend to everyone

R. Z.

Big portion for good price, fresh delicious food, good service. Highly recommended.

T. E.

Lovely oven baked breads, Middle Eastern food. Friendly atmosphere

J. R.

Good compliments for a really tasty food, friendly staff and cosy atmosphere!!Will be back there again!!🤗😉

N. D.

Delicious food, great service

H. T.

Very enjoyable meal: will go back next time I'm in the area.

N. B.

Best Maqloubeh I have ever had! Nice staff is a bonus. Keep up the good work guys🤗

C. W.

Was a brilliant variety of different foods and tastes.

B. J.

The food is amazing, the people are amazing, the place is amazing.

F.

Delicious food, perfect ambience and atmosphere, truly original experience

J. K.

Fantastic food, great atmosphere

A. Z.

Amazing food, friendly staff and nice environment!

H. E.

Great food.. lovely atmosphere and very lovely staff and owners

M. A. T.

Foods amazing and the ambience gives you a proper middle Eastern feel.

A. G.

Amazing amazing amazing ! All food fantastic ! And the baklava, ooh lala !! Mama mia

A.

Quality food!

N. P.

Wonderful, really unique

P. S.

Food was great and a lot and the staff was lovely and very helpful.

B. N.

Beautifully made middle eastern food and fresh baked pita. What's not to love?

a. i.

Good authentic food and very nice reception. Favorite restaurant in oxford.

B. S.

Warm and friendly service and delicious middle-eastern cuisine.

H. G.

Incredibly delicious, freshly made food served by the friendliest staff!

D. J.

Tasty food, big portions, good prices and friendly stuff

O.

Amazing place. Amazing food. Amazing people. 🙏🏼

M. M.

Great service & fantastic food

A. A.

It is amazing, I came here many times, the atmosphere and the service are great.

h. d.

Love their bread and anything coming out of the stone oven

X. P.

Great tasting food and pleasantly surprised by amount and great price

M. G.

The best baklava you will ever eat, also incredible halloumi

N. J.

Really great food, very relaxing...

J. R.

Excellent middle eastern food and lovely staff.

p. f. c.

Good food and good vibes, definitely a place to visit

R. B.

The best food, brilliant value. Very authentic.

M. S.

Amazing food and the owner Mahmoud is super cool and friendly

A. D.

Wonderful place to go the staff are extremely nice and friendly there professionalism and kindness goes a long WAY. Alexander from oxford UK.

J. B.

Amazing food and experience. Unique. Friendly staff.

S. M.

Small family run place, good service and quality food

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