Al-shami

I cannot speak highly enough of this family run restaurant. As an Arab woman myself, it’s the most authentic food I’ve had since coming to the UK. Everything from the music to the food to the decor! The meals were well portioned and the staff went out of their way to not only explain anything we needed but also to provide belly laughs for the whole night. This is quite literally the first review I’ve ever left and I must say that I cannot be more pleased to have discovered this restaurant and the incredible people who work here. Alf Alf shukr!

This is the perfect restaurant if you have a larger group of people who want to eat excellent food in a pleasant atmosphere in central Oxford. After a conference we went there with a group of 24 people, and the beautifully decorated back room provided the perfect surroundings for dining together. The food was excellent, as always, and the staff - notably Ahmed - extremely nice and helpful.

This review is from 30th years ago when I was studying in Oxford. Al shami was my favourite restaurant so delighted to know it’s still open They used to bring a big plate of fresh, chilled, tasty vegetables and pickles and a knife to cut, share and eat. I hope they still do this. It set up the meal, every time

Ordered Al-Shami family meal for takeaway and it was absolutely delicious. The whole family enjoyed it, and there was plenty of food (7 of us shared the family meal for 4-5). We are not experts in Lebanese food, so it was great to try a number of different things. Probably the best meal I ate during a week in Oxford.