Mario's, Oxford

The best pizza, great starters, good wine, great prices, friendly staff - do you need more reasons to visit this place? Then you should know that it's always packed: every Oxonian seems to know what they can get there. Fortunately, Mario's staff have devised a clever system so that none of the guests has to wait for long.

Favorite Dish: Pizza Americana

Mario & Mario (or is it just Mario now?)
Oxford is chock full of overpriced, boring, chain eateries & pubs & even more overpriced designer restaurants. Most change hands on at least an annual basis. To eat well on a budget here you have to leave the town centre & go where the students go. Mario's has long been a firm favourite, they serve unpretentious but delicious Italian food (mostly pizza & pasta but they have daily specials) in plain surroundings. Mario himself often pops out to chat with his customers - it's more like a real Italian family trattoria than anywhere I else I know in Britain. And it's very very popular.

Favorite Dish: pizza mario, the thing with aubergines in a cheese & tomato sauce