Gino's Spaghetti House
94 Gloucester Grn, Oxford OX1 2BU
Rating: 4.5 ★ (783 ratings)
Details
Gino's Spaghetti House is a cherished family-run Italian restaurant and pizzeria that has been a fixture in Oxford city centre since 1994, gracefully nestled within Gloucester Green. It presents a welcoming, trattoria-style atmosphere, complete with classic checkered tablecloths, rustic wooden chairs, and a charming painted map of Italy on the ceiling, all contributing to a nostalgic, casual charm. This beloved venue, known for its warm vibes, feels cosy rather than crowded, encouraging guests to enjoy meals "elbow-to-elbow in true Italian style". Outside seating is also available, offering a pleasant spot for dining al fresco under large umbrellas.
The cuisine focuses on authentic Southern Italian flavours, drawing from Salerno traditions, with a particular emphasis on classic, homemade pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. Diners can choose from generous portions of popular choices such as Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese, Spaghetti Alla Pescatora, and Lasagne Al Forno, alongside a variety of delicious pizzas like Pizza Capricciosa. Beyond pasta and pizza, the menu also features fresh salads, quality meat and fish, and a tempting specials board that occasionally includes more adventurous items such as crab ravioli. To complete the meal, Italian wines, soft drinks, and traditional desserts like semifreddo and torta di nonna are available.
This restaurant proves ideal for a variety of occasions, warmly welcoming families and children. It has become a firm favourite with locals, students, and tourists alike, perfect for both casual lunches and relaxed dinners. Its central location, just steps from the Ashmolean Museum and Oxford Playhouse, makes it an excellent choice for a convenient pre-theatre meal. Whether seeking a quick bite, a leisurely evening with friends, or simply an unpretentious yet authentic Italian dining experience, Gino's Spaghetti House consistently delivers.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 12:00 – 9:15 PM | Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:15 PM | Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:15 PM | Thursday: 12:00 – 9:15 PM | Friday: 12:00 – 9:15 PM | Saturday: 12:00 – 9:15 PM | Sunday: Closed
Contact
+44 1865 794446 | http://www.ginos-oxford.com/
Comments
The only thing stopping me from giving 5 stars is that we were a fairly large group chatting away, and the noise carries quite loudly as it’s a smaller restaurant. I’d also have loved a bit of ambience or some Italian music playing in the background, but otherwise everything was perfect!
The parmigiana was very good, and the pizza ai funghi was perfectly fine, though not the highlight of the meal. What really surprised me, though, was the coffee. Absolutely outstanding, rich, aromatic and easily the best part of the experience.
Thank you, Gino for a memorable visit. I’ll be back for that coffee alone.
The fresh bruschetta with finely diced tomatoes was a highlight, and the pasta looked incredible with its generous dusting of cheese. Everything tasted so fresh. I cannot wait to return for another visit.