红星中餐馆 Red Star Chinese Restaurant
187 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1UT
Rating: 4.2 ★ (691 ratings)
Details
红星中餐馆 Red Star Chinese Restaurant, located at 187 Cowley Road in one of Oxford's most vibrant neighbourhoods, has long been a culinary fixture, offering an authentic Chinese dining experience. The restaurant presents a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere, featuring a simple yet functional interior adorned with traditional red accents and lantern-style lighting. This established eatery is renowned for its unapologetically traditional approach to Chinese cooking, focusing on time-tested recipes and a no-nonsense culinary style that truly stands out to its loyal clientele.
The cuisine primarily focuses on authentic Chinese fare, with a notable specialisation in Sichuan and Northeastern dishes, alongside beloved Cantonese favourites and British-Chinese staples. Diners can explore an extensive menu that boasts signature dishes such as the Crispy Aromatic Duck, Sweet and Sour King Prawns, and the vibrantly spiced Kung Pao Chicken. Further highlights include hand-pulled noodles, Mapo Tofu with its distinctive numbing spice, and a variety of spicy dry hot pots for those seeking a fiery kick. Vegetarian and vegan options are also readily available, ensuring a diverse and inclusive dining experience.
This establishment is particularly well-suited for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to more relaxed group meals with friends and family. Its accessible pricing and generous portions make it a popular choice for locals and students alike, offering a dependable and flavour-forward meal without fuss. The quick and efficient service further enhances its appeal, making Red Star Chinese Restaurant an excellent option for a satisfying meal or a late-night bite in Oxford.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM | Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM | Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM | Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM | Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM | Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM | Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Contact
+44 1865 251248
Comments
Unfortunately this doesn’t seem to have been improved since their last food hygiene visit. The actual restaurant looks pretty decent, but the late night sit in part is infested with flies 🤢
Unfortunately I won’t be dining here again, it’s a shame because the staff are very friendly.
The food arrived piping hot, its aroma wafting through the air and instantly awakening my appetite. What stood out most was the seasoning – perfectly balanced and not overly salty, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine. It’s a refreshing change for those who appreciate subtle, refined tastes in their dishes.
Service was another highlight. The staff were attentive, courteous, and genuinely friendly. Perhaps I came during a quiet time, but the level of care I received reflected a commendable sense of professionalism and pride in their work.
With reasonable prices that match the quality of both the food and service, this is definitely a place worth revisiting. A memorable and satisfying culinary experience overall.
We were a group of 7. When we arrived we asked for water and were given two jugs of water but no glasses. A man who I think is the manager, saw my friend drinking directly from the jug and started shouting at my friend in Chinese. We had to explain that we hadn't been given any glasses which should have been obvious. Only then did he brought us some glasses.
The food arrived one by one. The chicken wings I ordered had pieces of beef mixed with them. As someone who doesn't eat beef i complained this to the waitress. She simply picked the beef off my plate with her bare hand, laughed and said that everything was cooked together which was very unacceptable.
At the end when it was time to pay we asked if we wanted to split the bill between us. They refused and insisted that one person should pay the full amount and sort it ourselves. My friend then asked if the service charge could be removed and the waitress responded by saying, "You no good"
Overall, it was a very unpleasant experience and poor service and unprofessional staff. I definitely won't be going back👎👎👎👎👎