Restaurants

La Smorfia Oxford

247 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1XG, GB

Rating: 4.8 ★ (332 ratings)

Details

Authentic Neapolitan flavours and traditional Italian recipes await you at La Smorfia, a family-run restaurant on Cowley Road. Run by mother and daughter Rosa and Denise, who bring over 50 years of combined industry experience, this eatery opened in August 2021 to share the true taste of Italy with Oxford. They import ingredients directly from Italy, including essential items like salt, and create much of their menu in-house, from fresh pasta to pizza bases. Expect a warm, inclusive, and relaxed atmosphere where the team aims to take you on a culinary journey to discover the beloved flavours and customs of Italy, right in the heart of Oxford.

La Smorfia prides itself on catering to a wide array of dietary needs, boasting a separate coeliac and gluten-free kitchen to ensure safe and delicious options for everyone. Their commitment extends to vegan, vegetarian, and halal choices, making it an excellent destination for groups with diverse preferences. Popular dishes include the classic Margherita pizza, a white pizza called Burratina with burrata and crispy pancetta, and pasta favourites such as Carbonara, Lasagna, and the owner's recommended Spaghetti Sicilia with Sicilian pistachio pesto and prawns. With a Google rating of 4.8, visitors consistently praise the delicious food, attentive service, and lovely atmosphere.

Visit Website

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Share this:

OR WhatsApp Facebook Email

Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM; Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM; Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM; Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Contact

+44 7511 819633

Comments

Alana Cordran
1 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
A lovely Italian restaurant. Staff were really kind and happy to accommodate vegan, and all the food was delicious with big portions. Deli was also really nice and had lots of gf and vegan options. Highly recommend 😊
Swati Sudhakar
17 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
10/10 recommend for italian in Oxford.
Top-notch taste, great service, staff were quite open to questions and customisation. A lot of quality options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.
kelly
13 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
La Smorfia is a hidden gem in Oxford! I can’t believe I found such an authentic Italian spot here—it really satisfied my craving for proper Italian food. Their Neapolitan-style pizza is amazing; I had the margherita, and it was perfect. The fried selection starter was incredible and reminded me of the food I had in Naples. I’ve been back a few times, and it’s honestly made being at uni so much easier knowing I can get homemade-tasting Italian food whenever I need it. Highly recommend!
Crystal
18 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
The mocktails are beautiful, I think it was the Caribbean sunrise was so so yummy, The platters and pizza are tasty, the pastas are phenomenal (chewy and very saucy, The perfect way to eat pasta). The seating outside topped it off with the apple trees just making us feel like we were in an orchard having a good time with my family and friend. The staff are very friendly and attentive, We will definitely make the journey to dine here again.
Ida Parisi
14 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
A bit of Napoli is also in Oxford

The best Neapolitan pizza in Oxford, absolutely amazing, I really recommend it to all the nostalgist Neapolitans and to whoever wants to experience authentic regional Italian food. And by the way the beef lasagna is top too, it reminds me of my mamma’s one 🥰. The service is also amazing, very friendly and efficient … whatelse do you need to enjoy your life? Thank you guys for making me feel at home ❤️💙

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Join 10,000 subscribers and never miss out on events happening in Oxford again!