Rating: 4.2 ★ (1047 ratings)
Nestled on George Street, right in the vibrant heart of Oxford, ASK Italian offers a welcoming slice of Italy, perfect for refuelling after a day spent exploring the city's historic university colleges or nearby attractions like Carfax Tower and Oxford Castle. The restaurant is known for its long, stone-baked pizzas and a diverse menu brimming with traditional Italian dishes alongside contemporary culinary creations. Whether you're breaking from a shopping trip at the Clarendon Centre for a genuine Italian coffee and a light bite, or settling in for an evening meal before a show at the Oxford New Theatre just across the road, the atmosphere is designed to be relaxed and easy-going. The interiors aim for an Italian flair, with some ASK Italian locations even featuring hand-painted murals to enhance the warm and welcoming space.
Beyond the pizzas and classic pastas, you might discover seasonal specials or new additions like the Pesto Stracciatella Tagliatelle, which features fresh tagliatelle in a velvety pesto sauce topped with creamy stracciatella cheese. The dessert menu often includes tempting options such as the 'Chocolate Falls', a confection of chocolate brownie bites, vanilla gelato, and toffee popcorn with a melting chocolate dome, or innovative creations like 'The Lemon', a deconstructed cheesecake within a white chocolate shell. For those with dietary requirements, ASK Italian typically provides a separate vegan menu, featuring choices like vegan pizzas and a blood orange and chocolate tart. The restaurant is also noted as being child-friendly and suitable for special occasions, with some locations offering private dining areas for larger groups.
Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM; Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM; Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM; Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM; Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
+44 1865 806766
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I had King Prawn Al Forno for starter. This came out dry and the prawns were rubbery and stuck to the plate along with the ciabatta. My partner had olives which was the only thing they didn't manage to ruin. We both had the Pollo Della Casa which was extremely peppery and quite unpleasant. The creamy mushroom sauce we were looking forward too was a runny thin liquid. The dishes had clearly been microwaved for some time as when the plates were bought to the table we were warned it was very hot. This warning wasn't necessary though as they were bubbling furiously away in front of us. The whole experience in this place was pretty grim but it didn't stop them having the cheek to ask if we wanted to leave a tip. Here it is......try harder and get some new staff!