Il Principe Delicatessen
82 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1JB, GB
Rating: 4.4 ★ (160 ratings)
Details
Il Principe Delicatessen is a cherished family-run Italian establishment that has graced Oxford's vibrant Cowley Road since 2003. This authentic deli and eatery, founded by a Neapolitan owner, exudes a warm, unpretentious atmosphere, truly making patrons feel right at home. It stands out for its genuine passion, skill, and expertise in bringing traditional Italian flavours to the city, transforming from a simple delicatessen into a beloved dining spot.
Specialising in artisanal Neapolitan pizza with freshly handmade dough, the establishment also offers an array of delightful weekly specials for both dining in and takeaway. Beyond the pizzas, the deli boasts fresh pasta, including tortellini and ravioli, alongside a carefully curated selection of fine cheeses, cured meats such as prosciutto and pancetta, quality olive oils, and antipasti. Visitors can also find delectable homemade sauces, tiramisu, and traditional cannoli, perfectly capturing the essence of Italian cuisine.
This inviting spot is ideal for anyone with a keen appreciation for authentic Italian food, from locals seeking ingredients for dinner parties to those simply desiring a comforting midweek meal. Whether you are popping in to browse the extensive deli shelves, grabbing a convenient takeaway, or settling down for a casual dinner, Il Principe Delicatessen provides a welcoming setting for a variety of occasions. Its homely charm ensures a memorable experience for all.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Contact
+44 1865 202026
Comments
Am a Vegan/ Veggie so had four items:
Peroni beer - very tasty. 🍺
Spinach and Cheese Aranchini - not Vegan but incredibly tasty and tasted wholesome like it has meat (though doesn't). 🧆
Vegitariana pizza - took 20 mins but really tasty and filling. 🍕
Baci chocolate (see wrapper in photo) - again not vegan but super delicious chocolate. They also have an espresso chocolate. 🍫
They also have wines, cold desserts, some unusual soft drinks, an olive servery, Olive oils, pastas, pasta sauces, Amaretti biscuits, and Beef Aranchini.
My one gripe is they have really bizarre opening hours. May be just lockdown but they seem closed a lot (e.g. not early Sunday afternoon but on Monday 🤨).
However worth the wait and they were a warm place to stay while waiting for our food.
Oh, and they could do with more vegan options for hot food.
Overall: definitely recommended.
They also have a take away menu and they have some of the authentic Italian dishes on it.
Seafood pasta was so delicious, al dente texture full of flavour.
We ordered seafood pizza and pepperoni with mushroom, seafood pasta and to finish off with homemade tiramisu.
we also bought some Italian chilli oil, pasta and balsamic glaze for our cupboard. We will be back thank you.
We didn’t have to wait long for our food, and the pizzas were absolutely delightful – genuinely felt like having them in Italy.
The staff are warm, attentive and truly make the experience special. Definitely worth a visit if you’re craving authentic Italian flavours. 🍕
We had the Chicche di Patate alla Pescatore and Penne al Salmone. Each dish showcased fresh seafood and the kind of authentic Italian flavour that stands out. Definitely check it out on Wednesdays!
We also tried the Arancino alla Bolognese and Arancino al Prosciutto; both were satisfying and had a delicious center.
We started with the bruschetta, followed by a pepperoni pizza and tiramisu for dessert, and every dish was absolutely outstanding. The ingredients tasted fresh and authentic, and each course was packed with flavour. The pizza, in particular, was exceptional, with a perfectly cooked crust and delicious toppings, while the tiramisu was the ideal way to finish the meal.
The service was equally impressive friendly, and welcoming throughout our visit.
We highly recommend Il Principe to anyone looking for excellent Italian food, especially pizza lovers. We're already looking forward to returning and sampling some of the pasta dishes on our next visit!