Pizza Express
The Golden Cross, 8, Golden Cross, Cornmarket Street, Oxford, OX1 3EX, GB
Rating: 4.1 ★ (761 ratings)
Details
Nestled within the historic Golden Cross arcade off bustling Cornmarket Street, this Pizza Express offers a unique dining experience in a remarkable 12th-century building. Imagine savouring your favourite handmade pizza, perhaps a classic Margherita or the popular Sloppy Giuseppe, while surrounded by medieval wall paintings and original 15th-century timberwork. Set back from the main thoroughfare, the restaurant provides a surprisingly tranquil setting spread over two floors, creating a relaxed space where chefs in striped t-shirts expertly toss dough. Its prime location also means you're just a stone's throw from Oxford's famous Covered Market, making it an ideal spot to refuel after exploring the city's historic heart.
Beyond the exceptional setting, expect the consistently high quality and friendly service that Pizza Express is known for, with a menu catering to all tastes, including vegetarian options and tempting desserts like tasty puddings and fudge cakes. The restaurant is well-suited for families and groups, offering a welcoming atmosphere after a day spent visiting nearby attractions such as Carfax Tower or browsing the diverse shops lining Cornmarket Street. Whether you're seeking a quick lunch between sightseeing, a casual dinner, or a reliable takeaway, this branch delivers with its blend of rich Oxford history and familiar Italian flavours, all at affordable prices. The combination of its central, yet secluded, location and the characterful building makes it a memorable stop for any visitor.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM; Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM; Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM; Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM; Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM; Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM; Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Contact
+44 1865 790442
Comments
Their chocolate brownie, however, to me seemed like a tiny portion.
They have some great offers and discounts as well. And speedy service.
We order our food and drinks (a beer and two cocktails) and she asks to ID us which was a bit surprising given that we all are quite clearly over the legal drinking age but fine, she was doing her job however it was clear at this point that she did not like us.
From this point she would no longer speak to us when delivering food despite numerous attempts from us to make conversation. She would not even acknowledge us saying thank you or when complementing the food. This made for such an uncomfortable dining experience.
When it came time to pay, my friend had a taste card to use for a discount on the bill which when he told her she made a sarcastic remark about. She was also extremely rude the whole time he was paying.
After we’d paid there was no well-wishing or goodbye of any kind.
This was only my second time at this Pizza Express and whilst the food was great, I’ve had poor service both times and so unfortunately will not be returning again.
A real shame.
The building is wonderful for historians and anyone who likes quirky buildings.
The staff were friendly and polite throughout. We had a great conversation with one of the servers, Fergus (We're sorry if we kept him chatting too long!), and the manager, which extended a quick meal into a pleasant and memorable evening out. Many thanks to you both.