Nestled on the outskirts of Nuneham Courtenay and easily accessible from East Oxford, Cockadoo offers an exquisite mix of Thai and Chinese food in a smart, approachable setting. It therefore was the perfect venue to mark a rare child-free evening, even if what was on offer was a tad on the expensive side.

In order to get a taste of the range of starters on offer (plus it is my favourite part of the meal), we went for the Cockadoo Mixed starter. This was a perfect way to kick the meal off with a nice variety and a mostly impeccable roster of dishes. Particular stand outs were the braised pork spare ribs, a juicy meat in a scrumptious sauce, as well as the Thai Spiced Chicken Cakes and Golden Bags. These stood out not only because they were flavoursome delights, but because I had not had them before. They showed off the strength and diversity of the Asian fusion cuisine, and every element of this dish worked bar the Vietnamese Salad Rolls, which left a strange after-taste. But the mixed starter really is the best way to start a meal at Cockadoo.

With our appetites partially sated it was time for our mains. My partner chose the Crispy Shredded Chilli Beef and special fried rise, whilst I went Crispy Pork in Sweet Chilli Sauce and egg fried rice. Our food came quickly and was presented impeccably. I especially liked the dry noodle cradle the chilli beef came in. It is a shame then that, for how well presented our food was, we had to ruin this by digging into our food. But what a treat it was. A meal packed with flavour that was lip-smackingly good. Each of our mains was exactly what we were looking for in a Chinese and was certainly plentiful (we probably ordered too much rice for the two of us). Cockadoo may be one of the best Asian fusion restaurants in Oxford, in terms of the quality of its food.

Mains consumed, we were full and couldn't possibly have a considered a dessert. The atmosphere of a Cockadoo is relaxing with a service that is friendly but unobtrusive. This allowed the conversation to flow as we dug into our heavenly cuisine. I really can't fault Cockadoo for the food or the dining experience. And yet the one downside of the restaurant is the cost of the food, which at times feels overpriced for what is on offer. I'd love to go back for more of this amazing cuisine but it will have to remain as an occasional treat as it was over £60 for the two of us.