Al-Andalus

Visited Al-Andalus last week and I can say it was a lovely experience. The service was very friendly and informative - recommendations were made on drinks and the waitress actually told us that we didn't need to order any more dishes!

The food came promptly and was lovely - what we expected from Tapas. I also noticed that the portions where bigger than when I went to the restaurant last time (the prices did seem to be ever so slightly higher than a few years ago, but then again to be expected and in line with restaurants in Oxford).

Would definitely go again and will be bringing friends along too!

Victoria (Unverified), 04/09/11

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Went to this Spanish restaurant on Valentines Day with my wife, after beeing on holiday to spain many times, I knew what to expect. It wasn't a true Spanish experience at all. Food not authentic and overpriced. Would not recommend and would not go again.

Richard (Unverified), 20/02/11

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I went here with my boyfriend for Valentine's. It had a really good atmosphere and the food was very tasty. Service was friendly, too.

17/02/11

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Not at all impressed with the food and can't understand why the place was so busy. Service wasn't bad but we won't be going again (even if someone else is paying!).

Amy (Unverified), 13/02/11

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Have been a few times, always good - fresh and tasty food, pretty authentic. Nice surroundings, good service. Opens late and gets busier around 10pm.

benrichardson (DI User), 08/04/10

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Visited the restaurant last week and was worth the visit. Good choice of tapas and had great fun with my friends.

Dominark (Unverified), 14/12/09

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Visited this place last week and thought by looking at the quite interesting menu and the fact that almost every table was taken, it should be a good dining experience. To cut a long story short the service was fast and prompt if a little blunt at times, the tapas was fairly hit and miss and some parts such as the vegetable brochetas (veg, skewered and dipped in a fat fryer!) extremely overpriced. It was an average meal with no real pros and at a cost - would certainly look elsewhere for tapas in future but wouldn't rule it out if someone else was paying!

Tim Fire (DI User), 25/10/09

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Had a disappointing meal with friends here last weekend. The service was rushed and inattentive and I thought the food was not that good, especially considering the inflated prices.

A friend and I opted to share the meat platter and it was pretty forgettable with tough steak cooked to the point of incineration. I know Spanish-speaking countries often serve steak well done but I'm definitely in the French camp of having it still bleeding. This was accompanied by other bits including very mediocre chicken and lacklustre chips. My friend's girlfriend's vegi tapas dishes were also decidedly average and seemed really expensive based on the potential cost of the raw ingredients used.

We had asked for her tapas dishes to arrive at the same time as our meat dish, which they agreed to, but this did not happen. This meant she'd almost finished by the time ours arrived. To add to this, when we asked for a carafe of still water we were given a bottle of water costing £3.50. The tap variety as an option would have been nice.

This was the second visit I had made to Al-Andalus and I won't be rushing back for a third. There are better tapas options in Oxford and for less money too.

Joe B (Unverified), 21/10/09

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One of my favourite restaurants in Oxford! Everything I've tried here has been delicious and authentic, from the tapas - I've had the octopus, the tortilitos, and the bacon-wrapped dates, to the enormous paella dishes. It's true, the non-tapas food does take a very long time, as they warn on the menu - but that's because it's made to order, and thus is one of the freshest, most flavourful options out there. The restaurant is also lovely and intimate, with warm saffron decor - a welcome respite from the chain restaurants that dot Little Clarendon Street.

Isabella (Unverified), 07/05/09

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This restaurant is top-notch. I dined here with a few friends and everybody was impressed. I have since been back for lunch and their lunch deals are both good value and with plenty of choice. The staff are helpful and the atmosphere very enjoyable - definitely recommended.

James (Unverified), 31/03/09

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Have had too many bland, forgettable experiences in UK tapas restaurants to normally get excited about going, but I was 'dragged' along by my wife - and I was very glad she did. Pleasant, relaxed surroundings, and friendly, knowledgeable Spanish staff were a good sign. The advice given was good and accurate. The dishes arrived at intervals and were piping hot and well presented. The main thing though was the taste. Every dish burst out with flavour.

pps (Unverified), 19/03/09

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