The OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS are back! We will be celebrating our sixth OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS ceremony at The North Wall on June 29, with a fabulous after party at OXTWO in Summertown, and the famous ‘morning after’ breakfast at Dishoom on June 30 in Oxford.
Sponsored by headliners Wise Investment, Jolly Foods, The Oxford Collection and SOMA Collab, as well as Oxford Fine Dining, Grape Minds, Dishoom and Tap Social, the voting has kicked off, with a different category released every day.
Here to give Oxfordshire’s hospitality industry a much needed boost, a massive pat on the back and the recognition and attention it deserves after such a difficult year, we have really pushed the boat out. And all we need you to do is vote for your favourites.
So welcome to the OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS 2026 and here is our fourth category BEST RESTAURANT 2026. VOTE HERE: https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
In alphabetical order, the nominations for BEST RESTAURANT 2026 are:
Branca, Jericho – If it’s sophisticated Italian food that you’re after, this is where to head. By day its deli offers a more casual dining option, but come the evenings its stylish interior and terrace come to life. Massively popular, its longevity speaks for itself. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Brasserie Blanc, Jericho – Another hugely popular entry that never veers from its intent to serve traditional French food in an intimate setting, suiting everyone from families and couples to work mates and pensioners. A safe bet whatever the occasion, it never lets you down. And having just celebrated its 30th anniversary, diners have been voting with their feet here for decades. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Cherwell Boathouse, North Oxford – Always idyllic, its location alone ensuring a constant flow of hungry punters and gourmets heading down to its riverside setting. But it doesn’t let up on the food front, its skilled, refreshing menus offering numerous options, as do its eating spaces, both inside and out. An Oxford classic. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Corn Room, Witney – this newcomer has already made a big impression, and has been fully booked since opening. Just what Witney needs it’s still a big move for the young team that have taken the site on, but with food of this calibre and a heart-warming welcome, they are already exceeding all expectations. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Dhamroo, Headington – fine dining Indian done in style. From the moment the Indian crisp selection arrives on the table along with some seriously good cocktails, you’re smitten, and the impressive dishes keep on coming. A superb set up which elevates Oxford’s extensive, rich, Indian culinary heritage considerably, in a beautiful setting. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Five Little Pigs, Wallingford – Headed up by head chef Aimee Collins whose nostalgic menus continue to pull in the crowds, its ever evolving menus are reflective of the seasons, suppliers and the environment. Beautiful, gentle and surprising food, every ingredient is allowed its moment in the sun, whether it’s foraged or cocktail related. And with the surrounding community firmly centre stage you’ll find the team serving drinks on the clumps, at festivals or gathering wild garlic in the woods. Something really different, it keeps everyone else on their toes. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Folly, Oxford – Make sure this is on your radar, because not only does it have a beautiful setting and pontoon dining pods, but they take it to the next level with the food here, which you can enjoy as life floats by. Riverside dining to swear by. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Gees, Oxford – Has never lost that upmarket, refined luxurious vibe, despite being such an Oxford institution, whether you pop in for a sophisticated brunch, lunch or dinner. Its famous glasshouse interior still entices the great and the good who keep coming back for more of its high end hospitality. How to dine in style. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Le Petit Doigt, Abingdon – an ingenious new opening where chef patron Oliver McEwan serves his inspired taster menus to a maximum of 12 diners a night, his menus inspired by history, ingredients and whatever takes his fancy. Having renovated the historic former tea room into a welcoming and embracing space, he has big ambitions so watch this pace, but if we were you we’d get in quick. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Mizu Japanese Izakaya, Bicester – has to be in the best restaurant category because it is such a slick operation. One of last year’s award winners is still making waves, everyone who visits astounded by the stunning quality of the food, the execution and professionalism and the incredible aesthetics, this is next level. Breathtaking. https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dbmmfkvh
Nest, The Feathers, Woodstock – a refined and exceptionally executed entry, the food produced by Luke Rawicki (head chef) and Shannon Mulholland is next level, delivered with excellent service and a sophisticated dining room. An impressive package where quality and attention to detail is everything. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
No1 Ship Street – Oxford – Such a big contender and thoroughly confident in its offering of blatantly luxurious dining – steaks, lobster and oysters – it encourages you to push the boat out, a refined and constantly returning crowd relishing its underplayed but decadent ethos. A former winner for a reason! Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Old Crown Ballroom, Faringdon – What the new owners have done with the Old Crown defies belief, transforming a tired hotel into a myriad of dining options and spaces, so while regulars can still enjoy the downstairs bar, gigs, festivals and entertainment, upstairs in the ballroom it’s a whole different ballgame. High end and proud of it. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Orwells, Shiplake – Chef patrons Liam and Ryan Simpson-Trotman pour love, passion and enormous skill and imagination into each and every dish, their flair for presentation and surprise, an ongoing delight. Dining there is always an extraordinary experience. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
OXTWO, Summertown – has come on leaps and bounds since opening last year, its wine bar/restaurant hybrid covering all the bases. It has a celebratory and high energy vibe which matches its sleek aesthetics. Throw in Johnny Parke’s and Ben Bullen’s exceptional small plate menu, food wise this is an excellent and fun addition to Oxfordshire’s culinary line-up. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Pompette – Summertown – Husband and wife team Laura and Pascal Wiedemann continue to celebrate Alsace-Lorraine in this vibrant bustling neighbourhood brasserie. If that sounds trite, don’t underestimate it, because the standards here are consistently excellent, Pascal’s prowess in the kitchen renowned. Whether you perch at the bar for a cocktail and some irresistible cervelle de canut or a sit down meal, you won’t be disappointed. We’ve done both on numerous occasions! Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Quod – Oxford – From the moment you step into the infamous Oxford restaurant, the Quod effect hits you. Rammed to the hilt whether it’s a weekday lunch or a romantic dinner, it never lets you down and is always there. Last year’s winner packs a punch. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Six By Nico, Oxford – has made a big impression since opening on Oxford’s Westgate roof, its picturesque open-plan dining space and kitchens luring in diners seeking out its themed, affordable taster menus, and introducing a whole new crowd to fine dining in the process. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Worton Kitchen Garden, Cassington – the perfect escape, immerse yourself in this exquisite, casual glasshouse restaurant where the menu changes constantly depending on what’s in season, which you can see for yourself, the wonderful produce growing all around you. You’ll never eat the same thing twice, apart from the delicious bread baked daily on site. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
Yurt at Nicholsons, North Aston. The notorious restaurant, sat bang in the middle of the upmarket garden centre is going from strength to strength. And with a Bib Gourmand now under its belt, it’s always packed, garden lovers and foodies alike making a bee-line for Andrew Carr’s food. Sustainability is the name of the game here – nothing goes to waste and their menus are as seasonal as you get. Perfect for a sumptuous lunch, an incredible breakfast/brunch and numerous seasonal pop-up dinners where Andrew pulls out all the stops. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
There are 10 categories and we will be announcing one every day for the next 10 days. These include BEST NEWCOMER, BEST PUB/BAR, BEST CAFE, BEST RESTAURANT, BEST VEGGIE/VEGAN OFFERING, BEST CHEF, BEST GASTROPUB, BEST CASUAL DINING, BEST INTERNATIONAL and OXFORDSHIRE HOSPITALITY WOMAN OF THE YEAR
The top four nominations from each category will be invited to the glittering ceremony where the winners will be announced, so get voting and pick your favourite.
You can only vote once in each category, so keep voting every day in all 10 categories! Voting ends mid June. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dt4qazpa
