The OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS are back! We will be celebrating our sixth 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 fifth category BEST INTERNATIONAL 2026. VOTE HERE: https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
In alphabetical order, the nominations for BEST INTERNATIONAL 2026 are:
Antep Kitchen, Cowley Road – One of East Oxford’s most popular restaurants, fans flocking for their wonderful Turkish hospitality. Perfect for large parties, celebrations and those who enjoy big portions. Lively, fun and vibrant, it’s a guaranteed good night out. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Cay Khe, Abingdon – a really exciting new addition serving the most authentic Vietnamese food outside of Asia. The banh mis and phos are unbelievable, its humble setting perfectly in tune with its street food vibe, its popularity spreading fast. You’re welcome. https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Chiang Mai Kitchen, Oxford – Found down an alleyway off the High Street in an incredible Tudor building, it’s part of the Oxford furniture, a city stalwart with 30 years under its belt. High end Thai food in an impeccable and historic setting. What more can you ask for? Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Cinnamon Stick, Middle Barton – We love it there, because Khalid Mohammed’s Middle-Eastern cooking sings, his Syrian roots giving his menus an authenticity and reverence that have people travelling from far and wide to the former village pub. Throw in the new Arabian lounge with its wood-fired oven and a big garden and its a get go at any time of the year. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Coconut Tree, St Clements, East Oxford – The perfect introduction to Sri Lankan food, its sharing plate street food ethos enabling its diners to try multiple new and novel dishes. It’s a great space too, its funky cocktail bar and bright restaurant drawing in the crowds, and with an attractive price point, you can see why it’s a contender. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Damascus Rose, Old Fire Station, Oxford. Serving incredible Middle-Eastern food cooked by Syrian refugee women who delight in cooking dishes from their homeland, it’s a breath of fresh air. Situated in the accessible and affordable city centre cafe, its community focused space is hugely enhanced by the food. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Dosa Park, Oxford – took a blow when it closed its Botley restaurant but its original premises opposite Oxford Station is still going strong. Not big on decoration, it more than makes up for it on the food front, its thalis and dosas still bringing them in. https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Django’s Smokehouse, Didcot, From happy hour cocktails to unlimited wings Wednesday, bottomless brunches and food challenges, there’s always something to enjoy. But its the American fusion BBQ that its punters hanker after, as well as a top night out. https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Dorindos, Abingdon – So many people rave about the warm welcome, Mexican cocktails, tacos, nachos and all the classics washed down with a beer or margarita. Let the fun times roll. https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Ginger & Spice, Covered Market – the new kids on the block refined their modern Punjabi food in a mobile food van first before opening, ready to wow Oxford with their home-made, sustainable, seasonal, fresh, Indian offering. If you haven’t been you’re missing out. https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Gloucester Green Outdoor Market, Oxford– If it’s global food you’re after, then you’ve hit the jackpot here with every cuisine under the sun in the offing, stalls hustling for space and customers, who are spoilt for choice. From Nepalese to Austrian, Caribbean to Lebanese and everything in between, the hard part is choosing. The communal tables and bustling atmosphere only add to the experience. Oxford is lucky to have it. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Kopitiam, Summertown – there’s a lot of noise around this innocuous looking Malaysian restaurant and takeaway, garnering national reviews and a legion of fans. Despite its simple set up, its acclaim is all down to the food which transports you straight back to Asia. https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Las Chicas, Faringdon – Fun, laughter, cocktails and tapas emanate from this endlessly popular venue, where the party atmosphere continues. That’s also largely down to its Mediterranean and Latin American food. The party never ends here. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Lula’s Ethiopian and Eritrean, Oxford – Having branched out with a new outlet in The Covered Market, Lula continues at her base opposite Oxford Station, determined that Ethiopian and Eritrean food gets its moment in the sun. And with a myriad of events and clients enjoying everything she does, it looks like her mission is accomplished. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Oli’s Thai, East Oxford – back with a vengeance, thank God! We have come out of mourning now that it has reopened its doors. The premises was transformed into a deli for the past few years, but thanks to popular demand, Rufus and Ladd are manning their ship with as much flair, flavour and imagination as ever. Still up there with the best, its waiting lists are as long as ever. https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Ramen Kulture, St Giles, Oxford – It may be a small space but people are happy to wait, queueing down the street for some of the famous ramen and noodles, the ramen broth made overnight. A student favourite. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Shiraz, Cowley Road – Proper Persian food bursting with flavour and exciting dishes in a really authentic setting. Venture in and you’re guaranteed to experience food you’ve never tried before. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Spiced Roots, Cowley Road – Caribbean food at its best. The lengths it goes to to pack in maximum flavour, the meat falling off the bone, and the exceptional presentation, means this is one of East Oxford’s best restaurants. Renowned throughout the city. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Taste Tibet, East Oxford – Yeshi Jampa‘s authentic cooking hails straight from from the Tibetan mountains where he grew up, not only introducing Tibetan food to Oxford, but the country as a whole, thanks to his TV appearances, cookbook and equally committed other half Julie Kleeman, their reputation proceeds them. Yet their humble restaurant remains welcoming, inclusive and unique. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
The Standard, Jericho – When you want a good old-fashioned Indian, this is the place to head, its enduring popularity speaking for itself. Because while many of the dishes and curries are instantly recognisable, there are a few surprises thrown in, and the delivery and execution lives up to all expectations. 53 years and counting. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Three Thousand, Oxford – with different offerings – upstairs (Chongqing hotpot) or downstairs (Lanzhou noodles), its casual set up belies its genuine Chinese offering, which Oxfordians are flocking to experience for themselves, slurping bowls of noodles with a satisfaction rarely surpassed. https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
Za’atar Bake, Cowley Road – Spilling out onto the pavement, customers enjoying coffee and brunch in the morning sun, people popping in for the Arabic pastries, later turning into a hub of diners flocking for the tagines, manakee and kebabs. Fun, colourful and much in demand. https://www.surveyhero.com/c/dkum3ewj
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/dkum3ewj
