Banana Tree Oxford is part of a popular UK-based restaurant chain that offers a vibrant menu inspired by the diverse flavors of Southeast Asia. Known for its casual and lively atmosphere, the restaurant serves a variety of dishes from countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore. Guests can enjoy a range of options including curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic spices. Located on George Street, it provides a convenient dining option for both locals and visitors exploring the historic city of Oxford.
What each source says
- Google 4.6 5,118
- Tripadvisor 4.5 1,242
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Delicious and Flavorful Food Customers consistently praise the deliciousness and authentic Asian flavors of the food, noting the high quality and tasty dishes.
- Excellent and Friendly Service Many reviewers highlight the exceptional service provided by staff members like Dona, Linda, Martina, Francisco and others. Their attentiveness, friendliness, and efficiency enhance the dining experience.
- Great Cocktail Deals The restaurant's 2-for-1 cocktail deals are a major draw, offering a wide selection of tasty and well-made drinks at a reasonable price.
- Quick and Efficient Service Diners frequently mention the fast service, with food arriving promptly even during busy periods, making it a great choice for pre-theatre meals or quick lunches.
- Varied Menu with Vegan Options Banana Tree offers a wide array of pan-Asian dishes, including many vegetarian and vegan choices like the Vegan Coconut Malay curry and Pad Thai, ensuring options for various dietary preferences.
Criticised
- Ambiance can be Loud A few reviews noted that the restaurant can be quite noisy, which may not be ideal for those seeking a quiet or intimate dining experience.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While generally good, some dishes like the laksa can be watery or lacking in flavor. The quality can vary, so certain dishes may not meet expectations.
- Inconsistent Spice Levels Some dishes can be unexpectedly spicy, which might be a surprise for those not accustomed to fiery food. It's recommended to inquire about the spice level when ordering.
- Potential for Understaffing A few reviews mention that the restaurant can be understaffed at times, leading to slower service or delays, especially during peak hours.
- Small Portion Sizes Occasionally, some customers have found the portion sizes of certain items like the Thai calamari or curry, to be smaller than expected, affecting the overall value for money.
The longer read
Banana Tree Oxford receives high praise for its flavorful pan-Asian cuisine, diverse menu, and generally attentive service. Many reviewers specifically highlight the quality and variety of vegan and vegetarian options, including dishes like the vegan Pad Thai and Coconut Malay curry, making it a strong choice for those with dietary restrictions. The lunch bowls, especially the Fiery Chicken bowl, are frequently recommended for their flavor and value, with lunch pricing being particularly attractive. The restaurant is also known for its 2-for-1 cocktail offers, which many reviewers found appealing, mentioning specific drinks like the lychee mojito and various passion fruit cocktails. Several reviewers commend the speed of service and the friendly and helpful nature of the staff, with specific employees like Dona, Linda, Martina, Francisco, Mansi, Niloo, Oli, and Ricky being repeatedly mentioned for their exceptional service. The atmosphere is described as lovely and great for a night out. The restaurant is a popular choice for groups, and reviewers appreciate the restaurant's ability to accommodate large parties, often without prior booking. Some reviewers noted that the restaurant can get busy, especially during peak hours, so booking in advance is recommended. While most reviews are positive, some mention occasional inconsistencies in food quality, such as the laksa being too watery or the portion of curry not being sufficient for the amount of rice served. A few reviewers experienced slow service, especially when the restaurant was understaffed. Some reviewers mentioned the noise levels being high, creating a vibrant but potentially loud environment. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overwhelming sentiment is that Banana Tree Oxford offers a worthwhile dining experience with delicious food, a diverse menu, good value, and friendly service, making it a recommended destination for both casual meals and special occasions.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 1865 200685
- Website
- bananatree.co.uk/restaurants/oxford/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=google_lpm_bananatree_oxford
| Mon | 11:30 - 22:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:30 - 22:30 |
| Wed | 11:30 - 22:30 |
| Thu | 11:30 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 11:30 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 11:30 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 11:30 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.5 across the 55 places to eat we hold for Oxford, where the most-reviewed is Turtle Bay Oxford.
Still deciding?
- What are the must-try dishes or drinks at Banana Tree Oxford?
- Does Banana Tree Oxford offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free choices?
- What is the atmosphere like at Banana Tree Oxford and is it suitable for groups or families?
- What is the typical price range for a meal at Banana Tree Oxford?
- Is it recommended to make a reservation at Banana Tree Oxford, especially during peak times?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.