Giggling Squid is very much at home in Oxford's historic Jericho area with its cocktail bars, global eateries and the Phoenix Picturehouse a few steps away. Just a fifteen minute stroll to the station too! Giggling Squid is a Thai restaurant that is all about the spirit of Thai mealtimes - plentiful dishes, exotic ingredients and bold flavours to be enjoyed with your favourite people. Lunch or dinner - inside or under open sky - or a home feast with our takeaway and delivery options, we offer Thai favourites to suit your mood. Whilst our adventurous menus feature ingredients found only in Thailand, our expert Thai chefs also cook up classics such as Thai Green Curry, Pad Thai and our signature Salt & Pepper Squid alongside our popular lunch Thai tapas sets. We want our guests to feel like they're being welcomed into our home - with bright, vibrant interiors, bold florals and cosy banquettes, our restaurants are a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.
What each source says
- Google 4.4 752
- Tripadvisor 4.0 170
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
- Accommodating to Groups and Dietary Needs The restaurant is noted for its ability to accommodate large groups and cater to specific dietary requirements, including vegan and gluten-free options, making it a versatile choice.
- Attractive Decor and Atmosphere The restaurant boasts a beautiful and relaxing interior, with elegant decor that enhances the dining experience. It is a visually appealing and comfortable space for a meal.
- Convenient Location Located in Jericho, the restaurant is easily accessible and provides a pleasant dining option. Its presence enhances the dining scene and makes it a convenient choice for locals and visitors.
- Delicious and Varied Food The menu offers a wide range of tasty Thai dishes with unique and interesting options. Many find the food to be well-prepared, flavorful, and satisfying, making it a memorable dining experience.
- Excellent and Attentive Service Many diners highlight the friendly, professional, and attentive service provided by the staff. Servers are often mentioned by name for their helpfulness and willingness to accommodate requests.
Criticised
- Inauthentic or Westernized Flavors Some diners feel that the flavors are not entirely authentic and have been westernized, which may disappoint those seeking a traditional Thai culinary experience. The Massaman curry, for example, can be less flavorful.
- Inconsistent Food Quality Some diners have reported that the food quality can be inconsistent, with dishes sometimes being lukewarm, bland, or not as authentic as expected. This variability can lead to a disappointing experience.
- Noise Levels The restaurant can be quite noisy, particularly on busy evenings, making it difficult to have conversations. This may detract from the overall dining experience for some.
- Slow or Erratic Service While many praise the service, others have experienced slow or erratic service, especially during busy periods. Drinks may arrive late, or there may be delays in taking orders or delivering food.
- Small Portion Sizes for Price Several reviewers have mentioned that the portion sizes can be small relative to the prices charged. This can leave diners feeling that they are not getting good value for their money.
The longer read
Giggling Squid Oxford receives largely positive feedback, particularly regarding its atmosphere, decor, and service. Many reviewers describe the restaurant's interior as beautiful, pretty, light, airy, elegant, and well-decorated, contributing to a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. The service is frequently praised as friendly, attentive, efficient, and professional, with staff members often mentioned by name for their exceptional hospitality. Several reviewers appreciate the restaurant's ability to accommodate large groups and those without reservations, though it can be busy, especially on weekends. The presence of a vegan menu is also a plus for some customers.
The food receives mixed reviews. While many customers find the dishes delicious, tasty, and well-presented, some note that the food is not always authentically Thai, leaning towards a more westernized or fusion style. Several reviewers mention specific dishes they enjoyed, such as the mixed platter, spring rolls, Samui seafood, massaman curry, Thai melting beef, and sea bass. However, others express disappointment with certain dishes, describing them as bland, lukewarm, or having a soup-like consistency. Portion sizes are also a point of contention, with some finding them small for the price. A few reviewers mention issues with the temperature of the food or inconsistencies in quality compared to other Giggling Squid locations.
Despite some criticisms, many reviewers express their intention to return, citing the overall positive experience, tasty food, and lovely atmosphere. The restaurant is often recommended for special occasions, family dinners, and casual meals with friends. The availability of cocktails and other beverages is also appreciated. While a few reviewers mention slow service or higher prices compared to other Thai restaurants, the majority find the overall experience worthwhile.
Several reviewers specifically recommend trying the tapas menu for lunch, as well as squid dishes. The lunch menu generally receives positive feedback for offering a great choice of food at reasonable prices. The restaurant's allergen knowledge and ability to cater to dietary restrictions are also highlighted as a positive aspect.
Overall, Giggling Squid Oxford appears to be a popular choice for Thai cuisine, offering a visually appealing ambiance, friendly service, and a diverse menu with some standout dishes. However, potential customers should be aware of the possibility of westernized flavors, smaller portion sizes, and occasional inconsistencies in food quality.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 1865 557696
- Website
- gigglingsquid.com/restaurant/oxford/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=business&utm_content=oxford&y_source=1_MjU0Njc4MDktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D
| Mon | 12:00 - 22:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 22:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.3 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 most popular and recommended dishes at Giggling Squid - Oxford?
- Does Giggling Squid - Oxford offer good vegetarian or vegan choices on their menu?
- Is Giggling Squid - Oxford suitable for families and do they have a kids' menu?
- What is the atmosphere like at Giggling Squid - Oxford and how is the restaurant's interior designed?
- Do I need to make a reservation in advance for Giggling Squid - Oxford, especially during busy 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.