The Oxford Castle site has the most intense concentration of reliable restaurants, from Carluccio's to Tootsies and Pizza Express to the fabulous Malmaison and trendy Living Room. But venture out into the city itself and you will discover a coterie of charming eateries.

If you arrive in Oxford by train or bus, head for Bangkok House on Hythe Bridge Street - the best Thai in town, or the new Nando's chicken restaruant at the end of George Street. Gino's Spaghetti House or the Noodle Bar in Gloucester Green are well worth a visit.

Right in the city centre, Quod, on the High Street, is a great place to take stock of Oxford with its huge glass windows and Mediterranean menu, and make sure you duck into the Covered Market for a host of fantastic cafes and healthier options such as The Alpha Bar. Start heading up to north Oxford and the restaurants get smarter, with a wonderful selection from which to choose. Gee's on Banbury Road vies with The Old Parsonage on Woodstock Road.

Alternatively, sneak down the continental Little Clarendon Street whose customers spill out onto the pavements, for some great ice cream, sandwiches and some wonderful restaurants.

Pop out in Jericho and again you will be spoilt for choice. Branca is a personal favourite. The food is unpretentious Mediterranean and it's great for intimate chats, gossip and people-watching.

On the other side of the street there is the more conservative Brasserie Blanc. This was part of Raymond Blanc's kingdom until he sold part of it to Loch Fyne.

Now back on track, this classic French bistro is suitable for business meals and special occasions alike and a great place from which to watch the world go by.

Other favourites include Jamal's Tandoori Restaurant, which has won awards for its Indian food, The Jericho Tavern, which oozes relaxation and chilled vibes as reflected in its menu, decor and great beer garden, and The Big Bang, a great place for sausage and mash.

Further up, in residential land, Al Shami is located at the end of Walton Crescent, nestled among the houses. Its simple Lebanese food draws fans from far and wide. It is great for a cheap night out with friends or a pre-cinema bite.

And for those who just want a great take-away burger, a visit to Peppers is a good place to start. The tailor-made offerings restore your faith in late-night eating.

Cowley Road, that mecca of international cuisine, hosts some great haunts.

Café Coco is a mix of fun, relaxation and guaranteed good food. The pizzas are famous, as are the artfully freakish mannequins scattered about the place - and it's open all day.

Next door, The Kazbar is busy serving Moroccan tapas and great cocktails to a crowd who never tire of its lively atmosphere.

Down the road is family-run restaurant Mario's, where bonafide Italians shout at each other and serve steaming pasta and huge pizzas to an appreciative audience.

A similarly packed restaurant is Joe's - a light, airy place that serves wonderfully simple and delicious food all day.

Competing with it is La Cucina on St Clements, a recent addition to Oxford's restaurant scene.

Curry-wise you can't beat the upmarket Aziz, or if you are peckish later on, you can't go wrong with Bodrum Kebab where the garlic mayonnaise is legendary.

If you manage to drag yourself away from the temptations of Cowley Road, head to Summertown where North and South Parade are really flourishing.

In the former you can find the authentic and family-friendly Mamma Mia, the more grown-up Italian Cibo and smart bistro Portabello.

Chez Gaston, tucked up South Parade, is a refreshing place that serves delicious pancakes and other wonderful savouries.

If you venture into Headington, Bar Meze is worth a stop as is Yummy's next-door, a great Chinese cafe serving really authentic food.

If you fancy somewhere more countrified, then some truly idyllic pubs can be found on the outskirts of the city.

The Trout at Godstow is world-famous, thanks to Inspector Morse and as a result attracts the crowds, but hopefully that other riverside favourite, The Perch at Binsey will be back in business this summer following a disasterous fire a year ago.

The Fishes in North Hinksey is always well worth a visit and provides wonderful picnics in its large garden.

The Isis Pub at Iffley Lock has been given a makeover by its new owners - and don't forget the picturesque Victoria Arms in Old Marston which, if you are feeling energetic or adventurous, is within punting distance of the city centre

A FEW USEFUL NUMBERS

Al Shami: 01865 310066

Aziz: 01865 794945

Bangkok House: 01865 200705

Bar Meze: 01865 761106

Bodrum Kebab: 01865 249981

Branca: 01865 556111

Brasserie Blanc: 01865 510999

Café Coco: 01865 200232

Carluccio's 01865 249413

Chez Gaston: 01865 311608

Cibo: 01865 29232

Gee's: 01865 553540

Gino's: 01865 794446

Jamal's: 01865 310102

Joe's: 01865 201120

La Cucina: 01865 793811

Malmaison: 0845 365 4247

Mamma Mia's: 01865 514141

Mario's: 01865 722955

Peppers: 01865 310044

Pizza Express: 01865 723400

Portabello: 01865 559653

Quod: 01865 202505

Tootsies: 01865 791715

The Kazbar: 01865 202920

The Jericho Tavern: 01865 311775

The Old Parsonage: 01865 310210

The Noodlebar: 01865 201400

The Fishes: 01865 249796

The Trout: 01865 302071