Address: 166 Cowley Rd, Oxford, OX4 1UE, United Kingdom
Phone: +441865466666
Rating: 4.7
based on 207 reviews.
Food Quality
Pros:
"The food was genuinely amazing. We were both surprised at how different everything tasted."
"Everything was perfect here. The food was exceptionally delicious and the portions were quite big."
"I could not wait to write a review. Where to start! Food was magnificent and as authentic as it can get."
"The fataya was perfect. The waiting staff were accommodating, friendly and prompt."
"We ordered vegetarian and lamb maqloubah. The seasoning for both is good."
"Fresh, fast and delicious!! Amazing customer service and friendly staff."
"The food was delicious with an authentic feel to the restaurant too."
"Fantastic Middle East cuisine. Everything was delicious and the serving size is quite big."
Cons:
"Ordered the burger and was deeply confused when this monstrosity (positive) arrived but I loved it nonetheless. The burger inside could have been a bit more tender."
"We ordered vegetarian and lamb maqloubah. However the portion is indeed small for the price."
"The food was terrible, unsure how they have so good reviews. Service was good, that’s as far as it goes."
"Coming to the food, we ordered the following: Makluba: was significantly undersized, lamb was dry."
"I'm Middle Eastern, I have had lots of Middle Eastern food in my life, this is one of the worst."
"Food was served cold so lost the whole appetite. Service by staff was good."
"The tap water was warm, so don't know how long it had been left out on the side for without being refreshed."
"Food is always amazing, i used to go for breakfast and it is always delicious and fresh from the over... The best bakeries in oxford.. In ramdan, the atmosphere is great, it is like you are in the middle of the middle east . Feels like home to me, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Also the open buffet during ramdan is of great quality and on time for iftar"
Service
Pros:
"The service was really good and they explained what things were, answering our questions perfectly."
"The staff have got to be the nicest people I’ve ever come across in a restaurant. Truly friendly and kind."
"Words fail me to express how lovely everything was and therefore can't recommend enough."
"The staff already had the dough prepared and once we selected what we wanted to eat, they immediately started making our food."
"We love Za'atar bake for coffee, lunch or dinner. This week we visited for midweek lunch and it was spectacular."
"What a great place to eat! The design of the vibe here was so good, the owner made sure we were seen to and made recommendations."
"Highly recommend restaurant. The food is very fresh, the staff are super friendly."
"We had, beetroot hummus, soup, chicken flatbread and a lamb and rice dish - absolutely delicious - fresh, presented well."
Cons:
"Although the customer service was friendly and helpful, the food service was a let down on this occasion."
"We were sitting for at least 25 minutes, before we had to inform them that we were waiting, only then we were seen to."
"Service is not good at all, Today the restaurant was not busy but the waiters were too slow, and ignoring orders"
"The food and service was okay. The tap water was warm, so don't know how long it had been left out on the side for without being refreshed."
"The owner was rude! Even though he knew my companion and came over and spoke to them. He completely ignored me, I wasn't acknowledged in any way at all and felt totally invisible. That's not how an owner should treat paying guests!!"
"We had a really special lunch with our friend. A very friendly and caring staff and the owner Mahmoud is really energetic. He played the traditional arabic drum for the customers. The atmosphere was great in addition to the delicious food"
"Used to be great food and great hospitality, but the new manager is awful. We arrived 18 mins late for our booking (fault accepted) and he kept berating us, multiple times, quite rudely for being late and that he wanted us out in an hour."
"I absolutely love the food and ambience of this place, however you cant rely on the opening hours. They seem to open when they feel like it! I've been a dozen times and only once were they open at 8am when it says they are open. In fact today it's nearly 9.30 am and still not open!"
Ambiance
Pros:
"Really awesome decorations, lively music and the service was quick."
"Great restaurant with great atmosphere from the owner and the staff members!"
"The ambience is amazing. The food is top notch. The service is friendly."
"My first time at this popular spot. It was busy on a Thursday evening so would recommend booking. Really enjoyed the food."
"The place is very comfortable and amazingly decorated with so many Arabic details."
"The atmosphere for one was incredible - I felt so comfortable, so at home and at ease. The owner was magnificent and charismatic."
"Great range of food and kitchen in full view to watch preparation and cooking. Just too too noisy with music pretty full blast making conversation difficult and took the edge off the meal."
"Absolutely enjoyed the atmosphere at this place. Staff is lovely. The place was packed when we visited but still got a seat without reservation."
Cons:
"Some great food gems happen by accident! We walked in after a long walk in Oxford, hoping to have anything to eat as we were desperately hungry & tired!"
"The name Bake is deceiving, as we ended up with Maqlouba instead of baked stuff!"
"Arabic bakery with a trendy vibe. Spectacular pastries on display at the entrance. Mixed reviews from the diners I was with."
"Hmmmm so some will find it just fine others will struggle to see why they’d want to go back."
"The food was terrible, unsure how they have so good reviews."
"This is less of a restaurant and more of a place that you sit and eat in. It is very small, very cramped, very loud."
"Inside was so hot, chairs and tables are too small. That's why the place is not comfortable, definitely."
"Food is amazing, i used to go for breakfast and it is always delicious and fresh from the over... The best bakeries in oxford.. In ramdan, the atmosphere is great, it is like you are in the middle of the middle east . Feels like home to me, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Also the open buffet during ramdan is of great quality and on time for iftar"