Banana Tree Oxford
Vibrant Pan-Asian flavors and extensive vegan options in Oxford's lively George Street.
Banana Tree Oxford is a vibrant Pan-Asian restaurant located on George Street in the heart of Oxford's city centre. Specializing in Thai, Malaysian, and Singaporean cuisine, this lively establishment offers an extensive menu featuring signature dishes like the legendary Rendang beef curry, Singapore laksa, and crispy tamarind fish. The restaurant is particularly celebrated for its comprehensive vegan and vegetarian menus, making it an inclusive destination for all dietary preferences. With a casual yet animated atmosphere reminiscent of a street market, friendly staff, and regular cocktail promotions, Banana Tree delivers authentic flavors and a memorable dining experience in a welcoming environment.
A brief summary to Banana Tree Oxford
- 63 George St, Oxford, OX1 2BQ, GB
- +441865200685
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-10:30 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-10:30 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-10:30 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
- Friday 12 pm-11 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-10 pm
Local tips
- Order the Rendang beef curry and Singapore laksa—these signature dishes showcase the kitchen's strongest work and justify the restaurant's reputation.
- Take advantage of the two-for-one cocktail and mocktail offer available throughout the day, or book a lunchtime visit to access discounted menu pricing.
- If dining as a vegan or vegetarian, explore the dedicated menu rather than adapting main dishes—the plant-based offerings are thoughtfully developed and equally satisfying.
- Visit during quieter times (early evening on weekdays) to enjoy the animated atmosphere without excessive noise and crowding.
- Request seating away from the front windows if you prefer a quieter environment, as the George Street location can be noisy during busy periods.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Banana Tree Oxford location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Banana Tree Oxford
A Pan-Asian Culinary Destination in Central Oxford
Banana Tree Oxford occupies a prime location on George Street, placing it within easy reach of Oxford's historic city centre. This Pan-Asian restaurant has carved out a distinctive niche by offering an ambitious menu that spans Thai, Malaysian, Singaporean, and Chinese cuisines. Rather than attempting to be a generic fusion establishment, Banana Tree succeeds through a carefully curated selection of signature dishes that showcase authentic flavors and techniques. The restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation is evident in dishes that have earned devoted followings among regular diners.Signature Dishes That Define the Experience
The menu's standout creations reveal the kitchen's strengths and culinary philosophy. The Rendang beef curry, described as legendary by the establishment itself, justifies this claim through beef that falls apart beautifully into a richly spiced coconut-based sauce that has been simmered for hours. The Singapore laksa represents another triumph—a Singaporean staple executed with a silky, aromatic sauce enveloping rice noodles, oriental vegetables, herbs, and generous portions of seafood or tofu. The tamarind crispy fish demonstrates technical precision, with a light batter dusting that allows the tilapia to shine while complementary flavors of tamarind, lime, chilli, garlic, and peanuts create a harmonious balance. Starters like crispy gyoza and the Malaysian Kajang satay with its heavenly peanut sauce showcase the kitchen's ability to deliver consistent quality across the menu.Inclusive Dining for All Preferences
Banana Tree distinguishes itself through an uncommonly extensive vegan and vegetarian offering. Rather than treating plant-based dining as an afterthought, the restaurant provides a dedicated menu that rivals the main offerings in scope and creativity. Vegan options include sweetcorn fritters, aubergine dishes with aromatic caramel sauce and crispy shallots, vegan gyoza, tofu laksa, and vegan versions of Thai curries. The vegan sweet and sour sauce on vegetable bites paired with sticky rice has earned particular praise, as have the vegan corn fritters and plant-based adaptations of classic dishes. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that diners with varying dietary requirements can enjoy equally satisfying meals without compromise.Atmosphere, Service, and Social Experience
The restaurant's interior evokes an eclectic street market aesthetic, creating an animated and lively environment that appeals to families, couples, and groups alike. The decor and ambiance encourage lingering and conversation, while the casual setting removes pretension from the dining experience. Staff members are consistently noted for their friendliness, attentiveness, and passion for the restaurant. Service typically moves efficiently, with staff checking on diners to ensure satisfaction. The establishment regularly offers promotional deals, including two-for-one cocktails and mocktails throughout the day and discounted lunchtime menus, making quality dining accessible at various price points.Cocktails and Beverage Selection
The cocktail program adds another dimension to the Banana Tree experience. The bar offers a curated selection of cocktails and mocktails that are both visually appealing and well-executed. The two-for-one promotion on drinks is a popular draw, particularly for pre-theatre meals or casual evening outings. Diners can also upgrade to a larger cocktail selection for a modest additional fee, providing flexibility for those seeking premium options.Considerations and Variability
While Banana Tree excels in many areas, the Pan-Asian concept inevitably results in some inconsistency across the menu. Certain starters, such as spring rolls and Thai calamari, have been noted as suffering from excessive batter that masks the quality of their fillings. Portion sizes, particularly for mains, tend toward the modest side, with rice often comprising a substantial portion of the plate. Pricing sits at the moderate-to-higher end for Oxford dining, and some diners feel the value proposition could be stronger given portion sizes. The restaurant can become quite crowded during peak times, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings, which may affect noise levels and seating comfort. Despite these minor considerations, the restaurant's signature dishes and overall execution make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking quality Pan-Asian cuisine in Oxford.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Casual
- Entertaining
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
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For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
