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Oxford's top five best-kept secrets by Erica Gordon-Mallin
Spanish Flavour On Saturday nights, Flamenco dancers take to the floor as La Plaza's spirited diners revel in the boisterous energy that pervades this intimate and unmistakably Latin enclave. Share a pitcher of sangria by sultry candlelight, and order Bolitas de Espinacas Y Papas, or fried spinach with raisins (which sounds ghastly but is actually quite delicious). A night here will surely inspire passion. La Plaza's 10 Little Clarendon Street tel: 01865 516688
Joie de Vivre There's nothing stark or austere about Chez Gaston in northern Oxford. Instead, the entire place is buzzing with colour and light, with walls painted a peachy orange, bold flower arrangements dominating the dining room, and genuinely cheerful service. While the inventive pasta dishes and savoury crepes are top-quality, price tags are refreshingly modest (pastas start at 7.50). Chez Gaston 9B North Parade Avenue OX2 6LX tel: 01865 311608
Riverfront Views If you're up for an evening of stargazing, then serenely stylish Aqua Vitae on Folly Bridge is an ideal destination. Unfortunately, the restaurant's baffling label of "New Italian" cuisine seems to equate to miniscule portions and somewhat inflated price tags. But as you sprawl on a wooden lounge chair on the restaurant's private deck, watching the boats drift by on the River Thames and sipping a flawless Cosmopolitan, you'll hardly notice such trivia. Aqua Vitae 1 Folly Bridge OX1 4LB tel: 01865 247775
Curry for Connosieurs Though curry (with its pungent seasonings) may not be the obvious choice for a romantic dinner for two, the uniquely authentic Aziz in Cowley is nonetheless a satisfying experience. The Indian and Bangladeshi fare served here is arguably the city's freshest (try the perfectly-seasoned Sag Paneer and the mouthwatering Chicken Razalla), and enormous handmade wall-hangings, purchased by the owner from a small Indian village, complement the pleasant decor. Aziz 228-230 Cowley Road, OX4 1UH tel: 01865 794945
The Find While the traditional pub fare served at The Isis Tavern may not be anything to rave about, it is this tavern's hidden-away location that secures its place as the most romantic of spots. No roads lead to the Isis; instead, you'll have to walk down a path along the River Thames. An adventure worth embarking upon one of these hot summer nights.... The Isis Tavern The Towing Path, Iffley Lock, OX4 4EL tel: 01865 247006
Oxford Features