Côte Oxford

You know exactly what you're getting at this French brasserie on George Street, and that's precisely why it works so well. The sort of place where you can bring your parents for a proper lunch after dragging them round the Ashmolean, or settle in for a decent bottle of Côtes du Rhône with friends who've just finished their shift at the Bodleian. The steak frites arrives exactly as it should – no faffing about with foams or unnecessary garnishes – whilst the moules marinière come in a proper pot with bread that's actually worth dipping. Yes, it's a chain, but it's the kind of chain that understands French bistro cooking shouldn't be messed about with. The staff know their stuff, the wine list won't bankrupt you, and the weekend brunch keeps half of central Oxford caffeinated and fed.