Victors Oxford

You'll find Victors tucked into the Westgate Shopping Centre—which sounds more depressing than it actually is. The restaurant itself is bright and contemporary, with that confident European brasserie energy that makes you want to linger over lunch or come back for dinner. The kitchen takes French classics seriously: think properly executed duck confit, skilfully made sauces, fish done right. It's the sort of place where locals actually book a table, rather than one you'd only visit if you were desperately stuck on Queen Street. Fair prices for what you're getting, and the buzz suggests they're doing something right.