Tucked away on Holywell Street, Edamame is one of Oxford’s best-kept culinary secrets. This tiny, family-run restaurant has earned a devoted following for its authentic Japanese home-style cooking, with a focus on fresh ingredients, traditional flavours and dishes made with genuine care.

With limited seating and a wonderfully unpretentious atmosphere, Edamame feels more like a hidden Tokyo neighbourhood eatery than a city-centre restaurant. From comforting bowls of noodles to beautifully prepared Japanese classics, it’s a must-visit for those who appreciate authentic food, understated charm and discovering places that feel truly local.