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Hours
Sun
12:00 - 15:30
Wed
11:30 - 14:30
Thu
11:30 - 14:3017:00 - 20:30
Fri
11:30 - 14:3017:00 - 20:30
Sat
11:30 - 14:3017:00 - 20:30
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
£6.00 – £12.00
CUISINES
Japanese, Sushi, Asian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
meals, features
Is this restaurant good for lunch?
Details
About
If you desire tasty home-cooked style Japanese food served in a cozy setting then look no further than Edamame ! In recent years (2017/18/19/20/23) Edamame has been endorsed by the Japanese government as Oxford’s ONLY truly authentic Japanese restaurant. We are humbled and thrilled to have received these awards, and we will work hard to maintain this official approval in future years. Edamame is a tiny, intimate premises. Tables are shared between different groups of guests. It can become quite lively, but we always try to offer warm and personal service. We have 3 very different menus that follow a weekly schedule. We highly recommend you check our web-site to be certain of our quirky opening hours AND of which menu will be operating when you wish to visit. Edamame is nearly 25 years old, and we are grateful to our many visitors and loyal regulars who have kept us on our toes since 1998. We hope we will have the opportunity to welcome you here one day very soon!
PRICE RANGE
£6.00 – £12.00
CUISINES
Japanese, Sushi, Asian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
394 reviews
Excellent
249
Very good
87
Average
32
Poor
9
Terrible
17
Scarlett T
3 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
I have only been to Edamame on a Thursday night (the only night they do sushi) and I keep meaning to go try their other offerings, but the sushi is just *so good* that I can't bring myself to go any other night. Hands down the best sushi I have eaten outside of Japan (for a reasonable price). We paid £55 for two (including service charge) and that got us a couple of beers, a couple of miso soups, and enough delicious sushi to completely satisfy two people with a reasonably large appetite. We tried two of the specials on that night (scallop nigiri and beef tamaki) which were both amazing.
Yes, you have to share your table with other people, and yes if you don't get there at 5pm you *will* have to queue and wait as they don't take bookings. But it is completely, utterly worth it. If you live in Oxford and you like sushi then you need to eat here at least once, and if you're just visiting Oxford then try to make it a priority to come on sushi night. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oxfordninja
Thank you for writing such lovely words about your regular visits to Edamame on our sushi nights ! We are so happy that you enjoy our sushi, and we hope you will one day be tempted to try some dishes from our lunch and dinner menus in the future :) In any case we look forward to serving you again !
Written 5 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Del Monaco
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • none
The restaurant was just the perfect size. The food was delicious, the service was amazing and the manager was extremely helpful, especially when we were choosing the menu in advance. He also got back to us promptly with our queries. I would thoroughly recommend. We will definitely be back. Thank you so much.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oxfordninja
Hi Del Monaco, thank you for writing your many kind words ! We very much enjoyed hosting your private party at Edamame, and we look forward to serving you here again soon.
Written 4 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alex Miller
1 contribution
May 2022 • none
Clearly a very popular spot with locals; queue went for a while but location was lovely so didn't feel like a burden to wait at all. Once inside, the table was lovely and the atmosphere was fantastic. Service was prompt, helpful, and knowledgeable. The meal (my father ordered the chicken katsu, I had the salmon furai, and we split some pickled greens and sake) came to about £40. If we'd been trying to save we could have eaten a delicious meal for just around £20 for two, which is shockingly good.
The food was superb and delivered to our table very quickly while it was still directly out of the fryer. Absolutely delicious: both of us cleared our plates. Know how to use chopsticks but I expect they might provide Western-style cutlery if you ask. But then what would be the point? I'll be returning again.
Written 22 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oxfordninja
Thank you for posting such a positive and detailed review of your visit to Edamame. We are very happy to know that you enjoyed your meal, the service and atmosphere, and we look forward to welcoming you here again one day soon. With best wishes and thanks from us all at Edamame !
Written 24 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dee1
London12 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
All the food we ordered was extremely salty, soggy and almost inedible. After 45 minutes of sitting at the table my friend was still trying to eat her food and we were asked quite abruptly if we were almost finished as there was a long line at the entrance and they wanted to be seated! Unpleasant experience - not worth the wait or visit.
Written 8 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H O L L A
13 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
We stumbled upon this whilst exploring the street of Oxford, it definitely off the beaten track, as there Wasn't much around.
There was a fair few queuing already, the lady was good she pretook people order so when your table was ready the food wouldn't be as long of the a wait.
There around 8-10 tables in side, so it a very cosy restaurant.
I would say the food was delicious, my partner had the pork cutlet which tasted fresh and not remade and I had the shoyu noodle soup, which was flavoursome and yummy.
The restaurant has a vibe if you go around to someone house, they cook you something very wholesome and delicious. very homely vibes, there definitely something for everyone.
would I return definitely, as the food prices was very reasonable and the service was friendly and attentive.
please note check website, as the restaurant only open few hours for lunch and dinner on specific days, so don't want one disappointed :)
Written 21 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oxfordninja
Thank you very much for posting your kind and informative comments about your visit to Edamame. As we are located off the beaten track we are particularly grateful for reviews such as yours which we hope will encourage other potential visitors to venture down Holywell Street away from the bustle of the city centre ! We hope we will have the chance to serve you again one day soon.
Written 24 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
George Y
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • family
The taste is delicious, the quality of food and cooking is really good. However, the quantity is substandard ! The seating is annoying, after waiting for 40 minutes to be seated, we were offered to share a table with 2 other clients!
I was visiting with my family (4 persons) and wanted a little privacy. Besides, we were almost pushed to finish our dinner within less than 30 minutes for them to seat another group! We all left disappointed and still hungry because the quantity of food was minimal and there was no point to order more because they wanted to seat another group.
Also the service was welcoming but not encouraging. The prices are high relatively to what you get in terms of quantity.
Written 29 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura M
20 contributions
May 2024 • solo
I happened across this restaurant on my way to visit Magdalen College. I was lucky that I didn’t have to queue- being on my own meant that I was able to share a table with another solo diner. I ordered the salmon teriyaki and it came with a bowl of rice and some miso soup. The portions were plentiful and the food was very tasty. Service was friendly and efficient.
Written 10 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brankoni
32 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
We came here for the first time recently and it was lovely. The food was fresh and tasty, and we didn’t have to wait too long either. Be aware that this is a casual restaurant, you queue outside and then may share tables with strangers - we knew this and think it adds to the charm of the place, but I thought I’d remind people! The staff could have been more polite but I can’t fault the food, go here for tasty and authentic Japanese cuisine.
Written 18 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie C
13 contributions
Oct 2019 • none
For the past year and a half, this has been my go-to place for 'home cooked' Japanese meals at Oxford.
The space is a tad tiny so be prepared to share your table with other guests.
I try to time it so that I arrive as soon as Edamame opens or there will be a long queue otherwise.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oxfordninja
Thanks very much for your upbeat review about Edamame and for visiting us so regularly. We hope to serve you again soon !
Written 4 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bhanudhir
Wolverhampton370 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
What a hidden gem. Unpresupposing but exuding charm and culture and culinary excellence. You get tea when you get your table. You get miso soup. You get pickles. You get tofu. You get fresh vegetables. You get everything you could want from your own "Midnight Diner."
The staff are helpful but it does get very busy so you might have to wait. But it's worth it. It's always going to be worth it. Highly recommended.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oxfordninja
Hi, we love your punchy positive review and your reference to "Midnight Diner" which is a favourite TV show of mine :) We are very happy you discovered Edamame, and we hope you will visit us again one day soon !
Written 4 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sloan Peterson
London443 contributions
Jun 2021 • solo
I was walking around the campus of Oxford and I stumbled upon this place. Decided to return for dinner after my appointment and I'm glad I did!
it is a small place with authentic Japanese comfort food. I ordered the tofu which was excellent probably the best I've ever had, and the karaage chicken which was okay.
i'm glad they have restaurants like this off the beaten track. I will Come here again!
Written 24 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oxfordninja
Thank you for writing your kind words about Edamame. We certainly are off the beaten track, and so we are always grateful when people such as yourself go to the trouble to post a positive review which helps us very much to "spread the word". We look forward to serving you again one day soon !
Written 31 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Zutot
Horley678 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
This place is really popular with locals. They don’t accept bookings so you will need to queue. Worth the wait. Really tasty and authentic food. Great service, very friendly. And the prices are good too. I’d highly recommend.
Written 9 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oxford Ninja
Hi Zutot ! Thanks for posting your kind recommendation following your visit to Edamame. We are very happy to read your positive comments, and hope we may see you here again one day soon :) With best wishes from us all.
Written 11 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KCGT
217 contributions
May 2023 • couples
If you want a Japanese restaurant dining experience don’t bother going here.
However if you want Michelin star food and your prepared to eat with others at your table go here
We went to sushi night and we thought we would get there early so we went at 5-00 pm and we’re astonished to see we had to queue on the street and there were a lot of Japanese people in the queue so we waited weren’t disappointed. The food was marvellous , service was quick and efficient. We spent an hour in there and when we came out the queue was even longer than earlier on.
Extremely popular eatery and you can’t book but would suggest anyone try it . Totally exhilarating experience
Written 12 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oxford Ninja
Hi there ! Thanks for posting your kind words about your experience visiting Edamame. We hope to serve you again sometime soon in the future. With thanks and best wishes from us all.
Written 11 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter
3 contributions
Dec 2022 • none
Back in Oxford from the Netherlands we immediately went to Edamame reliving some fine memories.It was as great as we remembered, the homely atmosphere,very friendly service and fantastic food ,miso soup perfect,salmon with sticky rice and edamame/terriyaki sauce mmm,edamame beans wonderful ,went back the next day!
Reasonably priced also.
Written 3 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oxfordninja
Thank you for posting your enthusiastic review about your recent return visits to Edamame ! We are very grateful for your kind comments about our food, service and atmosphere, and we hope we can welcome you here again one day soon !
Written 30 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CV188644
Paris35 contributions
May 2022 • none
Nice sharing tables, love the lunch, also try sushi night. You have to wait a little bit outside, but not much.
Written 9 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oxfordninja
Thanks for posting your review. We hope you may like to come back to visit us again soon !
Written 10 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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