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CHICK PEA.A-Worth Trying
123 High St, Oxford OX1 4DF
· Falafel restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Vegan restaurant
· 4.9/5 Google (261 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Exceptional falafel-focused spot delivering fresh, customizable pitas and bowls at budget prices; best for dine-in or takeaway lunch, with minor consistency and delivery portion concerns.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Chick Pea delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality—crisp falafel, fluffy pita, and vibrant salads—paired with friendly, attentive service and impressive value for money. The strong consistency and loyal following reflect reliable execution, though modest space comfort and recent minor service variability prevent it from reaching grade A territory. A budget-friendly neighborhood favorite that excels at what it does.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling without tipping into chaos, a counter-service nook where bowls are built to your liking and pitas come out fluffy. Staff are frequently praised as friendly and helpful, guiding choices and spice levels. One diner put it simply: "Fresh, bold falafel and a quick lunch that hits the spot." Cooking leans classic Middle Eastern comfort done fresh rather than flashy—crisp falafel, creamy hummus, grilled halloumi, and vibrant salads. It suits those who crave bright, customizable plates at budget prices, though a few found the tagine oily and wished for more heat. If you love falafel and hummus done right, you are in the sweet spot here. For families, it is easy: half pitas, potatoes, rice, and mild sauces make ordering simple, and one review noted staff accommodating a toddler. Expect kid-pleasing choices like plain falafel with rice or a simple pita; just note gluten-free diners should choose bowls and watch for cross-use of utensils.
At a Glance
- Fresh, crisp falafel and fluffy pita with vibrant salads
- Budget-friendly pricing for central Oxford
- Friendly, helpful counter team with quick service
- Delivery portions can be smaller than dine-in
- Isolated food safety and gluten cross-contamination reports
What Sets It Apart
- Custom-built falafel bowls
- Budget pricing in city centre
- Vegetarian and vegan focus
What People Love
- Crisp falafel and pillowy pita
- Customizable bowls with bold sauces
- Welcoming, helpful staff
- Great value in a central location
Points of Concern
- Delivery portions and extras occasionally missing compared to dine-in; one unreachable phone attempt
- One serious hygiene incident and a gluten cross-contact report—appears isolated but notable
- Space can feel cramped during lunch; limited parking near High Street
- Pitas can get soggy and messy to eat; bowls preferred by some
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost£12-16 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For vegans: Falafel Bowl with extra salads and spicy sauce (£7.50)
- For vegetarians: Halloumi Pita plus potatoes (£7.50 + £3.00)
- On a budget: Salad Pita (£5.50) with tea (£2.80)
Perfect For
- Quick city-centre lunch
- Vegetarian and vegan eaters
- Students seeking value
- Casual meetups before sightseeing
Location Insights
Area: Historic city-centre high street with heavy footfall from students, tourists, and office workers; daytime lunch hub.
Safety: Generally safe, well-patrolled and busy; typical city-centre crowding around peak hours.
Nearby: Near colleges, museums, retail, and bus routes; convenient for quick lunches and casual meetups.
OxfordOxford's dining scene in the city centre is diverse, ranging from traditional British pubs to international cuisine and casual cafes. The area is lively and caters to a mix of students, tourists, and professionals, with many vegetarian and vegan-friendly options reflecting the cosmopolitan and health-conscious population.
High StreetHigh Street is a prominent shopping and dining street in Oxford, frequented by visitors and locals alike. It features a blend of historic architecture and modern retail, with numerous cafes and eateries offering quick and casual dining options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday09:00–16:00
Tuesday09:00–16:00
Wednesday09:00–16:00
Thursday09:00–16:00
Friday09:00–16:00
Saturday09:00–16:00
Sunday09:00–16:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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