An authentic, family run Italian trattoria serving good food at reasonable prices.

The Venue
Hidden away round a corner near the Gloucester Green bus station, Ginos is the sort of place you might expect to find down a narrow side street in Pessaro.

Decor is traditional, with red and white checked tablecloths and a map of Italy covering the ceiling. Outside seating is available but to sit outside is to miss out on the "little bit of Italy" feel that Ginos has in abundance.

The Atmosphere
Ginos feels like a family restaurant, and you can really tell the difference from the more homogenised chain Italian restaurants found on nearby George Street. The staff are genuinely interested in you and keen to ensure your experience is a good one.

Expect Ginos to be fairly full most of the time with a scattering of couples enjoying the romantic feel of the restaurant and larger family groups who know they're in for a good meal.

The Food
The food is by no means exceptional, think honest home-style Italian cooking without pretentions and you're close to the mark. Starters cost between £4 and £6 with traditional offerings such as minestrone soup and tortolini in broth.

Whitebait is recommended and is tangy, light and good to share between two. Mains are around the £6 to £10 mark and are, again, dominated by traditional Italian favourites such as lasagne, penne arrabiata (delicious but very spicy and not for the faint of heart), spaghetti bolognaise and a range of pizza.

Other options, such as meat and seafood dishes, are available and there are several specials on the chalkboards around the walls. It's worth noting that some mains are very rich and may leave you too full to tackle the superb tiramisu - the highlight of the dessert menu.

The Drink
Exactly as you would expect for this sort of restaurant, a wine list which is almost exclusively Italian, with bottled Peroni beer and a range of soft drinks.

The Last Word
Great value food in pleasant surroundings, the ideal place for a midweek meal for two or a large gathering of friends. Next time you are looking for an Italian meal in Oxford, head for Ginos.

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