As long as you're prepared for a bit of noise and, in term time, quite a lot of students, Jamals is the perfect place for a great tasting late night curry.

The Venue
Situated on Walton Street in Jericho, Jamals is within easy range of a vast array of different bars and pubs, the Phoenix Cinema is just down the road and there are several live music venues nearby. The restaurant is decorated in fairly standard curryhouse-style and has a warm, welcoming vibe.

As with most places in Oxford, parking nearby is not an option, if you're lucky you may find a spot, but beware the residents-only streets.

The Atmosphere
The restaurant changes dramatically outside of term time. Its size means it's capable of handling large parties, so Jamals usually has one large table of drunken students during term time, but don't let this put you off. The large, spacious interior has many a nook and cranny that allows you to enjoy your meal away from the drinking games and raucous singing!

The staff are attentive and clearly proud of the food they produce, and even if you are in a large group you're served swiftly and feel well looked after without being harrassed.

The Food
Jamals' wide and varied menu has something for everyone, and they offer dishes from all over India rather than relying on one or two specific regions. They also have a number of dishes you may never have come across in other Indian restaurants such as jhinga masala rampuri, a delicately flavoured prawn dish.

There's also their tandoori special biriani which combines the smoky flavour of tandoori chicken with the delicate flavour of a biriani. Alongside the specials is a more standard curry menu with lots of familiar dishes.

What makes Jamals' food really stand out from the crowd is their attention to detail and clever use of flavours and marinades. Every dish looks like it was specially made for you and there is none of the cloying oily taste that you experience in many curry houses.

The Drink
Again, fairly standard fare, Kingfisher lager on tap and bottled Cobra as an alternative, if you like wine you can bring your own for a nominal corkage fee and there is a wide range of soft drinks available.

The Last Word
If you're looking for great food, served by people who take pride in looking after you, within easy reach of many of Oxford's nicer bars, then look no further than Jamals; but remember it's probably not the place for a romantic meal.

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