First of all, sorry for going quiet for the last two months. Things have been extremely hectic on my end. I wanted to come back with a post about a restaurant that played a part in something I never thought was possible ten months ago: running a sub 1:50 half marathon in Oxford.
Ask any runner which day they look forward to most and the answer is almost always the day before the race. It is the one day you can eat all your favourite food guilt free, because your body needs the carbs. I travelled to Oxford the night before the Oxford Half Marathon and I was fixated on Indian food. It had been a while since I had sat down for a proper meal at an Indian restaurant, so after a wander through the streets of Oxford, I chose Dosa Darlings for my pre-race dinner.
First Impressions of Dosa Darlings Oxford
My first impression was that Dosa Darlings is a stylish, upmarket South Indian restaurant and a great choice for a date night in Oxford. That said, it works just as well for big groups, couples or solo travellers, with seating to suit every kind of visitor.
The menu is extensive and covers a wide range of South Indian dishes, from Podi Idly to dosas to Chettinad chicken curry. There is also a bar, which makes Dosa Darlings a genuine all-rounder and one of the most versatile places to eat in Oxford.
What I Ordered at Dosa Darlings
With a big race the next morning, I did not want to experiment too much, so I kept my order simple:
- Lamb Biryani
- Plain Dosa
Lamb Biryani: Is This the Best Biryani in Oxford?
I had originally wanted the chicken biryani, but it was not available, so lamb it was. I will admit I was a little sceptical. I love mutton, but lamb is not something I usually lean towards. This biryani had some convincing to do.
The presentation was excellent. It arrived in a closed clay pot that kept the heat in, and the portion was huge. I was genuinely shocked, in the best way. The rice was fluffy, the lamb looked great and the whole dish was beautifully aromatic.
This is the kind of biryani that is not overly spicy, yet you can still taste every spice that has gone into it. The lamb was tender and easy to eat, which matters, because lamb turns chewy very quickly when it is done wrong. It won me over that night and is easily one of the best biryanis I have had in Oxford. My only regret is that the portion was so generous I could not finish it.
Plain Dosa with Sambar and Chutney
The dosa was crispy and well made, and the sambar and chutney that came with it were packed with flavour.
My one criticism is that it arrived slightly cold, as the windows along the walkway to my table were open. As much as I enjoyed it with the sambar and chutney, a lukewarm dosa was a small disappointment.
Dosa Darlings Prices and Value for Money
The lamb biryani was £15.50. At first glance I thought that seemed expensive, but given the size of the portion and how good it tasted, the price was completely justified.
The plain dosa was £7.50, which felt fair, especially as the sambar and chutney more than made up for it being a little cold.
Service and Overall Experience
The service was outstanding. The staff were warm and friendly throughout, and they turned a good meal into a genuinely great dining experience.
Final Verdict: Is Dosa Darlings Worth Visiting?
If you are looking for Indian food in Oxford, and South Indian food in particular, I would highly recommend Dosa Darlings. Whether you are on a date, out with a group or eating solo, there is something on the menu for you, and the lamb biryani alone is worth the visit.
And if you are running a race in Oxford, it makes a brilliant carb-loading stop the night before. I finished in under 1 hour 50 minutes, and I am giving this meal at least some of the credit.
Overall Rating:
Price – ★★★★★ (Higher stars mean better value for money)
Aesthetics– ★★★★
Service– ★★★★★
Taste– ★★★★★
Experience– ★★★★★
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