Branca Restaurant - Review

So I've been away for a week but boy, it has been worth it. The week started by spending a couple of nights in Oxford with my beautiful friend, Marina. She showed me the ins and outs of Oxford from the traditional punting experience to the stunning University grounds and the fabulous shops. This typically English experience was inevitably followed by an afternoon tea, juices and cocktails at the Old Bank Hotel. Below is the deliciously refreshing Beetroot, Apple & Lime Juice I had.

Back to Branca! If you are looking for a light lunch, I would highly recommend Branca Food. Branca Food is a deli next door to Branca Restaurant which serves delicious artisan sandwiches, daily salads and freshly prepared dishes. Walking into the deli, you are hit by a fresh Italian like feel being surrounded by fresh ciabatta sandwiches, exciting organic produces and delicious pressed drinks. It is the perfect place to grab a sandwich to later enjoy whilst punting down the River Cherwell (little date tip for you guys out there!)  

I had the delicious butternut squash, hummus, roasted vegetable and salad ciabatta (£2.95) but there were many to choose from with the mortadella, salami and parma ham ciabatta looking particularly enticing. At the back of the shop there are a range of fresh juices and presses and we chose the bottle of fresh apple juice. However, the bottle of Prosecco (£9.45), the Tuatara Sauvignon Blanc with 'fresh green fruits and satisfying acidity' (£12.95) looked tempting, but it's dependent on your mood and whose driving..!

 For our evening meal, we went to Branca Restaurant. Considering we went on a weekday (Tuesday), there was a buzzing, enthusiastic, cosmopolitan atmosphere. We were greeted by a amiable, friendly waitress who seated us in the outside garden terrace towards the back of the restaurant. We were served delicious, warm Italian bread with delightful olive oil and vinegar as we goggled over the menu consisting of simple, authentic rustic dishes. The menu was intelligent and restrained with very attractive prices. 

I recommend: 

Drinks

Bellini (fizzy) - white peach purée,créme de pêche topped with prosecco (£5.85) - Need I say more?

Mojito -appletons rum muddled with lime, mint and sugar (£7.25)

Mains

Organic salmon and smoked haddock fishcakes with tartare sauce (£12.85) - The potato to fish ratio in these fishcakes is perfect. There is nothing more annoying when your fish cake isn't 'fishy,' so don't you worry, they've got it right here. 

Butternut squash, taleggio and caramelised red onion risotto (£8.75/£12.75) - Marina's favorite dish. The perfect dish to 'fill a hole' and the flavours are delicious too. 

Linguine with tiger prawns, pistachio, rocket, chilli and lemon (£9.95/13.95) - Not tried myself but the lady sat next to us had it and it looked absolutely divine and smelt delicious. 

There was a party inside and many had pizzas that looked divine. Prices ranging from £10.45-£11.75

Desserts

Warm banana cake with caramelised bananas, frangelico and hazelnut semifreddo (£6.25) - Arguably the best dessert on the menu. The waitress agreed. 

Profiteroles, vanilla ice cream,chocolate sauce (£6.25) - For you chocoholics out there..enjoy!

Overall, Branca is a fantastic Italian restaurant offering vibrant, well prepared food at attractive prices.