Business Details
28 Years
experience
Authentic Japanese Restaurant in Oxford | Edamame
Edamame was founded in 1998 by Peter and Mieko, whose shared passion for Japanese cuisine and culture led them to create an authentic dining experience in Oxford. With Peters background in sound engineering in Tokyo and Miekos expertise as a professional singer and cook, the pair combined their skills to establish a restaurant dedicated to traditional Japanese home-cooked food. Our philosophy centres on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to deliver dishes that reflect the diversity and authenticity of Japanese culinary traditions. Over 25 years, we have maintained a commitment to simplicity, speed, and affordability, ensuring our food remains accessible while preserving its cultural integrity. Our reputation for excellence has been built through consistent quality, warm service, and a dedication to sourcing daily fresh fish and meat, even if it occasionally results in limited availability.We pride ourselves on creating a casual, welcoming atmosphere that appeals to locals, students, and international visitors alike, while resisting formulaic trends to uphold our independent spirit. Our accolades from renowned guides and loyal customer feedback affirm our status as a cherished Oxford institution, offering dishes like our signature edamame and meticulously prepared sushi. We remain focused on our original mission: to share Japans rich flavours with Oxford, ensuring every visit is a memorable celebration of authentic cuisine.
Services
Lunch Menu
Sushi Menu
Dinner Menu
Takeaway Options
Authentic Japanese Cuisine
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience in authentic Japanese home cooking.
- Our menus rotate daily to ensure the freshest ingredients and preparation.
- We maintain a casual, welcoming atmosphere for all diners.
- We source daily fresh fish and meat to uphold culinary authenticity.
- We have a proven reputation endorsed by leading food guides and loyal customers.
What people say
Sushi to die for
Flawless reputation
Authentic food
Reasonable prices
Bustling atmosphere
Services
Lunch Menu
Our lunch menu offers a selection of traditional Japanese dishes, available Monday to Saturday (excluding Mondays and Tuesdays). Each meal is prepared fresh daily using authentic ingredients, ensuring a quick yet satisfying dining experience. This menu reflects our commitment to simplicity and affordability while maintaining culinary authenticity.
Sushi Menu
The sushi menu is served on Thursday evenings, featuring meticulously crafted sushi using the freshest fish deliveries. We prioritise quality and tradition, offering a rotating selection that highlights seasonal ingredients. This menu requires advance booking for takeaways, ensuring every order is prepared to order for optimal freshness and presentation.
Dinner Menu
Available Friday and Saturday evenings, our dinner menu expands on our lunch offerings with more elaborate Japanese dishes. Each item is prepared with the same dedication to authenticity and quality, served in a bustling atmosphere that captures the essence of Japanese dining culture. Portions are designed for sharing, encouraging communal enjoyment.
Takeaway Options
Most menu items are available for takeaway during operating hours, with specific availability for lunch (MondaySaturday) and dinner (FridaySaturday). Sushi takeaways require advance booking to ensure freshness. We do not offer delivery, but our takeaway system allows customers to collect pre-ordered meals at agreed times for convenience.
Authentic Japanese Cuisine
We specialise in authentic Japanese home-cooked food, avoiding fusion or formulaic approaches. Our dishes are inspired by regional Japanese specialties, prepared using traditional methods passed down through generations. This dedication to authenticity has made us a favourite among Japanese expats and locals seeking genuine culinary experiences in Oxford.
People
Peter
Co-Owner
Co-founded Edamame in 1998 after working as a sound engineer in Tokyo. His exposure to Japan's culinary culture inspired a lifelong passion for authentic Japanese cuisine.
Mieko
Co-Owner
A professional singer and skilled cook, Mieko co-founded Edamame to share Japan's culinary traditions. Her expertise ensures every dish reflects authentic home-cooked Japanese flavours.
Questions
What type of cuisine does Edamamee serve?
Edamamee specialises in authentic Japanese home-cooked food, avoiding fusion or Westernised dishes. Our menus feature traditional recipes prepared with fresh, quality ingredients.
Are reservations accepted?
We do not accept reservations. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis to maintain our casual, inclusive atmosphere.
Can I order takeaways?
Yes, most menu items are available for takeaway during operating hours. Sushi takeaways require advance booking via our website for Thursday evenings.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept cash and major credit/debit cards for both dine-in and takeaway orders.
Why is Edamamee unique?
We focus exclusively on authentic Japanese cuisine without compromising on quality or tradition. Our rotating menus, daily fresh ingredients, and independent ethos set us apart from chain restaurants.
What are the opening hours?
We are open Wednesday 11:30–14:30, Thursday–Saturday 11:30–14:30 & 17:00–20:30, and Sunday 12:00–15:30. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Reviews (7)
Maya N.-K.
Nov 16, 2021
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A must-visit if you are ever in Oxford, and this coming from a born and bred Oxfordian! I have been coming here with my parents since I was a toddler and it has remained a firm favourite for us as a family. The salmon teriyaki is my favourite dish in the world, and I've always said that I would like it as my last meal! The staff are always great and the owners are wonderful too. Be aware that this is a very popular and thus busy restaurant, so seating and eating is not an hours long affair like in most places. But that's what makes it all the more charming! I simply cannot recommend Edamam
Dan Phillips
Oct 08, 2021
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In my opinion this is the best restaurant in Oxford. Amazing food, puts a huge smile on my face every time I eat there. Friendly service and good prices too. Very homely and quite cramped inside, you might have a short wait outside. But it's definitely worth it!
Tom Furniss
Oct 07, 2021
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So this is pre-lock down, and things may have changed since we ate here. We had lunch. The food was fine, I could not fault it but I won't be going back or recommending the place to others, unless I hear that how they do things has changed. We felt rushed by the staff and treated as if all that was important was getting us through the meal as quickly as possible. I accept that the eatery needs to make money and to do that it needs to have enough customers, but it was an unpleasant experience that I did not enjoy.
Carla Paszkowski
Aug 28, 2021
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Authentic, delicious Japanese food. I love the small menu, it means the food is super fast and prepared without pretension. We had the vegetable stir fry and the chicken karaage, and both came with miso soup and rice. The miso soup was the best weve ever tasted!
Edward Mottram
Jul 26, 2021
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Fantastic food. Loved the teriyaki salmon. Great atmosphere of a family run restaurant who are passionate about their food.
Mogala M.
Jun 09, 2021
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2 stars for the food
5 stars for the staffs in the cozy restaurant
Ordered tonkatsu, reasonable price. Pork fillet was too dry and hard, overcooked, taste just normal.
Ordered takoyaki too, 6 for 5 small pieces. Lack of taste, octopus pieces in takoyaki was too hard as well. Reasonable price, student's favourite.
5 stars for the staffs in the cozy restaurant
Ordered tonkatsu, reasonable price. Pork fillet was too dry and hard, overcooked, taste just normal.
Ordered takoyaki too, 6 for 5 small pieces. Lack of taste, octopus pieces in takoyaki was too hard as well. Reasonable price, student's favourite.
Remco Jonker
Nov 29, 2019
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Tucked away in a quiet street just outside the center of Oxford. Small restaurant with only a few stool lined tables. Is seated at the larger tables you of often share the table with another party. I was here for dinner on a Saturday evening. Nice choice of fish, meat and vegetable dishes, quality and taste of the food is very good. Friendly staff. There is always a line outside the restaurant and orders are taken when you are at the front of the line. Sushi only served on Thursday. Great atmosphere and food.
