St. Leo (7.8/10)

St. Leo: Oxford’s Premier Italian Dining Experience

Rating: 8.3/10

St. Leo, located on the square in Oxford, Mississippi, is by far the best Italian restaurant in the area and one of the most refined dining experiences Oxford has to offer. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that this is no ordinary restaurant. The attention to detail is exceptional, creating an ambiance that is as impressive as the food itself.

One of the first things you’ll notice about St. Leo is its immaculate presentation. The interior design is stunning, with every detail carefully curated. A personal saying of mine is that the care a restaurant puts into its atmosphere can often be judged by looking at its ceiling. If you spot imperfections or neglected details, it’s a sign that other aspects of the operation may also lack attention. At St. Leo, the ceiling is pristine, the lights all have working bulbs, and every corner of the space exudes excellence. This level of precision reflects a well-run, thoughtfully managed establishment.

While the atmosphere is remarkable, the food is what truly sets St. Leo apart. On my visit, I tried their spaghetti bolognese, and it was a standout dish. Though the noodles were not fresh, the rich and flavorful meat sauce more than made up for it. The sauce had a depth and complexity that elevated the dish, making it one of the best pasta bolognese offerings in Oxford.

However, the highlight of St. Leo’s menu is undoubtedly their pizzas. These are not your typical pepperoni or cheese pizzas but gourmet creations crafted with heart and innovation. The chef at St. Leo is constantly experimenting with unique concepts, offering options like breakfast pizzas, pesto mozzarella pizzas, and an array of other imaginative combinations. The ability to mix and match ingredients allows diners to customize their pizza experience while also exploring the chef’s expertly crafted creations. Each bite is a testament to the care and creativity that goes into the food at St. Leo.

Beyond the food, the overall experience of dining at St. Leo is unmatched in Oxford. Its beautiful setting, exceptional menu, and gourmet approach to Italian cuisine make it a must-visit for anyone spending time in the area. Whether you’re in town for the weekend or a longer stay, St. Leo is the kind of restaurant that should be at the top of your list.

In a town with plenty of dining options, St. Leo stands out as the premier destination for Italian food and one of the nicest restaurants in Oxford. With its carefully designed atmosphere and spectacular food, it earns a well-deserved 8.3/10. If you’re looking for an elevated dining experience that delivers on both flavor and ambiance, St. Leo is the place to go.

Tarasque Cucina in Oxford, Mississippi, offers a dining experience unlike any other in the area. With a unique concept that allows diners to bring their own alcohol, this restaurant stands out as a fun and distinctive spot for a meal. While it may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a place that serves alcohol, Tarasque Cucina’s charm lies in its fresh, flavorful food and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

One of the most interesting aspects of Tarasque Cucina is its BYOB policy. Since the restaurant cannot sell alcohol, they encourage guests to bring their own beverages, which can be conveniently purchased at the liquor store located right next door. This setup creates a relaxed, personalized experience that is perfect for a casual college date night or a laid-back evening with friends. The freedom to bring your favorite drink, paired with Tarchest Cuisina’s delicious food, makes for a memorable outing.

The food at Tarasque Cucina is truly the highlight. Their pasta is nothing short of exceptional, standing out for its freshness and quality. It’s evident from the texture and flavor of the noodles that they are made by hand, giving each dish a unique and satisfying character. The restaurant’s take on Italian cuisine is not entirely traditional, but their unique approach works beautifully. The flavors are bold, distinct, and expertly balanced, showcasing a culinary creativity that sets them apart from more conventional Italian eateries.

One standout detail is their parmesan, which is served in thin medallions rather than the typical grated style. This small touch adds an extra layer of richness and texture to their dishes, making each bite feel intentional and crafted with care. Whether you opt for their pasta, salad, or pizza, the quality of the ingredients and the effort put into the preparation are clear.

The restaurant itself is cozy, with a small dining space that adds to its intimate and friendly vibe. The staff and service are exceptional, with a team that is both kind and attentive. While the limited seating might mean you’ll need to plan ahead, it’s part of what makes Tarasque Cucina such a charming and personal experience.

In a town with plenty of dining options, Tarasque Cucinaa manages to carve out a unique niche with its fresh, flavorful food and innovative BYOB concept. While it may not be the ideal choice for those seeking a larger, more traditional restaurant or a fully stocked bar, it’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed and delicious meal with a twist.

With its excellent food quality, standout pasta dishes, and welcoming atmosphere, Tarasque Cucina earns a solid 7.8/10. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Oxford, this is a spot worth checking out. For a fun, flavorful, and refreshingly different dining experience, Tarasque Cucina is sure to impress.

Funke’s Pizza: A Late-Night Favorite in Oxford

Rating: 7.1/10

Funky’s Pizza in Oxford, Mississippi, is a well-known and popular spot that seamlessly blends the charm of a bar with the appeal of serving delicious pizza late into the night. This establishment has garnered attention from locals, visitors, and even famous reviewers, such as Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports, who gave it a notable score of 7.3. While I respect Portnoy’s take, my score for Funky’s comes in at a slightly stricter 7.1. This is a true, unbiased review based solely on the food and experience I had at Funky’s.

The pizza at Funky’s is a standout feature and defies what you might expect from a bar. Unlike the quick, standard fare you’d find at chain restaurants or other bars, Funky’s offers a quality product made with care and a legit pizza oven. The crust was one of the highlights—crispy on the bottom with just the right amount of bite. The mozzarella and overall cheese blend were expertly melted and complemented the crust perfectly. The preparation and presentation of the pizza were impressive, reflecting a level of craftsmanship not typically associated with bar food.

While the pizza is undoubtedly good, it didn’t reach the upper echelon of pizzas I’ve had, which is why I gave it a 7.1 instead of Portnoy’s 7.3. I believe his score may have been influenced by his interaction with the owner, who he mentioned was engaging and passionate. My review, however, focuses solely on the product, without any external factors. That said, Funky’s pizza is absolutely worth trying, especially for those who appreciate a good, late-night bite.

The atmosphere at Funky’s is another selling point. Unlike some of the more stereotypical college bars in Oxford, Funky’s attracts a diverse crowd. On some nights, you’ll find a younger, more energetic group, while on others, the patrons skew slightly older, creating a nice balance. This mix makes Funke’s a welcoming spot for anyone looking to enjoy a drink and some quality food in a lively yet laid-back setting.

Whether you’re stopping in for a drink or a late-night snack, Funky’s Pizza delivers an enjoyable experience. It’s a place where the pizza isn’t just an afterthought but a well-executed offering that elevates the bar’s appeal. The combination of a cool atmosphere, great pizza, and late-night availability makes Funke’s a staple in the Oxford food and nightlife scene.

If you’re in Oxford, I highly recommend making a trip to Funke’s. Grab a drink, order a slice, and enjoy the unique vibe this bar offers. While it didn’t reach the very top of my pizza scale, it’s still a solid choice that won’t disappoint. Funke’s Pizza earns its place as one of Oxford’s must-visit spots for pizza lovers and bar-goers alike.

Amore Italian Restaurant in Oxford, Mississippi, is a bit of a paradox. On one hand, it offers some of the best Italian food in town, standing out in a city where quality Italian options are somewhat limited. On the other hand, its service leaves much to be desired, creating a dining experience that can feel frustrating despite the quality of the food.

Let’s start with the food, which is undoubtedly the strong point of Amore. I recently tried their fettuccine shrimp pasta, and it was a solid dish. The pasta was cooked well, and the Alfredo sauce was creamy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The shrimp, while not as fresh as one might hope, was still passable considering Oxford’s location far from the coast. Overall, the dish earned a 6.8/10, reflecting its good preparation and execution despite minor shortcomings. Additionally, Amore’s menu is filled with a variety of Italian staples, and from my experiences, you’re likely to enjoy whatever you order. The flavors are consistently good, making it clear that the kitchen knows how to deliver satisfying Italian cuisine.

However, the issue with Amore lies not with the food but with the service. Every time I’ve dined here—whether with family, friends, or on my own—I’ve found myself waiting far too long for basic necessities like water or food. While I understand that a leisurely pace can be part of the charm of a dining experience, there’s a fine line between giving customers time to enjoy their meal and neglecting their needs. At Amore, the latter often seems to be the case. The delays are consistent enough that it has become a recurring frustration, detracting from what could otherwise be a great meal.

That being said, if you’re not in a rush and are looking for a relaxed evening with friends or family, Amore can still be a good choice. The food will satisfy your cravings for Italian cuisine, and the slower pace might even be a plus if you’re looking to enjoy a long conversation over dinner. Just be prepared to exercise a bit of patience when it comes to service.

In summary, Amore Italian Restaurant offers good food but struggles with its service. If you have the time and don’t mind waiting, it’s worth a visit for the quality of its dishes. However, if prompt and attentive service is a priority for you, this might not be the best choice. Amore earns a 6.8/10, reflecting its excellent food but also acknowledging the challenges that come with its inconsistent service.

Lenora’s: A Restaurant with Atmosphere but Lacking Flavor

Rating: 5.6/10

Lenora’s, located on the square in Oxford, Mississippi, is a restaurant that promises a lot but struggles to deliver on its most important element: the food. While the atmosphere is undeniably one of its strengths, providing a charming and inviting space for diners, the quality of the dishes leaves much to be desired, resulting in a mixed experience that can best be described as hit or miss.

One of the first challenges with Lenora’s is simply finding it. Though it’s on the square, its location is a bit tricky to spot. Once inside, however, the ambiance is a highlight. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, creating a warm and pleasant space that feels ideal for a nice evening out. Unfortunately, the experience begins to falter when it comes to the food.

On a recent visit, I ordered their pasta bolognese, which turned out to be a major disappointment. Rather than the rich, hearty meat sauce one might expect from a bolognese, the dish resembled a fettuccine Alfredo with a splash of red sauce mixed in. The result was a confused, unbalanced flavor that failed to satisfy. The presentation didn’t help matters either; the mozzarella on top appeared flimsy and unappealing, giving the impression of old cheese. While the dish was edible, it was far from enjoyable, earning it a lackluster rating of 5.6/10.

The slow service further compounded the experience. My friends and I waited a long time for our meals, and when the food finally arrived, one of my friends couldn’t even bring himself to eat his. I finished mine, but only because I don’t like wasting food—not because I enjoyed it.

That said, Lenora’s does have some redeeming qualities. Their full bar is impressive, offering a good selection of liquor and wine. For those looking for a place to grab an appetizer and a drink, Lenora’s can be a great option. They also host Wine Wednesdays, where select bottles of wine are half off, making it a good spot for wine lovers. Their appetizers and salads are decent, and their steaks may be worth trying if you’re determined to give the restaurant a shot.

In conclusion, Lenora’s is a restaurant with potential, but it falls short where it matters most: the food. While the atmosphere and bar make it a nice spot for drinks or light bites, the main dishes lack the flavor and quality that would make it a reliable dinner destination. If you’re in the mood for a drink and a quick snack before heading elsewhere, Lenora’s might work for you. However, for a full dining experience, there are better options in Oxford.