Oxfordshire prides itself on its range and variety of restaurant and eateries. Columnist Chris Gray offers his round-up of the best places to eat in Oxford and around the county

Country restaurants

The Beetle and Wedge, Moulsford.
Apart from Le Manoir au Quat' Saisons at Great Milton, whose prices are a little � well � prohibitive, this is Oxfordshire's best restaurant. Owner/chef Richard Smith offers an engaging blend of the best of English and French cooking. Eat either in the well-appointed restaurant or (if you take my advice) in the less formal Boathouse which overlooks the Thames. Tel: 01491 651381.

Jonathan's at the Angel Brasserie, 14 Witney Street.
Jonathan and Josephine Lewis's delightful restaurant is in true rustic style with flagstone floors and sturdy wooden furnishings. It specialises in fish and classic cuts of meat. Tel: 01993 822714.

Sir Charles Napier, Spriggs Alley, near Chinnor.
This is a trendy restaurant popular with political and show-biz types. Eye-catching sculptures, log fires in winter and a lit courtyard eating area add to its charm. Fish and game are its specialities. There is a famously good range of wines. Prices are not cheap but it is always cheerful. Tel: 01494 483011.

The Angel Restaurant, 47 Bicester Road, Long Crendon.
Chef Trevor Bosch offers a pronounced flavour of the Pacific Rim in this classy former pub. Excellent fish and regional British specialities are also to be found. There are tables in in the sunny conservatory and in antique-bedecked bars. Service is laid-back but always expert. Tel: 01844 208268.

City restaurants

Quod Bar & Grill, 92-94 High Street.
Oxford's trendiest restaurant, where you go to see and be seen. The cooking is Italian in style and reasonably priced. Walls show off owner Jeremy Mogford's fine collection of pictures by young British artists. Tel: 01865 202505.

Aziz, 228-230 Cowley Rd.
Oxford's best 'Indian' restaurant (actually Bangladeshi, as are most so described). Lavish decoration sets the mood for classy dining. A great night out. Tel: 01865 794 945.

Gee's Restaurant, 61a Banbury Road
Housed in an elegant Victorian conservatory, which was formerly a plant shop. There is a Mediterranean influence on the food, but look out for the superb English cheeses. Wine is taken seriously but not snobbily. Te;: 01865 553540.

Chiang Mai Kitchen, 130a High St.
The city's best Thai restaurant occupies an ancient building which once saw use as the local police station. Owner Suthat Pun and his English wife Helen cook knockout dishes such as Mu Pad Prik King (pork in coconut milk with long beans). Seating is spread over two floors. Tel: 01865 202233.