Edamamé

No wonder a constant stream of students squeeze in and out of this tiny diner – it’s Oxford’s top spot for delicious, gracefully simple Japanese cuisine. Changing noodle and curry specials include fragrant chicken miso ramen, tofu stir-fries, or mackerel with soba noodles; it only serves sushi or sashimi on Thursday evenings. No bookings; arrive early and be prepared to wait.