It was over 18 years ago that Café Coco opened on Cowley Road, and it breathed new life and love into an area with a previous string of failed businesses and empty shops - this vibrant and popular eatery revived Cowley and is still wowing drinkers and diners today. Building upon this first eatery's unprecedented success (Coco was crowned 'Café of the Year' 1995 by the Daily Telegraph's Max Davidson), sister Café Coco Royal Oxford has opened its doors in the Oxford Hotel. It might seem crazy to open a brand-spanking-new restaurant in the middle of a global recession, but somehow the Coco recipe just keeps getting better.
Coco Royal follows in its older sister's sleek, sophisticated and funky footsteps. Opulence is in abundance, with striking mirrors, glamorous washrooms, vibrant posters and creamy walls. The oval bar is stunning, and even more alluring when you discover the abundance of exotic cocktails on offer. Staff are of the same high-quality, sexy standard as Cowley - ever attentive and on hand to make dinner and drink suggestions. And the food' Mediterranean comfort food at even more comforting prices. Start the day (or end the night before) with a full English breakfast with all the trimmings or Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, granola and honey. Things move up a notch for the rest of the day, with pizza, pasta, fish, salad, beef stifado and brunch all on offer - the prawn saganaki (topped with king prawns, feta cheese, vine tomatoes, spring onions, rosemary and garlic) got my vote, although Clive's spinach and mozzarella calzone was a close contender.
Set right beside the railway station, there's plenty of quick 'picky' food for those in a rush, although leaving a little extra time to sample something from the oven won't go unrewarded - try the confit duck salad or the costillas Ibéricas - roasted Dehesa black hoof pork ribs. Scrumptious desserts and Champagne cocktails are also available, but for now I'm leaving Café Coco Royal satisfied, smiling and sure to return.
