Bbuona — Restaurant in Oxford

The staff were extremely busy (swamped with pre-theatre guests), but still gets 5stars!

It's a small restaurant, but the food was incredible! The staff were friendly and helpful, we were seated during a very busy period without a booking, and the food was served very promptly (considering how busy the restaurant was).

After discovering 'Pinsa', I doubt 'Pizza' will ever be the same.

We ordered; ~Lasagne Bolognaise = 5+ stars

~Cannelloni Ricotta&Spinach = 4 of 5 stars

~Friarielli (Sourdough Pinsa) =4.25 of 5 stars

~Cappuccino+extra espresso = 3 of 5 stars

~Flat White (coffee) = 4 of 5 stars

~Bona Aranciata (carbonated orange soft drink) = 5+ stars

~ Service: We were not greeted or seated by staff (we seated ourselves at the only table available). We had to go to the counter to place our order. A staff member brought us some cutlery over, prior to bringing the food/drinks. Note: Our food was served very promptly. I was notably impressed. No staff checked-back on us after the food was delivered. A floor manager(?) briefly asked how our meal was, as we were leaving. I personally prefer this informal arrangement, but know that some do not. I was a bit unsure of how to proceed initially, and nobody gave directions contrary to how we proceeded.

~ Portions: The non-pinsa portions were small for the larger appetite, but I left comfortably full (lasagne and half a Pinsa). The flavours/ingredients were amazing, and a welcome change to the mainstream options. ~ The Pinsa (not-a-pizza): Could possibly have benefitted from more toppings (some of the sourdough was dry), but using the dry sections with my lasagne bypassed the situation. ~ Soft drink of note: The bottled orange soft drink was beautiful. I highly recommend to anyone who is sick of Fanta/Tango/sanpellogrino/orangina monopolising the orange soft drink market. This little beut exposes just how rubbish the mainstream options are! ~ The hot drinks: Come in small cups, and in all honesty, not the best coffee of type I have had (I like very strong coffee). ~ Prices: Were rather high, but to break away from the mainstream mush, I wouldn't say 'too high'. Lasagne, Cannelloni, Pinsa, Cappuccino(+espresso shot), and a soft drink bottle came to £44.21.

~ Wheelchair Access: Access for slim wheelchairs 'should be' OK. The entrance is a single door on flat ground. The door opens outwards on the left side. Inside the door, there is a small table ahead, with the counter running inwards along the left. It is a small restaurant, with a fairly narrow walkway. There are a few small tables outside, which could be quite pleasant in the warm weather.

~ Parking: In Oxford?... Is a pricey proposition. We parked at the Westgate centre, and walked across the city centre. There is a car park (Worcester Street) which is much nearer (there is a fixed rate for P&D between 20:00 and 08:00am).

My reviews typically focus on the negatives(?). If I mention specific positives, they should really stand out. I would definitely eat here again, and definitely (enthusiastically) recommend to anyone who enjoys Italian/Romana cuisine. I just wish that I lived locally to eat here more often!

My overall visit, for company of 2, and during a very hectic pre-theatre rush, and bad weather, considering all things, is still 5 stars (4.8 if...

My friend and I made our way to Bbuona following seeing the amazing reviews online. We booked online in advance and were attended to quickly as we walked in and offered a choice of tables. The atmosphere was warm, busy but not too busy that it felt crowded. We were given menus and told we simply go up to the counter to order, thus did so when we were ready. The food came in a very timely manner despite it being quite a busy Saturday afternoon. The Pinsa were amazing! They were fresh out the oven, heat visible rising from them. I ordered the Margherita and my friend the Margherita con Bufala. The dough was absolutely incredible - light but crisp on the edges with a beautiful flavour. I was cautious it would have a strong sourdough flavour, as i am not a fan, but this was not the case. The tomato sauce was fresh with the perfect level of sweetness. The mozzarella was also very flavourful. The proportions of all these components were perfect. We both finished out Pinsa happily! My friend also got a freshly filled cannoli to go, which she thoroughly enjoyed. The staff were friendly, polite, and chatted to us as we left. I would highly recommend Bbuno to all and will most definitely be back for more of their amazing Pinsa and service 🙂

Update October 2025 - Popped by to try their cannoli, specifically with fresh ricotta (though i believe pistachio creme is an option too!). The staff were super friendly and warm. The cannoli shell was freshly piped in front of me and there is a choice of dips - ribbed pistachios and chocolate chips, i went for the latter. The shell was wonderfully crisp, as a cannoli should be, with great flavour. The ricotta filling was very fresh, smooth, and perfectly balanced. The chocolate chips were a perfect addition in terms of texture and richness, adding more balance. I will...

Bbuona truly exceeded my expectations as an Italian-style pizzeria specializing in the delectable Pizza Romana. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that transported me to the heart of Italy. The culinary journey that followed was nothing short of exceptional.

The star of the show, the Pizza Romana, left an indelible mark on my taste buds. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each bite was a harmonious symphony of flavors that paid homage to the rich traditions of Italian cuisine. The perfect balance of a crisp yet tender crust, topped with the finest ingredients, was a testament to Bbuona's dedication to authenticity and excellence.

My dining experience was further elevated by the impeccable service provided by Chiara. Her genuine warmth, attentiveness, and extensive knowledge of the menu added a personal touch to the evening. It's clear that the staff at Bbuona take great pride in ensuring every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of.

The availability of outdoor seating added another layer of charm to the dining experience. As I savored each mouthwatering bite of the Pizza Romana, I couldn't help but relish the serene ambiance of the outdoor setting, making my visit to Bbuona all the more memorable.

In a city where culinary options abound, Bbuona stands out as a true gem, offering an authentic taste of Italy's culinary heritage. From the scrumptious Pizza Romana to the friendly and attentive service, this pizzeria embodies the essence of a five-star dining experience. Without a doubt, Bbuona has earned its place as a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable Italian...