The Oasis — Restaurant in St Albans

Been here a few times for various reasons and hasn't disappointed. Many would turn away at the fact they don't serve alcoholic beverages but don't let that put you off. The Oasis more than makes up for this in the quality and presentation of the food.

The menu has an excellent mix of Middle Eastern fare from hummus to tagines. For many of my visits, we have opted to get the Oasis Special Mixed Grill (see the image) which if you're a meat eater is the perfect remedy. It comes with a great selection of Lamb and Chicken cooked in various ways served beautifully on a platter with salad and your choice of chips and rice. The meat is well seasoned and the chips crisp and delicious, a true delight! In terms of smaller plates, the selection of cold starters which are some dips (hummus, labneh and babba ganoush) served with freshly baked pitta bread is the perfect way to whet ones appetite. Everything here is so moreish. One time we tried the walnut stuffed pickled aubergines which were out of this world and highly recommend. Summarising, the food is great and they have many unique dishes you may not find in your usual Mediterranean/middle eastern restaurant. They also have a fully sized wood fired pizza oven which can make exceptional pizzas and middle eastern flat bread dishes.

The service here is what you'd expect, you feel looked after and the food arrives in good time. You don't need to lift much of a finger here. It is also worth noting that this place has a wonderfully delightful interior with a large water feature in the centre of it all. Feels like you're in a Moroccan coffee house! It is worth noting that this place does an excellent job of blending A La Carte dining with 'small plates' sharing style dining. You can do both! So if you're in the mood to share, get the mixed grill and dips, if you're not, get a Tagine or one of the main meal dishes.

Couldn't recommend...

My girlfriend and I decided to visit the restaurant last night after reading some positive reviews online. We were greeted politely and ordered two starters which were very nice. However our experience soon took a turn for the worse once the main course came. After not even eating a quarter of the “special oasis mixed grill” we found a hair wrapped around a piece of cooked meat. As expected, we sent the dish back and immediately decided to retrieve our bill to pay. Once at the till, the waiting staff tried to charge us for the main course. I explained I was not going to pay for something with a hair in it and that I didn’t eat. The manager was extremely rude and unprofessional, accusing us of putting the hair there. Insisting that it was “a females hair” and how they “did not have staff with long hair” (how he could tell that is beyond me). None of the kitchen staff had hair nets. The hair colour was a completely different colour and length to mine and my partners hair. He then accused us of just wanting a “free meal”, insisting that we ate it all, when he had not even seen that plate (which was barely touched). I firmly stated from the beginning that I would pay for starters and drinks, which he refused and told us to leave the restaurant. The manager was completely unprofessional and rude. He needs lessons in customer service and how to talk to the public in a respectful manner....

I am going this place from Milton Keynes since 2017 for family meal and office party.went this week but received very bad service.As I am allergic with Normal soft drinks and last time I went they gave me coca which upset my stomach so this time I take zero Sprite with lemon which they don't serve in restaurant.i asked waiter I don't need drinks but you charge me for drinks and give me ice instead of drinks as you don't serve what I need. She said manager said it's not allowed and keep away your drink and eat food without drinks Obviously this something which I not aspect as a regular customer.i think she was new as I normally see other waiter. But most annoying thing is manager is not in restaurant and sitting in next door shop and waiter go to that shop to get instructions. This is something not good customer service of this is restaurant policy then at least manager should come and explain nicely to customer by himself. I end up paying good money but not happy at all In whole restaurant only one waiter and one cook so delayed in food which makes food cold Definitely not going again as they don't treat customers...