Absolutely delicious food! Wow. Loved the food and atmosphere. BYOW. Butter bean hummus was amazingly delicious. The bread was a great addition! If you're in Oxford go enjoy a meal Tarasque read more

This is our favorite restaurant in Oxford, hands down. They do takeout and Landshark Delivery, but they also do private chef's tastings. I think I have been lucky enough to do this 3 times. Each time, we've been treated to 15-20 courses of fresh, local, amazing dishes by chef John Stokes. Not only that, it's the perfect atmosphere to actually sit, dine, and talk with your dinner guests. I had a lovely girls' reunion last night, and they were so happy to have somewhere to go that wasn't obnoxiously loud and crowded. The night before they'd been surrounded by 60 screaming sorority sisters at another restaurant and couldn't even hear each other. Enough about that though. The staff at The Tarasque is extremely warm and attentive. Each dish was thoughtfully considered and well executed. A few of their regular menu items appear at the tastings, but it's mostly seasonal creations. Definitely try this! It's also super affordable. Alcohol is brown bag only. Don't overlook this hidden gem. May I also say the charred radicchio salad and the angel hair and monster meatball are insanely good, and if you get a chance to try their boiled peanuts, seize the opportunity! I don't eat seafood, but all my friends rave about the shrimp linguine! read more

Outstanding food and good service. We had butter bean hummus which was great. Chicken fettuccine was delicious. Was really pleased with our visit here and would definitely do again! read more

Amazing Italian food with the most friendly staff (Reagan was terrific!). The casual look of the restaurant in no way prepared me for the refined cuisine we received. The pasta plates were some of the best I've had in the U.S. It's BYOB with a liquor store next door, with a mere $2 per person corking fee. A must for anyone visiting Oxford! read more

I have been here three times, and everything I've had was superb. My favorites are the mint tea, cauliflower romanesque, the parpadelle, the bolognese, and the monster meatball. I also love that it's BYOB. read more

No frills, just food. Some restaurants are for people who are hungry; Tarasque is for people who love food. Last night I visited with my daughter for the first time. The garum picked cucumbers were the perfect starter, light and perfectly proportioned to get our tastebuds ready for the main course. And what a course it was! The braised leg of lamb over polenta was so rich it should be paying income tax! It would have made a perfectly acceptable entree for anyone with a modicum of self-respect, but I went all in with the spaghetti, too -- a straightforward, not too heavy complement to the lamb. I even managed a few nibbles of my daughters rigatoni and the flavor of the sausage spun me off into a dimension of gustatory bliss I didn't even know was there! I would love to be able to comment on dessert, but by the end of the meal there just wasn't enough room. Next I'll start at that end of the menu. So grab a bottle of wine and head over. You will not be disappointed. Did I mention this place is good? read more

Traveling from Oregon to Tennessee we stopped here on the last leg of our trip. Thankfully it is close to home and will be coming back to enjoy the deliciousness. Shrimp Linguini, pappardelle bolognese, butter bean hummus and delightful spinach/arugula salads. Thankfully close enough to home to return and enjoy. read more

Delicious Italian food. You won't find the normal Olive Garden menu here which is GREAT because this place is the real deal! Incredibly nice staff and you can taste the love and passion in the food. read more

Great food and highly recommended. Started with the Artichokes Followed by Capellini Puttanesca w/ meatball BYO wine and enjoy! read more

Hit up Tarasque last night during ole miss move in weekend. It's a casual, comfortable vibe with a great local crowd. You walk up to the register to order your food. It's also byob but there is a liquor store right in front and we grabbed a couple bottles of great Chianti. Started with Cesar salad which was one of the very best we've ever had. Great portion, incredible flavor, light and the dressing was amazing. Also stated with the garlic bread which was also amazing. It's not heavy with cheese and oil, nor crispy. Think warm soft bread standing up but dipped in olive oil and garlic. Was the healthiest garlic bread and incredibly good. We also had the pasta with a monster meat ball, a monster it was. Also had the rigatoni and the fish. Ever dish was great and the service was best in class. Lastly the prices considering the portions and the quality is near impossible to beat. The kitchen is open and you can see the chef doing a masterful job behind the stove. Visit asap!!! read more

Best Italian food in Oxford hands down. I have been there 2 times within the last week, both times equally as delicious. Highly recommend the spaghetti and meat ball! The portions are large, but it will always leave you wanting more! read more

There are not enough positive things to say so let's start with BYO....gotta love the option to bring your favorite bottle. The food is incredible, we totally over ordered because there was just too much we HAD to try! The butterbean hummus is next level, holy cow! We had the puttanesca, the rigatoni, the hummus, the caesar salad, and a couple of specials. Everything was amazing and we really enjoyed having it the next few nights! Thank you so much for a great dinner and fun experience!! read more

We enjoyed ourselves, but this place may not be for everyone. It was loud, crowded and sweltering hot. I do not know if that's the norm. Kitchen and dining room is basically all in one. Being able to bring and pour our own drinks made the atmosphere tolerable. Despite that, the food was really good, portion sizes generous and the staff was very welcoming. In the future I may consider going during a cooler month or just ordering take out, but I will gladly eat it again. This would've been a 5 star review if it hadn't been so freaking hot. read more

Last night was our first time eating there, and the food was absolutely amazing. The staff answered all of our questions and was so friendly. We will definitely be back soon. read more

Can these people be any nicer?? Don't think so!!. We looove just going in & seeing these folks!! Food is beyond delicious! Our son is a student here & insisted we try & it's become a favorite! We also appreciate how nice they've been to our son...he visits often w his deliver job & they are always so kind! An Oxford must do! read more

Amazing food!!!!! Delicious!!! Great portions, great atmosphere and all tucked away off of Jackson Ave behind Kiamie's liquor store! Very friendly staff, our new favorite place in Oxford! read more

Incredible food, great people, good atmosphere. The pasta is delicious, and you can do brown bag and bring your own wine. Butter bean hummus is my favorite. And the homemade bread. read more

This is the best Italian restaurant in Oxford by far! You can call your order in ahead of time and pick it up or you can walk in and place an order in in a few minutes you will have a delicious meal ready to go. They have one dining area where you can enjoy mail with family and friends, but you need to make a reservation for that in advance. The lemon vinaigrette is my favorite dressing for salads and the chicken Parmesan is absolutely fabulous. The spaghetti is delicious and features one enormous meatball!!! read more

Food is excellent but if they are going to offer delivery they need to work on service. Three hours is unacceptable

Very unusable atmosphere but very good food! BYOB if you are looking for a drink. Try it out! Great homemade breAd too

I've had them twice - once by delivery and once in their new (small) location. The food was fantastic both times. After living in St. Louis for a few years, I know good Italian and I'm picky about it. Tarasque Cucina has passed my test and I will continue to dine there. read more

The bolognese is fire! Glad there's some real Italian in this town. Potions are big enough for two or three. Cant wait to try the rest of the menu and add a chicken parm or giant meatball. read more

Delicious food every time, lovely staff and atmosphere. My favorites have been the butter bean hummus (the bread that comes with it is so so good - you can order extra) and shrimp linguini. I'm confident than anything they serve is delicious. They will treat you like one of their own here. read more

I've lived in Oxford for 8 years- it's one of the best meals I've ever had here. Thank you

Every single bite sublime and this review is coming from a New Orleans girl. Fresh wonderful veggies and fruits, homemade pasta. Unbelievable!! We did the 10 course meal.... Chef John and wife/hostess with the mostess Lauren treated us with the true Southern Hospitality with a capital "H". Do your elevated taste buds a favor and eat here!!! I will be dreaming of the peaches forever. read more

Don't let the exterior fool you, this place is 5 star Italian food, with a traditional Italian feel. By that, I mean the owners have rolled up their sleeves, and have invited the city of Oxford to come and dine at their table. In their own unique style, Tarasque Cucina has combined fine dining and personalized service with a intimate atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Don't have time to sit down? Don't worry, they also offer delivery, with the same size dishes as you would get at the restaurant. Couldn't recommend it more. read more

Great food and great staff. Always look forward to their small plates as well as their regular plates.

If you are looking for a small locally owned restaurant that takes pride in quality and portions then look no further. My table ordered the fresh figs with Gorgonzola, fresh baked bread with oil, spinach garbanzo salad, pappardelle bolognese, and spaghetti with a MONSTER MEATBALL!! These folks are the real deal and the crowd that started pouring in was a confirmation to the quality we were enjoying. The place is on the small size, it is hidden behind Rebel Records and a handy liquor store to buy your wine at, but it was by far some the best Italian I have enjoyed (including NYC and Boston). Great job to you all for quality, value and friendly service! Can't wait to come back! read more

Hands down best Italian food in Oxford. The shrimp linguine had such an incredible authentic taste with amazing flavor! The staff was extremely friendly!This is definitely about to become a go-to place for us! read more

I have been saying for a long time that Oxford needs an actual Italian food. This place makes the best Italian food in the city. Had the shrimp linguine, it was absolutely incredible. It was a large portion but it was so good I ate the whole thing. The chief was so nice you can see right into the kitchen so you can see everything is cooked fresh. Highly recommend this place read more

Agree this is the best Italian food in Oxford and beyond. They provide huge servings; regularly have two extra meals from one order. All the staff is so friendly and kind and remembers you. read more