FOLLOWING the recent closure of Jamie's Italian, we asked you for the best place to find the most authentic taste of Italy right here in Oxford.

Here is what you told us...

In top spot: La Cucina, St Clement's Street

An overwhelming number of votes flooded in for the Italian pizzeria in St Clement's as the best place to find a piece of Italy in Oxford.

According to many Oxford Mail readers it is top for 'consistency, authenticity, great food and reasonable prices'.

Reader Evie Bentley said: "So many delicious and happy meals. This family restaurant has great ingredients, fabulous cooking, and a lovely ambience.
"We’ve had countless meals here , a deux, with family, with friends, all very enjoyable.
"And the Italian wines complement the food, it’s our favourite Italian restaurant in the UK."

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Another voter said: "La Cucina - our first choice by far - for eating out in Oxford itself.

"Family run with a superb chef who is Italian through and through."

Adding: "The ambiance is homely Italian and it and the service is always welcoming, friendly, and efficient."

The restaurant, which will soon celebrate its 12th anniversary, describes itself online as a place to 'embrace a real Italian experience' with 'well-priced, robust portions'.

But if that isn't enough, it also offers up Italian coffee also.

In at number 2: Gino's Spaghetti House, Gloucester Green

Oxford Mail:

Also storming ahead of the competition for the best taste of Italy was Gino's Spaghetti House in Gloucester Green.

The family-run restaurant serves up an impressive variety of authentic Italian favourites, with a well-priced menu, bustling yet a low-key atmosphere and unmistakably delicious food.

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It's 'good food', 'absolutely delicious gnocchi' and 'dependable' service pulled in the votes and has made it a firm favourite with locals.

In joint third: Pizzeria Trattoria Mario, Cowley Road

Top for reader Jimi Cullen (and many others) for best Italian restaurants in Oxford was Pizzeria Trattoria Mario.

The Cowley Road pizzeria was praised by voters for its 'tasty' menu and knowledgeable Italian owners who 'know what they're doing'.

One commenter Hans Ianda said it served the 'best Italian pizza in town', while another reader said: "Mario's on Cowley Road if you want proper Italian home cooking'.

In joint third: Mamma Mia Pizzeria, in Jericho and Summertown

The Mamma Mia Pizzeria, with restaurants in both Summertown and Jericho, has also won the hearts of many with its tasty Italian cooking.

It was praised for being 'really authentic' and in a nod to the recent closure of Jamie's Italian one reader said: "Makes way tastier food and is much cosier than Jamie's Italian ever was."

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The restaurant has been an Oxford institution for more than 35 years now, cementing itself as one of the top go-to Italian eateries for diners.

In at number 5: Bella Italia, George Street

Just about squeezing in to the top five restaurants for best taste of Italy in Oxford is restaurant chain Bella Italia.

The brand has over 90 restaurants across the country but readers voted that its George Street location was one of the best in the city for authentic Italian food.