Oldham's magnificent seven restaurants

Here's what we found.

Zaraks Grill Lounge, 26-24 Huddersfield Road, Bottom o’ th’ Moor, Oldham

Some 163 reviews out of 182 say this place was excellent an English restaurant .

This is what they said: "Absolutely amazing. Not really fussy about food but this place definitely deserves a thumps up all around. Great service and the food is unique especially for Oldham standards.

Another said: "Wow, just wow! First of all, we was seated very quickly and our order was taken within five minutes.

"Starters came very quick and tasted amazing (I would suggest the fried halloumi). Then our mains came with beautifully cooked steaks, just how we was asked for them to be cooked, steak cut chips and veg with mushrooms in a garlic sauce.

"It was beautiful! So filling we couldn't order a desert. All in all for two starters, two steak mains and four drinks came to £47.

"I was amazed at the quality of food with so cheap pricing. I would highly recommend and will be visiting again.

"Only bad thing I can say is the parking isn't the best but worth the struggle for the food.

Stocco Restaurant, 125 Yorkshire Street, Oldham

This an Italian, pizza Mediterranean, European, and vegetarian, specialist eatery.

Here's what they said: "Booked a table for 16. Service was first class. Food was excellent and plentiful. Not overly expensive either. Lovely decor. I used to love this place when it was Mario’s, but this is a huge upgrade. Thoroughly enjoyable evening. Recommended.

Another reported: "Have visited this lovely restaurant several times in family groups and as a couple. The welcome from the manager Ben and all the staff is always warm and friendly. The restaurant itself is elegant and has a a warm vibrant atmosphere. Most importantly, the variety and standard of the food is excellent. This restaurant is comparable to any top class restaurant anywhere."

The Old Bill, 25 Greaves Street, Oldham

This what they said: "Lovely lunch again. The food is always freshly cooked and delicious here. And the staff are so friendly and helpful. I was feeling under the weather so the lovely lady serving even made me a hot blackcurrant which was just what I needed. We both had the Ultimate Chicken burger this visit.

"We had booked for an early dinner before travelling on to the theatre in Shaw. We actually arrived early and the restaurant was already busy. this was not a problem and we were given a table right away.

"The menu is a little different with some interesting dishes and it is certainly worth trying something you might not normally order. We both chose the home-made fish-cakes, and although I am not a great lover of fish, they were excellent.

"Service was reasonably prompt (it was busy) and we were well looked after."

Smokies, Ashton Road West, Oldham

Here's what they said about this place: "Came to smokies to celebrate our parents' 50th wedding anniversary. There was around 25 of us in total eating in the restaurant. The organisation was great, service and food on the night fantastic. Thank you for a great evening.

"We booked at short notice with Sophie who was very good. We had a lovely meal and nothing was to much trouble. The staff and food was excellent and they made us feel very welcome. We look forward to our next visit very soon.

"We attended the launch of the new menu with 25 per cent off. We had the sharing platter and steak and duck for main course. All the food was of a good standard. The service was slow but all the staff were accommodating. We were surprised to be seated in the bar area. But despite having been moved we still enjoyed our meal and was impressed with the new food choices.

"We have a benefit card and look forward to using it again in the near future."

The Old Original Inn, Thurston Clough Road, Scouthead

Here's what one review said: "Walked in to a lovely warm room with a roaring open fire, this on a cold wet night was perfect, ordered our drinks and were escorted to our table.

"We all ordered our meals and they did not disappoint, the 12oz sirloin steaks were cooked to perfection, all the rest of the meals were the same. A lovely cosy evening was had by all at a reasonable price.

"Third visit to this jewel in the crown absolutely beautiful scenery and setting. Food is plentiful and delicious staff also fantastic csn not wait till next visit recommend for all to try."

The Junction Inn, 2 Rochdale Road, Denshaw

This what one person wrote: "Had my first visit for years and I wasn't disappointed. There is a set menu but I choose from the main menu. To start with duck pancakes which were the best I'd had. Really tasty and not dry as they often can be.

"For the main I had the cheese and onion pie which really good and a big serving too. Had no room for dessert unfortunately. The staff were really friendly and the service was excellent. Will definitely be coming back soon."

Another said: "We visited here on a Thursday evening. Our party consisted of four adults, two are vegetarian. A good selection of food on the menu for us all to choose from and it was reasonably priced.

"We had starters and a main meal and the food was very tasty. The service was good and the place had a fantastic relaxed atmosphere. At no time did we feel rushed and we were able to take our time. We will definitely visit again."

Nat’s Bombay Kitchen, Indoor Market, Ashton

A reviewer wrote: "I have been all over the North West to some of the best restaurants tasting some amazing food, I can honestly say this is the best food I have ever tasted in my life. Nowhere comes close to this amazing food prepared fresh everyday by Nat and his lovely wife Jan, to eat in or takeaway. The prices are very reasonable for high class food, if you like curry, for just a snack or a main meal this is the place to go.

"You will not be disappointed that’s guaranteed ,service with a smile , decent prices, and food with flavour that will blow you away, thank you to Nat and jan for making this special place to go for enjoyable food 10/10."