The re-development of the West Way precinct in Botley was completed at the end of 2024. Since then, several restaurants have occupied the large restaurant unit that Tempering now resides in, while other very popular restaurants in the same precinct, such as Dosa Park, for whatever reason have not been able to make it work here. It is a brave business decision but, having now been open for nearly a year, I am hopeful that Tempering will have a different sort of fortune.
It’s not the obvious destination spot for dinner, however, once you step inside you can quite quickly forget where you are. The service is very warm and friendly and there is a tangible pride as dishes are brought to the table.
The menu is extensive, spanning two pages, and has pretty much something for everyone, including a dedicated Chinese corner.
We ordered the onion bhaji (£6.50), three small bhajis with a lovely deep flavour and not at all oily. I was also intrigued by the tandoori pineapple broccoli (£9.95), a generous starter cooked in the tandoor. The fresh pineapple was juicy and delicately spiced, a really fresh and interesting way to start the meal.
For mains, we ordered the Tempering Grand Grill (£25.95), which included lamb chops, king prawns, kebab, paneer and gilafi seekh. It was a very generous and well-presented spread and excellent value for the amount of food.
We could easily have just ordered this to share. It is served with rice and a delicious tomato curry sauce. We also ordered a chicken biryani (£14.95) and a garlic naan (£3.95).
Tempering really think about the details.
A large warm plate arrived before our mains and all the dishes are served in beautiful pots and bowls. The level of spice was just right for me, although given the spice symbols on the menu, it might be on the higher end of the scale for some.
All the food was really delicious.
The lamb and the kalmi kebab were our favourites from the grill plate. The king prawn was impressive in size but lacked a little flavour. I would recommend ordering a kachumbar salad (£4.95), again big enough to share, and the freshness of the cucumber was a lovely contrast to the spice.
Tempering also has an extensive drinks menu. We enjoyed a couple of mocktails, a mojito and a mango punch (£8.95), both deliciously refreshing.
As the evening went on, more and more people started to arrive. Tempering works equally well for larger groups, with long tables that can easily seat 10 or more, as it does for solo diners, alongside a steady stream of people popping in to collect takeaway orders. It is spacious enough that you never feel on top of anyone.
Overall, Tempering is a warm and welcoming restaurant, with a real sense of care and pride that runs through both the food and the service.
With the newly introduced congestion charge, many people may find themselves looking to dine closer to home, and Tempering feels like a particularly appealing option in West Oxford. At a time when hospitality is struggling, supporting a local independent does not come at the expense of flavour or quality here.
Tempering
20-22 W Wy. Square, Botley, Oxford OX2 9TJ
Bitten were invited as guests, all views are our own
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