Miami University

Paesano's Pasta House keeps things simple: an Italian restaurant doing its own thing in Oxford, a short walk from Miami University. Owned and run locally, not by a chain headquartered somewhere else entirely. Miami University students and Oxford residents pass by it on any given day, whether they stop in or not. Portions, prices, and specials vary spot to spot around Oxford, which is part of the fun of trying them. Part of the fun of a college town like Oxford is finding places like this on your own. A first visit tends to turn into a habit around here, one meal at a time.

Western Dining Commons is one of Oxford's local restaurants, located near Miami University. No corporate office is calling the shots here - just someone running their own restaurant in Oxford. Oxford wouldn't feel quite like Oxford without independently owned spots like this one. No corporate test kitchen behind this one - just people cooking food they want to serve. Expect a casual, low-key atmosphere rather than a big chain experience. Worth adding to the rotation if you're building a list of Oxford favorites. Part of the fun of a college town like Oxford is finding places like this on your own.