London’s must-visit Japanese restaurants
16 Sep 2024
16 Sep 2024
Bristol's quirkiest restaurants
Bristol’s all gone a bit hip hasn’t it? It’s always been a pretty cool city but recently we’ve noticed a growth in the amount of little independents, different ideas, and truly unique spaces. It can be difficult navigating all this West Country coolness, so we’ve put together this list of quirky restaurants in Bristol so you’ll never get lost.
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Under the Stars
tapas, mediterranean, Vegetarian friendly
Eating dinner on a boat? Sign us up thanks! There may be a plethora of places to hang out by or on the river in the city, but that doesn’t make hanging out on a boat any less exciting. And Under the Stars is one of the quirkiest restaurants in Bristol to do it. When the weather is nice, you can sit on the top deck and watch the river go past as you sip on a lovely wine, or get stuck into some delicious tapas. Our favourites include the steak in parmesan breadcrumb, crab croquettes (in true maritime tradition), or the sharing charcuterie platter. If it’s a bit chillier, the inside of the boat makes a perfect cosy spot for relaxing too.
The Clifton Sausage
British
There are few things in the world better than a good sausage. So when a restaurant appears that specialises in sausages, you know they’re probably onto a good thing. The Clifton Sausage’s ethos is to prove that when British food is done right, it’s up there with some of the best food in the world. They always have at least six types of sausage on the menu, with daily specials for slightly more out-there choices. And it’s not just sausage and mash you can tuck into; try out their sausage salads, toad in the hole, and sausage tasting platters for maximum meaty (or veggie) enjoyment.
We know, we know. We really love a restaurant in an unusual setting. Which is why Root, taking up residence in a shipping container, has got to be on our list. Serving up small plates in Whapping Wharf, this is a super cool space, with delicious food. Perfectly situated for sitting outside on warm days, the menu gives vegetables top billing. Try out treats like Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Miso Cashew Cream, Burnt Lemon and Sesame, or grilled Carrots, Curry Butter, Mint Yoghurt, Coriander. If you like a bit of meat on your plate(s), they currently have smoked trout, although you can expect more meaty dishes in the upcoming months.
Forget gym and swim, at Lido you can enjoy tapas and a swim, which we think is infinitely better. This place is literally what you imagine it to be; a beautiful historic pool, with a gorgeous restaurant on site, and really is one of the quirkiest restaurants in Bristol. There’s a poolside tapas bar serving up small plates, and a full restaurant indoors that overlooks the pool. Choose a swim and eat package where you can enjoy the water then the tasty food, or head straight for the restaurant. Just remember not to eat before you swim, did your Mother never warn you about cramps?!
The restaurant serves up dishes like Turkish Eriste pasta with slow-cooked leeks, seasoned yoghurt, feta & walnut butter, or Iberico pork shoulder with fabada beans, calcots, fino sherry, pig trotter, clams, parsley & Garlic, and is even available to hire for private events.
Located in Bristol’s city centre, Izakaya offers a unique dining experience that caters to those who have an adventurous spirit and like trying new things. Thanks to the relaxing atmosphere and the design inspired by an izakaya (a drinking restaurant), you can have a taste of what authentic Japanese culture is like. The menu is a delicious mix of tapas, rice, udon and sushi dishes.
From pork gyoza, chicken karaage, tonkotsu ramen and tuna sashimi, everyone will find something for themselves. We also recommend you try one of the Japanese beers for the full experience (Asahi, Kirin lager or Hitachino Nest white ale). If you don’t drink alcohol, there are non-alcoholic drinks to choose from, such as genmaicha brown rice green tea which increases concentration and supports your immune system. The interior is a welcoming space with Japanese accents on the walls, which makes it suitable for a casual meet-up with friends.
Steak of Art
Steakhouse
Step into Steak of Art and prepare to take part in a very quirky dining experience, where art is combined with food. Located in the heart of the harbourside, the venue is an actual art gallery with a twist; you can enjoy a delicious meal while surrounded by art pieces which were often created by local artists. The décor itself is creative as well, with beautifully crafted and colourful furniture to admire while you’re waiting for your food to arrive.
When it comes to the menu, it’s top quality with steak being the highlight. As the venue says, it takes steak as seriously as art so you can be sure everything’s served with love. There are several types of steaks you can order, including sirloin and rib eye, but if you’re in the mood for something else, we recommend the veggie burger. A true feast for the eyes, stomach and soul.
We might no longer be in the golden era of board games but it only means that venues that offer such entertainment are a nice break from reality. If you’re tired of playing video games and want to have fun with your friends offline, Chance & Counters is one of the must-visit places for you in Bristol. With over 30 games available on site, you’ll find both nostalgic family favourites and new releases to choose from.
There’s obviously good food there too – when the hunger strikes, try the garlic bread fries and top it up with a double cheeseburger. You can pair them up with an alcoholic drink (Banana bread Martini is an especially quirky one) or indulge in one of the milkshakes topped with whipped cream. Whether you’re relieving childhood memories or simply want to try a different type of entertainment, make sure you add Chance & Counters to your Bucket List.
Can’t decide if you want to order Chinese or Indian? Rock Salt is a proof that you can have the best of both worlds as their selling point is that they serve Chinese and Indian food under the same roof. It might seem like combining two different cuisines won’t translate to high-quality dishes but don’t worry, the chefs have nearly a century of experience between them and know what they’re doing. Their dedication towards both types of food is obvious as the menu consists of traditional mains and starters.
One of our favourite mains is Murg butter masala which is a chicken breast in a rich plum tomato and fenugreek sauce. There are also plenty of smaller dishes to choose from so you can mix it up a bit. For example, how about ordering dim sum to share and trying tandoori lamb chops? As for the interior, it’s a retro, colourful space ideal for any kind of occasion. Make sure you book a table in advance.
Pies are great but who would have thought that a restaurant dedicated to pies could become this popular? If you’re a pie lover, you won’t be disappointed with what the menu has to offer. From classic pies served with gravy (think a filling with a chestnut mushroom, tomato, quinoa, baby onion and red wine) to filo pies (a combo of Moroccan spiced carrot, spinach and chickpea), you’ll be spoilt for choice.
And it’s not just savoury pies you can order either; a mix of ice cream, shortbread, apple and caramel sauce is a great way to sweeten up your dinner. The inside of the venue is mainly black but with neon lights here and there and friendly staff, it’s a truly relaxing space. Whether you love pies or just want to explore more quirky venues, we’re sure you’re going to enjoy your time there.
With colourful neon lights on the ceiling and quirky art on the wall, the restaurant knows how to do a funky atmosphere well. If you ever fancy escaping Bristol city centre and swapping it for the bustle of the 80s Tokyo, all you have to do is walk through the Four Wise Monkey’s door.
Apart from retro décor, you’ll appreciate the Pan-Asian menu: Sichuan spiced pork noodles, Shoyu ramen, Korean fried chicken, kimchi fries and many more. There are also late-night noodles to enjoy for those who get hungry between 10 and 11 pm, plus desserts (Japanese ice cream) and drinks for a great finish. In other words, you can satisfy all your cravings. Whether you’re planning a date or a catch-up with a friend, the venue is the kind of place that works great regardless of the occasion.
