Eat your way around the world in Bristol

Do you have a favourite dish from your travels, or want to try something new?

One of the best things about Bristol's food scene is the variety on offer, so we've rounded up some of the best places in town to get a taste of cuisines from across the globe.

China

A popular choice for locals and visitors for over 30 years, family-run Cathay Rendezvous serves high quality Chinese cuisine, in the grand surrounds of what was the first purpose-built library in England.

Bristol is brimming with fabulous Chinese restaurants showcasing in a range of regional specialities, from the extensive feasting menus at Mayflower, flavoursome dim sum at Little Chinatown and Dragon's Delicacy, comforting bowls at Beijing Cooking Pot or mouth-tingling Szechuan noodles at Chilli Daddy.

France

Head to French creperie Chez Marcel for a delicious range of sweets crepes and savoury galettes made from buckwheat flour (gluten free), with plenty of fillings to choose from. If you're looking for some hearty French cuisine for dinner, check out little french in Westbury-on-Trym.

Germany

Styled on the grand cafes of Mittel Europe, Klosterhaus serves up a range of comforting German classics such as currywurst and schweinshaxe, as well as lighter dishes, salads and a seasonal cocktail menu. You can also enjoy one of their German beers in a stein if you like!

Image - Klosterhaus

Greece

A popular chain of restaurant across the UK, The Real Greek food centres around the Greek ethos for food and family. They do numerous deals throughout the week, from early bird and lunch offers through to student discounts. They also have a great vegan menu.

If you're looking for a bite on the go, head to Taka Taka on Bridewell St or Clifton Triangle for a selection of Greek snacks, wraps and deli treats to take home. Sotiris is a delightful deli on Park Row - pay a visit for Greek pastries, biscuits and produce. 

Image - The Real Greek

India

The menu at the award-winning Thali not only has a selection of thalis (which allow you to try several dishes at once), but also a selection of tasty snacks including samosas, bondas and spicy paneer.

If you're looking for more regional dishes, it's worth a trip to the stylish Nutmeg in Clifton for one of their tasting menus inspired by a different Indian state every few months. The Mint Room nearby also offers a more glamorous experience, with many cocktails designed to pair with their spicy dishes. Head to Rana’s Dhaba in Broadmead or Bristol Sweet Mart in Easton for Indian snacks on the go alongside homemade curries.

Image - Thali

Italy

Not just the best gelato in town, Swoon also does some of the best hot chocolate we've ever had, as well as cocktails, pastries and other delectable treats. Handmade treats including sorbetti, gelato sticks and individual gelato monoporzioni.

The best-known is Pasta Loco and its centrally-located sister restaurant Pasta Ripiena, both of which have received praise from food critics and locals alike. Another popular choice is Bomboloni on Gloucester Road, where you'll find homemade cakes, pizza and pasta made with the best ingredients. 

In the mood for pizza? Head to Pizza on the Park for a local take on Roman-style pizza, or Purezza for a fully plantbased menu, from pizza to filled doughballs and gelato.

If you're looking for more of an old school feel, Don Giovanni's next to Temple Meads, Sergio's off Park St and La Grotta in Broadmead have built a loyal following through the decades. You'll also find great Italian snacks and sandwiches at Taste of Napoli in Broadmead. Papadeli and Divino Deli are worth a trip out of city centre for a range of Italian treats.

Image - Swoon

Jamaica 

Recently named in the Top 10 Restaurants in Bristol by The Telegraph, Caribbean Croft is a fun and funky bar-restaurant which takes its rum and cocktails as seriously as it does its food. Make sure you try their jerk pork belly or oxtail stew, and a rum of course!

If you want to indulge in more Caribbean flavours, you can enjoy a fully vegan menu at Fi Real on Old Market, or traditional favourites at Rice and Things on Cheltenham Road near Stokes Croft.

Image - Caribbean Croft

Japan

With every dish packing some serious punch flavour-wise, Woky Ko has two restaurants for you to choose from in Wapping Wharf, with Rooftop specialising in filled bao and snacks, and CARGO focusing on delicious ramen and noodle dishes. You can also grab some noodles-to-go from their stall in St Nicholas Market, or a selection of wraps and poke bowls from their lunch bar on Queens Road.

If you're more in the mood for sushi, head over to the glamourous Kibou in Clifton, or the neon-lit Seven Lucky Gods, which takes inspiration from Japanese izakaya bars. Yakinori offers a selection of bento, sushi, curries and grilled dishes in a vibrant setting, Bento Boss is very popular for its sushi selection, or you can get in the queue at Eatchu for some of the best gyoza in town. 

Image - Woky Ko Kaiju

Korea

If you're looking for some tasty and healthy bites on the go, Tuk Tuck do a great selection of bibimbap (shredded vegetables and rice, with meat or tofu), kimbap (Korean-style sushi) and curries.

If you're looking for a larger selection of traditional Korean dishes, head to Seoul GaJa on Gloucester Road.  Or try something a bit different at the charming Sky Kong Kong (where a meal will set you back just £12.50) or the mixed menu of Middle Eastern and Korean dishes at Per Kor.

Image - Tuk Tuck

Mexico

CARGO Cantina is worth a visit - inspired by the authentic Cantinas of Mexico, we recommend ordering a selection of tasty tacos and nibbles at the bar or to enjoy on their sunny terrace.

Middle East

Taking inspiration from across the Mediterranean and Middle East, Souk Kitchen has been a firm favourite among Bristol foodies for over ten years (and was even the most popular choice in our weekly Food Friday feature!). Choose from a selection of hot and cold mezze as well as larger plates including Persian fish curry, Imam Biyaldi, borek and chicken shish.

If you're planning a group outing, we'd recommend one of the grilled meat platters at Lona on Gloucester Road or a mega mezze banquet at Beirut Mezze. Bristanbul is also the place to go for Turkish biscuits, bread and savoury pastries.

Image - Souk Kitchen

Spain 

Bar 44 is a large and glamourous tapas bar & restaurant in Clifton, offering a highest quality menu and range of wines & sherries

Paco Tapas was awarded a Michelin star in October 2017. The ever-changing menu at combines traditional tapas with a few modern twists. 

Alternatively, Bravas serves a simple menu alongside a great range of gin & tonics - sit up at the cosy bar and watch the food being cooked in front of you. Gambas is the sister restaurant to Bravas, the menu is made up of signature dishes as well a daily changing specials menu made up of seasonal plates, market fresh fish & shellfish. 

Image - Paco Tapas

Sri Lanka

Come with friends when you visit colourful and relaxed The Coconut Tree - not only are small sharing plates of Sri Lankan specialities the name of the game, but you'll want to try as much as possible!

Must-trys include their kotthu and egg hoppers, with a great choice for vegetarians and vegans too. Get an idea of what to expect from this great review of their Cheltenham branch.

Image - The Coconut Tree

Thailand

Enjoy the intense flavours of Thailand at Jean's Bistro, with a range of classic dishes such as salt and pepper squid, chicken satay and red curry served in a cosy restaurant on the buzzing Gloucester Road. 

Other Thai restaurants popular with the locals include Siam Smile in Hotwells or Clifton Thai on Whiteladies Road.

Image - Koh Thai Tapas

USA

Quay Street Diner is a vibrant diner serving brunch, burgers, po-boys and tacos, with plenty of vegan options (including the popular Impossible Burger). Enjoy a bit of Californian chillout time in the middle of the city.

Image - Quay Street Diner

Vietnam

As you can probably guess from the name, Pho specialises in Vietnam’s national dish; a delicious and nutritious rice noodle soup, served with a plate of fresh herbs and table sauces to add as you please.

The menu also includes a range of tasty snacks, plus plenty of vegan and gluten free options.

Can’t decide? Take your taste buds on a food tour of the world at Bristol's grand banquet-style global cuisine restaurant, Za Za Bazaar!

Let us know your own international favourites on Twitter or Instagram. You can continue your food adventures with the following guides...

• Bristol's Best Steak Restaurants
• Where to go wine tasting in and around Bristol
• Vegan restaurants in Bristol
• Michelin-starred restaurants in Bristol

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