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Authentic Indian Cuisine, Bristol's Top UK Chippy & New Natural Wine Bar
Your weekly guide to the best of Bristol's independent food scene.
⭐ This Week's Featured Partner
Black Cumin
50 Cotham Hill, Redland, Bristol BS6 6JX

This week, we're thrilled to be sponsored by Black Cumin, an absolute gem on Cotham Hill serving up some of the most authentic and flavourful Indian food we've had in a long time. The aroma of freshly ground spices lets you know you're in for a treat from the moment you walk in.
We kicked things off with a fantastic selection of starters. The Peshawari Pudina Chops were a real highlight – tender Welsh lamb with a deep, herby marinade. The Paneer Tikka, fresh from the tandoor, was beautifully spiced, and the Onion Bhaji were perfectly crisp classics.
For the main event, the star of the show was the Lucknowi Chicken Biryani. It arrived as a proper centrepiece, slow-cooked in a sealed pot to lock in all the fragrant spices and saffron. Alongside it, we couldn't resist the Old Delhi Butter Chicken – luxuriously rich and creamy – and the Chicken Lababdar, a brilliant dish with a complex, creamy sauce and caramelised peppers.
Everything, from the fluffy Pulao rice to the pillowy Garlic Naan, was executed with real care and skill. Black Cumin isn’t just your standard curry house; it’s a proper celebration of regional Indian cooking. If you're looking for an Indian meal that truly stands out from the crowd, get a table booked. You won't regret it.
New Openings & Recent Reviews
A Top UK Accolade for Noah's, a Perfect Burger Review, and the Launch of KASK²
Noah's: Huge news from the Cumberland Basin, as Noah's has officially been named one of the ten best fish and chip restaurants in the UK. They've made the final shortlist for the prestigious Restaurant of the Year title at the National Fish and Chip Awards. The restaurant has had glowing reviews in the past, including from food critic Tom Parker-Bowles, so it's brilliant to see them in the running for the top prize, which will be announced in February.
Syrian Chicken: A new Syrian spot has opened at 139 Church Road in Lawrence Hill, serving up fantastic value £5 shawarma wraps. They come stuffed with toum, pickles, and pomegranate molasses, and get an extra flavour boost by being dipped in sauce before grilling. Rotisserie chicken is also on the menu.
KASK²: After plenty of buzz, the team behind Bedminster's KASK has finally launched its second, larger site on Cheltenham Road. Expect more natural wine, local beers and ciders, cocktails, and bar snacks from the likes of The Bristol Cheesemonger. They've also got plans for a dedicated tasting room and bookshop.
Low and Slow Barbecue: The team has a new brisket burger, "The SLAP SAUCE SPECIAL," which received a rare 10/10 score from a local reviewer this week. It's an Uber Eats exclusive (but you might get lucky if you ask for it in person at either of their spots!).
Back Garden Pizzeria: From a pop-up to a permanent home. Back Garden Pizzeria is now open on St Stephens Street in the City Centre, serving sourdough pizza with Sardinian twists and a tiramisù made from a secret family recipe.
Drizzle: Big news from Christmas Steps, as Drizzle bakery opened its doors this past Saturday (October 4th). Taking over the former Dareshack site, it specialises in hand-baked loaf cakes with seasonal and classic flavours, available by the slice, mini, or whole. Founder Francesca Grout, who many will recognise from the Whiteladies and Tobacco Factory markets, is also serving coffee from local roasters Triple Co.
JAWS: The question has been asked – could JAWS at Buoy Street Food be serving the best sandwiches in Bristol? Their sarnies are getting a lot of attention online at the moment.
Upcoming Food Events
Pizza Parties, Food Festivals, and Cocktail & Wine Nights This October
Sir Hiss Album Launch & Pizza Party at GiGi’s: (Wednesday, 8th October) To celebrate local artist Sir Hiss's debut album, Pineapple Records is taking over GiGi’s Pizza on Old Market for one night only. There will be exclusive DJ sets and a special "Fiery Pineapple Pizza" just for the event.
Street Food at BOP Photobook Festival: (Saturday, 11th - Sunday, 12th October) The BOP Photobook Festival returns to Paintworks this weekend, and Bristol Eats is curating the food. Look out for Ceylon & Beyond, Pitarian, and Jim's Pizza Company.
Wells Food Festival: (Sunday, 12th October) The brilliant Wells Food Festival is back, featuring over 200 stalls in its Artisan Market. This year sees the addition of "School of Fish" sessions to learn how to prepare mussels, alongside the English Wine Marquee, a Children's Zone, and live music.
Old Fashioned Masterclass at The Milk Thistle: (Friday, 17th October) Learn how to make the perfect Old Fashioned at this expert-led workshop. The £15 ticket includes a guided masterclass, demonstrations, and tastings at the classic city centre cocktail bar.
Piedmont Wine Night at Cave: (Thursday, 30th October) The Gloucester Road wine bar is welcoming Italian Importer Passione Vino to pour their favourite wines from Piedmont. Chef Charlie will be cooking up Piedmontese dishes to match. Booking is recommended as these nights are always popular.
Thanksgiving Supper Club at The Glassboat: (Thursday, 27th November) Bookings are now open for the 4th annual Thanksgiving feast. Hosted on the Glassboat, the menu features Big Nath’s famous smoked turkey and a collaboration with Bianchis Group, who are bringing back Konnie’s classic Snickers Tiramisu. Tickets are £70.
Local Highlight
Noah’s
It’s not every week a local spot gets this kind of national recognition, but Noah's has just smashed it. The family-run restaurant, tucked away in its unique spot under the flyover overlooking the Cumberland Basin, has been announced as a top ten finalist for Restaurant of the Year at the National Fish and Chip Awards – basically the Oscars of the chippy world. It's no surprise to anyone who's been, and follows high praise from critics like Tom Parker-Bowles. It's a proper Bristol institution getting the major recognition it deserves.
While their traditional cod and haddock are at the heart of what they do, the ethos at Noah's is to let the incredible produce do the talking. The menu changes daily depending on what's fresh from the South West's coastal markets or the shores of Scotland. You’re just as likely to find beautiful grilled fish, perfectly plump Orkney scallops, or sublime shellfish plates as you are a classic battered sausage. It's a welcoming spot for everyone too – families and well-behaved dogs included – and they can cater for most dietary needs. To be safe, we’d recommend booking a table in advance.
More info: noahsbristol.co.uk
That’s it for this week.
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