Sambol: The family team behind the popular catering company Ceylon and Beyond has just opened their first permanent restaurant. Sambol is now open at 61 East Street in Bedminster, serving a "feast of different dishes" inspired by Sri Lankan home cooking, including small plates, curries, roti, and cocktails.

Migrateful: The brilliant, award-winning charity cookery school has just opened its first permanent Bristol home at Windmill Hill City Farm. The school runs classes led by refugee and asylum seeker chefs, who share recipes and stories from countries like Egypt, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Sudan.

Tori Tori Chicken Shop: Big news for fans of Eatchu - the gyoza masters have launched a new concept: 'Tori Tori Chicken Shop'. They are now operating out of Industry Bristol (141 Gloucester Rd), serving Japanese fried chicken, loaded fries, burgers, and waffle fries.

'Off Menu' Podcast Shout-Out: This was the biggest local food news of the week. Independent Bedminster spots Cor Restaurant and OTHER Restaurant both got a massive mention on the 'Off Menu' podcast. Guest Elle Fanning specifically chose a doughnut from OTHER's owner, Zak, as her dream dessert, calling it "one of the best desserts I've ever had, it was mind-blowing."

Brother Thai: There's been a lot of buzz about this one. The popular Cardiff-based restaurant is officially opening its first Bristol location on Stokes Croft. They'll be taking over the former Hotplate site at the Carriageworks to serve their well-regarded Thai street food. An opening date is still to be confirmed.

Bristol's Best Restaurants (EatDrink24/7): Bristol24/7 has released its highly-anticipated 'EatDrink24/7 2025' guide. It features a definitive list of Bristol's best restaurants, compiled by an esteemed panel of over 60 local food and drink experts.

Pinkmans Stokes Croft: Local bakery Pinkmans is expanding again. They are opening their fifth Bristol cafe this November on Stokes Croft, in the unit formerly occupied by Wise Beans.

Migrateful Cookery School Launch Party (Nov 12th): Celebrate the official opening of Migrateful's first permanent cookery school at Windmill Hill City Farm (5:15pm - 7:45pm). The evening includes welcome drinks, speeches (from founder Jess Thompson and local chef Josh Eggleton), cookery school tours with tasters, and live music from Nabra.

Clifton Christmas Lights Switch-On (Nov 12th): For the annual Clifton Christmas Lights Switch-On, Mercy Mercy Mercy will be opening late. They'll be serving festive treats like mulled cider, Baileys hot chocolate, Roast Pork Rolls, and Cinnamon French toast bites.

Autumn Cask Beer Festival on North Street (Nov 14th - 15th): LUPE Bar & Kitchen on North Street is hosting its Autumn/Winter Cask Festival this weekend. They'll be pouring a broad array of dark, seasonal beers. The launch night on Friday features live Irish music, and entry is free.

Live Funk at Wiper and True (Nov 15th): This Saturday, Wiper and True's Old Market Taproom is hosting a night of live music, dancing, and beer. They're welcoming @beatrootfunk, a nine-piece funk powerhouse. Tickets are free, with optional donations going to Caring in Bristol.

Frankie's Fried Chicken Returns to Kask (From Nov 20th): Frankie's Fried Chicken and Waffles is returning to its pop-up at Kitchen by Kask in Bedminster. Bookings are open for the last two weeks in November (starting Nov 20th) and for their December dates (Dec 11th - 21st). They'll be serving their classic combos alongside new Christmas specials, perfect for a festive get-together.

This week’s local highlight is La Tazza, a family-owned Italian café and wine bar that’s become a fantastic fixture on Whiteladies Road. They are committed to serving coffee as it’s meant to be enjoyed in Italy - rich, smooth, and full of character. It’s the kind of place that feels genuinely warm and inviting, perfect for escaping the bustle for a quick, proper espresso or a leisurely hour.

By day, it’s all about that classic coffee paired with freshly baked pastries. As the afternoon draws in, La Tazza transitions perfectly into a relaxed aperitivo spot, showcasing another side of its authentic Italian character. They offer a fantastic selection of fine Italian wines and classic aperitifs, designed to be enjoyed with their signature boards. These are piled with quality Italian meats, cheeses, and crispy bites. A look at their menu shows they're serious about authentic flavours, offering classics like Tris di Fritti (arancini and crocche), Burrata & Prosciutto, and hearty mains like Gnocchi al Ragu, alongside classic desserts.

Open seven days a week, it’s an ideal all-day spot, whether you're after a morning pick-me-up or a long, relaxed evening settling in with a board and a bottle of wine. A true taste of Italy in Bristol.

Find out more: Instagram | Bookings

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