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.

Belgium

From Belgian beers to bar snacks and stews, Strawberry Thief in the city centre compliments its fantastic range of international beers with some delicious Belgian-inspired dishes, using locally-sourced ingredients. 

Image - Strawberry Thief

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. Cosmo also has a selection of live cooking stations and food from around the world on its buffet menu, including a range of Chinese dishes.

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

Enjoy a taste of Paris in the opulent surrounds of the Aqua Grand Cafe in Clifton, or 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.

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

If you're looking for top-notch Indian dishes, it's worth a trip to Nutmeg's stylish street food kitchen on the city centre, or their Indian restaurant in Clifton for tasting menus inspired by a different Indian state every few months. The Mint Room 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.

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. You'll also find great Italian snacks, gelato, aperitivo and sandwiches at Taste of Napoli in Broadmead.

For pasta fans, Pasta Ripiena has received praise from food critics and locals alike. 

Another popular choice is Pastan, where you'll find a fully plantbased menu of pasta dishes and sweet treats - don't miss the fried gnocchi and the Biscoff-filled mini doughnuts! 

In the mood for pizza? Head to Pizza on the Park for a local take on Roman-style pizza, or if you're looking for more of an old school feel, Don Giovanni's next to Temple Meads and Sergio's off Park St have built a loyal following through the decades. Papadeli and Divino Deli are worth a trip out of the 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

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, while Izakaya serves up fresh sushi, sashimi, katsu curry, udon, poke bowls and desserts from restaurants in Clifton and the city centre.

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. If you're looking for some food on the go, Woky Ko always have a queue at their noodle stall in St Nicholas Market.

Image - Izakaya

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 in Wapping Wharf. 

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.

COR in Bedminster draws on a range of Eurpoean and Mediterranean influences for its menu of sharing plates and cocktails.

The ever-changing menu at Paco Tapas 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

Mollie's Diner in Cribbs Causeway does a fine line in burgers, shakes, wings and waffles.

For more great burgers in the city, try simple classics and a dedicated vegan menu at Three Brothers Burgers, imaginative toppings and creatiuve combos at Burger Theory, or plantbased burgers piled high at Om Burger.

Image - Quay Street Diner

Vietnam

Pho sells Vietnamese inspired dishes.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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