11 ways to nurse your soul: Bristol Eateries
Abby of the fantastic Bristol food blog, Bristol Eating adventures has been sampling & writing about places to eat in Bristol since 2012 and in this time has come up with an array of places in Bristol to nurse your soul.
When I’ve had a bad day I sometimes daydream about my favourite foods. Nothing is more cheering than a plate of exactly what you fancy. This can obviously change daily, even hourly. Once a plate is popped down in front of you and you lift the first fork/spoon or finger to your face then almost all the woes of a bad day melt into nothingness, if just for the duration.
Here are 11 places which equal instant happiness in Bristol.
1. Dynamite Rolls at Obento
Sushi will always be right up there for food loves however if I had to pick one item off a Japanese menu in Bristol it would be the dynamite rolls at Obento. These maki shake off the healthy stigma by having a coating of tempura batter around the seaweed wrap. Filled with salmon, cucumber, avocado and Japanese mayonnaise, you get 8 maki in a portion although if you are having a really terrible day I would order 2 lots. There have been many imitators but none have come close to the dynamite roll.
2. Flour & Ash – anything and everything
Easily my favourite spot in Bristol for pizza. Flour & Ash has the best bases, slightly chewy without being dry. With toppings such as chorizo and pickled chilli, a personal favourite and the hallowed ox cheek ragu with provolone, everything tastes fantastic. Just leave room for their homemade ice creams and sorbets.
3. Three Brothers Burgers – Blue cheese burger
A good blue cheese burger is hard to come by. Either the cheese is too young or there’s not enough of it. Luckily no such problem with the blue cheese at Three Brothers. Alex James’ Blue Monday cheese crowns this juicy meaty creation and it’s stupendous. Not to mention dipping the fries in mayo mixed with Tabasco chipotle sauce, heavenly.
4. Bravas – Grilled ibérico pork bravas
I consider myself lucky enough to live extremely close to Bravas, Bristol’s best tapas restaurant, in my opinion. All the dishes I have tried are superb but my absolute favourite is the grilled ibérico pork. Melt in the mouth, cooked simply and full of flavour.
5. Salt Pepper Squid – Mayflower
To be honest everything at the Mayflower I’ve tried has been great, from hot pots, to three roasties. But I always order a plate of their squid. The best salt and pepper chilli squid I’ve ever tasted, crispy, light and never chewy.
6. Guacamole at Viva La Mexicana
Too many places do unacceptable guacamole. Viva La Mexicana does the best. I could eat bowls and bowls of the stuff complete with their fresh corn chips, plus avocado is very good for you, win/win.
7. Marmite toast at Small St. Espresso
I never thought that toast could be someone’s soul mate but in Hart’s Bakery sourdough bread, toasted by the fine gentlemen who work at Small Street Espresso, I have found perfection. Generously slathered with melted butter and for me a medium amount of Marmite, when I need a pick me up for breakfast this is the only thing that will bring me out of the doldrums.
8. Mushrooms on toast at Rosemarino
Rosemarino have won many awards for their breakfasts and for good reason. My favourite is the sautéed mushrooms with parmesan and crispy sage on toast but their eggs benedict is a close second.
9. Chicken Dandan hot pot at Chilli Daddy
This fast became a lunchtime addiction of mine. Chilli Daddy specialised in Szechuan noodle hot pots, although rice is also available. Chicken dandan noodles with a tea egg at spice level 3 is my favourite order for a huge warming hug in a dish.
10. Brew – anything
My favourite local breakfast spot. Everything they do is superb. The bacon is so thick I doubt it can be bettered in any Bristol eateries. My top picks are the Brewfast, two poached eggs, bacon, avocado on sourdough topped with home made tomato sauce. Or the chorizo topped scrambled eggs with chilli flakes on sourdough is pretty great too.
11. Wiper and True Milkshake Stout cake from Workhouse Café
I don’t have much in the way of a sweet tooth, as this list will probably tell you, but this cake is fantastic. Not too sweet, slightly gooey and a moreish frosting. Workhouse café does some great food and plenty of fresh juices, a brilliant addition to Bristol.
I feel lifted just writing about all my favourite foods. Alternatively if you are in an emergency seek out the nearest shop, buy the biggest bag of crisps you can find plus hummus, cheese & chive or whatever your chosen poison is and dip until you can see the bottom of the tub, you’re welcome.
Like this? Then give yourself a read of the best Bristol hangover destinations.
