By Reuben Kerbes, Features Subeditor
With Valentine’s Day under two weeks away, happy couples will be scouring the web for potential venues filled with romance and ambience. Bristol is home to a multicultural melting pot of dining experiences, from Caribbean to South Asian, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’ve yet to decide on your Valentine’s Day meal, Epigram is here to give you a rundown of the finest establishments in Bristol. Whether you're looking for a cosy, warm experience, high-end fine dining, or just a couple of juicy burgers, we’ve compiled a list of the very best places students are taking their beloved out to dinner.
Having recently expanded beyond Clifton, Nutmeg Street Kitchen, and Michelin-trained chef Shishir Sinha have taken Bristol Centre by storm. Offering crispy poppadoms, a range of expertly seasoned curries, and exciting cocktails - Nutmeg Street Kitchen showcases the vibrant flavours of Indian street market cuisine. Pairing that with traditional cooking techniques like wood fires and natural smoking, it’s clear that this restaurant is not one to skip over for a romantic evening full of great service, delicious food, and a colourful atmosphere.
Located on Queens Road, Asado Burger offers a warm vibe, great tunes, and incredible dry-aged burgers. Boasting tasty, locally sourced ingredients, and a fancy asado wood grill, Asado aims to promote sustainable meat and dairy consumption by only working with suppliers that are transparent in their ethics towards the meat industry.
If burgers aren’t for you, don’t worry! Asado also offers grilled plates, vegetarian equivalents, and an array of side dishes. There truly is something for everyone in this cosy venue.
With the choice between two restaurants, one in Clifton Down and one on College Green, Izakaya’s success speaks for itself. Whether it’s a refreshing poke bowl or a sashimi platter you’re after, Izakaya is a triumph of delicious Japanese street food. Wash down this experience with sake, and (weather depending) bask in the informal, relaxed outdoor seating.
Veeno brings Italian cuisine to life in its authentic sharing board-style dinners, which feature only the finest meats, cheeses, and antipasti, all carefully selected from Italian producers. This isn’t the only area of quality Veeno offers, though. The jewel in their crown is the extensive wine list, which is exclusively from the family vineyard Caruso & Minini in Sicily. If you’re looking for fancy, this is it.
If you’re struggling to decide on just one thing, Muiño is the place for you! This family-run business provides a relaxed, romantic atmosphere inspired by the northwest of Spain. The service will make you feel like you’re part of the family, and the tapas-style Mediterranean dishes will leave you wanting more. This is the one for those looking for a light dinner that says something new.
Adding vibrancy to Valentines: make your singles evening sparkle
Review: Asado
While these restaurants complete Epigram’s top five rankings, this is only the tip of the iceberg for fantastic food in Bristol. This Valentine’s Day, take the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, try new cuisines, and discover new favourites. Whether it’s a cosy dinner for two or a vibrant feast with friends, let your meal be part of the special memories you create with your loved ones.
Featured Image: Epigram / Reuben Kerbes
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