Online Living editor, Lucy Thompson reviews Nutmeg , the Indian restaurant at the heart of Clifton village
Nutmeg is the new Indian restaurant on the scene in Clifton Village, opening in October to rave reviews. Its innovative ‘Menu 29’ takes you on a culinary journey across the 29 states of India, each dish on the menu referencing a different place of origin. At Nutmeg there are no bog-standard Chicken Tikka Masalas in sight, but the popular dishes of Korma, Madras and Jalfrezi make an appearance.
For those who can’t handle the spice there are plenty of mild dishes to enjoy (I love the fragrant Butter Chicken)There are also a range of tasty seafood dishes, such as the Seabass Jal Tarang from West Bengal , a scallop starter to whet your appetite, and Sharabi Jhinga, succulent king prawns marinated in spices and fresh mango.For those who can’t handle the spice there are plenty of mild dishes to enjoy (I love the fragrant Butter Chicken). Each meal also begins with a selection of crunchy popadoms and flavoursome chutneys ; spiced apple, onion and mango ; and mint and coriander
Couples can even indulge in the imaginative tasting menu, inspired by Kashmiri street food - with four courses for £25. This includes an appetiser of fried puri, or ‘Amuse Bouche’, and tender lamb chops and homemade paneer to start. The mains arrive as a set of different dishes to dip into; this includes the amazing lamb meatballs with red chillies and ginger, and chicken ‘Yakhni Kokar’. This is accompanied by plenty of saffron rice and naan. The menu is perfect for someone wanting to sample a plethora of flavours and dishes.
At Nutmeg, the quality is crucial , sourcing food from local Bristol suppliers of Ruby and White Butchers, Bristol Sweet Mart and fish from Charles Saunders.
You can also enjoy cocktails with a twist, such as the Saffron Gin and Tonic, and delicious Rose Champagne cocktail (a personal favourite)As your meal comes to a close you can enjoy the traditional Indian dessert of ‘Gulab Jamun’ , which is a syrupy , spiced donut ball or a Chai Creme brûlée. In addition, the interior of Nutmeg is sleek and sophisticated. An entire wall is painted with a mural of intertwining peacocks and lotus flowers, lit by hanging lights.
An entire wall is painted with a mural of intertwining peacocks and lotus flowers, lit by hanging lights. You can also enjoy cocktails with a twist, such as the Saffron Gin and Tonic, and delicious Rose Champagne cocktail (a personal favourite). There is also a 2 for 1 cocktail happy hour on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, if you are a cocktail-lover but also on a budget.
Nutmeg is a hidden gem and definitely a restaurant to impress your parents with on their visit to Bristol, with authentic and interesting Indian cuisine. Don’t just take my word for it - try it over the next few weeks and see for yourself!
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