Venue > Eating Out West > Bristol & Bath Restaurants

BEIJING BISTRO
72 Park St, BS1 5JX
Tel: 0117 373 2708, web: www.beijingbistro.co.uk
Good Food, Great Value: that’s the BB mantra - and they live up to it, too. In the six years that this noodle bar’s been open, it’s developed a great reputation for its wide-ranging oriental/far east menu, served in a split-level, bright, light dining area with wooden veneer flooring, recessed lights and clean white walls. Service is friendly and prompt; prices are equally cheery, making it a popular haunt for students and Asian tourists alike. Menu S: crispy lamb; salt and pepper tofu. M: Beijing Bistro special: chicken, honey roast pork, duck and prawns with assorted vegetables; beef in oyster sauce with mangetout, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, onions, spring onion & carrots. Good veggie options. P: ice-cream; fruit salads Price ALC from £2.50/from £5.25/from approx £3 Wine list HW: approx £9.60 btl, £2.75 gls. Good selection of oriental beers, inc Tiger & Tsing Tao Open Sun-Thur 12noon-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-12midnight. Children welcome. Takeaway available; discounts available to Bristol University’s Hong Kong and Malaysian societies. Major credit cards (not Amex, Diner’s). Large groups of up to 140.

CATHAY RENDEZVOUS
30 King St, BS1 4DZ
Tel/fax: 0117 934 9345/922 6161 (opening hours only), web: www.cathay-rendezvous.com
‘Relaxed hospitality is the order of the day,’ wrote Venue’s editor when dropping in for an evening at this wonderful restaurant which specialises in high-quality Cantonese, Szechuan and Mandarin cuisine. It’s set within an old Georgian building with several dining rooms over two floors. There are lots of great offers, including a great Sunday lunch buffet, and with themed menus for special events such as Valentine’s Day, it’s always a good idea to book in advance at peak times. Menu S: soft-shell crab claws stuffed with minced prawns; aromatic crispy lamb. M: steamed fish Cantonese style; Canton fillet steak flambé. P: toffee banana; lychees with ice-cream Price ALC: from around £4/from approx £8/approx £4. Sunday lunch buffet £10pp (children aged 5-12 half price), 12noon-3pm. Extensive range of set menus – call for details or check out the website Wine list Extensive, international. HW: approx £13 btl Open Mon-Fri 12noon-11.30pm, Sat 12noon-12midnight, Sun 12noon-11pm. Children welcome. Major credit cards. Disabled access – call for adv. Special Chinese New Year, Christmas & Valentine menus. Upstairs (with bar, disco, stage) for private hire, up to 65.

CHEUNG KONG CHINESE
2b North View, Westbury Park, BS6 7QB
Tel: 0117 973 5165, tel/fax: 0117 923 9087
Friendly, family-run Chinese restaurant that’s been going close on two decades and where most of the customers are known to the proprietors by name. Young and old are drawn by the quality fare, bright yellow colours, Chinese melodies and western hints in the decor. Menu S: salt & pepper king prawns; crispy aromatic duck. M: special fried seafood in crispy bird’s nest; lemon chicken. P: chocolate puddle pudding; sticky toffee sponge Price ALC: £3-£9/£6.50-£10.50/approx £3.50. Set lunch, early bird & eve menus Wine list HW: approx £10 btl, £3 gls Open Tue-Fri 12.15-2pm, Sat 12noon-2pm, Mon-Thur 6.30-11pm, Fri-Sat 6.30pm-12midnight. Children welcome, high chairs. Good disabled access with toilet. Most major credit cards (not Diner’s). Parties of 20+ welcome. IDC: CMC.

DYNASTY
16a St Thomas St, Redcliffe, BS1 6JJ
Tel: 0117 925 0888, fax: 0117 925 3888
Combining the epitome of the good grace and charm found in the best Chinese restaurants with a fantastically broad menu offering authentic dishes mainly from Peking and the Szechuan region, it’s easy to see why Dynasty was voted one of the top five best in the UK by Alan Yau of Hakkasan and Wagamama fame. With chefs brought in from Hong Kong and China, Dynasty is understandably popular with Bristol’s Chinese community (the dim sum is exceptional, as is the steamed hotpot - a Chinese speciality, similar to fondue). The Dynasty empire now embraces Obento and the newly-launched Zen too. Menu S: Peking-style hot & sour soup; grilled or steamed dumplings (veggie option available); crispy lamb with lettuce. M: lobster with chilli & black beans; steamed sea bass; baked hot & spicy pork chops. P: ice-cream; fresh oriental fruit Price ALC: from approx £4.40/from approx £8.90-£25/from approx £3.60. Express lunch SL: 2 £7.95. Set banquet menus (lunch & dinner) from £19.50 Wine list HW: approx £12 btl Open Mon-Sat 12noon-11.30pm, Sun 12noon-10pm. Children welcome. Disabled access – call in adv. Major credit cards. Parties of 20+. IDC: CMC. PC: 20% off bill.

JADE PALACE
275-277 Two Mile Hill Rd, Kingswood, BS15 1AX
Tel: 0117 967 3851
Once voted one of the Bristol Evening Post’s top 10 restaurants, for over 15 years this relaxed, friendly neighbourhood Chinese has extended a warm welcome to everyone who has passed through its doors. Large and comfortable, it’s perfect for parties yet still intimate enough for a romantic meal for two. Takeaway option also available, and there’s a gut-busting all-you-can-eat offer too, with the dishes cooked fresh rather than laid out buffet style. Menu S: mixed starters (including spring rolls, chicken satay, spare ribs, sesame prawn toast, crispy seaweed and crispy won ton). M: sizzling mussels in black bean sauce; crispy beef with sweet chilli sauce. P: ice-cream; lychees Price From £3/from £6/from £3 Wine List Extensive, international Open Daily 12noon-2.30pm and 5.30-11.30pm. IDC: CMC.

MAYFLOWER
3a-5 Haymarket Walk, Bristol.
Tel: 0117 925 0555, web: www.mayflower-bristol.co.uk
Formerly located in King Square, the Mayflower opened at its new site in 2003 after a devastating fire destroyed its old premises. The huge menu is stuffed with regional specialties, they do a damn fine buffet and, if you’re in the mood, have their own karaoke bar too. ‘Good Chinese cooking can be as rewarding and surprising as any other, and The Mayflower is the proof of that,’ our man said, awarding the place an impressive five out of five for the quality of the food. Menu S: crispy aromatic duck; Mayflower hors d’oeuvres (spare rips, sesame prawn toast, spring rolls, crispy seaweed). M: baked fresh lobster with ginger and spring onion; choi sum (Chinese seasonal green vegetables in oyster sauce). P: lychees; toffee banana Price ALC from £2.30/from £6/from £3 Wine list International. HW: approx £11 btl Open Mon-Sat 6pm-3am, Sun 12noon-3am. Children welcome. Disabled facilities. Major credit cards. Takeaway discount. Separate function room available for private parties.

NEW EMPEROR COURT
26 Portland St, Clifton, BS8 4JB
Tel: 0117 973 1522, web: www.newemperorcourtrestaurant.co.uk
Long-established, family-run restaurant offering a top-notch, extensive menu that’s ‘fit for the emperor and his court’. Specialising in Peking, Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine, the friendly team (headed up by chef/owner Thanh Que Vien and his wife Kim Lien Vien) preside over a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Two main dining areas, a small alcove for intimate assignations, seasonal fish specialities and a good vegetarian selection further ensures that all bases are covered. Menu S: New Emperor Court chef’s mixed appetisers (satay chicken, crispy lamb, spring rolls and crispy seaweed); steamed scallop in black bean sauce. M: sweet and sour king prawns; roast Peking duck; lemon chicken. P: glazed toffee banana; glazed toffee apple Price ALC: from £2/from £5.95/from £3 Wine list International. HW: £12.50 btl Open Tue-Thur and Sun 6-11pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-2pm & 6-11.30pm. Children welcome. Very limited disabled access – call in adv. Major credit cards. Takeaway discount (10%). Separate room for private parties of 25-30.

NEW WORLD KARAOKE BAR & RESTAURANT
Unite House, Frogmore St, BS1 5NA
Tel: 0117 929 3288
Non-stop oriental feasting and ongoing karaoke in party-on surroundings: the unique New World experience ensures that no element of stylish fun gets Lost in Translation. The oriental buffet features over 40 pan-Asian themed dishes (including excellent vegetarian options), while a full a la carte menu is on hand for those overwhelmed by too much help-yourself choice. The bargain-priced buffet (£10, Mon-Thur only) makes those wannabes warbling away a little easier to digest. Menu S: barbecued spare ribs. M: king prawns with cashew nuts in yellow bean sauce; crispy aromatic duck. P: full dessert menu available Price SL (buffet) £6.50pp, SD (buffet) £10 (Mon-Thur), £13.95 (Fri-Sat) (under-13s £4/£6.50). ALC: from £1.50/from £5.95/from £3 Wine list Extensive. HW: £10 btl, £2.50 gls. Spirits, lagers, cocktails Open Mon-Fri 12noon-2.30pm, Mon-Sat 6.30-11.30pm (12midnight Thur-Sat). Children welcome. Disabled access. Major credit cards accepted. Hen/stag parties, celebrations welcome, up to 150.

OLD CATHAY
Opp Broadwalk Shopping Centre,
304 Wells Rd, Knowle, BS4 2QG
Tel: 0117 980 3888
Highly recommended traditional Chinese restaurant, with a kitchen presided over by a chef with over 20 years’ experience working in some of the world’s top hotels. Housed in a converted pub, the huge menu is stuffed with everything you’d expect from a quality Chinese kitchen, plus one or two dishes that you don’t see everywhere, such as the Manchurian barbecued skewered lamb. Old Cathay is fast establishing a reputation for great value, relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and impeccable attention to the quality of their food: it’s a real haven in this part of Bristol. Menu S: barbecued spare ribs; mixed hors d’oeuvres. M: stuffed 100 flower duck (roasted duck breast stuffed with minced prawns); crispy roast duck. P: ice-cream; toffee banana Price SD (buffet) £10 ALC: from £2/from £6/from £3 Wine list Extensive. HW approx £11 btl Open Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-11.30pm. Children welcome. Disabled access (disabled toilet). Major credit cards accepted. IDC: 25% off bill.

SHANGHAI NIGHTS
Nelson House, Nelson St, BS1 2JT
Tel: 0117 945 0505, web: www.shanghainights.co.uk, shanghainightsexpress.co.uk
This showcase contemporary Chinese restaurant quickly earned a reputation for its exquisite, authentic dim sums, contemporary Chinese dishes and the expertise of its newly recruited chefs, Mr Lam (from Hong Kong, and renowned for dim sums - reputedly recognised as the best in Bristol with the Chinese community) and head chef Mr Tan (from Canton, and famous for his creativity with modern Chinese cuisine). From the traditional to the exotic, the menu features classic Chinese dishes as well as regional specialties and contemporary specials. An abundant a la carte menu is supplemented with a choice of set banquets and legendary all-you-can-eat buffets. Their Express service brings it all to your door, while the new Buddha lounge and champagne bar (on the second level) adds further glamour. Menu S: a choice of more than 40 appetisers, including soups, soft-shell crab, whole range of dim sums and Mongolian crispy aromatic lamb. M: steamed sea bass with fresh ginger and spring onions; traditional Cantonese roast duck; excellent tofu/vegetarian options. P: traditional far eastern desserts; fine selection of ice-creams Price ALC: from £4.50/from £7.50/from £3.80. All-you-can-eat oriental buffets/dim sum buffets: Sat/Sun 12noon-3pm, £5.50pp, ‘The Endless Feast’ Sun-Thur nights (all you can eat from the menu, served at your table) £13.80pp Wine list HW: £11.50 btl Open Daily 12noon-3pm, 6-11pm. Children welcome. Conditions apply – please call in advance for specific information. Major credit cards. Parties welcome – please book in advance. IDC: 25% off bill.

TATYANS
Broad St, BS1 2HG
Tel: 0117 954 4848, email: bookings@tatyans-central.info, web: www.tatyans.com
Lovely restaurant with a warm, friendly feel, serving modern dishes from distinct Chinese provinces, with an emphasis on freshness and healthy ingredients. Superb wine list, featuring some fine French names, a smattering of well-chosen New World flavours and several seriously good vintage selections for those splashing out. Lunch offers plus set banquets/theatre/hotel deals – call ahead or check website for details. They have a sister restaurant in Cirencester which is well worth a visit too. Menu S: satay prawns; sweet and sour bean curd. M: hunan beef (beef cooked in tomato & chilli sauce); kung po prawns (battered prawns in a sweet, hot piquant sauce); pepper salt squid; mu shu vegetables (stir-fried diced vegetables with egg, served with pancake and hoisin sauce – a speciality from northern China). P: ice-cream; parfait caramel; toffee apple Price ALC: from £2.95/from £6.50/from approx £3 Wine list Large, varied international selection. HW: £9.95 btl Open Mon-Sat 12noon-2.30pm, 6.30-10.30pm. Children welcome. Major credit cards. Disabled access – please call ahead. Private bookings of up to 40, with an experienced team of events managers to hand. IDC: CMC.

TEOHS
28-34 Lower Ashley Rd, St Agnes, BS2 9NP
Tel: 0117 907 1191, fax: 0117 907 1193
Old Tobacco Factory, North St, Southville, BS3 1TF
Tel: 0117 902 1122
See Thai, Malaysian, Singaporean & Indonesian.

NEW
WATER SKY BRISTOL
Eastgate Oriental City, Eastgate Rd, Eastville, BS5 6XY
Tel: 0117 951 2888, web: www.waterskybristol.com
l Surely the largest Chinese restaurant in the South West, the 400-seater Water Sky opened in August 2007. Run by managing director Bobby Wong and his nephew and general manager Gary Ma, the family have spent some 30 years in catering in the UK, with Gary’s father presiding over the original Water Sky in Fleet, Hampshire for the last couple of decades, and their head chef previously cooked for an international corporation based in Hong Kong. A vast menu with something for everyone, this is traditional Cantonese cooking served up in an opulent atmosphere, handily situated above the new Wai Yee Hong oriental supermarket. Menu S: baked mussels with green pepper and black bean sauce; deep-fried soft shell crab with salt and chilli M: roast pigeon; stir-fried lamb with green pepper and black bean sauce P: lychees; ice-cream Price From £3.95/from £4.95/from £3.50 Wine List International Open Mon-Sun 11am-11pm.

NEW
WONGS
12 Denmark St, Bristol, BS1 5DQ
Tel: 0117 927 7882, web: www.wongsrestaurantbristol.co.uk
Wongs opened in May last year on the site of what was Harvey’s, an opulent, upmarket Chinese restaurant in a quiet side street just seconds away from the bustle of the city centre. The menu offers nine choices of set meal, ranging in price from £14.80 to £25 and including a vegetarian selection as well as others aimed at large parties. For those au fait with regional Chinese cuisine, there’s a staggering 140-plus a la carte dishes including everything from steamed eel and gyozi dumplings to the more mainstream sweet and sour, with a fine selection of both vegetarian and vegan options, too: ‘It’s one of those menus so dazzling you’re paralysed by choice,’ said our reviewer. Menu S: steamed scallop with garlic or black bean sauce; four style platter (jelly fish, smoked pork, smoked beef and cuttlefish). M: spicy minced pork with aubergine hot pot; deep-fried black cod with spicy sauce. P: cassis royale (blackcurrant sorbet and vanilla ice-cream coated in blackcurrant sorbet and topped with blackcurrants); lychees Price From £3/from £6/from £3 Wine List Extensive, international list. HW £12.90 btl, £3.40 gls Open Sun-Thur 12noon-2.30pm & 6-11.30pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-2.30pm & 6pm-12.15am.

NEW
ZEN
Unit 4b, Explore Lane, Harbourside, BS15TY
Tel: 0845 371 3888, web: zenharbourside.co.uk
Catering for up to 400, Zen is a new harbourside venture from the people behind Bristol’s long-established Dynasty and the more recent Obento. Specialising in regional cuisine drawn from more than 23 provinces in China, the menu features many authentic dishes which you simply won’t find in other Chinese restaurants in England and which feature lots of aromatics and spices to produce delicious and interesting combinations of flavour. With its ‘Old Shanghai’-style décor and attentive staff, this is where old meets new and east meets west. Menu S: tea-smoked duck. M: crispy shredded beef Cantonese style; crispy fried shredded squid with seaweed. P: mango & lychee sorbet Price SL: £9.50 (one main course plus noodles or rice and a drink, also available to take away at £6). ALC: from £4.50/from £8.50/£4.50 Wine list HW £11.90 btl Open Daily 12noon-12midnight

OCEAN PEARL
Podium Shopping Centre, Northgate St, BA1 5AL
Tel: 01225 331238, web: www.oceanpearl.bath
Situated upstairs and at the back of Bath’s Podium Shopping Centre, with fantastic views over Pulteney Bridge, but the food (as well as the furniture and fittings) is traditional Chinese. Dishes change regularly (there are always around 40 to choose from), and value for money is a permanent fixture on the menu, thanks to a massive help-yourself. all-you-can-eat buffet. Bright and decorative decor, relaxed atmosphere, cheery and efficient staff. Menu S: dim sum, spring rolls, satay, spare ribs, soups etc M: variety of constantly changing pork, chicken & seafood dishes, plus crispy duck & lamb; vegetables, rice & noodles. P: dessert buffet (gateau, ice-cream, toffee bananas etc) Price (serve yourself, all you can eat) lunch £6 (children under 10 £3)/dinner £12.50 (children under 10 £6). Meal deal (3-5.30pm Fri-Sun) 3 £5. Takeaway boxes (fill your own, from buffet): £3.50 lunch, £4.50 dinner Wine list HW: approx £10 btl. Open Mon-Thur 12noon-2.30pm (last seating) & 6-10.30pm, Fri-Sun 12noon-10.30pm (last seating) Children welcome. Good disabled access. Major credit cards (not Amex). Parties of 20+.

PEKING CHINESE
1-2 New St, Kingsmead Square, BA1 2EF
Tel: 01225 461750/466377, web: www.pekingrestaurantbath.co.uk
The longest-established Chinese restaurant in Bath is, according to Venue’s inscrutable reviewer, ‘a timeless experience, where the past four decades blend tastefully into one - pink walls, pink napkins, pink lighting, fish in a tank and subtly fierce dragons on the walls’. Food is the kind of traditional, upmarket Cantonese, Szechuan and Peking specialities that have earned the restaurant well-deserved mentions in both the Michelin and Egon Ronay guides over the years. Old favourites mingle freely with the more exotic creations typified by the popular lobster and crab dishes while the Peking duck is, as you might expect, the house speciality: prepared entirely on the premises, you have to book this dish 24 hours in advance… but it’s well worth the wait. ‘The Peking doesn’t speak today’s foodie language of MSG-free organics, give a name to the pig that made the pork or attempt to blind you with pan-Asian geo-culture lectures. But what it does, it does exceedingly well: well-prepared Chinese food in a nice atmosphere for a good price.’ Menu S: Peking spare ribs; hot & sour soup. M: broad range of Szechuan, Peking and Cantonese dishes such as beef in black bean sauce, sweet & sour chicken, crispy chilli beef, crispy duck, Chinese roast pork. Typical seafood special: baked lobster with ginger and spring onions (from £28). P: toffee banana Price ALC: from £3.30/from £6.50/from £3. Set banquets (min. 2 people): prices vary Wine list HW: £9.45 btl Open Daily 12noon-2pm & 6-11.15pm. Happy to cater for older children. No disabled access. Major credit cards. Function room for private hire, depending on size of reservation.

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