M+TABLE : noah’s bristol restaurant review
It’s hard to imagine that some of the best fish and chips in the UK comes from a small, family run restaurant tucked away by the Cumberland Basin in Bristol, but Noah’s really is that place.
The exterior sets the tone, designed to replicated a boat with warm wood, porthole-style windows, and a clean, nautical aesthetic that continues inside. As ever, the real gem for any city dweller is the option of a large, outdoor terrace and the one here at Noah’s is just made for lazy lunches and long, warm, summer evenings.
The space is clever and welcoming, with a thoughtful layout that accommodates both larger groups and more intimate tables, without feeling crowded. For parents with prams, or those that need step-free access, it’s worth noting there are stairs at the entrance, however we managed to navigate ours in without too much drama (and they do say to let them know if you need help when booking).
We visited on a Saturday lunchtime, and even at 12.30pm, the restaurant was buzzing, which is always a good sign.
We were a table of five: my husband, five-year-old daughter, father-in-law, baby B (who slept through the entire meal—miraculous), and me.
The staff were friendly and helpful from the get-go, and the menu struck that rare balance of simplicity and thoughtfulness focusing on fresh fish, punchy flavours, and those all important chips. The wine list also hits the right note, with a good range of options and price points including many English wines.
To start, we shared the salt cod croquette with tomato vinaigrette and aioli, and hand-dived Orkney Isle scallops in garlic and fresh herb butter. Both were well seasoned, perfectly cooked, and just the right amount for a starter.
They also have a great kids menu, with smaller portions of the classics including fish and chips and sausages and mash as well as mussels and chips for the more adventurous.
Our five-year-old isn’t one for breaded fish, and the kitchen was wonderfully accommodating swapping the classic fish and chips for a grilled sea bass with chips and a side of hispi cabbage and pancetta.
She devoured the lot (especially the cabbage), and even tried the tartare sauce, which arrived in a scallop shell, a small but charming touch that she said made her feel like a mermaid.
The classic fish and chips, ordered by my husband and father-in-law, lived up to their reputation. Crisp, golden batter, seriously good chips, and that same mermaid-approved tartare sauce. The standout dish for me was the wild line-caught Cornish seabass with confit cherry vine tomatoes, salsa verde, and olive oil, served alongside buttered new potatoes with a caper dressing.
Every element was balanced and full of flavour largely due to the freshness and quality of the produce. The fish flaky and fresh, the tomatoes bursting with sweetness, and the salsa verde providing just the right amount of sharpness to bring it all together.
For dessert, our daughter chose chocolate and sea salt ice cream, while we shared a sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream ice cream. Rich, comforting, and just sweet enough to round off a perfect lunch.
A family run restaurant Noah’s manages to walk that fine line between elevated cooking and relaxed, welcoming vibes.
It’s a great choice for families (we spotted several more arriving as we left), but would be equally lovely for a date night or dinner with friends, especially on the terrace in warmer weather.
In short: great food, great service, and reasonable prices. It is just what you want in a restaurant and definitely one to book if you're heading to Bristol anytime soon.
Noah’s, No 1 Brunel Lock Road, Bristol BS1, 0117 452 9240. Open lunch Mon-Sun, noon-3pm, dinner Mon-Sat, 5-9pm. www.noahsbristol.co.uk