Nutmeg - Bristol Food Review

Posted on: 2017-01-24

Our rating:

Nutmeg is a relatively new addition to Clifton Village’s restaurant selection, and offers fine Indian cuisine in a cosy, vibrant setting.


Nutmeg

When we entered Nutmeg we were welcomed by an extremely attentive member of staff, who took us to our seats and talked us through the menu. Some of the dishes came as a whole - the chef specials, which included sides and were slightly higher in price, and some came individually so that the choice of accompanying rice or naan is up to you. An interesting component of the menu is the fact that they have taken one dish from each state of India, which allows for one of the most varied menus I have ever seen, with a wide range of spices and meats to choose from.

 

My friend went for a Seabass Jal Tarang, a dish from West Bengal which consists of grilled seabass marinated in lemon juice, hung yoghurt, gram flour, and green chillies. This was served on a bed of masala mashed potato and came beautifully presented. The sauce was rich and heavy, with a mild kick, and the seabass was faultless - perfectly cooked and tender. Masala mashed potato made for a pleasant departure from rice, and ensured that the dish was as filling as it was delicious. The colours and textures of the dish were incredible; already we were understanding the Nutmeg experience.

Nutmeg

My selection was a Shahi Chicken Curry, a mild, creamy dish, and Peshwari Naan on the side. Served in a metal pot, the sauce of the curry was wonderfully nutty and warm, and the chicken, although perhaps a little less cooked than I would have liked, had soaked up the flavour incredibly well. The Peshwari Naan was a good choice, a soft, warm, sweet bread filled with cherry and desiccated coconut, it balanced out the gentle spice of the curry and mopped up every last drop of the sauce. I also enjoyed a ginseng matcha green tea with my meal which, although not very relevant to the cuisine, was a delicious accompaniment.

Nutmeg

We were looked after very well by the house staff, my friend was plagued by a dry cough during the meal, and we were offered a herbal tea to combat it so that she could enjoy her meal. We were also attended to regularly and the food was served quickly and competently, presented beautifully.

 

For dessert we tried one of each option, a Chai Creme Brulee and Galab Jamun - both of which were incredible. The latter was light and soft, with a spiced syrup coating, and the former was the only time I have ever enjoyed a crème brûlée. It was laced with traditional Chai spices and the sweet filling was silky and smooth under a wonderfully caramelised crunchy top.

Nutmeg

The atmosphere of the restaurant was one of great vibrancy and class, with huge colourful wall murals, and sleek tableware as far as the eye could see. It was busy, even on a Tuesday, but the service didn’t suffer in the slightest. Nutmeg is a welcome addition to Clifton Village, and has certainly piqued my interest. I love Indian food, and can safely say that they have really mastered the art of making traditional dishes their own.



Article by:

Miri Teixeira

Miri is an English literature student at the University of Bristol who enjoys folk-punk & math-rock music, trailing round art galleries, and playing video games. She is a keen follower of politics and will read any science fiction you throw her way. Having lived in and around Bristol for many years she has developed a keen interest in the Bristol underground music scene and independent restaurants.