Imaginative Global Cuisine on Bristol’s Harbourside
New Moon on the Quay is the second venture from the New Moon team, following their Clifton Village restaurant. Situated on Hannover Quay on Bristol's Harbourside, it launched with a bold idea: a frequently rotating menu inspired by the cuisine of different countries.
The Debut Menu
When it first opened in late 2019, the inaugural menu spotlighted dishes from Bulgaria, reflecting the background of owner Takvor Terlemezyan. Early highlights included Shopska salad, grilled chipolatas, and kavarma—a rich casserole of pork, chicken, and beef.
Alongside the rotating international menu, the restaurant has always offered a permanent tapas list, divided into categories such as “veg & cheese,” “from the seas,” and “meat & game.” Standouts have included smoky chorizo cooked in red wine, paired with sautéed potatoes, charred onions, and olives.
Ambience & Décor
The interior blends bohemian and exotic influences—lush greenery, low sofas, a mural by local graffiti artist Jody, and playful touches such as a toy-laden corner from the space’s previous life as a café. The result is an atmosphere that feels warm, eclectic, and imaginative.
Dining Experience
The food is designed for sharing, and platters like the Bulgarian mezze—featuring aubergine dip, ljutenitsa (a spicy vegetable relish), yoghurt-based salad, feta, salami, and stuffed vine leaves—are particularly popular. Another notable dish has been the chicken spindle, a chicken breast stuffed with smoked cheese, ham, and gherkins, served with a wild mushroom and red wine sauce.
Final Thoughts
The restaurant has always encouraged its guests to embrace the unknown: to arrive without preconceptions and enjoy food they may never have tried before. Its adventurous approach and regularly refreshed menus have made it a distinctive option on the harbourside.
Today, New Moon on the Quay continues to thrive as an independent tapas bar with a relaxed, colourful vibe. Diners can enjoy contemporary tapas, imaginative cocktails, and a mix of riverside or garden seating.
In October 2024, the restaurant celebrated its fifth anniversary, marking its continued popularity on the Bristol food scene.
Visitors consistently rate the restaurant highly, praising its creative small plates and the special menus themed around different countries. One recurring feature is that every new moon, a new set of specials is introduced to represent a different cuisine from around the world.
The restaurant is known for being flexible and inclusive, with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available. Some diners note that outdoor seating can be a little chilly in colder months, but the atmosphere inside remains cosy and inviting.
