Based on the Clifton side of Bristol, The Spiny Lobster is a restaurant and fishmonger from Mitch Tonks offering beautiful seafood dishes, using freshly caught produce. With an ever-changing menu depending what has been delivered on a given day, this place is a must for seafood fans in Bristol. The Spiny Lobster's particular speciality however, is cooking over the open flame of a Josper grill to give the food a distinct flavour. With a meat option also available every day as well as a selection of vegetarian options, there's something for everyone at The Spiny Lobster.
Sat on the corner of Whiteladies Road, the restaurant’s wooden facade gives it somewhat of a traditional seaside feel. The inside feels rather upmarket though with the bright and airy dining room decorated in muted tones and the tables all covered with white table cloths. The walls are largely decorated with various framed fish-related pictures, and shelves full of wine.
In terms of the daily food menu, you can expect starters such as grilled Atlantic prawns with chilli jam, fusilli with braised octopus, chilli and bay, and vegetarian dishes such as stracciatella and winter tomatoes on toast. Main courses roasted over the fire might include grilled mackerel with pickled rhubarb and horseradish, and monkfish tails with garlic and parsley; while other dishes such as tranche of turbot with chicken and tarragon sauce are also available. The short but sweet daily selection of desserts tends to be based around traditional classics such as Bakewell tart and Eton mess. There are also a number of cheeses available.
An extensive wine list covers a number of different countries and regions and there is also a nice selection of dessert wines also available. There are of course a number of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to pick from depending on what takes your fancy.