I’ve lost count of the amont of times I’ve been asked “What food stalls are there in St Nick’s Market?” or what the newest additions are to Bristol’s food haven, so I figured that it was time to write this guide.
I’ll strive to keep this blog as up to date as possible, which means of course making sure I go there for lunch as much as I can. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it!
Glass Arcade
I’m starting with a big hitter – there’s a reason these guys always have a huge queue, it’s because their Kurdish wraps are ridiculously good. Off the charts. Choose from chargrilled chicken, lamb, halloumi or veg (or a mix) to have in a naan which is freshly made in the tandoor oven as you order – the resulting wrap is longer than my forearm and loaded to the gills with your pick of salads, sauces and filling choice. You can also decide to have the meat/veg and salad in a box with rice or couscous (with some fresh bread on the side) – a lunch which you can easily split over 2 – 3 days.
If lip-zinging noodles are your thing, this is the place to come. Chilli Daddy serve up spicy Szechuan dishes, from beef hotpot noodles to chicken dandan, tofu or veg hotpot, or pork saozi. If you’re looking for a bit more choice, their restaurant on Baldwin Street is a mere five minute walk away (my tip: whichever spice level you go for at St Nick’s, lower it by one in Baldwin St, they make their dishes hotter there for some reason!)
One of the only stalls with seats (albeit only a handful), you can stop here for coffee, cake and a selection of other light bites such as sausage rolls.
The only place I’m aware of selling Tibetan food in Bristol, you might recognise these guys from their regular appearances at markets around Bristol. Choose from fried or steamed momos (dumplings with chicken, beef, spinach & cheese or mushroom & potato filling) with salad and sauces, or thukpa noodles with meat or veg. There’s also the option of the low carb box, with a mix of meats, salad and sauces. Proper comfort food.
Another very popular choice, with the queue often snaking far back at lunchtimes. Choose from a selection of generous falafel and hummus bowls or pittas, topped up with your picks of salad, pickles and sauces.
One for the meat fans! The selection here is really good but can also run out on busier days, so try to get there early! Choices include pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken thigh or pulled jackfruit available in a bun or box, with a range of sides and sauces such as fries, macaroni cheese, pit beans and slaw.
Come here for your fresh juices, smoothies and shots, all blitzed up in front of you.
Cafe Atlas
One of the market’s longest-serving traders, and with good reason. Take a seat at one of their little Moroccan-style tables and enjoy a selection of comforting Moroccan dishes including tagine, couscous, baklava and fresh mint tea. Sit inside for cosier vibes, or sit in my preferred location outside and watch the buzz of the market around you.
One of Bristol’s biggest exports, and their St Nick’s stall is still going strong! Pick from a plentiful selection of pies (chicken and mushroom, beef and ale, sweet potato and goats cheese, mushroom and asaparagus, plus a range of gluten free and vegan pies), along with your choice of sides. The Mothership is the thing to go for: pie, mash, minty mushy peas, Cheddar & crispy onions.
A wholesome selection of Mediterranean salads and sides, including olives, halloumi, and grilled lamb, which you can then choose to have in a box or wrap.
Cheap and cheerful tacos with a range of fillings and sauces to choose from, including several veggie options.
From homemade pastel de nata to a filling feijoada (pork and bean stew) and plenty of other comforting Portuguese classics – this is the place to come for a some tasty stodge!
Authentic Spanish dishes with a friendly and bustling vibe – the place is always busy with Spanish visitors so you know it’s good! The menu is short and sweet – chicken and chorizo, seafood, squid ink or vegan paella, huevos rotos, croquetas or baby squid. But what they do, they do well.
Take your pick from Korean Fried Chicken or Cauliflower, Thai red curry or katsu sauce and noodles or rice, and bang – a big ‘ol tasty lunch you’ll want to eat again as soon as you finish it.
Exchange Avenue
Take something simple and do it to the best level you can – that’s what Eatchu have managed to do with the simple Japanese gyoza. They knock their tasty steamed & fried dumplings out by the shedload every day, and you can choose to have them on their own with sauce and seasoning, or with rice, noodles or salads.
The only proper restaurant within St Nick’s, this canteen-style Vietnamese joint does a selection of flavoursome phos, as well as dishes incuding Nem Nuong (Vietnamese grilled pork sausage), Banh Tom (deep fried prawn with sweet potatos), spring rolls and summer rolls.
South Arcade
Hefty veggie and vegan rolls and baguettes, as well as cakes, bakes and savoury snacks. There’s plenty of seating if you want to stop for a hot drink and a bite, and the bonus is that unlike most of the places on this list, it’s indoors!
In the mood for a curry? Stop by this stall which is always piled up with a variety of curries, sides, poppadoms and dips. Good luck trying to choose what to have!
You can also load up on chilli sauces and dried chillies at The Hot Sauce Emporium in the main market building, or check out the street food market on Wine Street every Friday, or the farmers market in front of the Corn Exchange building on Corn Street every other Wednesday.
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