This week I visited Japanese restaurant Noa to try out the Clifton Food Fest £10 dinner menu. Having heard such great things about the restaurant, I came with big expectations… Safe to say that I left full bellied and very happy.
And it’s no surprise! Noa serves a range of delicious and fresh Japanese dishes including sushi, sashimi, tapas, rice and noodle dishes. What’s more, the bar serves exciting sounding cocktails as well as local and Japanese imported beers and wines.
Having had a revamp in November 2014, Noa’s interior is now slick, bright, modern and cool. With a Japanese cartoon art theme, it’s a rather unique place to eat in Bristol. Split into a light and open bar area, you have the choice to either enjoy an informal drink with some Japanese tapas or to dine in their intimate restaurant room. With plush decadent seating and deep colours, it’s perfect for those romantic evenings.
The bargain £10 deal features a choice of one small plate and one main course, from a special festival menu. Between us we plumped for a different dish each, meaning we got to sample most of the menu.
To Start:
-Mixed Tempura: succulent prawns, asparagus, peppers and lotus flower in a light crisp batter, served with teriyaki dipping sauce
-California Sushi Roll: crab meat and avocado, wrapped neatly in seaweed, rice and Tobiko fish roe
-Wakame salad: seaweed and salad leaves with peanut dressing
For Mains:
– Yasai Itame – seasonal veg and tofu teriyaki
– Crispy Beef Teriyaki
– Crispy Chicken Teriyaki
Each of the mains were served in a sweet and sticky sauce, accompanied by salad and sticky rice.
The food was delicious and colourful, and very generous in portion – we certainly didn’t go hungry! The presentation of the food was exceptional, artistically and elegantly arranged. After the food was devoured I enjoyed looking at the assortment of traditional pots and dishes the food was served on, and wondered where I could buy some myself.
The waiter, Luca, who tended to is excellently during our visit, left is to our devices as we digested and contemplated the dessert menu. Despite our now tight-fitting trousers, we managed to find room to sample the Green Tea ice cream, which was perfect delicate and refreshing – an excellent way to finish the meal.