Nadu

From Columbo to Chennai and back again, Nadu is bringing the most exciting Sri Lankan and Tamil flavours to Stokes Croft. Originating from the same brains behind award-winning restaurant Nutmeg, it's bound to be an absolute showstopper.

Just peeking inside and you know you're onto a winner. A vibrant celebration of all the colour, textures and noise from this corner of the world, Nadu has personality in spades and invites you to dive right in! An inviting bar greets you on entry, beckoning you over with playful neon signs, cheery lighting and the merry guests nearby. Turn the corner and you'll discover Nadu's beautiful array of dining styles. From intimate partitioned booths for private suppers to bistro tables right next to the exposed kitchen, you decide under which wicker lantern you wish to dine. Just know that Nadu's infectious buzz won't keep you quiet for long.

At the helm of this colourful project are Raja and Saravanan, the Head Chef and hospitality extraordinaire who have drawn inspiration from their childhoods and the mythical legends that surrounded them when they were young. No surprise, then, that their menu is a thoughtful collection of all the dishes they hold dear. To begin, the small plates bring huge flavours with crispy battered plantain, aromatic tiger prawns, deep-fried Columbo-style potatoes and Kal Dosa, the most divine fluffy rice pancakes served with a tangy chutney.

As for the mains, they're not just limited to the humble curry. Sure, you have the decadent black pork curry but Columban and Tamil cuisine stretch far further than that. Sample griddled Kingfish with roasted garlic and mango, beef bone marrow with smoked coriander, turmeric shrimps and dosas filled with perfectly spiced vegetables. Best enjoyed with a generous serving of coconut sambol or some parottas, this is Southern Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine like you've never experienced before.