Khao

Khao in Stokes Croft, Bristol, leans into bold, spice-led cooking with a playful, globe-trotting streak. Its menu threads familiar comforts with bright, aromatic touches throughout.

To begin, small plates set the tone: a quesadilla folded with paneer or chicken tikka, roasted vegetables, melted cheese and fresh avocado, alongside lamb chops pan-seared with warming spices, a crisp house salad and mint chutney. It's a balancing act of smoke, crunch and cooling herbs that invites lingering over the first course.

For mains, classics and modern plates sit side by side. Butter chicken brings chargrilled pieces in a silky tomato butter sauce, while charred octopus arrives tender against nutty wild rice and seasonal greens.

The oven gets equal care, with stone-baked pizzas such as roasted chicken and cheese, or a vegetarian option layered with roasted peppers, red onion, sweetcorn, mushrooms, and mozzarella.

Hearty biryanis offer further comfort in chicken or jackfruit, layered with fragrant basmati and served with raita. For a gentle finish, desserts feature a sweet mango and pistachio cream or a warm vegan brownie.

Gather your favourite people, bring an appetite, and let Khao take you on a flavourful wander. It's a little bit classic, a little bit curious, and all kinds of tasty.