You’re in a small bistro in Paris, sipping on a glass of red wine, awaiting a heartwarming lunch of traditional French cooking. There’s rain on the window. The stereo is playing Serge Gainsbourg. This feels like a dream, because it is—WAKE UP!—you’re not in France, you’re in Bristol.
Luckily, a traditional French bistro has opened in the city centre to transport you back to the bustling Parisian streets. The former head chef at The Library (the cocktail bar behind a bookcase), Oakan Brousse, has embraced his French roots, blending classic techniques with local South West ingredients.
With a warm, neighbourhood feel on St Nicholas Street, Bistro La Brousse is as close as you’ll come to an old school French restaurant—from the chalkboard menu to Art Nouveau posters. The menu itself, handwritten each day, boasts some of the most famous French dishes of all time, but with plenty of modern flair to serve.
What’s on the menu at Bistro La Brousse?
You could find yourself tucking into a swathe of French classics, like boeuf bourginoin, croque monsieur, cassoulet, and the ever-popular (with a recent TikTok resurgence) steak au poivre. And, from bergamot confit mackerel to moules marinière, there’s something for most palettes (although vegetarians and vegans may struggle).
For dessert, tuck into a cappuccino crème brûlée or a passion fruit cheesecake millefeuille. While, of course, what French bistro is complete without an extensive wine list? Expect a menu across the (black)board that changes regularly, however, and is heavily influenced by the seasons.
📅 Bistro La Brousse is open Thursday to Sunday, from noon to 3pm and 7pm to 9pm.
📍 You can find it at 10 St Nicholas St, Bristol BS1 1UQ.
🌐 To learn more about Bistro La Brousse head here.