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Hours
Tue
18:00 - 22:00
Wed
18:00 - 22:00
Thu
18:00 - 22:00
Fri
12:00 - 14:3018:00 - 22:00
Sat
12:00 - 14:3018:00 - 22:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Seafood, European, British, Gluten free options
“Incredible prawns Wonderful Skate / Ray wing and sea bream Beef rib to finish...”
“Main course of monkfish was undercooked, sea bass was well cooked with some i...”
“... we asked and were told no there aren’t any then oh yes it’s turbot for two.”
“... from the otherwise delicious prawns, and make sure there’s no grit in the...”
Does this restaurant offer free wifi?
Details
About
The Spiny Lobster is an award winning seafood restaurant. We've been on Whiteladies Road for 15 years with a restaurant and fishmonger and a great loyal following locally and from visitors to Bristol and to Clifton. The Spiny Lobster offers a wide ranging menu designed for lovers of the best seafood and shellfish. We specialise in cooking over the open fire of our Josper grill, adding a distinct flavour to our food inspired by our staff's travels. Have a look at the menu, come to the restaurant and fishmongers and see for yourselves this gem in Bristol. We look forward to welcoming you.
CUISINES
Seafood, European, British
Special Diets
Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.0
507 reviews
Excellent
280
Very good
115
Average
63
Poor
33
Terrible
16
Ken P
Bristol843 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
The week before Christmas and although we hadn't booked we were given a choice of one of the few remaining tables for lunch. It was busier than most restaurants on White Ladies Road and proved to be a very good choice as we were quickly seated and supplied with a carafe of tap water and a rather nice glass of sparkiling Picpoul. Service was a little slow after that but it is a small kitchen, visible from the tables and we had arrived at around half one as starters and mains were being delivered to other tables. Service was cheerful and we were happy to eat some very good bread and dip until our starters arrived. In the meantime we had chosen a Sauvignon Blanc which they didn't have but offered a more expensive alternative and only charged the lower price, TOP marks for that. We chose from the lunch menu and we were delighted with the food, cuttlefish in ink with spaghetti was delicious as was my wife's fish soup which was like a bisque. Her Haddock and chips was a very generous portion whilst my Roast Sea Bream was beautifully cooked. Both came with a choice of potatoes and we could have managed with sharing one of the bowls of chips. We both had additional vegetables Sprout tops in garlic and chili and Mashed peas and finished with a chocolate nemesis which was very rich for me and an affagato washed down with an Amaretto. A very relaxed afternoon as we were the last to leave.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lucy l
Belfast102 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
I had bought my husband a voucher for this establishment that we had both been eager to visit for some time. A lovely setting with a good atmosphere and super customer service, things started out promising. A lovely Riesling was recommended (we don't usually drink white at all), but it went well with the meal.
My husband loved his prawn starter, but I decided to go for a chicory starter with parmesan cheese. Rather bitter, it was disappointing, especially for the steep price of £8!
Mains were tasty enough, though my husband felt his monkfish lacked good seasoning. My sea bass was beautifully cooked and the fennel side was pleasant, but presentation was lacking.
When we had checked the website, we could only find lunch and early evening prices. We were quite taken aback with the evening menu prices and decided to abandon thoughts of dessert as we already had to top up our voucher to pay for the meal.
The restaurant is obviously popular, but we were looking for something with a bit more 'wow' to match the prices.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah S
Bristol2 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
I don’t normally write trip advisor reviews. I eat out a lot at nice restaurants but just don’t manage to ever get the time to review. However, my experience eating out here last thurs eve left such a powerful impression that here I am writing a review. There were 4 of us dining and and were given a lovely table. As we were celebrating an overdue celebration of a work promotion we were not on a budget. My friend had lobster (she said it was amazing ) we also had monkfish and Dover sole. The champagne was perfectly chilled and the 2 bottles of Pouilly Fuisse (at £50 a bottle) were incredible. How then was I left thinking every time our waitress care over to our table was she so rude and snappy? When another of us at the table also noticed and commented to us I realised it was not just me. On the 4 or 5 times she came to the table every time she was rude and frosty. It started to feel uncomfortable every time she approached our table. We made a joke of it but it’s inexcusable at such a nice restaurant . At 950 pm we were presented with the bill and told we had to leave straight away due to 10pm Covid rules while she then chatted to the next table for 10 min so we stood up coats on waiting to be able to pay and leave. How can such a lovely restaurant have staff so awful. I’m sorry to say it really ruined our evening. There was no need for it and I don’t think I have ever had such rude service and for the four of us are bill came to £300. Very Sadly I’ll think twice before returning.
Written 27 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danijela T
Bristol68 contributions
May 2020 • family
We ordered ready to eat seafood platter for 4 people that included lobsters, crabs, shrimps and loads of prawns. It was a splendid feast that really cheered us up during doom and gloom of the lockdown. Highly recommended!
Written 30 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warthog01
Bristol59 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We haven't been out for a meal since March. Those who know us will be amazed, but we're being extra careful. A friend who knows how much we enjoy the Spiny Lobster raved about the precautions they're taking at this difficult time, so we decided to put our toes in the water.
They were brilliant! Emma, Charlotte, Sophie and Natalie are still in charge and Charlie's cooking remains at the top of our list. Aside from communicating through masks, it was just like coming home. They took our temperatures at the door, hand sanitiser on every well-spaced table and continuous cleaning and changing of tablecloths beween guests. We felt very very comfortable.
It is unfortunate that we all had to endure one Millenial with a bit too much prosecco under her belt who felt it necessary to hug all her table partners and attempt the same with staff. She was politely rebuffed but continued to 'perform' until she left. Lobster staff handled it well,but it's disappointing to watch the few ruin it for the rest.
We've re-booked and are looking forward to returning in a couple weeks.
Written 15 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thoughtfuldiner
Edinburgh1039 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
We had an entirely seafood meal: grilled Atlantic prawns and cod croquettes for starters, grilled monkfish and roast John Dory for mains. The fish was fantastically fresh, and this is already half of the job done...and then it was cooked perfectly, moist but retaining a full texture: with a nice herby condiment, here's the complete job!
There is a lovely, and these days rare, sense of generosity. The portions are filling: a large whole John Dory like the one we had could have served two in some restaurant in London. The same goes for the chunky tranche of monkfish. And, as soon as you sit they bring you complimentary bread (focaccia) and an excellent dip (taramosalata).
Service was friendly. Prices, with such large mains sold in the mid-twenties, are friendly too (though note that if you want some vegetables you need to order them separately).
Definitely one to go back to many times, whenever in the mood for simple but high quality seafood dishes.
Written 16 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thoughtfuldiner
Edinburgh1039 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
After my Autumn visit I returned in Spring, and the experience was equally positive.
For very simple seafood dishes, with high quality and super-fresh produce, and precise cooking, this place is hard to beat in Bristol.
Scallops with garlic butter were good, while grilled wild Atlantic prawns were more than good and their accompanying chili jam is addictive. The mains, a ray wing with chicory and mustard and a simply grilled monkfish were spectacular. Dessert brought us back down to earth, a vey forgettable (and strangely meager-portioned, unlike all the rest) cheesecake, which I suspect is not made in-house.
Prices are extremely reasonable (except dessert which is much lower value for money), service is friendly, the atmosphere is great, with a varied clientele and and an assortment of seafood related drawings and pictures on the walls.
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
The Spiny Lobster is the best seafood experience you can ever imagine. The restaurant staff are so welcoming, professional, considerate and so knowledgable about the menu, you cannot fail to enjoy your menu choices. I was amazed at just how much care and consideration has been given to the safety of the customers and staff in the current Covid pandemic. The quality of the fish and the excellent fish chefs have not been compromised whatsoever. We enjoyed the beautiful scallops and camerones for starters followed by the succulent John Dory, Monk Fish and Lemon Sole for our mains, all cooked to perfection. We live in London and are yet to find such a special seafood restaurant as the Spiny Lobster anywhere in London.
All I can say is that Bristol is very privileged to have The Spiny Lobster.
Written 27 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracy M
1 contribution
Oct 2020 • couples
Ive looking forward to visiting for a while now. I was very disappointed with the lobster, it was really soft and may even be off, consistency like cottage cheese.
Will not be visiting again.
If you like fresh seafood don't have it masked with breaded garlic and herbs.
Looks OK tastes bad.
Written 2 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheFoodie1989
Bristol1073 contributions
Oct 2021 • couples
Me and my partner visited the spiny lobster for an anniversary meal , as my partner adores seafood . We were not let down the menu was as intended heavily dedicated towards seafood for starters we had the camarones with aioli and grilled scallops both were absolutely delicious ( scallops were definitely the dish of the day ) . For mains we went for the monkfish and whole native lobster. What a delight both were , the monkfish was delicious and i was lost for words on the lobster. The menu was more on the pricy side but thats what you expect for quality food done at this level . The service was slightly slow for what i would normally expect and took a while to get the bill but nothing that i would mark them down on. Will be looking forward to another visit in the future
Written 9 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EiDuck
Warsaw143 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
We arrived and were seated promptly. Unfortunately one of the first things we noticed was the side plates were dirty, however those were quickly felt with via the conscientious staff.
Our order was taken and we waited. We had the white bait and the asparagus. Both were nice however my wife and I commented that some extra bread for her sauce and my white bait would of been nice. 16 pounds for the two relatively simple starts also seamed excessive.
The mains, our fish arrived hot and well portioned which was great, well worth the money. However the sides left much to be desired. We had the roast potatoes which were drowning in butter, so much so it was butter and potatoes. Additionally we had the courgette firttes which were less than impressive. Here the menu was quite limiting as we would of loved some fresh veg or just roasted greens.
Anyway we came to 77 pounds for two, this included an additional service charge of 10% which is excessive for a table of 2.
Written 11 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jo_d
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • friends
Starters were ok, nothing to get excited about. Monkfish and halibut served on the bone so very little meat on. We were left starving so decided to order a dessert. Menu arrived which just seemed to consist of sorbets and mousse so we left it. Service was average, we did complain about the total lack of fish and that we had just been given the ends so bill was reduced and waitress did admit there didn’t look much. To top it off we were overcharged, they put the bill through twice on our card (we are waiting to sort refund) and 3 out of 4 of us ended up ill which we put down to the oyster we each had. Extremely expensive and totally underwhelming. I think if restaurants want to win and keep customers, especially now when people will be cutting back, they have to do better.
Written 5 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PINNIE123
Bristol89 contributions
Aug 2022 • family
Well I’m sorry to have to write this after having read all the reviews on this restaurant. I guess our expectations were high. This was a thoroughly disappointing experience for a seafood restaurant. The crockery in this restaurant could really do with updating it was really badly worn out, to the point it lost it’s glaze and hold onto dirt. The food was highly overpriced for the portion sizes. And it was not clearly explained that when you order a side of peas for example or beans it was sufficient for two people. The fish was very nice I have to say.
However, the chips were clearly frozen chips that were reheated and when we were asked at the end of the meal as there was no check-in during the meal, if the food was nice I said it was okay. The waitress then said what was wrong and she could take criticism and when I explained the chips were awful and clearly reheated and frozen chips she denied this completely and appeared very angry and upset at my comment even though she had welcomed the comment in the first instance.
The lobster was good and the monkfish was good. The skate was panfried to the point that it was quite hard on the outside and I have not seen skate cooked as crispy as this. The starters of scallops were very expensive at £12.50 for three scallops, which was slightly overdone.
Having compare this to other fish restaurants in Clifton we as a family would not be going back to this restaurant ever again. I think the service was okay as when we asked for a mist soft drink it was slammed Without so much as an apology been forgotten.
When the bill arrived they did rectify some of our issues by taking off the cost of the chips and whilst we agreed to pay some of the service charge they took it off completely. We were still prepared to pay a service charge but they automatically took it off the bill.
Personally having worked in the catering trade for many years this is a quaint little place with a lot of room for a lot of improvement.
I was certainly not impressed and will certainly not be returning with myself my family and would not be recommending it to friends are plenty of nice restaurants across Clifton that serve seafood, Which would not be as exorbitantly priced as The spiny lobster.
Written 20 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Euge C
Portishead138 contributions
Aug 2022 • family
The food was very average and the portion sizes were rather small for the price paid, especially the starters. The chips were not good and seemed to have been ‘reheated’. One of our drinks didn’t come and we had to ask again and the waitress just slammed it onto the table. It was disappointing as we had planned it as a celebration meal. Not sure I would recommend this restaurant.
Written 20 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grafter54
Bristol283 contributions
Jul 2022 • solo
I have had a passion for seafood for many years, and decided to treat myself to a birthday meal.
I’d heard good things about this restaurant and decided to pay a visit.
A delightful platter of 6 oysters was a good start to the proceedings - accompanied by a glass of Godello.
I followed this with Lemon Sole, new potatoes and Samphire - and a further glass of Godello.
I couldn’t actually manage a dessert ( and had left a couple of potatoes) - but I rounded things off with an Armagnac
All in all a very pleasant experience, including the optional service charge of 10%, for £80.85
I will happily recommend the restaurant and I will just as happily return
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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