Living in BS5, the Baffled King is a neighbourhood restaurant I have wanted to try for a while. And, with a good friend of mine moving out of Bristol, this felt like the perfect excuse to visit.
We started our evening at the Chelsea, not the classiest of pubs, but with proper Easton vibes. After a quick drink, we walked a few doors down to the Baffled King. Upon arrival, we found this small corner restaurant empty.
The friendly waiter described the restaurant as a “French bistro” specialising in small plates. Not having eaten much French food in the past, this made me more excited. The Baffled King felt intimate, with a relaxing and calm atmosphere on the Friday night we visit, but being told the night before it had been very busy.
We started our meal with a few starters, including sourdough bread, marinated olives and a few other bits. Growing up with Catalan cured meats, I was very impressed by the quality of the saucisson as I tend to be very disappointed if I order that kind of food in a UK restaurant.
The confit duck croquettes were also delicious, with a perfectly crisp breadcrumb coating and a thick creamy consistency. It was perfectly paired with a very mushroomy sauce.
I have to admit the crab ravioli with a ginger broth didn’t look like I was expecting. The black pasta with in a bright green broth was very delicate, but full of flavour.
However, the true highlight of the meal for me was the tuna carpaccio. Not normally a big fan of fish, I was not expecting this but it went so well so with the olive oil, garlic cream and trout roe.
“I am overwhelmed by delicious food” were the words of my friends as she ate her seared scallops with black pudding and pea puree, and I am not surprised as the meaty and fishy combination went so well.
We also enjoyed the puff pastry with beetroot, mushroom and goat’s cheese, which felt light and refreshing – very different to the others. The creamy polenta was also popular, with all of us enjoying just dipping the spoon.
The pork cheek bourguignon – which was very tender and soft – was also delicious, and was amazing with the garlic mash. This felt like a very comforting dish, like something your grandma may cook at home.
I also enjoyed the duck breast with green peppercorn sauce, which was beautifully cooked. We finished off our meal by sharing three desserts, including a cremee brulee and a chocolate mousse that tasted like a lovely Ferrero Rocher.
With all the plates being shared around the table, this meal at the Baffled King felt very European, with a truly lovely and relaxed vibe. Being six of us, we were able to try most (if not all) the menu, while having the restaurant to ourselves felt luxurious and very special.
I have to admit I was surprised when the bill came, but we did order three bottles of wine and a few other drinks – but this was a special occasion for my friend and visiting this hidden (but expensive) gem in my area was worth it.
Our meal for six at the Baffled King on Chelsea Road came to £384.18, including £42 service charge.