Romy Gill is a bit of a legend in the game. For the last 30 years, she has played a pivotal role in shaping Britain’s understanding of Indian cuisine, from launching her first restaurant, Romy’s Kitchen, to becoming the author of three excellent cookbooks. Most recently, at The Pem, she has returned to a permanent kitchen role for the first time in over six years, bringing the same vitality that has always defined her cooking.
Growing up in Burnpur in India, Romy learned the basics of cooking alongside her mother in the kitchen. Later in life, aged just 23, she moved to the UK where she hosted dinner parties for her friends to combat homesickness. Soon, the student very much became the culinary master, and Romy began teaching cookery classes, before launching her own range of sauces, pickles, chutneys and spices.
In 2013, Romy opened her first restaurant, Romy’s Kitchen in Thornbury. At the time, her cooking brought a fresh perspective on Indian cuisine to the UK, moving away from familiar Anglo-Indian flavours and artificial food colouring in favour of a more refined approach, one that married traditional Indian recipes with quality British produce. She is now a celebrated food writer, cookbook author and broadcaster, and has received an MBE for her services to the hospitality industry.
Romy can currently be found behind the pass at The Pem - the original brainchild of Sally Abe - where she's breathing new life into the menu with her vibrant, regional cooking. Dishes draw inspiration from Romy's heritage and travels, from Bengal and Kerala to Punjab and Rajasthan - think hand-dived scallops with kasundi chutney, slow-braised lamb shank with Kashmiri morel mushrooms, and her signature samosa chaat.
While The Pem marks something of a full-circle moment for the chef, Romy’s real home remains in Thornbury, a market town just outside of Bristol. So, who better to ask where to eat in Bristol than the legendary Romy Gill herself? Read on for her top picks.
Wilsons, Redland
![waitress walking through restaurant and whipped yogurt with edible flower]()
Romy says: 'Wilsons shapes its menu around what’s fresh from its market garden so the menu changes frequently. I love to visit as often as I can and get so much joy from the seasonal dishes done simply. The set lunch is very affordable and keeps me coming back but you could honestly visit for both lunch and dinner and have a standout experience.'
Where: 24 Chandos Road, BS6 6PF
Book now: Wilsons
Lapin, Wapping Wharf
![restaurant with balcony and selection of steak on the bone and whole grilled fish with sides]()
Romy says: 'Lapin has that feeling of a really good French bistro, with classic dishes but a more modern Bristol feel. I like restaurants that don't take themselves too seriously but still care deeply about the food, and I think Lapin does that very well.'
Where: Unit 14, Cargo 2, Museum Street, BS1 6ZA
Book now: Lapin
Dongnae, Redland
![restaurant with bench seating and colourful stools and korean claypot with egg yolk and mushrooms]()
Romy says: 'Dongnae is a real standout for me. Not only is the food comforting, delicious, and great value, but the staff also have a fantastic attitude. It really feels as if the talented Kyu Jeong Jeon and Duncan Robertson take you on a journey through Korea when you dine there.'
Where: 5-7 Chandos Road, BS6 6PG
Book now: Dongnae
Lido, Clifton
![restaurant with lido pool and salad with nectarine tomato and basil]()
Romy says: 'Lido is such a great place to hang out. We are lucky to have somewhere like this in Bristol, where you can enjoy the restaurant, the pool and drinks all in one place. I did a supper club with the team there last year and it was such a lovely atmosphere. I was able to cook some of my favourite dishes, including my samosa chaat, so I have fond memories of the space.'
Where: Oakfield Place, BS8 2BJ
Book now: Lido
RAGU, Wapping Wharf
![dining table in a restaurant with hanging plant and grilled meat with pea corn and carrot sauce]()
Romy says: 'I really enjoy Ragu; it’s easy going but serves such delicious food, and reminds me of what I love about eating in Italy. The area around Wapping Wharf is fantastic for restaurants and to walk around after the meal.'
Where: Unit 25, Cargo 2, Museum Street, BS1 6ZA
Book now: RAGU
Little French, Bishopston
![restaurant dining room with blue leather booths and french inspired sharing plates]()
Romy says: 'I really like the way owner Freddy Bird does his food, which is taking a little bit of French inspiration, and then adding his own style to it. It has a real homely feel and my favourite things to order are the côte de boeuf with chips to share and the crème brûlée.'
Where: 2B North View, Westbury Park, BS6 7QB
Book now: Little French
Fancy some more Bristol-based restaurant recommendations? Check out our complete guide to dining in the city or hone in on Bristol's fine dining scene with our guide to all the Michelin star restaurants in the area.