We are spoiled for choice with good restaurants in Nottingham but this creates a bit of a problem - where do you even start? There are so many exceptional options available that it can be really tricky to know where to go.
Nowhere is this more true than in the creative quarter, Hockley where you can easily take a trip around the world without ever having to leave Nottingham. While it's a bit impossible to fit all of the amazing restaurants into one visit, although you can give it a go if you feel like a challenge, here are some we recommend.
Grab your comfiest walking shoes, no need for a passport, and let's go on a walking tour of the world....in Hockley.
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Vietnamese: Pho
Pho is a newcomer to Carlton street but is fast becoming one of the best places to grab a bowl of noodles and have a bit of a people-watch from their outside seating area. Vietnamese food is having a bit of a moment right now as we've gained three new restaurants in under six months in the city centre alone.
It's easy to see it is so popular why given that offers a light selection of healthy vegetable dishes and tasty noodles. It's worth checking our its signature dish especially the tender brisket pho which is slow-cooked in their broth.
Katie Adcock from Beeston is a fan of Vietnamese after trying it at Pho for the first time. "Having never tried Vietnamese cuisine I was cautious about visiting Pho, but I really had nothing to worry about. The summer rolls with peanut dipping sauce made for a very tasty starter, followed by chicken curry which was beautifully flavoured and not too spicy- I will be back for more."
Italian: Crazy Fish My Love / Sexy Mamma Loves Spaghetti
If you are looking for something a bit more naughty and carbohydrate-based, Sexy Mamma Loves Spaghetti can be found on Heathecoat street, and its sister - the smaller version on Carlton street, offers a range of decadent pasta, rich sauces and an excellent wine list.
Italian cuisine is the perfect comfort food and this place excels in food that feels like it's been home-cooked by someone's mama. You'll need to get in early however as the restaurants both fill up fast which is a testament to how good the food is.
American: Bohns Burgers
Sometimes you just need a big, tasty but messy burger smothered in sauce. Bohns Burgers is an award-winning burger joint based at the end of Broad Street near the Broadway cinema. If you want a truly American experience or are feeling brave, the menu boasts a burger with peanut butter on it.
No, you read that right: beef burger with peanut butter along with chili jam and stilton blue cheese. Not one for the faint-hearted but definitely one to add to the bucket list if you can.
English: The Old Angel
The Old Angel has a hidden gem on a pub-classic menu - proper old-school Engish fish and chips complete with mushy peas. It's worth noting that you can make this gluten-free and vegetarian if you choose by swapping out the fish for halloumi which is a rare treat.
The pub also hides a mini garden out the back where you can properly get away from the busy side streets of Hockley. So you can grab a nice meal, a good pint, and have a little bit of quiet. It's also a hugely historic building complete with caves in the shape of a crucifix that are rumoured to be haunted.
One review on Trip Advisor noted: "We called in here to sample the beers, and we were not disappointed. The beer was great and the bar had a good atmosphere."
Thailand: Paste
Paste is a tiny but might gem in the middle of Hockley on Carlton street. It's very hard to choose just one thing on their extensive menu but the restaurant does offer an exceptional Thai red curry. If you have room for a side dish or two then definitely have a look at their light rice wraps which come with a chili dipping sauce.
Southern Indian: Kayal
Kayal is a popular restaurant on Broad street that makes an absolutely mouth-watering curry. There is a spice level to suit everyone at the restaurant though so if some don't like 'em hot then don't worry. It's also a great place to head to if you have dietary restrictions or are vegetarian or vegan.
If you are stuck on what to order then staff are more than willing to talk you through a few choices but a stand out dish has to be the uzhunnu vada which are deliciously fried lentil doughnuts that are the perfect combination of fluffy in the middle and crispy outside.
When it comes to bigger dishes, the Kozhi Kurumykagu is another great order featuring boneless chicken cooked in black pepper sauce with onion, ginger, garlic and cashew nuts.
Japanese: Bonzai
Bonzai is a firm favourite among foodies in the city and it's easy to see why. It manages to combine the best in Japanese food with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant fills up quickly but does have some outdoor seating where you can watch the world go past.
While there are plenty of lower-priced options on the menu, the temptation is there to go absolutely decadent and order a platter. If you are going to spoil yourself by ordering one, the Yokozuna platter offers 46 pieces of sushi for £49.99.
Hong Kong: Kofuku
Okay so this is closer to the Snienton market than it is Hockley but we feel it still counts. Kofuku is a new cafe that has been opened by former students offering a menu packed with the flavours of Hong Kong including shark fin soup.
If you are stuck on what to order then Hong Kong style toast, a specialty at street food cafes is a great dish to try. Slices of bread are covered with peanut butter, deep-fried and served with syrup for a sweet and salty taste.
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