There's always a buzz when a new restaurant, bar or cafe opens - and there's been plenty of newcomers launching in and around Nottingham this year. But once the VIP openings and influencer nights are done and dusted with freebies and discounts to win over new fans, do the businesses live up to the hype?
We've seen everything from burger bars and chippies to Turkish, Sicilian and Vietnamese. There have been coffee shops and even a pub with a crazy golf course.
We've taken a look at some of the reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, and Facebook to see what paying customers are saying about their experience at some of Nottinghamshire's newest establishments. This is what they said:
Pho
The Vietnamese restaurant specialises in pho, a noodle soup served from a big bubbling pot. Curries and healthy salads are also on the menu at the restaurant which opened in Carlton Street, Hockley, in January.
Reviewers said:
"Surprisingly busy for a Sunday lunchtime. We were seated and served quickly. The service was good, except (strangely) when we wanted to pay. We enjoyed the food. I've no idea whether it is authentic but it was tasty and more filling than we expected The menu is very healthy. My initial reaction was to say a bit expensive, but on reflection that's what eating out costs, now."
"I visited here with my boyfriend as we had not been before and saw it was new! We were certainly not disappointed. The food was lovely, we had chicken wings and seafood spring rolls to start which were delicious. I had the beef brisket pho which was so flavourful and a generous portion. My boyfriend had a rice bowl which he also really enjoyed. The atmosphere is lovely here."
"Good choice of food and drinks and pretty good service. However, the food wasn't so great. Either too bland or overly salty. Oh and watch out for the 12.5% service charge they stick on the bill and don't inform you about."
Compa
The Sicilian cafe opened in Wollaton Road, Beeston, in May, serving street food and patisserie. Authentic cornetto, arancina, cannolo and cassatina are on the menu.
Reviewers said:
"Amazing menu of mouth-watering snacks and desserts. The food is authentic, fresh and made with love. Loved the Sicilian atmosphere and above all, wonderful staff! I left the cafe with a smile and willingness to try all the dishes."
"Had a fantastic experience here. Brought my partner and we had arancina (one with spinach and one with mushrooms). They were absolutely delicious. Not only that, but the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making my partner feel back at home in Sicily. Cannot recommend it highly enough. We will be back regularly!"
"What can I say? The hype that this place received didn't disappoint my expectation. I gladly ate real tasty Sicilian food. It felt like being back to Italy. The owners are amazing people, we had a beautiful chat and learned about their story, which makes this place even more special. We tried all the specialties they have on their menu and were very surprised by the good quality of the ingredients."
Billionz Lounge
Full of glitz and glamour - complete with a retractable roof - Nottingham's newest spot opened earlier this month in Trinity Walk with a diverse menu, which includes gold leaf steaks.
Reviewers said:
"Amazing. Great cocktails and the venue is unreal."
"I celebrated my birthday here, interior is amazing. Definitely a place to take pictures. Waiters and waitresses were amazing at their job. Made sure I was happy with my food. The steak was okay. I’ve tasted better. I would say the place is very overhyped for no reason but overall it was okay!"
"Pretentious. All show and no substance. Russian vodkas not for me thanks. Get promoting the exceptional Polish and Ukrainian brands."
Boo
It's all about burgers, fries and shakes at the new restaurant in Trinity Square. It was an instant hit when it opened last month.
Reviewers said:
"We ordered our food and sat down at our tables. The tables were nice and clean and it was a very comfortable atmosphere. One of the staff members named Ting was very helpful and accommodating. The food was delicious and you get big portions too. Best burger you can get locally. I highly recommend giving this place a try."
"Excellent and friendly staff. Good prices and students can get 10% discount. I tried the smoky beef burger, it was tasty but I didn’t like the smoked beef rashers. Also, I tried the chicken bites with buffalo sauce and was delicious."
"Cheap, high quality food and a great atmosphere. The sticky chicken bites are the star of the menu."
Istanbul BBQ Kitchen
Authentic kebabs including lamb kofte and chicken shish are on the menu at the family-owned Turkish restaurant, which opened last month in Gordon Road, West Bridgford.
Reviewers said:
"Table of six with kids. What a lovely place, staff were very welcoming and great service. Food was delicious, the sharer starter was amazing! Kids' choices were great, they loved the chicken and the adult kebabs were really tasty. We will be back again."
"Can't fault it. Went for my birthday. The Adana kebab was amazing. Lovely rice and salad really tasty. Service was really good and really enjoyed the evening. We will definitely be going again and will recommend them to all my friends."
"First time order, collection ready in time as advised. Halloumi kebab very good and chicken shish kebab very tasty and fresh salad. Price wasn’t an issue as you’ll get a good quality traditional Turkish kebab. Friendly people… hope it does well."
Mother Hubbard's
The Yorkshire chippy's opening day offer at Beechdale Retail Park of 45p fish and chips when down well with customers in January, who queued to give it a try.
Reviewers said:
"Visited here on a Sunday had fish bites chips and mushy peas (child's portion) which for me was more than enough with batter bits and I must say this has been the best chippy I have had in a very long time. It was all hot and fresh the staff member serving was friendly. We sat in to eat, The decor is nice and simple and the pictures on the wall of old Nottingham was absolutely fab. Hope you keep to the same standards for the freshness of your food. Thank you one happy customer."
"I visited At 10. 38pm for the first time. They shut at 11pm so I wasn’t expecting the best quality of food because of closing or maybe not the happiest and talkative of staff, but I have to say extremely lovely staff, and great food! The staff are very friendly, happy to chat even at that time when all I would want is to be going home. Food was very good, lovely chips which most places can’t seem to do right. Lovely fish cakes, and battered sausage."
"I attended this fine establishment just before closing time the other night. The staff were great. Even though I'd missed last orders, they fried me a fresh spicy fish. They'd run out of chips, but one of the staff members was insistent that I have his that he had just packed, ready to take home for himself. Long story short, I got home with a great portion of fish n chips and they tasted like heaven. Great place, get down there."
The Lion by Olivers
Following a takeover the village pub in Hall Lane, Brinsley, reopened in April with a brand new look, a different menu offering everything from breakfast to Sunday lunch but best of all there's a mini crazy golf course at the back.
Reviewers said:
First time back since Olivers took over and we had a fab night! Food was AMAZING, great atmosphere, and brill service! Staff made us feel right at home and can't wait to go back!"
"Real hidden gem Crazy golf at back is great fun. Food fantastic staff couldn't do enough for you. Will return."
"Had breakfast the four of us first time in the new Lion by Oliver’s, in Brinsley. Absolutely lovely, great food, friendly staff and the place is fantastic. Just love what you’ve done to it , it’s so classy and really nice."
Ottimo
The new 150-seater Italian restaurant opened beneath the Arc Cinema, part of Beeston Square's new £50m development, in April with a pizza oven and open kitchen.
Reviewers said:
"Great central location very modern interior. We were early for our booking but not a problem. Staff very attentive and speedy. Food was amazing and we could see it being prepared. Most certainly will visit again."
"Been here twice since its recent opening, it’s so lovely - decor is beautiful you feel like you’re on holiday and the service was really attentive. Pizzas made right in front of you and fresh ingredients. Great for me as a vegetarian too."
"Had high expectations for this restaurant and was pretty disappointed. Food itself wasn’t that impressive, the bolognese extremely salty, chicken supreme not that tasty. Most mains are small and don’t come with any side dishes so it also becomes quite expensive given the quality. Pizzas and steaks actually looked like the better options. For icing on the cake… the toilet doors don’t shut when the toilet seats are down either."
Bronte & Co
Sherwood 's food and drink scene had another boost in March when the Turkish restaurant opened in Mansfield Road, serving coffee and pastries, big breakfasts and burgers, with the added bonus of a retractable roof for sunny days.
Reviewers said:
"Excellent food and great service. Food arrived incredibly quickly and was fresh, well cooked and extremely tasty. Not especially cheap, but neither is it extortionate and certainly worth the money. Highly recommended."
"Went in for a coffee and I asked for a cortado. They said they didn't do that. So I had an Americano. But it came in a large builder's mug!"
"We had an amazing breakfast yesterday at this wonderful place. The food was so fresh and tasty. Served hot and with a smile. It's a gem of a place that goes right back inside and to an attractive open area. Well worth a visit."
Barista Lab
The arrival of the coffee shop breathed new life into Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham, when it opened in May with barista brews, delicious cakes and a range of brunch options.
Reviewers said:
"They've made a good job on creating this lovely new coffee house. We had to go upstairs as it was busy downstairs. The stairs are very steep but it's very nice once you're up there. They have lounge seating in one room and table and chairs in another."
"Just had to do a detour after seeing the amazing photos in the Nottingham Post. Was not disappointed. OMG they even bake their own croissants the smell of them guided me in. Will be back later with my mum for coffee and cake. Good to see a vegan offering that's not a dried up chocolate affair. A vegan oats pot would be an added bonus."
"Great coffee, lovely service, good range of cakes and light bites, including Project D donuts. Adding it to my list of favourite independent coffee shops."
Burg, Wollaton
In a second bite of the burger bun, the local business expanded from Mapperley Top to Bramcote Lane in Wollaton, serving smashed burgers, fries and shakes.
Reviewers said:
"Trying out this burger restaurant for the first time and will definitely come again. The style is similar to Five Guys in terms of presentation but the menu is more defined around specific choices. Well cooked and tasty burger with plenty of nice chips. The reason for not awarding 5* is I would like to see larger sized soft drinks instead of cans and they should definitely serve vinegar as a condiment to chips."
"I was cautiously optimistic due to the price, but the food was very nice (cheese burgers and fries) and you get a lot for your money. Staff were excellent, especially with how busy it got. Will definitely return next time."
"My kids love Burg Burgers! The food is exceptional, service is great and it’s a lovely atmosphere to eat in. The staff are very friendly and helpful. 5* all the way."
Cod's Scallops
The takeaway and restaurant, which has branches in Carrington and Wollaton, opened at Wilford Lane Retail Park, West Bridgford, with a huge menu beyond the usual cod and chips, with everything from monkfish to mussels.
Reviewers said:
"All the staff are super friendly and offer a real quality product to match. Best fish and chips I've had! A must try!"
Fantastic lunch, really tasty and thoughtful service. A delightful experience - service exemplary. Kids' meals great and served in a bucket. Good value. We will be back!
"My food was served quick and hot with a great selection of fish in multiple ways of cooking, with different sauces. With a choice of chips or salad, fortunately the chips are very good and my fish just about perfectly cooked. Can get pretty pricey though."
Whistle & Flute
Retaining the name of the former menswear shop in Derby Road, Nottingham, the pub opened in April becoming the latest addition to the Canning Circus bar crawl.
Reviewers said:
"Excellent new bar halfway up Derby Road in an old tailor's shop. Great choice of beers, outside seating and a nice vibe. Another good addition to the bar choice in the area."
"Lovely freshly made pizza for lunch, washed down with a cheeky pint of Clwb Tropicana. Well worth the walk up the hill."
"I was there in the afternoon when fairly quiet but people were there drinking and more coming in. Very nice large space. It is a bar but I asked for coffee and they had flat white or Americano, instant as there is no coffee machine. I haven't tried the beer or the toilets but seats very comfortable."
Ding Tea
The shop had customers queuing in Trinity Square, Nottingham, on opening day, eager to try the many flavours of Taiwanese bubble tea and Asian cakes, both sweet and savoury.
Reviewers said:
"It was our first experience of bubble tea. It was AMAZING!!!! Highly recommended their tea. Great variation and tried three different flavours and all are fantastic."
"Lovely little shop and really nice boba tea. They are a little limited on the menu but still have very nice flavours with different boba pearl options. They listen to the customers attentively and actually do their best without rushing any orders."
"This is one of the best spots for bubble tea in Nottingham, I recommend the yakult, which is unique and lovely made. The worker is very nice and have a good smile. Owner is nice to customers as well."
200 Degrees
A well-known name amongst coffee connoisseurs, 200 Degrees opened its third shop in Nottingham city centre - this time in Milton Street opposite Victoria Centre - in May.
Reviewers said:
"On a busy trip to Nottingham and dying for a coffee and some cake. The place seemed new, so thought l would give it a go. Fantastic coffee, staff helpful and polite. Great decor and just a great experience."
"Best coffee in town. We were greeted straight away. The lady was super nice and helpful. We had a hot chocolate, an apricot croissant and an iced Spanish latte. Personally, I never heard of it before but the lady was really kind and explained what kind it is and how it is made. It was amazing. The croissant was really yummy. The place itself is clean and gives a really nice vibe."
"A delightfully homely coffee shop with a view of Nottingham high street. The staff are friendly and helpful, sporting a particularly wide range of delicacies which was an almost struggle to pick from to pair with my coffee. I will be visiting again, if not for the environment alone, for the espresso."
