Geshmak in Newport

Absolutely delicious food. Great service and very attentive owners. We will be back!

First time in Geshmak and straight onto Google to leave this review. What a delightful, tasty, satisfying meal. Sizzling king prawn to start, duck and halibut for our mains, baked cheesecake for dessert. Cannot fault any of it. Truly lovely Service was attentive and friendly without being obtrusive Bill was £45 per head and worth every penny Oh, and the alcohol was very reasonably priced - makes a refreshing change. £6 for a large glass of Pinot Genuinely can't wait to go back

We were very much looking forward to trying Geshmak in it's new Caerphilly location. Booking was simple, just messaged on Facebook, and booked a table for 2 at 6pm on a Saturday evening. We arrived and were greeted by a lovely friendly face, taken to our table and given menus to have a look at. There was a good variety of options, including vegan, veggie, meat and fish options. Though I will add that the menu was very fish heavy, it could have benefitted from another meat dish. I had made a note on the booking that I was gluten free and was told confidently that most dishes can be catered to a GF diet. This was a wonderful thing to hear. A few minutes later the server returned to take our drinks order. We asked for a drinks menu but were told it was on the wall near the door. However, being in the back corner we couldn't see the menu from where we were sat, so just ordered a G&T and a beer so as not to have to stand over other diners to see the drinks menu. It would be worth having menus to give out, or have them above the bar for all to see. After a few more minutes we then ordered our food. I ordered the chicken dish, which has a creamy mushroom sauce with chips and vegetables. My partner ordered the confit duck, which also came with chips and vegetables. About 10-15 minutes after ordering, we spotted the Specials boards on the wall behind us. Neither of which were brought to our attention prior to ordering, which was a huge shame as we both would have preferred options from the Specials board. I will put this down to the staff being fairly new, but in future, it would be a good idea to make people aware of the specials, especially as the table we were on did not have a view of the boards unless you craned your neck around or stood up to see them. Our mains arrived and looked good. Although we both commented on the fact that both dishes would have benefitted from a different type of potato. The chips were french fries, and were quite dry. A mash, dauphinoise, fondant or even gratin potato would have gone far better with both dishes. Also, we both had the same greens, which appeared to be cabbage, so I think they must serve the same greens with most dishes. One downside to both dishes were the sauces. My plate was swimming in the creamy mushroom and leek sauce (see photo), which was incredibly watery. So much so, that it was almost impossible to eat without it dripping off every fork-full and splashing back on the plate. If the sauce was even a little thicker it would have been great and would likely have allowed me to taste the flavour of the sauce a bit better. My partner said the same about the jus with his duck. It just ran straight off the duck when he poured it on. It is almost like they were not reduced at all or did not have any thickening agents added. The dessert was really a delight though, the basque cheesecake was delightful and the compote with it was wonderfully tart alongside the creamy cheesecake. I could have eaten another serving without hesitation. Overall, we were a bit disappointed with the food. The mains were about £20 each, which for a chicken breast, with veg, what could have been frozen chips and a very watery sauce, seemed like quite a lot. Overall we spent £76 and tipped 10% on that. One other thing that that tainted the experience a bit was the smell of burning oil/fat which was quite frequently wafting out of the open kitchen door. This meant that when we left, we could smell it on our clothes and hair, and at times when we were there, it was so strong it made my eyes burn. We had high hopes and we really do hope that after a couple months the bistro will find it's feet in the new location and do really well. We hope it was just an off night or teething problems, and hopefully we can try Geshmak again in the future and really enjoy what they have to offer.

Staff were very pleasant, but I agree with the other person that it was unclear about menus and specials. Carrying glasses to the table with fingers inside the glass makes me wobble a bit too. Food was ok, but I was disappointed that the chips were frozen- expected more from a food finalist. Desserts were good. Overall I thought is was a tinge expensive for what we had although we enjoyed the night as a whole

Very good lunch. Generous portions, perfectly cooked and presented. Friendly, helpful staff. We'll certainly return.

Amazing little restaurant in Caerphilly. They didn't have any vegan sandwiches on the menu but the owner made us a vegan tuna sandwich with cheese and salad... Really nice and tasty. Looks like it might be part of the next menu :) We also had the vegan mushroom pate. The food is really good and the staff extremely friendly and accommodating We will definitely come back to try the other vegan options Thank you

Had a meal at this restaurant last night with friends can throughly recommend excellent food and a lovely warm friendly atmosphere. Wishing the staff well in their new venture at caerphilly sure you'll do really well as such good food and pleasant surroundings.

Delicious food, wonderful bistro and loveliest staff. Thank you

A gorgeous little spot owned be a previous Masterchef finalist! I don’t know how I hadn’t heard of it sooner, I think it needs more hype!! The owner was so friendly and well informed. You could tell she was passionate about the food and it showed in the cooking. We had a coeliac guest and almost all of the menu was gluten free and the owner was very clued up! There’s not many places in Newport you can get scallops and duck!! They also catered for a fussy child and made exactly what she wanted. It was superb and we’ll definitely be back, for that cheesecake if nothing else!!

A gorgeous little spot owned be a previous Masterchef finalist! I don’t know how I hadn’t heard of it sooner, I think it needs more hype!! The owner was so friendly and well informed. You could tell she was passionate about the food and it showed in the cooking. We had a coeliac guest and almost all of the menu was gluten free and the owner was very clued up! There’s not many places in Newport you can get scallops and duck!! They also catered for a fussy child and made exactly what she wanted. It was superb and we’ll definitely be back, for that cheesecake if nothing else!!

delicious food, helpful staff, and a lovely intimate space. the vegan cheesecake is unbelievably good (as is the basque cheesecake, i’ve been told)

There are not many places like this around. To have somewhere that feels both ‘like home’ AND a ‘treat of a night out’ is special enough, but the fact that the menus are seasonal and changed so often to find new ways to delight takes Geshmak to a different level to other local options. They must choose staff incredibly carefully to ensure the friendliest service and experience- either that or they are incredibly lucky… either way, it’s another reason to come as often as I can allow myself. The menu is clearly curated by someone who has a love for food, nourishment and those who will eat there. Diets and needs are catered for with enthusiasm, not reluctance. In short, there’s no excuse not to try visiting once. I’ll be back, obviously.

3rd time there ..love it. Great vegan options

Outstanding. Wild mushrooms to start were perfectly cooked and full of flavour. The land and sky pie was everything you expect with perfectly cooked game. Rabbit, partridge and pheasant, all tender with a rich sauce and buttery flaky pastry top. The staff are wonderful and friendly, a really fantastic addition to Newport. Finished with Basque cheesecake, creamy heaven on a plate!

Beautiful home cooked food...to suit most palates

Absolutely delicious and varied food dishes and combinations. Went for dinner after seeing the menu board after visiting for cake and coffe a couple of times - also very delicious! Menu varies from week to week which is fabulous as you don’t get bored. Local and international produce used depending on the dish. And really usual combinations that work extremely well. We had Scallops with a delicate pea purée and chorizo and a really unusual dish of salsify with blue cheese and pickled walnuts with to start. Followed by a perfectly cooked sea bass with roasted vine tomatoes and pesto and a very tasty poussin, puréed potatoes with mushrooms in a gorgeous sauce. Our friends ate the humours and focaccia and the Salsify stater followed by sea bass with lemon and caper butter and a perfectly cooked duck breast and jus with roasted potatoes. All Beautifully presented. We were so full we couldn’t manage a desert it having sampled the cakes previously- I knew they’d be lovely . Service was friendly & prompt and the atmosphere relaxed. It was a great night out with good company … can’t wait to go back Oh and the chef Fran Kierle was a Masterchef finalist - so this speaks volumes to why her menus are so varied , inspiring and taste fantastic.

This place is a little gem. Birthday brunch with the family on Saturday, our various dietary requirements were handled without fuss or bother and we were all served delicious meals. Tasty hummus with home baked focaccia, vegan scrambled ‘eggs’ and turkey rashers were just some of the highlights along with the super friendly service. Will definitely go again.

Attended a brilliant craft fair , lovely 😍.

We visited Geshmak for dinner after our wedding at West Usk Lighthouse recently. It was only us in the place and this felt like we had our own personal chef for the evening!! The scallop starter was cooked perfectly and my husband now has a new favourite food! The main courses were also great, full of flavour and the portions were very generous. However I still found room to try the burnt Basque cheesecake - I highly recommend this if it's on the menu. It was lovely to see several gluten free options and a variety of vegan and veggie options too. Thank you again to the staff for the food, great service and their heartfelt wishes

Ambitious and sophisticated menu with lots of flavour and high quality ingredients. We had a lovely family lunch here.

Very quiet Friday lunch so can't comment on atmosphere. Food, although tasty, had the look of a school dinner in its presentation. They need to step up the Wow Factor. Coffee was supposed to be very good but was just plain ordinary. Didn't bother with dessert.

Really high quality food and lovely chill homely atmosphere!

Amazing food and and the most accommodating hosts. Highly recommended

Lovely little restaurant in the centre of town. Food local, amazingly well cooked and well priced for the quality. We were a party of 6 and tried several different dishes. Everyone was happy though the grilled squid and rabbit were exceptional! Staff friendly and attentive. We will definitely return

Fabulous bistro, small and cozy inside with a large outside seating area. Food and service amazing. Great for vegetarians and vegans too.

Wow. What a great place. The food is delicious and the staff were superb. Its a beautiful little restaurant that prides itself on great food and an almost family atmosphere. We had a duck riqette and a scallop starter. Scallops cooked to perfection and then seabass and an Indian Dhal dish which were amazing. Desert was too much but it was so nice we had to stuff it into us. Prices were spot on, not expensive but it might be hard to get a seat so should book in advance. Definitely coming back even though we live over an hour away.

Amazing food, freshly cooked, quality ingredients, carefully selected dishes. It more than met my expectations!! Very friendly hosts, a genuinely fantastic experience!

The food and service is amazing a little hidden gem. The perfect hosts and services. The best basque cheesecake ever !! Thankyou Fran for a wonderful meal ! 10/10

Best food in Newport - best eggs of my life. Say no more, book a table, and enjoy a plentiful feast of wholesome well loved good food in a beautiful, calm, genuinely intimate space.

Delicious brunch today with Karen Scott sat in sun ☀️ 🥰 the brownie had a 5 ⭐️ review from Adrian Reid 👍🏼👏👏

My wife and I had come to Newport in late May to collect her new passport. We decided to try and find the excellent cafe we had eaten in the last time we were here. But, having climbed the steep street to reach it, we found it was closed. Luckily, a passer-by pointed across the street to Geshmak and recommended we went there. She was absolutely right. The food was really delicious. My wife had scallops and I salmon. Both were prefectly cooked. And the puddings, mine was a ginger and date one, were to die for. And all this plus soft drinks came to just less than £50. The owner, an ex-teacher and finalist of Masterchef no less, was delightful. I can't understand why this has not received more reviews and publicity.

Absolutely wow. A cosy bistro serving wonderful food. A good wine list too. Brilliant & friendly service. Went for dinner & was absolutely spoiled for choice with the excellent menu. Already planning my next visit.

Best food in Newport. Friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Wonderful hosts.

Finally made it to Geshmak after hearing nothing but raving praise from friends and family since it opened, and they were, all of them absolutely correct. I cannot recommend it enough. Since we were there for lunch, I opted for the simplest thing on the menu: macaroni and cheese. Incredible that something as prosaic can be elevated to taste THAT good? The accompanying salad was delicious with every single flavour and texture perfectly balanced. My husband had duck and loved it for being perfectly cooked and coming with a delicious pork jus . Fran, chef and owner, and former Masterchef (2015) contender holds the warmest welcome and we had the loveliest afternoon. The balance between vegan, vegetarian, seafood and meat options is excellent. We can’t wait to return to try other things on the menu. It feels fortunate having such a special place in Newport.

Fantastic meal tonight, great service, would definitely recommend

Popped in for lunch with a friend. Haddock and poached egg for me cooked to perfection with fresh rocket. Sticky toffee and date pudding a dream, absolutely delicious. Served by Fran the owner as friendly and informative as can be. Will be back, see you again soon.

Return visit due to their great vegan choices. Myself and my daughter went for lunch and being both vegan it is fabulous to have choice on the menu. Mushrooms and hummus to start which could not have been fresher and more tasty. Vegan veg quiche and chilli filled red pepper for main. Great portions and flavours were great. Forced ourselves into a pud - vegan ice cream sundae which was amazng. Great personal service. Will definitely be back

What a great place to celebrate a birthday meal with friends. I so much enjoyed the food, service and recommend this lovely place to everyone who would like a cosy, friendly and super beautiful environment. the food is outstanding and there was even a resident guitarist playing jazz tunes. fab! thank you for a lovely time.

Called in on the off chance for an alternative to the pre match burger or pie. Simple, beautifully cooked smoked haddock and scallop starters (and finishers) washed down with a cool pinot. Just the job. Shame about the result. Come on Newport. Support this place.

Fantastic lunch out with friends today. The food was fantastic. Great service from Fran and team ! Yum, yum. Scallops, peas purée and chorizo to start, whole lemon sole for mains and yummy sticky ginger and date pudding for desert 😋

Delicious spaetzle- just like my friend’s from Munich! Followed by a wonderful schmarm. Very welcoming.

Really lovely fresh food and a great little atmosphere. Reasonable value and the menu is well considered and varied without being unnecessarily hugs. Well worth a visit! I’ll be going back for sure. 😄

Best seafood spaghetti ever. Friendly, cosy and inviting.

What a treat! Delicious, fresh food and wonderful service. I met some other new mums there for lunch, so nice to find somewhere with quality food that's genuinely baby-friendly. Will 100% be back!

Had the plaice and it was very fresh and well cooked! Friendly owner and cosy interior. Highly recommended.

Something really special. This is a real hidden gem and well worth a visit. The food is delicious and well presented. It's a relaxed dining experience with warm and welcoming staff who are knowledgeable and keen to ensure you have an enjoyable meal. The food is excellent value for money. I would hole heartedly recommended to everyone.

Restaurant was empty but that meant the owner had time to chat and the food was fantastic

Heart & Soul goes into that food and you can tell, well presented and great value for the price considering all the elements are made from scratch. Interior is rustic and cosy! Will be back

Amazing Christmas event 💖 lovely staff, lovely welcome xx

We popped in to warm up with a coffee and hot chocolate and we’re not disappointed! I’m gluten and dairy free and Fran catered for us no problem - hot drinks and brunch! A great find in Newport and will have to come back for a dinner!

Warm welcome by lovely front of house staff and the chef herself. Cosy and intimate space indoors with a very laid back vibe that works for daytime or evening. Very extensive menu available - and fantastic vegetarian and vegan selection, not just an after thought....

Just had a lovely lunch, the owner is very welcoming and friendly and the food was delicious. Will definitely be going again.

We were looking for a restaurant with good vegan options for dinner and this place is great. They strive to cater for everyone whatever your food preference and the vegan choices were delicious, not just the usual plant burger! There is a warm welcome and...

A delicious meal fof myself and partner. A welcoming and warm environment with a friendly host. A beautiful experience overall.

I really enjoyed my night out in Geshmak . The menu was varied with delicious options , fresh and interesting ingredients. The chef was very willing to address my dietary needs which was much appreciated. The atmosphere was lively and humming with humour . I...

Thanks for the delicious food fantastic service and all round fantastic evening. Would highly recommend this little gem. The old Hunky Dory restaurant in Charlie's St. Perfect! Well worth a visit.

I visited here for the second time with family for dinner after having a lovely lunch with a friend. Amazing food and service on both occasions. Fran is so accommodating to every need...even got in specific wine and soda water before our visit. Such a...

This place exceeded my expectations! Very good food:) we had fresh local scallops, creamy mushrooms on toast and a poached pear in brandy. Everything was extremely delicious:) nice and cosy atmosphere too!

Delicious food, the starters, main and desert were all incredible and the staff were so lovely. Very highly recommended. Thank you to Fran and her amazing team!

Delicious food and great service. Really homely welcoming atmosphere. A very welcome addition to Newport. You can tell a lot of care and passion are put into the menu. So glad there’s a place like this in Newport! The scallops for starter were amazing. The chef said there’s quite a lot of alternating on the menu so I’m looking forward to lots of new options to try. A must try.

What an absolutely fantastic experience eating in GESHMAK was. It always is - i am a regular patron. Today, however, was the first time i went with my Mam & Anti Fill. They adored their meal (wild mushroom spaetzl) and could not stop raving about...

An authentic and warm welcome every single time we visit and always something new and delicious to try (vegan options are also well thought out and deeelicious!) Fran, the owner and chef never fails to go out of her way to connect with her customers...

Thank you Fran for a delicious Saturday lunch! The scollops were to die for (plump, fresh and well seasoned) and the skate tail which I've never tried before was amazing. We throughly enjoyed and look forward to coming back for more.

Amazing vegan food, friendly and intimate atmosphere

An authentic and warm welcome every single time we visit and always something new and delicious to try (vegan options are also well thought out and deeelicious!) Fran, the owner and chef never fails to go out of her way to connect with her customers and is passionate and skilled, making for such tasty and creative dishes. Consideration is also given to pairing great wines with the great food. The lovely Laura is a recent welcome addition to front of house providing attentive service but without being overbearing or intrusive. Overall a lovely vibey Bistro which is always a special treat whether it be for a quiet, intimate date night or for a larger group which Fran will also try to accommodate with some notice. What a GORGEOUS little Bistro this place is, would give 10 starts if we could!

Absolutely delicious food, a new find for me and I'll definitely be back. Catering to GF needs excellently, and I've never had scrambled eggs as good! Beautiful decor and a very warm welcome. Highly recommended.

If I lived in Newport I would keep stum! Lunch and later in the week dinner for four of us in this unassuming, little, bistro style, restaurant provided exquisitely chosen products, expertly cooked and sensitively presented. A small but dynamic menu shows a passion for...

Great food and beautifully presented. I was especially blown away by the vegan Pavlova. I look forward to sampling more of Francesca's culinary delights.

One of the best places in Newport

Geshmak came highly recommended to me and I was not disappointed. This was my second time. My partner is a foodie, so the true test was taking him for lunch. He loved the food so much we have booked to go next week when we...

Went here for lunch - had the Octopus which was gorgeous!!! The Pavlova may be my new favourite dessert. Lovely place with great food.

Absolute gem of a place! Such a lovely little place, great menu (with loads of veggie & vegan options!), great atmosphere, great service and delicious food! We ate at Frans previous veggie cafe at Barnabus House, and have been wanting to visit Geshmak for a while. After today will defo return pretty soon! (Feel very comfortable as a veggie that Fran is super conscious of food prep areas so great peace of mind eating her food). I had the vegan butternut squash and crispy sage risotto which was delicious. It came with vegan garlic bread and a side salad both were super tasty! Generous portion too I couldn’t finish it. This place feels very different to anywhere else local in a great way, defo worth a visit!

Such a lovely little place, great menu (with loads of veggie & vegan options!), great atmosphere, great service and delicious food! We ate at Frans previous veggie cafe at Barnabus House, and have been wanting to visit Geshmak for a while. After today will defo...

This restaurant is soooo unique and an excellent place to dine. Although not that large it has a massive appeal, the food is all homemade by the fantastic chef/owner who ensures you have a very warm welcome and are thoroughly spoilt. The menu is on...

We called in Saturday midday, opted for spot of brunch. Everything is all homemade, freshly cooked. So glad we decided upon eating here, food was really fantastic. Coffee is Lavazza, say no more - take the double shot, lovely. Menu board is impressive, it changes...

What a superb new spot in Newport - just what was needed in the heart of town. Brilliant cooking, excellently sourced food and service. A must visit for anyone visiting or living in newport, what a fantastic addiction to the city. I had fresh prawns,...

Fantastic - can’t wait to visit again. This is a much needed addition to Newport city centre, what a find. The cooking is fantastic and so is the atmosphere. If you are visit Newport it is a must. Thanks guys.

Love the chalk board menu, very dyslexic friendly! After reading the menu decided on fish (sea bream), Chose humous starter with flat bread. I tried the prawns too. Absolutely gorgeous. The fish arrived and OMG the chef talked me through deboning it! First time for...

Most enjoyable meal in this quiet part of town, though close enough to the centre to be readily accessible. Two of us were there at what was admittedly a quiet time (5 on Friday evening), but staff were attentive and helpful. Live music as well!...

The welcome and food was absolutely fantastic. The secret jewel in Newport which won't be secret for long. Thank you to Fran and her Daughter for making us feel so welcome. Will definitely be back, and if you get the chance you should definitely go.

A new local bistro worth seeking out. By far the best we've come across for quite some time. All food freshly cooked and to a VERY high standard ( masterchef finalist)as we found out. Different menu each week ,so time to try something new on a repeat visit which we will be( already pre-booked).

Great place and a little gem. Lunch, snack drink or dinner. Got the bistro vibe down to a T!

Homely, cozy proper bistro feel with great food, people and atmosphere. Great in the day or evening for a snack, drink or dinner.

Mushrooms on toast taken to another level!

Fabulous food, everything freshly cooked. Friendly welcome. Highly recommended.

Thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast this morning and I cannot wait to return to enjoy a lunch or evening meal. The menu looked to exiting, I was drooling!

My wife and myself visited the Geshmak yesterday evening and we were given a warm welcome by the excellent staff. The freshly cooked food was superb, the menu changes weekly and that suits us, we look forward to our next visit to this little gem. Mr Paul Hiles.

The food in this place is incredible, lots of plant based options and great coffee too ! What a gem Newport has gained in geshmak. I will be back with the family for sure!

Absolutely gorgeous food. I ordered the spaetzle and It was incredible, best food I've had in a very long time and very reasonable prices aswell as friendly staff. Thank you I'll definitely be back

Excellent coffee, tasty food, smooth music, lovely staff and a little haven of peace and fine smells.

Visited for a celebratory meal on Saturday evening. As others have said the atmosphere was warm, welcoming & relaxed. The food was lovely & a really great selection on offer. My husband had smoked mackerel pate which he said was the best he’d had. We look forward to visiting again. Thank you

Visited for the first time today. The food was so fresh and delicious and everyone was lovely and welcoming. Great vegan options, plus something for everyone. Cant wait to come back and try more. The hummus and flatbread were exquisite and the curry was so so good. Lovely little space, great independent, also open late on friday and sat, so a chilled evening meal would be perfect here. Really recommend!

This place is a hidden gem. We had the pleasure of coming here on a Friday night and have already booked to come back again. Superb meal, outstanding service and a fabulous choice for vegans. There was also great live music. I had mushroom pate...

A new gem. Visited as a couple for a Saturday meal. Friendly warm and welcoming staff. Excellent food. Varied menu including vegan and vegetarian options. Understand that the menu is seasonal. Delicious fondant potatoes. Good atmosphere. Cosy environment with only a handful of tables. I look forward to visiting again.

Great atmosphere with friendly staff and a wide selection of GF and Vegan options. Food is really tasty and good value. Will be going back regular to check out new items on the changing menu.

What an incredible little restaurant. So accommodating with gluten-free and dairy-free requirements and couldn't do enough to help us choose. Will make any amendments to help accommodate requirements. And the food was delicious. Two hungry teens well fed! Highly recommended!

What a great place! Greeted with a warm welcome and a menu that somehow manages to have something for everyone (including those with dietary requirements) and something you probably haven’t tried before (but will again!)whilst still remaining a really high-quality, fresh cooked independent.There is a...

Managed to come here after reading about how it was run by Francesca from Masterchef. We had the salmon with lemon and caper sauce between us. The fish was really well cooked and the lemon and caper sauce really rounded off the dish perfectly. Instead...

We visited Geshmak for the first time tonight, and what a gem! There aren’t enough places like this in Newport that have charm and character to them and are independent. The food is hearty, wholesome and delicious, I’d compare what you may have to Bistrot...

Lovely,friendly owner and staff. I took my elderly parents for lunch and nothing was too much trouble. The staff were so patient and understanding. I had Eggs Royale,my parents had the mushroom pate,both were very tasty. Mum had roast duck which which had excellent crispy...