The Balqis Restaurant in Newport

We were visiting Newport and came across this little restaurant. It had a cafe type interior, which wasn’t particularly appealing, but we wanted to try Yemeni food for the first time - especially the lamb. Unfortunately, they had run out of lamb (7pm on a Friday) - hence only 4 stars. However, the food we had was delicious and plentiful. The dessert was amazing. The portions were huge! The young man who served us was friendly and helpful. Everything was freshly cooked and the final cost was amazing value for money. We highly recommend this restaurant and we hope to be back when we are next in Newport to try the lamb.

Excellent, excellent lamb. I had never had Yemeni cuisine before but I am glad I did. This is really a hidden gem. Its a simple restaurant inside but super clean and it was relatively busy with people coming in and out which is always a good sign. I got given a menu really quickly and I went for the lamb liver which was really good. Its easy to mess up liver but this was some of the best I have ever had. The place was really welcoming and the service was good. The lamb was really well spiced but nor too spicy and soft on the bite. I had a arabic tea as well which was interesting and I will probably have again as I like Cardamom. Great value prices as well, I will happily go back.

On our way to Bristol, we stopped off at Balquis Yemen Restaurant for a delicious meal. Yahya was a very friendly, happy member of staff who served us. He explained the meal options very clearly. We had a lamb and fish dish, with beautiful potato sauce. Meal was of big portion size and very delicious. We would recommend this restaurant to anyone. Thanks to Yahya and the Chef.

Wonderfully tasty Yemeni food at a good price, meat falls off the bone. Portions are big and price is low for amount you get. Staff are friendly. Would recommend a visit! If you order too much, which you probably will, they offer doggy-bags.

Cafe style restaurant with slightly tatty tables but don’t let this put you off. Everything was clean. The Yemeni food here is amazing and the young man who served us was so friendly and warm. We like middle eastern food and tried Balqis based on Google reviews and we were so glad we did. Any questions we had about the menu were answered with friendliness and great advice. The lamb dishes were amazing, the meat was so tender. One of our group had the liver and said it was superb. An acquaintance said ‘expect loads of food’. The mains came with soup to start (lovely) and we had an extra flat bread on the side. Together with soft drinks (no alcohol here) the bill came to just £37 for three people. Unbelievable. We will definitely be back.

Dont judge this restaurant from the first glance. It may look simple but do enter. The service is on top. The food is so delicious. The cost far from high.