Mokoko Bakery — Restaurant in Bristol

Review for Mokoko Cafe (2 Gaol Ferry Steps, Bristol) and Portishead locations.

Oh, Mokoko Cafe, how the mighty have fallen!?! I remember the days when I would frequent both your establishment and the Portishead branch, revelling in the exceptional service and delightful offerings. But alas, after returning for a few recent visits, it seems you’ve made it your mission to redefine disappointment.

Let’s start with my latest culinary adventure: the spicy Mediterranean roasted vegetables Panini. What an absolute masterpiece! Or should I say, what a tragic JOKE?! It was nothing more than a haphazard mix of chickpeas, a bit of curry, and sweet elements that felt more like a failed experiment than a meal. And a handful of rocket salad for good measure—how original! Did you write “spicy” on that label?? Clearly, the culinary creativity has been left to wither in the back of the kitchen. P.S: kitchen staff are all visibly very “keen” on being open and original in their actions whilst preparing sandwiches on a couple of occasions they were touching her hair and face, bear handed…(but that may be allowed!)

Now, let’s discuss the “freshly squeezed” orange juice that I ordered with my panini “masterpiece”. I was positively thrilled to receive a glass filled with 90% ice and a mere 10% actual juice. By the time I finished my Panini, I was left with what could only be described as a watery, orange-flavoured disappointment. Bravo for the ice, though! Clearly, that’s the secret ingredient to making a refreshing drink in 3°C weather. Who needs actual juice when you can have a glorified ice bath?

When I had the audacity to approach the counter and share my thoughts with the lady (who was, quite charmingly, glued to her mobile phone On a very engaged conversation - Clearly more important than customers waiting…!!. I was met with an attitude that can only be described as "delightfully indifferent” while her mind remained connected to the heated-up telephone conversation ….😳🤩!

When I pointed out the absurdity of serving orange juice in such a way, her response was an eye-opening revelation: "We do this to cool it down." Oh, how considerate! I can only hope that her next customer gets asked whether they prefer their drink cooled or at room temperature. Because, clearly, that's the kind of service we all crave for (+ 1% common sense!).

When she finally realised that her initial statement of exchanging it with another juice (with less ice?!?🤣🤣) wouldn’t quite cut it, she offered a refund. But, oh no! I wasn’t about to accept money back; it’s NOT about the money, darling. It’s about the sheer decline of service and the (shocking!) quality of food that was once your cafe’a pride and joy!

And let’s not even get started on the coffee. I’ve had better brews from most vending machines!! It raises the question: what sort of beans are you using, and is the water filtered through the same grunge that’s apparently taken over the café’s vibe?

Regrettably, the service itself has become a delightful circus act. Each visit has been graced by moody, disinterested and VERY unknowledgeable staff — I even had the joy of witnessing a public spat between a staff member and a customer that was so cringe-worthy, it could have been a scene from a bad soap opera. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of drama while waiting for a (disastrous) sandwich and (stale!) coffee ?

Returning to Mokoko Cafe after a year and a half has been nothing short of a comedy of errors. From faceless service to heavily processed food that would make even the most forgiving palate weep, it’s shocking to see how far you’ve plummeted. Once a cherished gem in the community, you have somehow transformed into a cautionary tale of what happens when quality takes a back seat and remains there!!

Regrettably once again, I can’t, in good conscience, recommend this café to ANYONE seeking even a hint of what once was A delightful, local café, serving, exceptional, original taste, genuine food, sourdough and bakery …— Bravo,...

Although the coffee isn't the best for my European taste, the presentation is always beautiful. The staff is super friendly and is one of my favorite bakery places in Bristol. It’s a bit overpriced, you won’t be able to have a coffee with a filled croissant for less than 9£. If you’re a morning person who enjoys having fresh bread sandwiches for breakfast, here they won’t make it before 10.30am, which is a shame. I am a regular costumer and I love their bread, the Serrano Ham Croissant is my favorite (good quality!), the puff pastry is super tasty (if you try a plain croissant you will see how yummy it is). The pain au chocolat with hazelnuts is a delicious bomb and quite generous (maybe too sweet for some tastes), as well as the Almond croissant. The raspberry pastry with custard is delicious. Amazing sandwiches (fresh crispy bread), used to have good salads. Cons on winter, it doesn’t have much room if you want to eat in, during busy hours, but with a proper jacket you can enjoy your coffee and pastry in their tables outside. It’s close to the wharf, so you can enjoy your coffee with a river view 🥰 I...

After experiencing the joy that was Mokoto Portishead, I sought out the branch here in Bristol. The experience here is a little different. Portishead had that modern Japanese cafe scene whereas the set in Bristol has more of a Northern European cafe vibe. This is evident from the little seating in the cafe where you order. Of the two cafes, Portishead is the clear winner. You’ll find the same passion for artistic pottery here as you do in Portishead and touches of artistic flare in the store. The counter is filled with a variety of sandwich offerings and peering down the end of the cafe you can take in the bakery which is on display for all to see. If you’re a fan of pastries and sweet treats, you may be able to watch the action unfold. The americano I had was flavourful. There was no plastic or burnt taste signally a good bean and well prepared. There were a few grounds at the bottom of the drink and it went cold very quickly but enjoyable none the less. All in all, an excellent place to stop for a short chat with friends or to read a chapter or two in your...