A NEW Colchester restaurant has been recognised as one of the best in the country.

Kintsu, in North Hill, has been handed a bib gourmand award in the Michelin Guide for 2022.

The award highlights restaurants offering good food at competitive prices.

Kintsu is one of 16 new additions to awarded the bib gourmand and is one of only 13 new additions to the guide.

The restaurant is one of only two establishments in Essex to have the award.

Paul Wendholt, who until the end of October ran Grain with business partner Jordan Sidwell, opened the doors his new venture last summer.

The experienced chef raised more than £28,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to get the new business off the ground last year.

The restaurant is in the same premises as Grain however a number of layout changes have been implemented at the premises, with new equipment and furniture also installed.

 

Paul Wendholt

Paul Wendholt

 

In a post on Instagram Mr Wendholt said: "Massive congratulations to the entire team for what we have managed to achieve in just nine months."

The Michelin Guide praised the "friendly and informed" service.

It said: "What used to be Grain restaurant has been reborn as Kintsu, serving small tasting plates and snacks.

"Original dishes could include lentil and chestnut mushroom slider with brioche and miso, or roasted monkfish with butternut squash, almond and caper butter.

"They recommend 3 or 4 per person and, while some have subtle Japanese influences, there’s also an interesting selection of plant-based dishes.

"Service is friendly and informed – and there’s a two-seater chef’s table if you’d like to see the kitchen action close up."

The Church Street Tavern, Sun Inn Dedham, Le Talbooth in Dedham and The Pier in Harwich have also been featured in the guide for 2022.

Kintsu is open on Wednesdays to Saturdays.

For more detail or to book visit kintsu.co.uk.