Bristol's best restaurants?

[spudski]

11 hours ago, Jerseybean said:

Interesting article on potential Michelin star restaurants https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/bristol-restaurants-dont-michelin-star-6660978?utm_source=bristol_live_newsletter&utm_campaign=daily_newsletter2&utm_medium=email

Casamia and Paco Tapas are really overacted imo. 

To a person, everyone I know says everything is over seasoned. To a point it's inedible.

Plus...Tapas ...it's meant to be something you nibble at a bar stood up with a drink socialising. Tasty, a daily occurance and affordable. Not at the prices and pretentious view they imply. 

[frenchred]

1 hour ago, spudski said:

Casamia and Paco Tapas are really overacted imo. 

To a person, everyone I know says everything is over seasoned. To a point it's inedible.

Plus...Tapas ...it's meant to be something you nibble at a bar stood up with a drink socialising. Tasty, a daily occurance and affordable. Not at the prices and pretentious view they imply. 

I agree with you completely. Tapas has become hip in this country, in Spain it is still  cheap and cheerfull,  free sometimes and served as you mention above

Edited February 16, 2022 by frenchred

[TonyTonyTony]

1 hour ago, spudski said:

Casamia and Paco Tapas are really overacted imo. 

To a person, everyone I know says everything is over seasoned. To a point it's inedible.

Plus...Tapas ...it's meant to be something you nibble at a bar stood up with a drink socialising. Tasty, a daily occurance and affordable. Not at the prices and pretentious view they imply. 

Get a flight to Barcelona and eat better / cheaper / less pretentious and more authentic 

[PHILINFRANCE]

18 minutes ago, TonyTonyTony said:

Get a flight to Barcelona and eat better / cheaper / less pretentious and more authentic 

Better still, get a flight to Sevilla or, if need be, to Malaga.

Both are cheaper than Barcelona and, in general, Andalucia is extremely good value for money, both for hotel accommodation and food/wine.

I daresay, a long weekend for two in Sevilla, including flights, accommodation and excellent meals and wine, would not be more expensive than dinner for two at Casamia - probably nicer weather as well.

[TonyTonyTony]

9 minutes ago, PHILINFRANCE said:

Better still, get a flight to Sevilla or, if need be, to Malaga.

Both are cheaper than Barcelona and, in general, Andalucia is extremely good value for money, both for hotel accommodation and food/wine.

I daresay, a long weekend for two in Sevilla, including flights, accommodation and excellent meals and wine, would not be more expensive than dinner for two at Casamia - probably nicer weather as well.

Agreed.

San Sebastián is next on the list for my old fart club. Booked for May - cannot wait

[PHILINFRANCE]

40 minutes ago, TonyTonyTony said:

Agreed.

San Sebastián is next on the list for my old fart club. Booked for May - cannot wait

Basque country.

Very nice, but comparatively expensive (to Andalucia) for both accommodation and food, although, if you avoid the obvious tourist areas and the numerous Michelin starred retaurants, the local fish restaurants are wonderful.

I hope you haven't booked the last weekend of May, though, as that is the date of our play-off final . 

[1960maaan]

9 hours ago, TonyTonyTony said:

Agreed.

San Sebastián is next on the list for my old fart club. Booked for May - cannot wait

Did a day trip from Bilbao a couple of years ago, really enjoyed it there. 

Even found a bar with some nice bar mats.

[spudski]

11 hours ago, TonyTonyTony said:

Get a flight to Barcelona and eat better / cheaper / less pretentious and more authentic 

As someone else said...San Sebastian for me, it's superb. I found Barcelona too touristy. 

The Italian ' tapas' Cicchetti in Venice is also superb, away from the tourist spots. 

I'm visiting the Farm service shop on the M5 tomorrow. I've never been before. Going to have a spot of lunch...sounds odd I know...however I've been told the produce is good, and the meals good quality at a good price. Anyone been before and have recommendations as to what is worth buying from the deli?

[Kid in the Riot]

4 hours ago, spudski said:

I'm visiting the Farm service shop on the M5 tomorrow. I've never been before. Going to have a spot of lunch...sounds odd I know...however I've been told the produce is good, and the meals good quality at a good price. Anyone been before and have recommendations as to what is worth buying from the deli?

Loads of great produce, but make sure you bring your credit card.

I was a little underwhelmed by the food in San Sebastian, maybe it was just too hyped in my own mind before going. We did have one exceptional meal there but can't remember the name of the place now! On the positive they love their cider houses over there, where cider is poured the Asturian way (from great height!) 

San Sebastian must have the best city beach in Europe too. Bilbao worth a visit, the pinchos (basque tapas) in the old town was excellent.

Edited February 17, 2022 by Kid in the Riot

[PHILINFRANCE]

16 hours ago, spudski said:

Casamia and Paco Tapas are really overacted imo. 

To a person, everyone I know says everything is over seasoned. To a point it's inedible.

Plus...Tapas ...it's meant to be something you nibble at a bar stood up with a drink socialising. Tasty, a daily occurance and affordable. Not at the prices and pretentious view they imply. 

Apart from a very pleasant experience several years ago when they (Casamia) were located in W-o-T, I have not had the pleasure of eating at Casamia or Paco Tapas.

I agree with you entirely that the whole point (for me) of Tapas is that it is a tasty, 'nibbly' sort of thing that is generally eaten at the bar, accompanied by a sherry or a glass of wine - the Andalucian version, if you like, of our crisps or peanuts. 

Nevertheless, I once enjoyed a very long evening in a tapas restaurant in Sevilla; what finally turned out to be a 'sit-down' dinner of eventually, what must have been ten or more (small) courses. 

We had intended to stop for a quick apéretif; enjoyed the first tapas, were tempted to have a second, and then a third and just never left.

I can't for the life of me recall the name of the restaurant, but anybody who has been there will recognise it; wood panelled with stuffed bulls' heads on the walls. 

15 hours ago, frenchred said:

I agree with you completely. Tapas has become hip in this country, in Spain it is still  cheap and cheerfull,  free sometimes and served as you mention above

Indeed. Often served free and made freshly - I remember some years ago I popped in to a small bar in Granada, where I ordered just a glass of wine, and they cooked a small omelette with smoked ham, onion etc in front of me and refused to accept payment!

OK, perhaps a good marketing ploy, as I was 'obliged' to stay for another glass or two of their lovely wine, but.... 

[frenchred]

20 minutes ago, PHILINFRANCE said:

Apart from a very pleasant experience several years ago when they (Casamia) were located in W-o-T, I have not had the pleasure of eating at Casamia or Paco Tapas.

I agree with you entirely that the whole point (for me) of Tapas is that it is a tasty, 'nibbly' sort of thing that is generally eaten at the bar, accompanied by a sherry or a glass of wine - the Andalucian version, if you like, of our crisps or peanuts. 

Nevertheless, I once enjoyed a very long evening in a tapas restaurant in Sevilla; what finally turned out to be a 'sit-down' dinner of eventually, what must have been ten or more (small) courses. 

We had intended to stop for a quick apéretif; enjoyed the first tapas, were tempted to have a second, and then a third and just never left.

I can't for the life of me recall the name of the restaurant, but anybody who has been there will recognise it; wood panelled with stuffed bulls' heads on the walls. 

Indeed. Often served free and made freshly - I remember some years ago I popped in to a small bar in Granada, where I ordered just a glass of wine, and they cooked a small omelette with smoked ham, onion etc in front of me and refused to accept payment!

OK, perhaps a good marketing ploy, as I was 'obliged' to stay for another glass or two of their lovely wine, but.... 

:laugh:, same happened to me on the outskirts of Madrid! Glad I wasn't driving!

[CyderInACan]

On 17/02/2022 at 13:15, Kid in the Riot said:

San Sebastian must have the best city beach in Europe too. Bilbao worth a visit, the pinchos (basque tapas) in the old town was excellent.

Had a long weekend in Bilbao c.2004 and took a Day trip to San Sebastián too. Both splendid places, Bilbao reminded me of Bristol. Great food everywhere, especially seafood/shellfish and definitely a city that I’d love to revisit. Oh yes and the pouring of the sidra in the Sidrerias is great fun (at first ha ha) 

[PHILINFRANCE]

I did a bit of research in my photo archive and found the name of the tapas restaurant I mentioned, Postiguillo.

It is well worth a visit if you are in Sevilla, although best to make a reservation or get there early as it gets very busy.

 

 

 

 

 

[CyderInACan]

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/bristols-milk-thistle-named-uk-6703352

Not a restaurant but certainly worth a visit 

[TonyTonyTony]

The Coconut Tree on Glos road is good. Just went in by chance , and it does very tasty Sri Lankan small plates. Delicious.

[1960maaan]

Went to Nadu on Stokes Croft last night. Really impressed.

They describe themselves as, 
Nadu brings a slice of Sri Lanka to the epicentre of Bristol’s cultural quarter, Stokes Croft. 
and offering you traditional Tamil cuisine with a modern twist 

Had the mixed Kothu, which was fantastic. A larger plate, but they do smaller , Tapas style dishes too. 

Parking is shit around there, but Sister in Law ordered an Uber which was there in minutes. Plus there are a few bars around there so you can easily walk back into town via a few of them.

Highly recommend them, I will go back. 

[petehinton]

finally doing Bulrush tonight, will be daydreaming about it all of today!

[CyderInACan]

20 minutes ago, petehinton said:

finally doing Bulrush tonight, will be daydreaming about it all of today!

Report back!

[Selred]

@1960maaan @spudski @Kid in the RiotI'm off to Bilbao, then San Sebastian, then Logrono in May/June for a week.

Any recommendations on where to eat? What to see?

I'm sure @TonyTonyTony will be interested too!

[spudski]

14 minutes ago, Selred said:

@1960maaan @spudski @Kid in the RiotI'm off to Bilbao, then San Sebastian, then Logrono in May/June for a week.

Any recommendations on where to eat? What to see?

I'm sure @TonyTonyTony will be interested too!

I can't recall any names in particular. There are so many. Everything was good. Just wander the streets, see where the locals are and join in. I went with no recommendations and just explored. The food and drink, and social side is wonderful. Enjoy

[CyderInACan]

46 minutes ago, Selred said:

@1960maaan @spudski @Kid in the RiotI'm off to Bilbao, then San Sebastian, then Logrono in May/June for a week.

Any recommendations on where to eat? What to see?

I'm sure @TonyTonyTony will be interested too!

Definitely recommend las Siete Calles in Bilbao. Lots of small bars and beautiful setting. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casco_Viejo 

 

[1960maaan]

@Selred

As @spudski said, just wander. Just about every Bar has Pintxos, which suits me, small bites as you wander around. There were some larger places we found in San Sebastion , but they all look great. I would recommend a trip to the market in Bilbao, Mercado de la Ribera , on the river and a mix of supermarket, bars and food outlets. Ended up eating Goose Barnacles .
Have a walk to Athletics Stadium too, you can wander around the shop and Café.
Another one , not food, is Azkuna Zentroa . A big old building and Art space. It has a glass bottom swimming pool, and a brilliant rooftop Gin bar, which is worth a look.

This is the sort of thing we grabbed as we walked around 

View of the Roof top bar and Azkuna Zentroa.

This is our Gins from the bar 

 

San Sebastien is the same, great bars where they have food all over, we did find Fois Gras (might be going to hell). We did have proper meals, but I can't find the names. 

Here are a couple of photos from San Sebastien. 
One bar I should mention, Cervecería Etxeberria. Only a small place but good selection of food and drink. This is where we found the Bristol Beer and bar mats. Friendly guy, even though we didn't speak Spanish and he didn't speak English.

These photos show an example of what many bars are like, you'll love it.

 

 

Edited February 24, 2022 by 1960maaan

[spudski]

15 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

@Selred

As @spudski said, just wander. Just about every Bar has Pintxos, which suits me, small bites as you wander around. There were some larger places we found in San Sebastion , but they all look great. I would recommend a trip to the market in Bilbao, Mercado de la Ribera , on the river and a mix of supermarket, bars and food outlets. Ended up eating Goose Barnacles .
Have a walk to Athletics Stadium too, you can wander around the shop and Café.
Another one , not food, is Azkuna Zentroa . A big old building and Art space. It has a glass bottom swimming pool, and a brilliant rooftop Gin bar, which is worth a look.

This is the sort of thing we grabbed as we walked around 

View of the Roof top bar and Azkuna Zentroa.

This is our Gins from the bar 

 

San Sebastien is the same, great bars where they have food all over, we did find Fois Gras (might be going to hell). We did have proper meals, but I can't find the names. 

Here are a couple of photos from San Sebastien. 
One bar I should mention, Cervecería Etxeberria. Only a small place but good selection of food and drink. This is where we found the Bristol Beer and bar mats. Friendly guy, even though we didn't speak Spanish and he didn't speak English.

These photos show an example of what many bars are like, you'll love it.

 

 

Oh bugger...I'm hungry now brought back some great memories.

Also worth wandering the backstreets of Venice and having their equivalent... Cicchetti. Also blooming tasty.

In the pub the other day talking about this kind of thing. The question was...what would make good 'West Country Tapas'.

Clarks pie on a slice of Hobbs baguette doesn't count

Edited February 24, 2022 by spudski

[petehinton]

12 hours ago, CyderInACan said:

Report back!

Can confirm, absolutely incredible 

[1960maaan]

New for me in the last few Days, not sure if it's been mentioned, Bravas Cotham Hill.
I'm impressed. Tapas type of thing, I highly recommend the Pork belly which was on as aSpecial. 
My Mrs said it must be good, as the guy that owns/runs Little French was in there, sat at the Bar stools , which I like the look of.

[Kid in the Riot]

15 hours ago, 1960maaan said:

New for me in the last few Days, not sure if it's been mentioned, Bravas Cotham Hill.
I'm impressed. Tapas type of thing, I highly recommend the Pork belly which was on as aSpecial. 
My Mrs said it must be good, as the guy that owns/runs Little French was in there, sat at the Bar stools , which I like the look of.

Freddy Bird set up Lido restaurant, which is where the owners of Bravas also worked. Bravas/Gambas/Cargo Cantina/Bakers & Co all owned by City fan, and all very good.

[CyderInACan]

Quite mainstream but we went to Steak of the Art off Millennium Square on Friday night. Quite dark inside, but tables well spaced out and decent, relaxed, service. The ribeye was perfect. Smoked Garlic Butter on it so no need for a Source really. Decent priced wine list and overall thoroughly enjoyable. Worth a visit if you've already done Pasture, Ox etc etc 

[AshtonGreat]

On 08/03/2022 at 13:16, CyderInACan said:

Quite mainstream but we went to Steak of the Art off Millennium Square on Friday night. Quite dark inside, but tables well spaced out and decent, relaxed, service. The ribeye was perfect. Smoked Garlic Butter on it so no need for a Source really. Decent priced wine list and overall thoroughly enjoyable. Worth a visit if you've already done Pasture, Ox etc etc 

I rated it in there, and also Miller and Carter at Cribbs

[TV Tom]

I paid for the dearest cup of coffee I’ve ever paid in a cafe yesterday, £3.25 for a very small flat white in the Primrose cafe in Clifton village, the worlds gone mad

[TonyTonyTony]

1 hour ago, harrys said:

I paid for the dearest cup of coffee I’ve ever paid in a cafe yesterday, £3.25 for a very small flat white in the Primrose cafe in Clifton village, the worlds gone mad

Thats Clifton for you