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Restaurant Reviews
Greens’ Dining Room
25 Zetland Road,
Bristol BS6 7AH
tel: 0117 924 6437
www.greensdiningroom.com
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 12.30-2.30, 6.30-10
We visited: Wednesday lunch
Prices: Starters £5-7, mains £8-15, puds £5.50
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: A few, strong choices per course
Disabled access: Limited
Wine list: Range of wines from boutique wineries in the New World and young producers from the classic European regions
Service and atmosphere: Fabulous and relaxed, on both counts
"Simon meanwhile chose the white chocolate and almond pithivier (£5.50). Traditionally this French tart would be simply layers of sweet creamy frangipan between buttery puff pastry. Greens’ unusual addition of white chocolate seemed to go down a treat with Simon who declared it both “luxurious and homely”.
Greens’ is a real find for keen foodies. Prices are surprisingly reasonable, the menu is classic and yet inventive, and service is just the right side of attentive. Nigh-on faultless."
Reviewed: Issue 103
Published: Feb 10
Prosecco
25 The Mall,
Clifton BS8 4JG
tel: 0117 973 4499
www.proseccoclifton.com
Opening hours: Thurs-Sat 12-2.30pm; Mon-Thurs 6-11pm; Fri-Sat 6-11.30pm
We visited: Wednesday 7pm
Prices: Starters £6-12, mains £12-19, puds £5
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: A good balance
Disabled access: Access fine, WC down a flight of stairs
Wine list: Strong, predominantly Italian, selection; great choice of dessert wines, too
Service and atmosphere: Heidi and her staff are excellent hosts; the restaurant was packed and buzzing (especially for a Wednesday night)
"The desserts (or dolci if we’re being authentic) are classic Italian. Token went for tiramisu (£5.75), which was clearly freshly made, while I went for panna cotta with peach-scented grappa (£5.50). The sweet peach liqueur worked well with the tangy raspberries that decorated the plate and the thick set cream. It would have been nice to see some seasonal fruit on the pud menu but there’s a good choice nonetheless.
"Gordon Ramsay saw something in Diego and Heidi. He saw passion, pride and an uncompromising love of Diego’s home cuisine. This is reflected in everything from the name above the door to the food served on the table. Forget your generic Italian chains. For true regional Italian cooking, look no further than Clifton Village’s very own Prosecco"
Reviewed: Issue 102
Published: Feb 10
Bordeaux Quay
V-Shed, Canons WayBristol BS1 5UH
tel: 0117 943 1200
www.bordeaux-quay.co.uk
Opening hours: Tues-Fri 12-2.30pm, Sun 12-3.45pm, Tues-Sat 5.30-10pm
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Prices: You can get an express lunch for £16.50 for two courses; or a la carte prices start at £6 for starters and around £12 for mains
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Massive (over 180 to choose from, heavily French and Italian)
Service and atmosphere: Relaxed
"My soft almond meringue, was much more suited to my now balloon-like bloating. Still crisp on the outside, but soft and pillowy on the inside, with that sweet nutty flavour from the almonds, the meringue married perfectly with soft, mulled wine-soaked pears.
"What Barny, and his well-trained team of chefs, has achieved here is sustainable food that’s still sexy. It’s not fussy or over ambitious, or dull and missionary in its practices. This is local food, sourced ethically and sustainably cooked as it should be: simply and exceedingly well.
Bordeaux Quay has eco-gastronomy down to a tee. Have you booked your table yet?"
Reviewed: Issue 101
Published: Jan 10
Bell’s diner
1 York Road,
Montpelier,
Bristol BS6 5QB
tel: 0117 924 0357
Opening hours: Tues-Fri 12-2pm, Mon-Sat 7-10pm
We visited: Wednesday evening
Prices: For dinner; 2 courses £24.50; 3, £29.50;
tasting menu £45 (with wine + £32.50pp)
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: One or two per course
Disabled access: Limited
Wine list: An astonishingly good selection of sherries and wines are kept pleasingly old school with big flavours. Heavy on the French
Service and atmosphere: Expert yet approachable; romantic yet homely
"The Token Male’s pud meanwhile was once again nearing on perfection. A clever addition of sweet white chocolate to a traditional tira misu with a coffee granite worked wonders. I didn’t even get a mouthful.
"Bell’s diner is every thing a local bistro should be. The kitchen is serious about the food, without it being pretentious or over fussed, and the front of house is serious about the service, and yet still knows how to crack a smile. Easily my favourite restaurant as Clifton Life editor yet."
Reviewed: Issue 100
Published: Dec 09
San Carlo
Bristol BS1 1HQ
tel: 0117 922 6586
www.sancarlo.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Sun midday-11pm
We visited: Tuesday early evening
Prices: Antipasti £6-9, pasta £5-13, secondi £12-20, pizza £5-10, puds £4-6
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Lots! It’s Italian!
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: A good selection accompanied by good wine waiters
Service and atmosphere: Italian, always smiling and with a buzzing atmosphere
"But don’t think we stopped there reader. Oh, no. We had desserts too – the spectacle being my zabaglione and chocolate ice cream, flambéd with sambuca and finished with toasty roasted hazelnut nibs – and what can only be described as buckets of a tart sherbet-like limoncello; and traditional chiacchere (dusted sweet biscuits, literally meaning to chatter and tell stories).
"If anyone tells you that this is just another Italian chain, don’t believe them. San Carlo is Italian at its very core, and with food and service as good as this, it’s no wonder they are popular in cities across the UK. "
Reviewed: Issue 99
Published: Nov 09
The Albion
Boyces Avenue,
Clifton Village,
Bristol BS8 4AA
Tel: 0117 9733522
www.thealbionclifton.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12-3pm; Mon-Sun 6-9pm (bar menu); Tues-Sat 7-10pm
We visited: Friday lunch, around 2pm
Prices: Starters around £7-8, mains £12-16
Do they welcome children? Yes – and can serve half portions from the main menu
Vegetarian choice: The menu is very fish and mean dominated, but there is always one choice
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Good selection by the glass and bottle
Service and atmosphere: Friendly and homely
"This Albion is a place of gastronomic dreams. It’s already well known for its evening food, and simply as a great place to drink, but who would have thought you could have such a superb lunch for such good prices. Never will a shopping trip in Clifton Village be again complete without a pit stop at The Albion.
Do I like this place? No. I love it. Maybe it’s not so hard being a restaurant reviewer after all."
Reviewed: Issue 98
Published: Nov 09
Noa
12-13 Waterloo Street
Clifton BS8 2BT
Tel: 0117 9732881
www.noajapanese.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-sat 12-3pm, 6-11pm
We visited: Thursday evening
Prices: Starters £3-7, mains £8-£15
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Surely an Asahi Dry or some sake is obligatory, but if you must there is a small, well-annotated selection of wines available
Service and atmosphere: Owners Jenny and Kelly are affable and knowledgeable hosts
"My green tea panna cotta (£4.50) – a clever Japanese take on the Italian classic – was smooth, creamy and very grown-up, without any of the sweetness of vanilla you would usually expect, but instead floral tea notes and a hint of mint. The token male’s yuzu mousse (£4) had a nice creamy texture with a subtle citrus hit, which worked well with the spicy blueberries served on the side.
"Noa is not only a good Japanese restaurant, but a good restaurant full stop."
Reviewed: Issue 96
Published: October 09
Ha ha bar & grill
20a Berkeley Square
Bristol BS8 1HP
Tel: 0117 927 7333
www.hahaonline.co.uk
Opening hours: 10am-11pm, Mon-Wed; 10am-midnight, Thur-Sat; noon-10.30pm, Sun
We visited: Wednesday evening
Prices: Reasonable. Many mains under £10; grill up to £19.95
Do they welcome children? Daytime, yes
Vegeatrain choice: Excellent
Disabled access: No, although help offered with the steps
Wine list: Good; very user-friendly
Service and atmosphere: Excellent, lively
"Mine formed part of a mushroom, pea and asparagus risotto (£9.95), topped with grana padano shavings. The Arborio rice was also al dente, and the chunky veg good and strong; in other words, it hadn’t turned into mush a risotto becomes in less skilled hands. It was a perfectly enjoyable dish, although I wasn’t able to finish it; having gorged too much on the ciabatta; the unreservedly indulgent dessert menu – sticky toffee this, chocolate fondant that – didn’t get a look in. But there was certainly time for a coffee and a toast to the new incarnation of ha ha. My, look how it’s grown."
Reviewed: Issue 95
Published: September 09
Penfolds
85 Whiteladies Road
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 2NT
Tel: 0117 909 4383
Opening hours: 10am-12.30am Mon-Sat; 10am-11.30pm Sun.
We visited: Saturday night
Prices: starters from £5.50; main courses from £11.50; desserts from £5.50; light bites £2.95-£8.25, tapas £2.95-£4.50
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: One per course on the main menu, several more in taaps and light bites.
Disabled access: The restaurant entrance is down four steps, and the toilets are upstairs.
Wine list: Diverse, and listed by style, not colour – something for everyone.
Service: Friendly, knowledgeable and attentive service, and a warm, grown-up, sophisticated atmosphere.
"Throughout the meal the staff kept a benevolent eye on us, making sure we were happy with everything, helping us with our choices, and generally making the whole experience run extremely smoothly. Penfolds is a welcome and grown-up addition to the Whiteladies dining experience."
Reviewed: Issue 94
Published: August 09
Piccolino
Broad Weir, Cabot Circus
Bristol BS1 3BZ
Tel: 0117 9293255
www.piccolinorestaurants.co.uk
Opening hours: 11.30am-11.30pm Mon-Sat; 11.30am-10.30pm Sun
We visited: Monday evening
Prices: Varied. Antipasti £4.65-£8.95 for single dish; pasta from £8.95; pizza from £6.25; meat and fish £13.95-£21.95
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Excellent – separate access, toilet and lift
Wine list: Good – cocktails too.
Service: Friendly and efficient.
In fact, Piccolino passed every test from antipasti to dolci; the service was also faultless. Our first will not be our last visit: we’ve still to try the pizza, pesce and apparently the bar manager is a dab hand with the cocktails.
Reviewed: Issue 93
Published: July 09
The Rockfish Grill and Seafood Market
128 Whiteladies Road
Clifton BS8 2RS
Tel: 0117 973 7384
www.rockfishgrill.co.uk
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 12-2.30pm & 6-10.20pm. Closed Monday and Sunday
We visited: Wednesday evening
Prices: starters £4.25-£8.50, main courses £12-£28, puddings £5
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Not really; it’s all about fish
Disabled access: Access to restaurant but toilet down a flight of stairs
Wine list: Great
Service and atmosphere: Intelligent and considerate service by staff who know their stuff
"After such a feast it would be appalling to think that we could still manage pudding. But we could. From a short menu I chose crème brulee, and Matt chosen Eton Mess. Both were textbook examples of their ilk, and the perfect way to end a great meal."
The Lounge
Cadbury House
Frost Hill, Congresbury
North Somerset
Tel: 01934 834343
www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk
Opening hours: Food served until 9pm Sun-Wed and until 10pm Thur-Sat
We visited: Friday evening
Prices: Starters around the £5 mark, mains £8.95-£12.95
Do they welcome children? Very much so; there’s a separate kids’ menu
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Yes, there’s a lift
Wine list: Good and very reasonably priced
Service and atmosphere: Efficient and friendly; relaxed
"The food, we concluded, was rather like superior pub grub, albeit with some lighter options also available, this being a health club; you don’t usually get pubs doing a mean salad as well as posh fish and chips. The atmosphere was also not a million miles from that of a local pub – in the best possible way; there were families enjoying a meal; couples sharing a quiet drink; two girls rewarding themselves with a gossip and a glass of wine after a session in the gym (this was Friday night, after all).
"The staff – efficient, friendly, smart in branded suits and ties – reminded us that we were in fact in a hotel, as they sped past us, for indeed the balcony did fill up throughout the evening. It’s definitely worth booking your place in the sun."
Reviewed: Issue 91
Published: June 09
Zazu’s Kitchen
45 Jamaica Street
Stokes Croft
Bristol BS2 8JP
Tel: 0117 923 2233
www.zazuskitchen.com
Opening hours: Open Mon-Tue 7.30am-5.30pm; Wed-Fri 7.30am-11pm; Sat 9am-11pm; Sun 9am-5.30pm
We visited: Thursday evening
Prices: Starters £5.25, main courses £14.95-£15.95, puddings 35.25
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: A good, imaginative selection
Disabled access: Two steps up from pavement to café, three steps from café to restaurant
Wine list: Short but useful, with local beers and ciders too
Service and atmosphere: Attentive, considerate service and a warm, friendly atmosphere
"Bill-related maths was beyond both of us by the end of the meal, and once again the waitress saved the day. For its relaxed atmosphere, top quality fresh ingredients, food bursting with robust flavours, and a pudding so inspiring I’d vote for it in an election. Zazu’s Kitchen is definitely worth a visit."
Reviewed: Issue 90
Published: May 09
Casamia
38 High Street,
Westbury Village,
Westbury-on-Trym,
Bristol BS9 3DZ
Tel: 0117 959 2884
www.casamiarestaurant.co.uk
Opening hours: Lunch 12.30pm-2pm, Wed to Sat; dinner 6-10.30pm, Tues to Sat
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Prices: Lunch: £15 two courses, £20 three courses; six-course tasting menu £30. Dinner: a la carte starters £5.50-£6.95, mains £15.95-£18.95, puds £6.50-£9; 11-course tasting menu £45; six-course veggie tasting menu £25.
Do they welcome children? Those who can appreciate Michelin-starred food are most welcome!
Vegetarian choice: More in the evenings.
Disabled access: Good.
Wine list: Italy, Spain and France well represented.
Service and atmosphere: efficient and friendly service, relaxed atmosphere.
"The service throughout our meal was wonderful; efficient but unobtrusive, and perfectly timed. Finally, sitting back in a daze contemplating a minute, punchy espresso, we were brought two tiny trembling cubes of Amalfi lemon Turkish delight, and paper-thin squares of white chocolate sprinkled with live powder. It was a delicious and fitting end to an exciting, entertaining and dramatic meal."
Reviewed: Issue 89
Published: May 09
Caffe Sazz
232 North Street
Bedminster
Tel: 0117 963 3334
www.caffesazz.co.uk
Opening hours: Food served 10 am-11pm Mon-Sat, and 10am10pm Sundays
We visited: Tuesday evening
Prices: Very reasonable, especially given portion size; mains from £8.95
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Excellent
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Not vast but there are also Turkish beers and a good range of spirits including raki
Service and atmosphere: Fun and welcoming
"And yes, although we stopped at one raki in favour of some super-strength Turkish coffee, we did find ourselves at one point posing for photos with the staff, wearing a fez; look out for the evidence on the screen above the bar – we’re the ones looking sheepish but happy."
Reviewed: Issue 88
Published: April 09
The River Grille
Narrow Quay
Harbourside
Tel: 0117 923 0333
www.doylecollection.com
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: breakfast 7-10am, lunch 12-2pm, dinner 6-10pm
We visited: Sunday evening
Prices: Starters £4-£7, mains £9.50-£24.50
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Reasonable
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Good
Service and atmosphere: Good, unobtrusive; light-hearted sophistication
"It was from there on to the lounge bar, which with its pink chairs and shimmering gold bar – and without being nearly as camp as that makes it sound – was I think my favourite part of the refurbishment. Here we completed our evening of indulgence with amarettos, tempted to stay long after the jazz band finished."
Reviewed: Issue 87
Published: March 09
Goldbrick House
69 Park Street
Bristol tel: 0117 945 1950
www.goldbrickhouse.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 12noon-11pm; Sat, 11am-11pm
We visited: Thursday evening
Prices: Starters £4.50-£7.25-£20; pre-theatre (6-7pm) prix fixe menu offers two courses for £10 or three for £13
Vegetarian choice: Okay; it’s more of a carnivore’s place
Wine list: A good read – and check out the cocktail menu
Service: Friendly – and very apologetic once messing up our order!
"We were already running half an hour late for the evening’s next engagement (just as well it wasn’t at the theatre), so we naturally didn’t have time for the praline rice pudding or winterberry and white chocolate clafoutis, as delectable as they sound. However, I wouldn’t hesitate to give Goldbrick House another chance – although next time I might make sure I’m not in a hurry."
Reviewed: Issue 86
Published: Feb 09
Second Floor Restaurant & Bar
Harvey Nichols, Quakers’ Friars,
Cabot Circus,
Bristol
Tel: 0117 916 8898
www.harveynichols.com
Opening hours: Lunch: Mon-Sat, 12noon-3pm, Sun 12noon-4pm; afternoon tea: Mon-Sat 3-6pm; dinner: Wed-Sat, 6-10pm
We visited: Wednesday evening
Prices: Prix fixe menu with two/three courses for £16.50/£19.50 at dinner (a la carte also available)
Vegitarian choice: Narrow on the mains
Disabled access: Yes, there’s a lift
Wine list: 750 wines from around the £20 mark to £4,500!
Service and atmosphere: Good, welcoming
"To finish my dining partner couldn’t resist the pavlova, banana and caramel (£5), an impressive-looking creation he described as a sophisticated version of something you’d have loved as a child. But wait, there’s more: with the coffee arrived a plate of petis fours including a deliciously moist and lemony Madeline cake. As I was by this point defeated, he was forced to consume all fours himself, meaning he’d effectively managed a six-course dinner at Harvey Nichols for…You do the math. Having been itching to visit since the grand opening of Cabot Circus, I’d been expecting to trumpet the food but had no idea it would also be such a bargain. Hurry while the offer lasts – and tell your friends."
Reviewed: Issue 85
Published: Feb 09
The Living Room
Building 11,
Harbourside
Bristol
BS1 5LF
Tel: 0117 925 3993
www.thelivingroom.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 11am–midnight; Thur-Sat 11am-2am; Sun midday-11pm
We visited: Wednesday evening
Prices: Varied. Starters £3.95-£7.95; mains £10.95-£20.95; ‘Home Comforts’ gastropub menu £8.95-£11.95
Do they welcome children? Yes, there’s even a children’s menu: £6 for 2 courses
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Extensive and comprehensive
"My roasted cauliflower and mature cheddar risotto with baby spinach, sun-blushed tomatoes and chive crème fraîche (£10.95) was a less successful blend. The cauliflower was soft, tasting more boiled than roasted; I would think risotto needs something with bite like wild mushrooms to avoid becoming monotonous, but the cauliflower instead merged with the texture of the rice, and a smattering of sun-blushed tomatoes was not enough to lift it.
"We just couldn’t help thinking that the food came at the bottom of the list, but who knows? Given the enthusiasm with which others have greeted the place I can only assume the chef was having an off-day."
Reviewed: Issue 84
Published: Jan 09
Brasserie Blanc
The Friary Building
Cabot Circus
Bristol
Tel: 0117 910 2412
www.brasserieblanc.com
Opening hours: Lunch midday-3pm; Snack menu 3-5.30pm; Dinner 5.30-10.00pm
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Prices: Set lunch £11.50 two courses, £14 three courses; a la carte starters £4.25-£6.45, mains / grills £7.50-£26; puds £4.75-£6.50
Do they welcome children? Mais oui
Vegetarian choice: A couple of options
Disabled access: Good
Wine list: Dedicated
Service and atmosphere: Service delightful, atmosphere buzzy
"Perhaps addled by the excellent house merlot (one glass of which is included in the set menu), I fudged the bit where you get to press the buttons on the credit card machine, and generously gifted waiter James a blush-making tip of 4p. Management, please note, he deserved so much more – perhaps you could sub us until we come back – as we surely will."
Reviewed: Issue 83
Published: Dec
Popham’s Restaurant 
Hunstrete House,
Pensford
BS29 4NS
Tel: 01761 490490
www.hunstretehouse.co.uk
Opening hours: Lunch: Mon-Sat 12-2pm, Sun 12.30-2.30pm; dinner; daily 7-9pm
We visited: Tuesday evening
Prices: Two courses £37.50, three £47.50
Do they welcome children? During the day, but under-12s are not permitted in the restaurant during the evening (thankfully)
Vegetarian choice: One per course
Disabled access: Yes
Wine list: Extensive without being daunting
Service and atmosphere: Extremely professional, attentive and helpful
"His white chocolate and coconut mousse was sickly sweet but was cut through by a sharp, moreish raspberry coulis and sorbet. Another overwhelming success. What Matt Lord, and indeed all the staff at Popham’s, have got exactly right is that they make you feel right at home. Candlelit tables, attentive but not overbearing staff and expert food – everything runs like clockwork. This is fine dining at its best."
Reviewed: Issue 82
Published: Nov
Bibas
51 Welsh Back,
Bristol,
BS1 4AN
Tel: 0845 202 5101
www.bibaslounge.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs noon-11pm; Fri & Sat noon-midnight; Sun noon-6pm
We visited: Tuesday evening
Prices: Very good. Express lunch for £5, mains for under a tenner – and they come with sides
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: A few steps up
Wine list: Good – plus an exceptional cocktail menu
“With both courses we were offered a choice of veg or salad and chips/mash or new potatoes which, considering my dish was no more than a tenner, represents pretty darn good value. The sides arrived first and boded extremely well: the veg was shredded cabbage, sliced carrot and a delightful, peppery swede mash; the mashed potato was buttery, smooth and utterly heavenly. Our mains didn’t disappoint…
“We were finally seduced by the Baileys and Maltesers cheesecake £5, which we washed down with a couple of decent coffees from that beautiful machine. Crowned with a physalis, leaves dusted with icing sugar, it had a rich biscuity bottom and made a suitably decadent coda to an evening of well-priced sophistication. We think Barbara Hulanicki would approve.”
Reviewed: 81
Published: Oct / Nov
Primrose Café & Bistro
1 Clifton Arcade
Boyce’s Avenue, Clifton
Tel: 0117 946 6577
www.primrosecafe.co.uk
Opening hours: Café: Monday – Friday 8am-5pm; Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-3pm, Bistro: Mon - Sat 7-10pm
We visited: Thursday evening
Prices: (Bistro) Starters £5.95-£7, mains £11.50-£17. Mon – Wed table d’hote menu, £14.95 for two courses or £17.95 for three
Vegetarian choice: Good. Plenty of fish too
Disabled access: Good
Wine list: Good, varied. Also range of organic ciders, beers and aperitifs
“If any village eatery could be accurately labelled ‘a Clifton institution’, then surely Primrose Café is it. With its old-fashioned signage gracing the cul-de-sac end of Boyce’s Avenue, and small, wooden tables and chairs spilling out on to the street, peopled by lone diners with broadsheets, students being treated to dinner by Mum and Dad, couples smiling at each other over candles and posies, it epitomises the Clifton spirit – that of a quirky, continental village – such that if it weren’t here, this part of BS8 would feel quite different.”
Reviewed: Issue 80
Published: Oct
Attix
First Floor,
44 Park Street,
Bristol
tel: 0117 925 1140
'Any new bar or eatery that wants to survive in this environment has to have a USP...'
Opening hours: 5pm till 4am Mon-Thur, 6am Fri & Sat, and 2am Sunday.
We visited: Tuesday early evening.
Prices: 4 tapas for £17.50, 6 for £25 and 8 for £32.50
Do they welcome children? It's a cocktail lounge, not a Hungary Horse.
Vegetarian choice: Good.
Wine list: Good but forget wine, the cocktail menu is something else.
Ambience: Chilled and decadent.
Reviewed: Issue 79
Published: Sep / Oct
Firehouse Rotisserie
Anchor Square 
Harbourside
Bristol BS1 5DB
tel: 0117 915 7323
www.firehouserotisserie.co.uk
Opening hours: Lunch 12-2.30pm, dinner 6-11pm daily, except closed Sunday evenings between October and April.
We visited: Monday evening
Vegetarian choice: Good
Wine list: New World and classic wines selected by Great Western Wine.
Prices: Starters from £5.50, pizzas from £9.95, rotisserie/grill from £11.95.
Service charge: Not included
Do they welcome children? Defnitely – there are kids’ options but they’ll also find a lot to enjoy on the grown-up menu.
Disabled access: Good
Reviewed: Issue 78
Published: September
"A favourite with locals since opening in 2000, the Firehouse Rotisserie is ideal for families as well as groups of friends, with a busy, buzzy feel. Inspired by Californian and Mexican cuisine, the menu offers pizzas and rotisserie/grill and is bursting with fresh, favour-rich ingredients."
Zen
Zen, Unit 4B
1st Floor,Harbourside
Explore Lane, Bristol
tel. 0117 9209372
www.zenharbourside.co.uk
If it's the Real McCoy you're after, head down to Zen at Harbourside for the ultimate experience.
Opening Hours: Lunch 12-3pm, dinner 5.30-11.30pm, seven days a week.
We visited: Thursday evening.
Vegetarian Choice: Good - although watch out for rouge meat in 'vegetable dishes'.
Prices: Variable. Starters from £4.50, mains £7.50 - £25.80
Service Charge: Discretionary 10% added.
Reviewed: Issue 77
Published: AugustThe Square
'Everything that arrived in front of us was beautifully presented.'
Clifton,
tel: 0117 921 0455
www.thesquareclub.com
Opening hours: Terrace and Bar, Tues-Sat, 12-3 pm & 5-11pm; fine dining 6-10.30pm, except Sunday 6-9.30pm,
We visited: Wednesday evening,
Vegetarian Choice: Good,
Prices: 'Casual' starters from £1.95, mains from £6.95; fine dining £19.95 for two course or £24.95 for three,
Do they welcome children? Yes, except of course in the bar downstairs,
Diasbled access: No.
Reviewed: Issue 76
Published: July
therestaurant
Cadbury House
Frost Hill
Congresbury
North Somerset
BS49 5AD
tel: 01934 834343
www.cadburyhouse.com
'...in truth, surrounded by moo-cows though it is, Cadbury House is quite a trendy, boutique-y sort of place'
Opening hours: 7–9.30pm daily
We visited: Tuesday evening
Vegetarian choice: Limited but good
Prices: Starters £7–£10, mains £18–£24, desserts £5–£7.50
Wine list: Excellent, comprehensive.
Do they welcome children? Yes.
Disabled access: Yes.
Reviewed: Issue 75
Published: July
Bocabar
Paintworks, Bath Road
Arnos Vale, Bristol
tel: 0117 972 8838
www.paintworksbristol.co.uk
This vibrant café-bar is more than a meeting & eating point for Paintworks residents, writes Alice Curwen.
"All in all it was the perfect summer snack and substantial enough for a light lunch."
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday, 10am–midnight (last orders 11pm); Friday– Saturday, 10am–2am (last orders 1pm, no entry after midnight); Sunday 10am–11pm
Vegetarian choice: Good
Prices: Lunch – bruschetta from £5.95, tapas from £3.95; dinner – pizzas £8.95–£14.95; Sunday roast from £8.95
Do they welcome children? Yes – try a Boca Junior pizza for £6.95
Disabled access: Yes
Reviewed: Issue 74
Published: June
The Olive Shed
Floating Harbour
Prince’s Wharf
Bristol
BS1 4RN
tel: 0117 929 1960
www.theoliveshed.com
Many restaurants aspire to a Mediterranean atmosphere, but this rustic harbourside favourite is the real deal, writes Vicky Green “This was the definition of ‘rustic Mediterranean’
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10am-10pm; Sunday 10am-4pm Vegetarian choice: Excellent, although no longer exclusively veggie
Prices: Tapas starters £2–£5.95; platters from £6.95 small to £13.95 large; mains from £9.95
Do they welcome children? Yes
Disabled access: Ground-floor seating and cloakroom
Reviewed: Issue 73 Clifton Life
Published: May
Café Maitreya
89 St Mark’s Road
Easton
Bristol
BS5 6HY
tel: 0117 951 0100
This lively Easton eaterie transforms the humble vegetable into something sublime, writes Vicky Green. Prepare for a taste explosion…
“Food of this calibre isn’t usually served in such a relaxed environment, We jealously eyed up the pre-dessert amuses bouches”
Opening hours: Evenings only, from 6.30pm, Tuesday – Saturday. Last orders 9.45pm
We visited: Tuesday evening – and it was buzzing
Vegetarian choice: The best in Britain, according to some
Prices: Reasonable given the quality. £18.50 for two courses or £21.95 for three. Glass of wine from £4.55
Do they welcome children? Yes
Disabled access: Yes
Reviewed: Issue 72 Clifton Life
Published: May 12
The Hophouse
16 King’s Road
Clifton
Bristol
tel: 0117 923 7390
Can this Clifton watering hole reposition itself as a sophisticated restaurant? Vicky Green thinks so. “The pinotage was fruity but soft and mellow too, With this risotto, every mouthful was different”
After an extensive, chic refurbishment, this long-established watering hole in the heart of Clifton now doubles up as a sophisticated eaterie. The bustling ground-floor bar serves quality pub grub while the first-floor restaurant offers modern British cuisine. The menu shows imagination and is surprisingly reasonably priced, while friendly service provides a ‘local’ feel.
Opening hours: 12 noon until midnight daily. Food served 12-3pm and 6-10pm Mon–Fri, 12-10pm Sat and 12-8pm Sun. Sunday lunch menu available from 12 noon-6pm.
We visited: Friday evening
Vegetarian choice: Limited but imaginative
Prices: A gastropub that hasn’t run away with the prices. Small plates from £3.50, sharing boards from £6.95, mains from £6.95, puddings from £4.95 and sandwiches from £4.50
Do they welcome children? Yes
Disabled access: Yes
Reviewed: Issue 71 Clifton Life
Published: April 18
Tantric Jazz
39-41 St Nicholas Street
Bristol
tel: 0117 940 2304
A suitably laidback place with a friendly atmosphere and highly edible tapas served in generous portions. It’s part jazz club, part restaurant and the kitchen is open till late so you can eat as much or as little as you like and there’s no pressure to order as soon as you arrive. With live music every night, it’s one of Bristol’s most characterful eateries.
Vicky Green and the Pub Landlord join the cool cats of Bristol for a feast of tapas at this jazz club-restaurant hybrid. “At these prices you can afford to be excessive. Tantric Jazz has nothing to do with religion or sex”
Opening hours: 6pm-3am daily, kitchen open till late. Admission fee of £3 Thur, Fri & Sat
Vegetarian choice: Great – one meat menu, one veggie, both long
Prices: From £2.40 for some olives to £11.50 for a sharing platter
Service style: Laidback. You order at the till.
Do they welcome children? It’s a nightclub.
Disabled access: All at ground level.
Reviewed: Issue 70 Clifton Life
Published: March 28Ha!Ha! Bar and Canteen
20a Berkeley Square
Bristol
tel: 0117 927 7333
Bristol’s Ha!Ha! celebrates its 10th year this March so Gabi Woolgar pulled up a chair to see how this elegant diner is doing, a decade after opening “In summer this place must be heaving, being so ideally placed”
Opening hours: Mon to Weds 10am to 11pm, Fri to Sat 10am
Vegetarian choice: Yes, delicious options such as stuffed red peppers
Prices: £3.75 to £11.75
Service style: Funky yet helpful
Wine list: Extensive and eclectic collection of wines from around the world
Do they welcome children? Yes, though this is more of a singles’ place
Disabled access: No – steps down from the street make it awkward
Reviewed: Issue 69 Clifton Life
Published: March
FishWorks
128 Whiteladies Road
Clifton
Tel: 0117 974 4433
Revisiting one of Clifton Life’s favourite restaurants was in order for Gabi Woolgar – would its revamped menu prove to be a winner? “The £15 set lunch was stonkingly good value, with half a lobster, chips and some fizz, In fact I’d go so far as to say that lobster is my favourite thing on ten legs”
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 3pm, 6 to 10.30pm, Monday 6 to 10.30pm
Vegetarian choice: Yes, and plenty of fish of course. Even meat lovers are served now, with steaks on offer.
Prices: Set lunch £15, daily prices for freshly caught fish
Service style: Slick and professional
Wine list: Knowledgeable selection of fish friendly wines
Do they welcome children? Yes with their own special menu
Disabled access: Yes
Reviewed: Issue 68 Clifton Life
Published: Feb 15
Ocean Cafe
185 Whiteladies Road
Clifton
Tel 0117 946 9825
Gabi Woolgar finds herself unexpectedly in Whiteladies Road, and hugely enjoys an impromptu Spanish-style tapas feast, with some of the best homemade bread she has ever tasted. “Ocean had the relaxed air of a proper Spanish bar, I was delighted with my triangle of lemony heaven”
Opening hours: open 8.30am to 11pm, Mon to Fri, 10am to 11pm Sat
Vegetarian options: Lovely veggie options
Prices: £50 for two including drinks, set lunch available too
Children: Welcome
Conclusion: Just the place to enjoy a taste of the sunshine in winter
Reviewed: Issue 67 Clifton Life
Published: Jan 25
Hotel du Vin
Narrow Lewins Mead
Bristol
Tel 0117 925 5577
The kind of place that you want to celebrate life in, rain or shine. Gabi Woolgar checked into the Hotel du Vin – for one evening only – and found a comforting oasis of hospitality, great service and mouthwatering cuisine in the bleak midwinter.
Opening hours: Lunch noon - 1.45pm Mon-Fri,
Sun until 2.30pm, dinner 6-9.45pm, Sat 10.30pm
Vegetarian options: Imaginative choices
Prices: £60 for two plus drinks (dinner)
Children: Welcome
Reviewed: Issue 66 Clifton Life
Published: Jan 4
