At Papilio, we love Bristol. It’s one of our favourite Somerset cities because it’s vibrant, creative and has an exciting restaurant scene. There are some fantastic eateries in the city catering to all tastes. And with an independent spirit that Bristol is so well known for, we get pretty excited when we head into the city.
As luxury kitchens designers, we love food and everything to do with gastronomy. For us, the home’s heart is the kitchen, where meals are shared with friends and family. However, we love to explore the local food scene and have created a round-up of our favourite restaurants in Bristol to share with you.
Paco Tapas
Paco Tapas is an exciting, buzzing tapas restaurant that transports you to Andalusia from Bristol. Expect top-quality jamón, padrón peppers roasting over the wood fire and sherry straight from the barrel. The Michelin-starred restaurant has an ever-changing menu which combines traditional tapas with personal interpretations from Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias. They aim to be true to their heritage and offer a fun atmosphere and exciting eats.
Pasta Ripiena
If, like us, you have a weakness for eating and making pasta, then make sure you visit Pasta Ripiena. The restaurant specialises in homemade stuffed pasta. We enjoy every morsel of the lovingly filled dough every time we visit. The ever-changing menu has a lean toward Italian and Spanish produce, and the wine menu is excellent. The small, family-run restaurant is a little gem, and their stuffed pasta and excellent service make this restaurant a must-try!
Bokman
The delightful Korean restaurant Bokman is just around the corner from Bristol’s bohemian Cabot Circus. The menu centres around the wood-fired rotisserie oven, where they cook chicken stuffed with rice, yummy ramen, handmade dumplings, and homemade kombucha and soju. With a homely yet lively vibe and exciting aromas and flavours, Bokman is great for wholesome eats and good times.
Gambas
Another incredible tapas restaurant and one of our favourite restaurants for water-side views and sunny lunches is Gambas. Set in a lovely first-floor location in the bustling Wapping Wharf, Gambas offer a delicious menu of small plates showcasing excellent quality produce with a seafood slant.
Inspired by the busy foodie markets in Spain, the lively restaurant offers a Catalan fair, and their ‘Gambas Paella’ is incredibly delicious when paired with Spanish tipples that include Agua de Valencia, Catalan Spritz and Spanish Vermouth.
Adelina Yard
For modern and inventive fine dining in Bristol, Adelina Yard is one of our favourite restaurants. The modern-European menu is locally sourced, and they make their own bread, butter and charcuterie in-house. The interiors are contemporary, airy and feature natural wood, stone and metal. The atmosphere is relaxed and breezy for fine dining, and you’ll love the imaginative dishes as much as we do.
