Decent restaurant in the centre of Bristol?

[Pete Franklin]

Calling all Bristolians

Having lived around Bristol for some time I know of many decent places on the outskirts of the city but have yet to have a great meal in any of the city centre venues.

I have been tasked with finding a venue for our christmas lunch at work (only a small group) but it needs to be in easy walking distance of temple meads station.

Does anyone have any recomendations? i'm thinking somewhere around queens square but struggling for inspiration with what is on offer. The food needs to be a litle bit special...

Cheers

Pete

[mattyn1]

Hi
I am not from Brizzol but did have a few days up there in the summer (Riot season), and although not in the centre, we did have two fantastic meals in the Mexican opposite the @Bristol science place.

I don't know the area too well, and how this area fits into your plan, but it is awesome and I thoroughly recommend it.

[dozen]

I would go to either here:

http://www.riverstation.co.uk/

or here:

http://www.glassboat.co.uk/

I actually had my wedding reception on the Glassboat, it is fab!

[Pete Franklin]

Ive been to the riverstation before and wasnt impressed buts thats probably because they took 2 hours to serve lunch.

Glass boat was on my list of possibles- I've never been so maybe that would be a good option based on your recommendation.

Regarding the Mexican- I should have stated that I'm looking for somewhere that does modern british/ european food really as we have some fussy buggers in my team.

[Hughesie]

There is quiter a famous Italian, 1x Mich star in Brizzle, let me do some digging.

BRB

[Pete Franklin]

Hughesie said:

There is quiter a famous Italian, 1x Mich star in Brizzle, let me do some digging.

BRB

That would be Casamia- its a long way out of the centre.

[miniman]

Brasserie Blanc is pretty nice, right in the centre of Cabot Circus. Bordeaux Quay isn't bad. I do like Riverstation to be honest.

[custardkid]

Severn shed used to be good 'normal food' - now its not!! its changed into a chainie burger grill type thing.....don't go there

Other options are:
Jacks - by harbour, food not exceptional, but good
Bordeaux Key - by harbour, people love it but i've not been.
Olive shed - by harbour (although its years since i've been there)
Hotel d'vin - good reputation

My preference would be Primrose cafe in Clifton, very good and interesting food, well priced (especially wine c£30 for a fleurie) not a pretentious atmosphere.

custard

[mattyn1]

Just to add, and slightly off topic...
While we were there, having had the obligitory trip to the aquarium, came out and was having a wander, started to rain.
Let's nip in Wetherspoons for a pint and a coke I said, to which the family agreed!
Gobsmacked I was when I sat the family down at a nice table, and went to the bar to order 1 x lager, 4 x cokes only to be told they could/would not serve me alcohol unless I ordered a meal as I had the kids with me.
Manager please I said - who popped up - and stated its Wetherspoons policy everywhere. Not in Truro its not!
FFS I am 42!

[PugwasHDJ80]

mattyn1 said:

Just to add, and slightly off topic...
While we were there, having had the obligitory trip to the aquarium, came out and was having a wander, started to rain.
Let's nip in Wetherspoons for a pint and a coke I said, to which the family agreed!
Gobsmacked I was when I sat the family down at a nice table, and went to the bar to order 1 x lager, 4 x cokes only to be told they could/would not serve me alcohol unless I ordered a meal as I had the kids with me.
Manager please I said - who popped up - and stated its Wetherspoons policy everywhere. Not in Truro its not!
FFS I am 42!

that's what you get for going into a Weatherspoons.....

[Bill]

I prefer Hotel du Vin to Bordeaux Quay, although the latter is a nicer place to sit as it's on the docks. Byzantium is nearer the station and better than either IMO.

ETA: That said, I probably haven't been to any of them in a year.

[LordGrover]

San Carlo's is always a good shout. As above, Olive Shed v good too, if you're a bit fishy.

ETA: San Carlo & Olive Shed.

[LooneyTunes]

Can't you get folk to take taxis from the station?

If so I check out Green's Dining Room.

Only been once but was taken there by a group of chefs who cook, or have cooked, at some of the establishments already mentioned.

Needless to say, my expectations were high. I will return...

[Bill]

Green's was my local restaurant and is nice enough, but it's not that good. Bell's Diner is better and a shorter taxi ride

[hornetrider]

Aqua is very good.

[LooneyTunes]

Have heard good things about Bell's too... but surprised you regard Green's as "not that good". Is it some time since you last went?

[BrabusMog]

I've been to start the bus a few times when I've been to that area - always seemed nice, if a bit "alternative". Near the harbour although I wouldnt have a clue what the street is.

[Bill]

It's good for a local restaurant but it's not exceptional, IMO.

[miniman]

BrabusMog said:

I've been to start the bus a few times when I've been to that area - always seemed nice, if a bit "alternative". Near the harbour although I wouldnt have a clue what the street is.

Baldwin Street. But I wouldn't call it a "restaurant" though. However, they do a mean fry up and EPIC burgers.

[BrabusMog]

I was going on the assumption that they would be the type of place to do a Christmas roast.

First place I tried frulli and also the best pub chips ive had!