Portishead, Mediterranean Restaurant Guide

“Unique” Clifton institution, where diners overlook swimmers in the restored 1850 pool below, while feasting on “consistently excellent dishes (often wood-fired), from a vibrant and frequently changing menu” – and the two activities can be combined in a ‘Swim and Eat’ package, with “great healthy options for those that want ’em” (there is also a spa and five newly opened bedrooms in a townhouse across the road). “This continues to be a favourite Bath/Bristol restaurant for a great meal almost 17 years after it opened – the atmosphere is quite literally exceptional”, while the Mediterranean-inspired food is “startlingly brilliant at these prices”. Top Menu Tip – “some fantastic inexpensive wines: try their Greek white!”.

2023 Review: Well known down Brizzle way, this small (16 seats) tapas haunt has an outsized reputation for its authentic approach. Our feedback is limited, but it’s a favourite for one or two of our reporters who award it very high marks. It’s part of a local group, and its siblings include Cargo Cantina and Gambas.

“Bustling tapas restaurant” with “really good (and surprisingly cheap) fish/seafood plates”, set in an old shipping container on Wapping Wharf, overlooking Bristol harbour. Part of Kieran & Imogen Waites Season + Taste group, along with Bravas, Cargo Contina and Condesa.

“Fabulous small plates in a buzzy environment” have established this tiny neighbourhood spot on a corner site in Bedminster as one of the new stars of the Bristol culinary scene – and many people’s “favourite”, for its “interesting”, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Australian chef Mark Chapman and his wife Karen last year opened their follow-up, an Italian restaurant called Ragù at Wapping Wharf.