Bristol, Spanish Restaurant Guide

Near the docks, Peter Sanchez-Iglesias’s aim is to ‘transport you to Andalusia’ (well that’s what the website says) at his casual tapas haunt (named after his dad). As a concept, it’s “absolutely spot on” and “tapas of the highest quality, with every dish a delight”, alongside a decent list of wines and sherries. “Try to get a seat at the counter for top banter with the chefs and great views as they toss stuff into the open fire”.

Fans “love this place” – a softly-lit tapas joint, in Cotham Hill, which has made a name for its “small plates and Spanish sandwiches done right”; if there’s a caveat it’s that “too many covers squashed into a tiny space” can spell noise and a “rapid turnover”. Owners Kieran & Imogen Waite – also behind Bakers & Co (Gloucester Road) and Cargo Cantina/Gambas (Wapping Wharf) – launched new Mexican eatery, Masa + Mescal, in Stokes Croft, in March 2019.

“Proper jamon, a good selection of small plates, and an excellent Spanish wine list with a wide range of good sherries” – “a great drinks list with something for everyone” – help inspire positive reviews on this Hispanic yearling – “a great new addition to Bristol” and the first English branch of a small minichain originating near Cardiff.

2018 Review: A favourite Bristol breakfast haunt enjoying a “super dockside location, with outdoor seating as well as a cosy interior” featuring “great cycling-themed decor” and adventure sports goods to buy; by day you can enjoy “fabulous brunch food”, and there’s “lovely tapas” Thursday to Saturday night.

Taking over the former site of Russell Norman’s Spuntino in Bristol’s Cargo shipping container development (also home to Box-E), a new tapas joint from husband and wife team Kieran and Imogen Waite, who also run the fantastic Bravas in Cotham Hill and Wapping Wharf’s Cargo Cantina. Good initial feedback, but too limited for a rating.

A Spanish cafe in a church, run by Sevillian husband and wife Antonio Perez and Alicia Amish.

Apparently not busy enough with running his new restaurant in London (Decimo), Peter Sanchez-Iglesias is also opening this spot (originally planned for March 2020) on the former site of his Pi Shop (tucked between his other two restaurants, Casamia and Paco Tapas); it will have an all-day café, restaurant (with a chef's table, naturally) and a bar.

The popular Harbourside restaurant and deli added a Clifton branch in late 2019; now also open in the evening.