Where to go for paella in Bristol

Mmm paella! The sun may not always be shining in Bristol, but with tonnes of spots serving up this rice-based Spanish delicacy, you’re never really that far away from the Med! From pop-up stalls serving piping hot bowls of paella to go, to independent Spanish restaurants offering up super authentic takes in the dish, there’s no shortage of the stuff. Keep reading to find out where to get your hands on the best paella in Bristol!

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As you might have guessed, Fishers is an independent restaurant specialising in local, seasonal and sustainable fish, seafood, and shellfish. Located in the beautiful Clifton, the restaurant is informal yet sophisticated, and the food is second to none! Every Sunday is ‘Paella Sunday’ at Fishers. The team is committed to the Spanish culture of coming together and catching up over delicious food, and given that paella is designed to be shared and enjoyed over a relaxed lunch or dinner, it makes perfect sense that the restaurant dedicates an entire day to the dish! Fisher’s paella includes mussels, tiger prawns, Atlantic prawns, flakes of cod, squid, crevettes and delicious, fragrant rice infused with paprika and saffron — wow! It will only set you back £15 per person, which is excellent value for money, and the staff are a delight. A must-visit!

Lido Restaurant & Poolside Bar
cuisinesSpanish, Mediterranean

Dating back to 1849, the Lido in Bristol is one of the UK’s oldest surviving lidos, allowing year round swimming. Newly renovated in 2008, the Lido is home to a luxurious pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub. Happily, it’s is also known for its fabulous food! The menus are inspired heavily by Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, adding to the ‘holiday atmosphere of the venue’. The open kitchen, with its hot blazing Italian clay oven and bespoke charcoal grill, certainly add to the Mediterranean-like feel already created by the Grade II listed outdoor pool! The Valencian-style paella is composed of artfully baked bomba rice, rabbit, snails, wild garlic and aioli. It’s authentic, beautifully presented, and most importantly — totally delicious. If you’re in the mood for something Spanish, but not paella, there are plenty of other delightful plates for you to enjoy. From hummus with crispy chickpeas and paprika, to slow roasted shoulder of pork, there’s something for all palates. For a taste of Spain in Bristol, you know where to head!

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Located in a small village outside of Bristol, The Lazy Lobster started out as a “holiday dream” — one centred around opening up a Mediterranean-style eatery back in the UK. Fast forward a couple of years, and the team has managed to make their dream a reality. In fact, so great has the restaurant’s success been, The Lazy Lobster was recognised and entered into the 2021 Michelin Guide! Specialising in seasonal produce and ethically sourced ingredients, the menu at The Lazy Lobster is small but perfectly formed. There’s always some sort of take on paella, but this depends on the season. We loved the ‘Lazy Lobster Thermidor’ rice dish: rich, indulgent, and full to the brim with the taste of the sea. Equally brilliant are the smaller plates, designed for sharing. The grilled octopus (served with ajo blanco and pickled grapes), and the seared monkfish with rosemary butter make for excellent starter plates before a rice dish. For the most sophisticated paella in town, look no further.

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Riceminster is a street-food stall specialising in paella, trading across various parts of Bristol. According to Restaurant Guru, these guys make the best paella in Bristol, and having sampled their tasty takeaway dishes, it’s hard to disagree! The team behind Riceminster are Valencian, meaning they know a thing or two about rice. Cooked to perfection (crispy edges an all) there are only a handful of options available, but we can ensure you that they all pack a punch. For those avoiding meat and dairy, there is the Paella Verduras, complete with juicy baby tomatoes, sweet peppers, and fresh green beans — but for the more carnivorous amongst us, there’s a satisfying and succulent chicken option. Fish-lovers will go mad for the prawn and mussel-topped paella, not least because the seafood is sourced locally!

Bar 44 is all about seasonal dishes made using the finest ingredients from both Spain and the UK. It’s home to a 100 per cent Spanish drinks list, featuring rare sherries, cocktails and interesting wines from all corners of the country. The tapas menu is eclectic and exciting, with plenty of tempting offerings like chiperones (baby cuttlefish, orange and maple glaze), croquetas, and celeriac carpaccio. Best of all is the snazzy take on paella: Arroz Meloso, a shellfish bisque braised bomba rice, served with cod cheeks and tarragon aioli. Polish off your meal with a homemade Spanish dessert (we’re looking at you, salted Catalan almond and caramel ice cream!) and thank us later.

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