13 Sep 2024
Where to go for Bristol's best pasta
We all know it… pasta is where it’s at! Missed lunch, hit that 5pm hanger and now hungry enough to consider eating your own foot? Needing good food pronto? Pasta may indeed be the one true saviour. We’ve all been there and luckily in Bristol we are in no short supply of some cracking pasta joints.
A good, classic Italian pasta run by a family of friendly Italians. With a delish selection of pasta dishes, as well as vegan options, there is something for everyone. We personally opt for the epic pasta with truffle, but there is pizza too if you want to branch out! This is a gorgeous spot on Park Street with a great ambiance, inside and out. Dine either upstairs, romantically lit by hundreds of fairy lights, or for a more authentic European – a la Bristol – experience, sit outside on charmingly rickety tables and chairs cleverly positioned on the pavement.
If the name doesn’t give this pasta haven away, the half vespa coming out of the wall may give inclination of the Italian eatery. From the menu, you can expect classic pasta dishes, arancini and delicious tiramisu dolce! Come here for chilled out vibes, perfect for an off the cuff dinner with pals.
With two gorgeous venues in Bristol with guaranteed great atmosphere, one being on Whiteladies Road, the other in Clifton Village, be sure to book a table for an evening as Bosco Pizzeria is always buzzing! Whilst the main focus of the menu is clear by its name, Bosco Pizzeria also features some delicious pasta dishes, such as Pappardelle al Ragu di Salsiccia, as well as burratas, meat plates and cheeses. Not to mention the classic Italian desserts to die for.
Zanky’s Deli specialises in making fresh pasta, which you can buy by weight to take home and create your own masterpiece. Perfect if you are fancying a romantic date night in, or throwing your own ‘Come Dine with Me’ and want to go the extra mile to secure the ultimate victory! Zanky’s won’t only ensure delicious pasta, but even send you on your way with everything else needed, instructions included, to create your own Italian pasta masterpiece. Zanky’s kitchen is Sardinian, and all fresh pasta, pizzas and treats are created in true Italian style before finding their way home with you. They also have a tiny amount of seating, perfect if you fancy an intimate dinner, or even a morning coffee and cannoli.
Established in 1999, L’Osteria has stood the test of time and can now be found throughout Europe. However, Bristol’s home to L’Osteria’s very first UK venue! When you enter L’Osteria, you can expect a chilled out atmosphere and to be welcomed by that all encompassing good Italian cooking smell as soon as you enter the room. This is a true Italian restaurant, with all the dishes you could possibly wish for. The extensive menu features everything from Tortelloni Prosciutto e Panna, to Risotto Funghi and Gnocchi Gamberetti.
STUFFED PASTA. YUM. YES PLEASE. Believing in the approach that ‘less is more’, each dish is created with seasonal ingredients and paired perfectly with wine. Not only a great place to eat, but also a venue to learn about wine following the introduction of their new, specialised wine bar. Visit for a full blown Italian meal or perhaps just a cheeky aperitif. The menu is heavily influenced by not only Italy, but also Spain, so expect to spot some croquettes and antipasti dishes on the menu too.