Where to head for tapas in Bristol

Nestled in a plant-filled, bright, and cosy space, The Garden of Easton stands as an independent bar/kitchen, priding itself on a warm and welcoming atmosphere paired with stellar cuisine spanning various culinary traditions. From light brunches and expertly crafted coffee during the day, to an evening selection of delectable tapas dishes, all of the food is prepared with local ingredients.

Picture pan-fried oyster mushrooms crowned with crispy onions, burrata with browned sage butter, and slow-roasted lamb shoulder with Aleppo butter. Yum! The desserts are not to be missed either, especially the Dish Cult team’s favourite – homemade tiramisu crafted with fig wine, chocolate liqueur, and mascarpone.

If you’re looking for a romantic and sleek tapas spot, then look no further. Nestled in the heart of Stokes Croft, Poco Tapas Bar is modern, fun, and boasts a super-seasonal menu that promises deliciousness. Poco’s charm extends to its simple decor adorned with big windows, chalkboard menus, and chic wooden furniture.

The tapas menu, though uncomplicated, is enticing and changes on a weekly basis. From classic Spanish-inspired dishes like padron peppers with lemon and za’atar to more unique offerings such as venison and morcilla kofta with pickled apple, Poco keeps things exciting. Here, the team’s dedication to minimising waste not only sparks their creativity but has also earned them several accolades for their sustainable practices.

Established in 2010, Under the Stars is a floating Mediterranean tapas restaurant moored on Bristol’s historic harbour. It has garnered a reputation as one of the top destinations in Bristol for tapas-style dishes influenced by the entire Mediterranean region. The interior is light and cosy, while the spacious top deck provides year-round alfresco dining.

The menu is extensive, featuring a variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian/vegan plates. From slow-braised ox cheek with celeriac and tahini puree to spider crab and saffron croquettes served with smoked aioli, or pan-fried halloumi coated in honey, pistachios and hazelnuts – the menu presents a delightful medley of Mediterranean flavours, catering to diverse palates. For those not in the tapas mood, Under the Stars also serves excellent sourdough pizzas (ideal for sharing, or not!), complemented by a great range of classic and contemporary cocktails.

Lido Restaurant and Poolside Bar boasts a rich history dating back to 1849, making it one of the UK’s oldest surviving lidos offering year-round swimming. Beyond its aquatic charm, the Lido is a haven for tapas enthusiasts. The menus showcase a vibrant Spanish and Mediterranean influence, offering an array of veggie delights such as burnt aubergine moutabahl with mint and sumac, and white cabbage salad with 36-month aged parmesan. Seafood lovers can enjoy options like salt cod fritters with aioli, while meatier choices include charcoal-grilled lamb belly with tzatziki.

The restaurant exudes a relaxed vibe, ensuring leisurely lunches and dinners without any rush. To polish off your meal, indulge in the gorgeous selection of sorbets and ice cream, or opt for the indulgent Valrhona dark chocolate mousse with cultured cream and salted almond praline.

A new friendly seafood restaurant in Clifton Village, Fish Tales is ideal for those who love seafood and want to share some plates among the table. Among the sharing options are oysters, a cured fish platter, and a cold shellfish platter. Order a selection of starters to share as well if you want to skip the mains, with mouthwatering options including monkfish tempura, grilled sardines, charred octopus and plenty more!

The Metropolitan is an independent restaurant located in the heart of Bristol. The modern interior provides an ideal backdrop, especially for a date or a meet-up with a friend. As for the food, it’s extremely delicious and perfect for sharing. On the evening menu, you’ll find plenty of aesthetically pleasing plates. For example, our favourite has been the Korean fried chicken with peanut sauce, as well as steamed mussels and skin-on fries seasoned with chicken salt. All the dishes taste best combined with a glass of wine, which you can enjoy in the lovely beer garden during warmer days.

If you love tapas and fancy trying something new, why not explore the Japanese version? Izakaya is a type of informal Japanese bar where customers can enjoy alcohol paired with snacks, and this is exactly what you can expect at Clifton’s restaurant. If you’re in the mood for a catch-up with friends and could do with small plates to nibble on, you’ll love the selection of plates to share here. If you go for the special tapas set, you can have a mix of takoyaki, chicken karaage and pork gyoza to enjoy with your table. You can also order small sushi rolls such as cucumber hosomaki that goes well with beer. Speaking of which, there’s a choice between some amazing Japanese brands: Asahi, Kirin and Hitachino. The interior is comfortable, and the staff always happy to help; it’s the perfect destination for a mid-week dinner.

The Cow & Sow is a popular Bristol steakhouse known for high-quality meat and a sophisticated atmosphere, which makes the dining experience one-of-a-kind. However, steak isn’t the only thing that stands out on this menu. There are plenty of small plates and side dishes you can share with your friends, including crispy squid rings, sticky pork belly, Koffmann’s chips and grilled baby gem. If you’re feeling especially hungry or visiting with a bigger group, consider going for The Cow & Sow Sharer, which allows you to enjoy salt and pepper pork rinds, baby back ribs, ox cheek and cheddar croquette, mini chorizo, poached and charred pineapple, olives, plus warm pain de campagne with whipped butter. Apart from delicious food, we love the venue for its modern interior and knowledgeable staff; whatever the occasion is, you can expect your needs very well catered to.

If you’re looking for an authentic tapas experience, head to Bar 44 located in an old bank on Regent Street. This lively space boasts artwork from Spanish muralist, Andi Rivas, which references Spain and the evolution of Bar 44, and is a perfect location to spend your evening. You can have nibbles to start with, such as olives from Carmona, sobrasada tostada and chorizo poached in cider. Then there are shareable tapas with options for everyone whether they’re vegetarians or carnivores. Our favourites are the patatas bravas (you can’t go wrong with this classic) and jamon Iberico croquetas. For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of desserts to choose from, including sorbet, ice cream and cakes. The friendly atmosphere is addictive and there’s no rush to finish your meal; expect to stay longer than planned.

Cosy Club is a restaurant that used to be a church, which makes it a unique venue with an elegant atmosphere. The interior is filled with chandeliers, a domed roof and marble floors making Cosy Club one of our preferred destinations when we want to enjoy shareable dishes. The small plates are influenced by different types of cuisines. For example, the Asian fried chicken is simply delicious marinated in buttermilk, and served with soy, ginger, sesame and chilli glaze. There are also small plates such as garlic and paprika prawns, fried halloumi and many more. It’s recommended that you get at least five dishes to share between three people. Book in for Instagrammable decor and high-quality food.