Who doesn’t love dining out? No matter your price point, everyone deserves to eat out at the best restaurants a city can offer – and Bristol has plenty to choose from. There’s even one Michelin-star restaurant in Bristol, which offers some of the UK’s cheapest Michelin-star meals.
If you want fine dining on a budget, the money-saving trick is often to go at lunchtime. These fixed-price menus often offer good value to entice you through the door – and who doesn’t love a long lunch anyway? Stop by Bulrush at lunchtime on either Friday or Saturday for a six-course tasting menu that’ll only cost £48 per person (with an optional drink pairing costing an extra £30).
Bulrush is well-known for blending Anglo-French cuisine with Japanese and Scandinavian influences. There’s also a large focus on locally sourced and foraged ingredients while preserving and pickling also play a key role. Just some of the dishes you’ll find at this cosy Cotham neighbourhood restaurant include Jerusalem artichoke chawanmushi, duck liver macaron; and roast fallow deer, hen of the woods, black pudding Danish.
MICHELIN Guide says: “It might appear quite modest, but this neighbourhood restaurant is a sweet spot, with an appealingly relaxed, cosy feel; sit downstairs to soak up the atmosphere from the on-view kitchen. Top-notch seasonal ingredients are either foraged or organic, and preserving and pickling play a key role on the imaginative, well-balanced and deftly prepared tasting menu. Combinations are original and provide plenty of contrasts and flavours are clear and natural, with the occasional Japanese influence. The astutely chosen wine flight creates the perfect partnership.”
If you’re after more budget fine dining, Bristol’s former Michelin-star restaurant is also worth a look-see. Paco Tapas offers no fixed menu price, or fixed time, so you can tailor your ordering to your budget. Michelin Guide suggests an average price of £56.50, but this is completely dependent on you. Classics likes Jamon croquetas, patatas bravas, and tortilla are particuarly money-saving options.
Michelin Guide says: “Start with either a fine Spanish wine or a chilled sherry straight from the cask while sitting on the terrace of this buzzy tapas bar. Dishes are skilfully prepared, packed with flavour and include all the favourites, from jamón croquetas to tortillas where the rich, golden egg just oozes out. Those unfamiliar with the Spanish way need not fret, as the knowledgeable team will guide you through the menu from start to finish.”