El Puerto - Tapas Food Review in Bristol
Posted on: 2015-08-07
Our rating:
The tapas weren't the miserable, miserly, miniature ramekins I was used to; each dish was an impressive, large, deep-filled tapas receptacle full to the brim with powerful Spanish flavours.
Spanish tapas restaurant El Puerto on Prince Street in Bristol brings the true taste of Mediterranean cuisine to the city with a stunning selection of authentic dishes.
Originally a small plate or bowl of cheese, ham, olives or nuts designed as an appetizer, tapas have now taken on a exciting, versatile life of their own and have become increasingly popular as a communal way to sample different types of Spanish food. It's a fun, sociable way to share a multitude of platters and an even better way to try the full range of mouthwatering, dynamic Spanish culinary flavours.
Situated in an old Victorian Grade II listed warehouse with red pillars, whitewashed walls, large rustic wooden tables and plenty of Spanish memorabilia and pictures scattered around the place, it's a beautiful, impressively furnished venue that wonderfully evokes the mood, fun and vibrancy of the country.
When my brother and I visited on a beautiful, balmy Friday evening, it was the perfect weather to tuck in to a selection of tapas dishes. The city's history of tapas establishments has been a dubious and often unimpressive one, and my last voyage to one of Bristol's previous Spanish-themed incumbents a few years ago resulted in around ten dishes that, combined, would barely have been enough to feed a small family of mice. KFC was ultimately required en route home.
No meager portions here though. My brother opted for three selections from the seafood tapas range - deep fried whitebait (£4.95), grilled sardines (£4.95) and deep fried, battered squid (£6.25). I went for three from the meat tapas selection - beef meatballs in tomato sauce (£5.55), pan fried mushrooms with chorizo (5.75) and deep fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and mayonnaise (£3.45). We also shared two gargantuan slices of toasted bread coated with a salsa-esque slathering of fresh tomatoes and olive oil (£2.95).
It's no exaggeration to say that every dish and every mouthful was absolutely exquisite. The combination of heady Spanish flavours and arresting textures made for a full-on, gastronomically unbridled nirvana on the taste buds. If I didn't have two left feet - and if I'd indulged in a jug or two of Sangria - I'd have flamencoed my way around the restaurant in a heightened state of Spanish food enlivened ecstasy. The tapas weren't the miserable, miserly, miniature ramekins I was used to; each dish was an impressive, large, deep-filled tapas receptacle full to the brim with powerful Spanish flavours.
The staff were on-the-ball and convivial, and there was a constant, steady stream of diners coming in from the sun and clearly in the mood for some of the finest Spanish cuisine in town. El Puerto is the only place in Bristol to head to if you're looking for genuine, delectable Spanish tapas in a buzzy, vibrant venue. The portions are so generous you'll be so bloated there’s every chance you’ll need a siesta afterwards.
5/5
Reviewed by Jamie Caddick for 365 Bristol - the leading events and entertainment website for Bristol
Tags: Tapas, Spanish, Restaurant, Dining, Food, Review.
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
