We can all agree that there are times when nothing can beat having a hearty bowl of pasta. Whether you want to experience going to a homely family-run restaurant or somewhere a bit fancier, Bristol has a number of scrumptious traditional Italian pasta restaurants which you can get stuck right into. Here is a list of some of the best places to choose from.
1. Moltobuono!59
Address: 59 Park St, Bristol BS1 5NU
Moltobuono is a family-owned restaurant, with their menu having been handed down for a number of years. The restaurant has become loved by many, and particularly due to their freshly made pasta using flour and eggs sourced from Italy giving the dishes a real authentic feel. What is great about Moltobuono is that you can order these delicious dishes without breaking the bank. Their rich tomato pasta with basil and mascarpone cheese costs as little as £6.50.
2. Pasta Ripiena
Address: 33 St Stephen’s St, Bristol BS1 1JX
Pasta Ripiena has become notorious due to the food critic Jay Rayner rating their pasta so highly – describing it as “silkily delicious”. The restaurant specialises in folded pasta dishes such as ravioli, mezzaluna and cappellacci. So, if you love a good pasta dish which bursts with flavour as you bite into it, Pasta Ripiena is the place to go. The best time to go if you are watching your spending is to go at lunch as their set menu is decently priced, with two courses for £19 or three for £22.
3. Pasta Loco
Address: 37A Cotham Hill, Redland, Bristol BS6 6JY
Pasta Loco is Bristol’s first fresh pasta eatery, serving original and creamy pasta dishes. A personal favourite is their juicy spaghetti nero with mussels, braised octopus, datterini tomatoes and pangrattato. If you are someone who enjoys being surprised every time you visit a restaurant, then you will be glad to hear that Pasta Loco change their menu seasonally with weekly specials to incorporate only the best ingredients on offer – this will no doubt become a great excuse to keep visiting!
4. Al Bacio
Address: 95 Queens Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LW
Al Bacio is a great pasta place whether you want to indulge in a dish on a bargain or fancy treating yourself to something more lavish. The restaurant also has substantial patio space; ideal during the summer as you can imagine you that you are sitting in the beautiful streets of Italy. One of their most popular dishes is their homemade lasagne served with an Italian style meat sauce. A smaller portion will only cost you £5.95, and a larger portion for £9.95. Another well-loved chicer dish is their flat spaghetti pasta with fresh lobster, white wine, fresh chilli and garlic and tomato sauce for £19.95.
5. Giuseppe’s
Address: 59 Baldwin St, Bristol BS1 1QZ
Giuseppe is another well-established pasta restaurant, having perfected their dishes for over 35 years. Its menu is centred around the seasonal produce they source from the markets, filling their dishes with rich flavours. Giuseppe has an amazing lunch menu, offering any pasta dish with a glass of wine for just £10! The star of the menu for me is the gnocchi all sorentina.
6. San Carlo
Address: 44 Corn St, Bristol BS1 1HQ
If you are a sucker for going to restaurants awarded for their delicious menus, you need to head to San Carlo. San Carlo is a prestigious pasta place which has been voted one of the top 10 Italian restaurants in the UK by the Times newspaper. It has also been the winner of 36 industry and consumer food and drink awards. One of their most popular pasta dishes is based on traditional Southern Italian flavours, served with aubergine, tomato, basil and garlic, topped with pecorino cheese. What’s more the dish is decently priced at £13.50!
7. Bosco Pizzeria
Address: 96 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2QX
Dotted around Bristol in several areas, Bosco Pizzeria is always a solid choice when it comes to choosing where to get your next pasta fix. Dining at Bosco Pizzeria is always an experience as its chic interior makes you feel that you have levelled up and are having your meal at a luxurious restaurant. When I am feeling a little fancy, a personal favourite of mine is the duck ragu, served with egg pappardelle and aged parmesan.
8. Bella Vista
Address: 2B Victoria St, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6DT
Bella Vista is a traditional family-run restaurant located right by the riverside in the centre of Bristol. This means that you can enjoy the beautiful views Bristol has to offer whilst eating to your heart’s content – what more could you possibly want?! Bella Vista is more than a pretty dining experience as they offer unique pasta dishes as well as the classics, such as their penne pasta served with spinach and blue cheese. For those of you that love to hunt for a bargain, you need to try Bella Vista’s lunch menu at only £7.50, where you can order any main course with a free salad or garlic bread.
