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9 places to wine and dine your date in Bristol

OpenTable May 10, 2019 Leave a Comment

Bristol is a hot spot when it comes to cool music venues, street art – Banksy left his mark all over this vibrant city – as well as its buzzing restaurant scene. Here’s our selection of top places to wine and dine your date in Bristol.

La Guinguette
French food and romance go hand in hand, so La Guinguette ticks all the boxes for a romantic date night. Owned by three Parisian friends who wanted to bring the taste of Paris to the West Country, La Guinguette will make you feel like you have taken a short trip to the French capital. We recommend starting with a cocktail or a Kir Royale and then moving on to dishes like baked Camembert or steak frites. Don’t forget to leave room for a cheese plate or crème brûlée to finish off your Paris-inspired date night.

Paco Tapas
This cosy tapas joint transports you to the streets of Andalusia and makes for a wonderfully relaxed date night. Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias turns modern tapas into little works of art. Enjoy hand-carved jamon or their tortilla Española paired with a glass of sherry or two. You won’t be disappointed.

The Ox
The Ox has established itself as a firm favourite with the locals and their steaks earned them a mention in the Bristol Good Food Awards in 2018. If you’re not in the mood for steak, there are some delicious vegetarian and fresh fish dishes to choose from. We recommend their pan-fried skate wing with brown shrimp butter or the roast cauliflower with lemon yoghurt and dukkah. If you’re into sharing, try the Ox Set Meal for two – a three-course feast that’s guaranteed to impress.

Wilson’s
For great food in a fuss-free setting, Wilson’s is the place to be. The restaurant stuns guests with its stripped back décor and seasonal British menu created by Jan Ostle, who previously worked at The Clove Club in London. It comes as no surprise that Wilson’s was mentioned in the Good Food Guide shortly after opening its doors.

Ivy Clifton Brasserie
Fancy playing the modern version of Mr Darcy and his date? Then dine in style at the elegant Ivy Clifton Brasserie overlooking The Mall Gardens. After a stroll amongst the beautiful greenery, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast, afternoon tea, or dinner and drinks. The extensive menu has something to suit every palate, from seafood and salads to comfort food classics like roast chicken and shepherd’s pie.

Glassboat
For special occasions or dinner with a difference, Glassboat should be your restaurant of choice. Situated in Bristol’s historic harbour, the floating restaurant offers stunning views across the water – those romantic sparks will soon be flying across the table. The menu consists of classic French dishes like rabbit terrine, confit duck, and Marseille-style fish stew.

Birch
This small and charming Southville restaurant impresses guests with seasonal small plates and a largely natural wine list. It’s very popular so be sure to book ahead for a chance to try dishes like pan-fried scallops, roast hake, and braised pork belly with burnt apple puree. The fantastic food and laid-back vibe are sure to impress your date.

Wilks
Special nights call for special restaurants. The award-winning Wilks is owned by James ‘Wilks’ Wilkins and Christine Vayssade. The former started his career in London working for none other than Ramsay and the Galvin brothers, followed by stints in France and Japan with chef Michel Bras. If you and your date are serious about good food, Wilks is a must visit. Expect light and modern dishes with an emphasis on fresh flavours and seasonal ingredients.

Fishers
Fish lovers will enjoy this restaurant offering a seaside-themed dining experience in the heart of Bristol. The restaurant prides itself on working with small, independent suppliers and supports ethically sustainable fishing methods. For a date night to remember, tuck into fresh oysters or try the hot shellfish sharing platter for two to share.

Visit OpenTable to make your reservation or discover more restaurants in Bristol.

This is a guest post from freelance journalist Beatrice Clark. She has written for Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair, among others, and has spent the past 15 years living in France, England and Scotland. She is currently based in Berlin and is always on the hunt for the perfect Eggs Benedict.

Date Night Dining: 8 romantic restaurants to try in Amsterdam

OpenTable February 27, 2019

In the mood for romance? Give Amsterdam a try. The Dutch capital, known for its creative arts scene (hello, Van Gogh and co.), scenic waterways, and pretty gabled houses, will mesmerise any couple in love. We’ve rounded up some of the best romantic restaurants in Amsterdam for an unforgettable date night. Simply pick your favourite.

De Belhamel
De Belhamel, located at the junction of Amsterdam’s picturesque Brouwersgracht and Herengracht, in a peaceful and idyllic neighbourhood of the Dutch capital, wows guests with its original Art Nouveau features. Entering the restaurant, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to fin de siècle Paris. Of course, the food doesn’t disappoint either – the restaurant’s cooking has won several awards and its waterfront location is the ideal setting for a romantic date night.

Van Speyk
Van Speyk is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike when it comes to a romantic night out. The restaurant charms its guests with a prime city centre location and relaxed brasserie style. Enjoy delicious French-influenced dishes like seared scallops and duck confit and don’t forget to be as seductive as the French would be!Continue Reading

Valentine’s Day Dining: Last-minute tables for lovers in London

OpenTable February 7, 2019

Valentine’s Day is only a week away, but there’s still time to find the perfect place to wine and dine your date. There are still some fantastic tables waiting to be snapped up on OpenTable, from glitzy West End restaurants to cosy neighbourhood bistros. Here are some of our top picks.

For couples who love… the buzz of the West End

May Fair Kitchen – This Mayfair stunner is offering a 4-course menu, including a selection of tacos and a cocktail for £75pp.
100 Wardour Street – Book now to enjoy live music at 100 Wardour Street, plus an indulgent 3-course menu (£75pp).
Freak Scene – Skip the fine dining fuss and head to Freak Scene in Soho for Japanese izakaya-inspired plates.
Temper Covent Garden – Treat your favourite carnivore to cocktails, tacos and steaks at this Covent Garden hot spot.
The Petersham – Enjoy dishes like spiced duck and poached turbot surrounded by dramatic floral displays (£75pp).Continue Reading

Romance on the roof: London’s cosiest winter rooftops

OpenTable November 30, 2018

Don’t put the romance on ice this winter – head to the roof for cocktails, comfort food, and views of the city skyline.

Coq d’Argent
Lodge d’Argent returns for another season, transforming Coq d’Argent’s famous terrace into a winter wonderland. Alongside the festive lights and fur blankets, there will be a ‘Ski Cube’ screening vintage ski clips and two chalet-style huts for private dining. The ski theme extends to the menu, too – why not share a baked Vacherin cheese or some Savoyard charcuterie? If your date has a sweet tooth, treat them to warm waffles with chocolate sauce or an Avalanche cocktail made with Hennessy, Disaronno, and white chocolate foam.

Boundary Rooftop
This rooftop dining destination is popular all year round – the heated glass orangery protects you from the elements while you enjoy the view. During the colder months, the menu is inspired by the Alpine regions so expect hot cocktails, cheese fondue, and melting raclette. If your other half has a passion for fromage, you’re on to a winner here.

Aviary
When the city is all lit up at night, there’s no better place to enjoy the view than from Aviary’s rooftop terrace. Through the winter, you can cosy up in one of their ‘igloos with a view’ or enjoy a romantic dinner for two in the restaurant. After a glass of fizz or perhaps some oysters, you can enjoy warming winter dishes like slow-braised beef short rib or gnocchi with roast pumpkin.

Madison
Madison’s rooftop terrace has been given an alpine-inspired makeover, just in time for the festive season. With twinkling lights and plenty of faux fur and tartan blankets, their chalets are the ideal setting for a date night with a difference. No matter how cold it is outside, you’ll be kept warm by their boozy hot chocolate and winter warmers like mac ‘n’ cheese and baked Camembert.

Skyline Skating at John Lewis
Oxford Street can be a little crazy in the run up to Christmas but we’ve found the perfect place to escape the crowds. John Lewis have created the ultimate rooftop hideaway, complete with a mini ice-rink and a Sipsmith gin bar serving hot and cold gin cocktails. If you don’t fancy one of MyPie’s award-winning pies or Scotch eggs, you can dine nearby at Aqua Kyoto, Little Social, or Bombay Bustle.

Visit OpenTable to check out more of London’s most romantic restaurants and give your winter date nights a little extra sparkle.