Culinaria

We went for a meal to mark Sarah's 29th yesterday, at Culinaria on Chandos road, very close to where we're staying this week with Henk. I know that the term is frequently abused by the Guardian set, but this is a real 'foodie' restaurant. Blissfully short menue that changes every week. Simple, but fabulous dishes cooked to perfection using only the best quality ingredients. Culinaria is run by Stephen and Jude Markwick who for the last 13 years or so have run one of Bristol's absolute best high end restaurants, Markwick's, down on Corn Street. Culinaria is less 'noveau' and more, eh, foodie. Rumor has it that they haven't had an empty seat any night since the day they opened, which is quite impressive indeed, given its non-centre location. Needless to say, booking is essential, and I can only add my voice to the list of people recommending this place. I had Poulet au Riz Basquaise - a pot-roasted chicken dish, and Sarah went for the Grilled Fillet of Dover Sole. Both were sublime, and although not cheap, certainly not by any stretch of imagination the most expensive meal I've had in Bristol. Mains coming in at between £11 and £14 felt like a steal for the quality. Sarah then indulged in a Warm Chocholate Brownie with hot chocholate sauce and vanilla icecream whereas I tried the British cheese selection. Service was competent but understated, like it should be.

A great addition to the restaurant scene in Bristol.