Casa
Bristol
Rising phoenix-like from the ashes of Casamia, and harking back to its roots, this contemporary Italian restaurant from Peter Sánchez-Iglesias still has the ability to wow, but is decidedly more accessible than its predecessor. Cream walls, blond wood tables and muted lighting suggest calm, but pumping dance music and the busy chatter of neighbouring tables make this a lively place to eat. If you've been to Sánchez-Iglesias's equally ambitious Paco Tapas next door, you'll know the drill here – you may also recognise several of the waiting staff. Handwritten specials are added daily to a core menu of antipasti, pasta, cured meats and cheese, plus meat, fish and vegetable dishes. The line-up is so full of temptation it's hard to know when to stop, though you can hand over responsibility by opting for the 'chef's choice' selection. Must-tries range from an antipasto of crunchy little semolina pillows filled with an intensely moreish Parmesan emulsion to perfectly al dente potato ravioli on a bed of toothsome and surprisingly meaty-textured lion's mane mushroom ragù. The presentation and delivery may be simple, but make no mistake, this is top-flight cooking. A dish of a whole braised beef cheek in a rich, smoky sauce is so tender it is delivered with just a spoon. Elsewhere, wilted spinach with pesto exemplifies the genius of Italian cooking, where the sheer quality of ingredients can make a simple dish sing. Those who can remember Casamia from its earliest Westbury-on-Trym days will have fond memories of the tiramisu, faithfully reproduced on the dessert menu here. Order it. If you can read the tiny print of the drinks menu, an inventive selection of cocktails awaits alongside an extensive list of mostly Italian wines selected by Casamia's former sommelier.
Dining Information:
Wheelchair access, Pre-payment required
The General, Lower Guinea Street, , Bristol BS1 6FU
0117 959 2884
