Not far from the hubbub of Bristol, beautiful Portishead boasts some of the best restaurants in North Somerset – from Italian and Spanish food to a good pub lunch – we pick 9 favourites
Tapas
High Street, Portishead
A Spanish style tapas restaurant offering ‘small plates’ of simple ingredients to be enjoyed over the course of an evening with drinks – plus regular specials dishes, fresh fish delivered daily from Cornwall, charcuterie and veggie platters. From spring onwards the garden boasts a grill kitchen. Don’t miss the Carrillada de ternera, puree de alubias, otherwise known as slow cooked, marinated beef cheeks in a red wine sauce with a white bean purée.
Brunch and burgers
High Street, Portishead
This informal café come bar offers a relaxed, comfortable environment to sit back and enjoy a bite to eat. Located on the old Budgens site, the Impero Lounge is split over two floors, with an outdoor seating area ready to soak up the sun in the summer months. Make sure you try the vegan burger – packed with butternut squash and nutmeg falafel, red pepper and tomato chutney, wood-roasted peppers, red onion and rocket.
Pizza and Pasta
Harbour Road, Portishead
Serving up home-cooked traditional Italian recipes, created using locally sourced meat and fish. The restaurant has won a number of awards over the years for its pizzas and pasta dishes. Don’t miss the Pollo Parma ham – that’s chicken breast marinated in lemon, rosemary and garlic, topped with mozzarella and Parma ham.
Gastro pub grub
Pier Road, Portishead
The Royal Inn is a family run pub and restaurant that offers home cooked meals served up in a warm atmosphere. Boasting an outside seating area with a panoramic view of the Severn estuary, The Royal’s menus are created with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seasonal produce. Don’t miss the 10oz West Country Sirloin Steak Dry aged prime steak with roasted tomatoes, dressed leaves, chips & home made onion rings.
Modern Italian
Harbour Road, Portishead
Aqua has open kitchens so you can see the chefs in action, or weather permitting, soak up the view of the Marina from the restaurant’s piazza if you choose to dine alfresco. Cured meats and produce sourced from Italy, are fused with meat, fish and vegetables from local suppliers to create an interesting menu. Make sure you try the rabbit ragout - slow braised rabbit in a rich chianti sauce with small pasta sheets and drizzled with truffle oil
Breakfast
Oceans Café
Newfoundland Way, Portishead
Recommended on Trip Advisor for a top cooked breakfast that is great value for money, the friendly Ocean’s Café is located in the Boat Yard, Portishead.
Irish Italian
La Marina (was Farrell’s)
The Lock Keeper, Portishead
Priding themselves on a menu dictated by seasonality that changes daily, La Marina, formerly Farrell’s, fuse Irish and Italian influences to create a fresh selection of meals. Don’t miss the chilli beef - slow braised local beef with chilli, spices and Italian beans served with sour cream bread.
Pub lunch
Clevedon Lane, Clapton in Gordano
Whether you eat in the main bar with its open fireplace, or bring the kids along to the family room, you’re sure to get a tasty lunch at The Black Horse. With a beer garden, complete with child friendly play areas and family table, the pub serves food from 12.00 noon to 2.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Try ordering the bacon and stilton baguette, great with a pint of Somerset cider.
Italian
High Street, Portishead
Family-run restaurant Antonio’s serve home-cooked food – with their pizzas repeatedly recommended on Trip Advisor. Described as ‘small, quaint and untouched by trendy fashions,’ the restaurant is known for its friendly service and traditional approach to creating a chilled-out dining experience.
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