Hello dear
At La Panza, nestled in the charming Redcliffe Way of Bristol, an authentic Italian dining experience awaits. This delightful restaurant boasts a carefully curated menu focused on quality over quantity, offering fresh, handmade dishes that delight the senses. Guests rave about the crispy calamari, rich duck ragu gnocchi, and the indulgent pistachio tiramisu, each crafted with love and attention to detail. The warm ambience, punctuated by fantastic music, invites you to relax and savor each bite. With a commitment to creating memorable meals in a cozy setting, La Panza truly embodies the heart of Italian cuisine, ensuring a remarkable dining experience for all.
About
Welcome to La Panza, a charming gem tucked away on Redcliffe Way in Bristol. This delightful Italian restaurant is a testament to authentic culinary craftsmanship. With a reputation for serving some of the best Italian dishes outside of Italy, La Panza has quickly become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors alike.
As you step inside, the inviting atmosphere wraps around you like a warm embrace. The cozy setting, paired with friendly and attentive staff, creates the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. Every detail reflects the owner’s passion, from the carefully curated menu to the carefully selected music that fills the air, enhancing the dining experience.
Now, let’s talk about the food. The menu at La Panza is a celebration of Italian cuisine that wonderfully balances quality and simplicity. Starting with the Antipasti, the freshly made calamari is a standout, delicately fried to perfection and accompanied by a tangy house mayo. The scallop gratin, with its seasoned breadcrumbs, offers a succulent bite that transports you straight to coastal Italy.
For the main courses, La Panza does not disappoint. The duck dumplings, featuring homemade potato gnocchi paired with a rich duck ragu, are a comforting delight, while the mussel tagliatelle combines fresh seafood with a hint of fennel for a truly flavorful dish. Every plate is a labor of love, showcasing vibrant flavors and beautifully balanced compositions that leave diners raving.
Desserts such as the pistachio tiramisu are the perfect way to end your meal, offering a delightful twist on the classic treat. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors that captivates the palate and lingers beautifully.
The consensus among patrons is clear. Whether it’s the value for money or the sheer quality of the food, La Panza earns its title of the best Italian restaurant in Bristol. As one delighted customer put it, “this place is genuinely special.” If you’re searching for an authentic Italian dining experience with a personal touch, La Panza should undoubtedly be on your culinary radar.
For bookings or inquiries, reach out to them at +44 7311 291193. Prepare yourself for a delightful evening filled with spectacular food and a welcoming ambiance that feels like home.
“ Lovely little independent restaurant. Friendly staff, and possibly the best Italian food I've had outside of Italy. Limited menu, but they clearly concentrate on quality over quantity, which is no bad thing. ”
“ Lovely restaurant, amazing authentic Italian food. Such a cute setting and atmosphere inside. Great service and cocktails So glad we found this place. ”
“ Came here for my wife's birthday and we both absolutely loved it. Friendly, relaxed, very competent service in a cosy atmosphere which was filled with conversation once the other tables were seated. For starter we had the focaccia, calamari and arancini alla norma which were all brilliant. The calamari was fresh and cooked perfectly with light batter and tangy mayo. The arancini were creamy and moreish with lovely rich aubergine filling. The focaccia was soft and chewy with lovely quality oil and balsamic to dip. Mains were duck ragu gnocchi and roast pepper risotto with paprika. Both had rich, deep flavour while still feeling balanced and fresh, ideal sized portions too. We shared the pistachio tiramisu for dessert and it was perfect, just the right balance of flavours. They even treated us to some glasses of prosecco to celebrate the birthday! Thoroughly recommend, incredible value considering the 3 courses of food we had and an alcoholic drink each. ”
“ Went for a bite to eat before an event in Bristol, the building itself had a lot of charm and we sat in as it was a rainy day which made the restaurant feel very cosy. We tried the fish of the day and the duck pasta, both of which were delicious, the fish was cooked perfectly. The calamari starter was proper calamari and not just squid rings so I was very impressed. I liked that the menu was diverse but also wasn't too spread out in options as it felt like every dish was well thought out and freshly sourced. Wine selection was great as well, all round a brilliant restaurant. I will be coming back for sure! ”
“ La Panza is hands down the best Italian restaurant in Bristol. A true hidden gem with incredible value for money. The owner pours his heart into running this place, and you can feel it in every detail. The atmosphere is laid-back, the prices are great, and the food is authentic, simple, and absolutely delicious! There's always fantastic music playing in the background, making the vibe even better. This place is genuinely special, just like its unique location! ”
“ We walked in on a Wednesday evening without a booking. Staff was lovely and able to accommodate us. I really enjoyed the dining area is in a small cosy room. Foods quality was spot on, it feels authentic. I had a haddock pasta and a tiramisu with pistachio cream. Both were delicious. Menu hasn't got a big selection of choices, which I do not mind. I would prefer the chef focus on quality of each dish rather than a big selection but average quality. I will be re-visiting again. ”
“ Was so excited to visit La Panza as it had been on my radar for a while, and it was so worth the wait!! As an Italian based in the UK, it was so refreshing and heartwarming to find some staples of Italian culinary tradition as well as twists on classics. Everything was so fresh and authentic, with lovely cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. Can’t wait to be back already!! ”
“ Sooooo yummy. Got the duck ragu gnocchi and it was so creamy, soft & tender! Vibes are super cute, like you’re at a dinner party at your friends nonna’s home. Service also great, felt well looked after. Defs recommend this place. ”