Ciao — Restaurant in Bristol

I recently visited Ciao in Stoke Bishop, a beautiful family run Italian restaurant that instantly felt like a hidden gem in Bristol. The moment I stepped inside, I was struck by how beautifully laid out the place was. The décor gave off a warm and cozy atmosphere, the kind that makes you feel like you are dining in someone’s home rather than a business. It had that special personal touch that only a family run place can offer.

Before my visit, I had emailed the restaurant with a small request. I explained that I would be bringing a family member who suffers from autism and asked if we could have a quiet corner table along with access to the WiFi. Their response was so heartwarming and genuine that it honestly set the tone for the entire experience. They replied saying they would be more than happy to accommodate my family member’s needs in any way they could. I know they are under no obligation to do so, and they could have easily just said “yes” without much thought, but the warmth in their words made me feel like we were truly welcome. That meant a great deal to me and gave me such peace of mind before we even arrived. It is rare to find a business that not only serves great food but also carries such a big heart and understanding for all kinds of people.

When it came to the food, I could tell from the very first bite that this was authentic Italian cooking made with passion. For my starter, I ordered the Calamari Fritti. It was cooked to perfection with a light, crispy coating that was not greasy at all. The calamari itself was tender and fresh, and the sauce served alongside it complemented the flavour beautifully. Once I gave it a drizzle of lemon juice, the entire starter came alive with brightness and freshness. It was the kind of dish where you pause after the first bite just to appreciate the balance of flavours.

For my main course, I went with a Margherita pizza topped with goat cheese and onions. This was everything a pizza should be and more. The base was thin but strong enough to hold the toppings without going soggy. It had that slight crisp at the edge and a soft, airy centre which is the hallmark of a skilled Italian chef. The tomato sauce had depth and richness with just the right tang, and the cheese was generous without overpowering the dish. The goat cheese added a beautiful creamy sharpness, and the onions brought a natural sweetness that paired perfectly with every bite. It was one of those pizzas where each slice tasted as fresh and perfect as the first, and you could tell it had been made with love and care rather than rushed out of a kitchen.

From start to finish, the service was impeccable. The staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely happy to see people enjoying themselves. They have created something rare here, a restaurant that is not just about food but about people. They make you feel valued, understood, and welcome no matter who you are.

For me, Ciao Stoke Bishop is without a doubt the number one Italian restaurant in Bristol. The combination of authentic, delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and staff with such genuine kindness makes it stand out above the rest. A huge thank you to everyone at Ciao for making our visit so special. I will definitely be returning and recommending it to...

I would leave zero stars if I could. We had booked for two. When we arrived, there were no space. They squeezed us in the middle of two table. However, they were struggling to put the second chair. So they pushed the table towards me so they could accommodate a very small chair for my daughter who has limited physical ability in her legs. Her legs got squashed, so suddenly I saw a table that got vacant. I asked the gentleman who owns the restaurant and he said that it is okay for us to move. So we moved to better table so my daughter could sit easily. We had our drinks as well. I moved them myself since I want to help. In that moment suddenly the lady who’s name is Linda, the manager came very very angrily towards us shouting at my poor daughters and my face to move back to that tiny space. She said there are other two people that she had promised them the table (we were actually had come before those two people) .I told her that her husband said it is okay and also we had also booked beforehand. She was very hysterical and really scary, and told us that her husband is not the boss, she is the boss. When I saw my daughter shaking of anxiety, I said okay we will leave. Her husband came and told us not to. So they started shouting at each other. She said that those two were regulars and they are more important than us. He said, “this two are also regular and moreover this table is more suited for her disability “. At this moment we were actually at door to leave, Linda the manager got so furious, that I thought she would explode . She screamed “ I don’t care about her disability! Or if the booked earlier, they are not allowed to sit here “. We left, very disappointed. My poor daughter was shaking . The owner who I assume is Linda's husband came after us in the street and apologised and told us that he appreciates us as regular costumer and remembers that we have been there tons of times. I must say I do appreciate his apology and still feel sorry for him. But I think I have to stand up for a bully like Linda. I did not want to spoil dinner for poor people in restaurant so I kept a low profile and didn’t engage in her “monologue”, however I feel it is important For me to write what happened there. I will also will contact citizen advice about discrimination that we have...

A small Italian restaurant in a quiet area where the excellent service starts with the very warm welcome everyone gets when they walk in. The excellent service stays with you throughout your stay - from all the staff.

During the day it's a great place to meet for coffee or other drink of your choice but the menu offers a good range of Italian food that will, undoubtedly, tempt you to return for a meal.

The meals are all cooked to order but the waiting time is normal for any good restaurant. Pizzas are made with proper dough and can easily be individualised. You can also request garlic or chilli oil to drizzle on top (well worth it). Pasta dishes are excellent and the pasta is always cooked to perfection. Portion sizes are good as well!

A small bar can supply you with a range of drinks and reasonably priced wines.

The very clean premises and toilets complete the picture for this restaurant that will have you returning...