Cow & Sow (Clifton) — Restaurant in Bristol

This was our first visit to the Cow and Sow restaurant in Clifton and even though we'd heard good things about the food we couldn't have expected it to be as great as it was.

On arrival we were met by Jamie who was our waiter for our booking and were instantly made to feel very welcome.

As it was our first visit Jamie talked us through the menu and also explained about the various cuts of meet that were available to eat by weight.

I started with a delicious pint of beer whilst my friend opted for the Pinot Grigio Rose wine.

There was so much to choose from on the menu that it was actually really difficult to narrow down to something to eat.

Following Jamie's explanation of the starters we opted for a share platter that not only looked amazing but each item tasted perfect.

It consisted of salt and pepper Pork rinds, baby back ribs, ox cheek and cheddar croquettes, mini chorizo, poached and charred pineapple olives, and warm bread with whipped butter.

Not only was the food really tasty but the sauces with the items set our tastebuds off with an amazing array of flavours.

For our main courses, we both had sirloin steak but cooked differently, with sides of chips with dripping, mashed potato that had bacon chunks, creme fraiche, cheddar cheese and crispy onions mixed in, as an old school lover of mashed potato this was up there as the best I'd ever eaten, and a crispy onion blossom, as a side dish we were both pleasantly surprised by how tasty this dish was it was certainly like nothing either of us had eaten before.

It should be pointed out that Jamie was very knowledgeable about all the dishes we asked about and he explained how the onion blossom was made, it was really interesting to hear so much preparation had gone into the dish.

The meals were so filling neither of us were hungry enough to eat a dessert but we're sure the quality would have been just as high as the rest of the dishes we ate.

Jamie and a female member of staff whose name we didn’t get were both a massive credit to the restaurant, not only with their knowledge but also in there overall politeness and interactions during our visit.

My friend definitely enjoyed her meal and we both agreed it was the best steak meal we'd ever eaten.

I joked afterwards that I'd raised the bar so much with this restaurant I had no idea where to take her next as it would be difficult to match the overall experience of the...

We came to Cow & Sow for a later evening meal after a long journey from Devon, before we continued on home. We rang before to check they catered for coeliac's and dairy-free - which credit to them, they were brilliant with. Upon arrival we were given tailored menu's, they were very careful and went above and beyond here. The staff were also very friendly and welcoming.

Sadly, the food was very disappointing. I ordered a fillet steak at a price of £35 including the side of smoked bacon dauphinoise potato at £6.95 and seasonal greens at £5.95 - as nothing comes included with your steak except the sauce. I asked for my steak to be medium-rare, but when it first arrived it was bordering on blue. I appreciate this happens with steak, so sent it back politely. When the steak came back, it was slightly more edible for me but unpleasantly swimming in blood. My friend had nearly finished her meal and I was too tired to send it back again. The potato was extremely bland, and very dry. It was not dauphinoise - no creamy, garlic sauce as expected. The seasonal greens were fine, but very watery.

My friend had ordered the flat iron, chips and grilled baby gem which was fine but everything was rather under-seasoned. Although the chips were lovely and crisp and the steak cooked well considering it was dairy-free.

We asked for the bill, which came to just under £100 between the two of us with no drinks except tap water. During our meal, we weren't asked how our food was which didn't provide the opportunity to speak up and we didn't feel comfortable speaking up again after initially sending the steak back. It wasn't until we paid that there was any mention of the quality of the food, but we were both wanting to continue on our journey home at this point so we didn't comment - in hindsight we should've as we feel embarrassed to have paid full price.

We've both had much better quality steaks elsewhere. We don't mind paying more when it's worth it, which we didn't feel this was. Especially at nearly £50 each, as a 10% service charge was included, which is a lot of money at the moment.

Although, both having allergies we'd like to reiterate this was dealt with brilliantly and we...

Upon my arrival, I was warmly greeted by Ed & Arta of the team who were dressed smartly and took great pride in their appearance.

With me not being someone who really all that minds if the atmosphere of somewhere is quiet or busy when one is attending a dinner.. the place had several customers - which is very puzzling, but more on that later. The environment and space were pleasing as well as the music which was calming and at a sufficient level where diners can take and give a conversation without interference.

With clear tone and such impeccable service - Ed took delight in showing me cuts of steaks and laid out the available options open to me.

With understanding and his recommendations with food - I ordered a medium-rare sirloin steak with chunky chips, a pint of Pepsi Max and some fresh water.

Upon it's presentation by the great Arta, the food was immaculate and I couldn't wait to tuck in but not before giving my thanks to her.

The steak was gorgeous, many flavours combining and producing fireworks in my mouth which delivered massively - the chips were also to the highest satisfaction, the peppercorn sauce was an absolute delight too.. the chefs should be very proud of their culinary skills - they have my upmost thanks.

Having being approached by both employees on a few occasions to make sure everything was to my liking and a generous top-up of water to which my response was nothing but happiness for their kindness.

Upon the end of my sitting, I on this occassion opted against ordering a dessert despite it's great tempting options... I was greeted the bill and left with a big smile on my face as the restaurant truly delivered since it's recent opening.. it will do well in the present day and it's future - that I am very sure. With it's unquestionable brilliant customer service and amazing meals I would be shocked if the public do not attend such a wonderful well-run establishment - it may be Monday but what better place to cure those post-weekend gone blues then to come on down to the Cow & Sow where you'll be raring to start the...