La Panza
La Panza things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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A little rough round the edges, in the nicest way possible, Lapanza pitches you into the central piazza of a small town in Italy, with the sounds of 1980s Italian powerpop and classics from the smooth Italian crooners of the 1960s coming from the kitchen. You can have Negroni, or Campari Spritz (a mile better than sickly sweet Aperol), or a range of Italian favourites for an aperitif. For my starter, I chose Lenticchie (lentils and beans with veg cooked in a flavour filled stock). This came topped with crispy greens. Savoury, with a hint of light lemon, and a filling peppery broth, this was a love song in a bowl. My main was Orecchiette Cime bi Rapa ('little ears' pasta, so named for their shape, made by pressing a thumb into pasta dough, with bitter greens from southern Italy, part way between dandelion leaves and brocolli). Sundried tomatoes, finely chopped with black olives and capers added to the flavour bomb. Rounded, earthy, light, fresh and so, so good. Cucina Povera never tasted so fine. This is food for the people. Fresh ingredients are simply handled with well thought through wine choices to make for a perfect pairing. The house wine (a blend from north Italy) was an excellent pairing BTW. There are vegetarian and gluten free options galore, and vegans have a few options too. A peanut brittle pistachio Canolo was a delight to finish with. It may not look like much, but it really is excellent. There's a lot to love here.
Sanjit ChudhaSanjit Chudha
00
During a trip down to Bristol for my friend's birthday, we came here for dinner and I will be honest as always, it was delicious however, small. So usually I do prefer a larger plate of food, or even multiple dishes if it's tapas style, I'm a guy with an appetite, however if you are similar, I'd say this place may leave you wanting more. Food - The taste of the food was lovely, however the portion was small and the options were limited. Also, there isnt garlic bread, but the focaccia was fluffy and light. We were sat upstairs, 6 of us, and it was tight when all 3 tables were together, but not uncomfortable. There is outside seating though for the coming months if youre planning on attending and it's nice weather. My partner is a vegetarian, and unless you like seafood, there's one option, so this was unfortunately a downside for us. The service was good considering there was only 2 on, and food came at a nice speed, we were informed partially through though that we had 45 minutes left, and some hadn't finished eating yet so felt abit rushed. Not sure if this is standard down in Bristol though. Overall, tasted nice and a good price, but for the demand I could see there, they may need a bigger place and a wider menu, or it's perfect for just two of you
Martyn FrenchMartyn French
10
I went there on a Saturday for lunch with two friends. The waiter told us straight away that they couldn't prepare a few plates because the chef didn't show up that day. (bless them) That wasn't a problem for us. The service though was really slow, we had to wait so long at the start just to get our drinks. Food was fine, the amatriciana sauce had guanciale in jt that was a little bit burnt, but my friend didn't mind. At the end of the meal they brought me an espresso without any sugar or spoon. I asked the waiter for them and waited a while, then, since my coffee was getting cold, I went and ask the waiter for them again, and they apologised and said they forgot it. This wasn't the best experience because I went to La Panza a few years before and we had incredible food and no issues at all. Probably caught them on a bad day!
Rachele BBRachele BB
00
Wow this place! We stumbled across La Panza on a cold and windy Saturday, late afternoon after a very difficult day just wanting food in our tummies, no expectations. The place is very twee and welcoming. We were seated outside on the patio as the restaurant was fully booked. No problem, heater on and cosy blankets galore! We were waited on very attentively and the staff were friendly and chatty. Service was quick, we ate delicious food and perfect portion sizes for two courses. Pleased to see a lovely and unique variety of flavours on the menu with seasonal produce. A great deal of care and thought clearly has gone into the menu. Music was wonderful, the ambience really picked up our moods. A truly special little place and a real treat to discover this. Can’t wait to visit again when we are back in Bristol!!
Jennifer ClarkJennifer Clark
20
A jetlagged stranger rides into town, cold and wet. My comfortable hotel is hosting a business conference or somesuch, not to my taste. It's too wet to venture far for dinner. I cross the road to La Panza. Heaven! It's basically a courtyard... under cover and there's a heater. The service is swift and I soon have a decent glass of red. The entree, Ombrina, is zingy, tasty and it hits the spot. Another glass of red is needed. My main, Amatriciana, is gorgeous.... meaty, chewy, a bit of chilli. My dessert is a grappa, the perfect ending for such a meal. The atmosphere is great, there's a real vibe here, young,cheerful staff and great music. Suits me well... not young, rarely cheerful! Even the toilet is good, well set up for the disabled. Loved it all! That easily adds up to five stars.
Peter HorsamPeter Horsam
00
I had very high hopes for my supper this evening, they were nearly met. The restaurant is in an odd location probably not looking its best on a wet-gloomy evening in August but the team at La Panza are very friendly and welcoming. I had the hispy cabbage to start, the presentation wasn’t pretty but it had great flavour with a nice bit of chilli bit it was very salty. Followed by the Cornish crab which was light and delicate, as it should be. Sadly it was let down by the inconsistently cooked large bland pasta tubes, which were very hard in places, they did not compliment the crab. The glass of Sangiovese rose was delicious, I would’ve had more but it’s a Monday night. The service was excellent and I would dine at La Panza again, there are other dishes on the menu I’d like to try.
Catherine O'Ryan NicholsonCatherine O'Ryan Nicholson
00
Nearby Attractions Of La Panza
M Shed
Bristol Aquarium
Castle Park
Bristol Cathedral
Queen Square
The Galleries
Victoria Park
Arnolfini Arts
Windmill Hill City Farm
Millennium Square

M Shed
4.4
(2.6K)Click for details

Bristol Aquarium
4.2
(2.5K)Click for details

Castle Park
4.4
(1.7K)Click for details

Bristol Cathedral
4.7
(1.6K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of La Panza
Turtle Bay Bristol Broad Quay
Za Za Bazaar
V-Shed - JD Wetherspoon
The Knights Templar - JD Wetherspoon
The Commercial Rooms - JD Wetherspoon
Las Iguanas - Bristol - Harbourside
Pasture
The Bristol Stable
Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
The Old Duke

Turtle Bay Bristol Broad Quay
4.7
(4.2K)Click for details

Za Za Bazaar
4.2
(4.4K)Click for details

V-Shed - JD Wetherspoon
3.9
(2.2K)Click for details

The Knights Templar - JD Wetherspoon
3.9
(1.9K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Redcliffe Way, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6NL, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 7311 291193
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Website
lapanzabristol.co.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(320 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Laid-back cafe serving Italian dishes in a cozy, rustic space that has a terrace.
attractions: M Shed, Bristol Aquarium, Castle Park, Bristol Cathedral, Queen Square, The Galleries, Victoria Park, Arnolfini Arts, Windmill Hill City Farm, Millennium Square, restaurants: Turtle Bay Bristol Broad Quay, Za Za Bazaar, V-Shed - JD Wetherspoon, The Knights Templar - JD Wetherspoon, The Commercial Rooms - JD Wetherspoon, Las Iguanas - Bristol - Harbourside, Pasture, The Bristol Stable, Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol, The Old Duke

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