Upmarket feel in a cosy setting

SOPHIE GRUBB visits one of the best-value food experiences in Bristol

- SOPHIE GRUBB

Of all the romantic words being uttered among the couples dining at Cor, my husband's hushed contribution was surely up there: “Do you think it’s acceptable if I lick the plate?”

I imagine that would be frowned upon in a place of this standard, but it would be justified given the impossibly delicious starter that had just been devoured. This was our first date in some time since becoming parents, so our ‘posh setting’ etiquette was possibly a bit rusty - it's been a while since I’ve seen napkins and side plates on the table instead of crayons and toddler crumbs.

Cor in Bedminster has been on our must-visit list since it was added to the Michelin guide in 2023, when inspectors described it as “somewhere between a Mediterranean restaurant and a tapas bar, with shelves bursting with cookery books and wine". It’s taken years for us to finally get there but that description still rung true as we stepped in, excited for lunch.

We had reserved and were glad of it, as it was already filling up just eight minutes after opening at 12pm. There were spaces at the counters along the windows though, which are set aside for walk-ins if you don't mind a backless chair and being nosed at by passersby on North Street outside.