There are many reasons to love Bristol, but whether its house prices or the cost of a pint, the city isn't often noted for its affordability. But after Michelin released its latest round of awards last week, two restaurants in the city have been ranked amongst the country's 10 most inexpensive fine-dining establishments.
Compiled by Squaremeal, the ranking is based on research by Parkdean Resorts that considers both affordability and reviews to gauge value for money. The celebrated spots range from farm-to-fork food in Monmouthshire to Italian small plates in Glasgow, but Bristol is the only city to put in two appearances on the list.
In total, Bristol has nine Michelin-starred or Bib Gourmand eateries, with a further nine included in the guide. But it is Wilsons on Chandos Road and BOX-E at Wapping Wharf that have come in for extra praise for maintaining an accessible price point and exemplary overall dining experience.
Read More: Michelin Guide 2023 names all the best restaurants in Bristol on its list
It should come as little surprise that BOX-E features on the list of most affordable Michelin restaurants, as its credentials include a Bib Gourmand award. Created in 1997, the award is named after Bibendum - the Michelin Man mascot himself - and recognises friendly establishments serving good food at moderate prices that are considered good value by Michelin's inspectors.
Housed in a shipping container with space for just 14 guests, BOX-E's approach is unpretentious and accessible. It offers a 'blind' seven-course tasting menu for £50 per person, with optional wine flight at £35 a head, as well as a la carte options, with starters beginning at around £7.50 and mains from £15-20.
The seasonal menu uses top-quality British ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes such as roast miso cauliflower and truffled spelt risotto or charred sprouting broccoli with goats’ curd, hazelnuts and wild garlic.
In our review, Bristol Live said: "A modest little restaurant with a growing reputation for its food, Box-E also shows big-hearted generosity in all its forms. It’s simply a brilliant restaurant, currently one of the best in the city, and Bristol is very lucky to have it."
Bristol's second entry on the list is Wilsons, which earned a green star from Michelin for its eco practices. With a menu built around its market garden and producers practising regenerative farming, a meal here won't leave you questioning your carbon footprint.
It also doesn't have to leave you too out of pocket with a four-course lunch menu costing £25 a head, including a glass of biodynamic wine. It also offers a full six-course taster for £60. Expect delicate but original dishes such as buckwheat tart with smoked eel, marinated turnips and beetroot with eel cream or lobster and pork shoulder en croute with purple shiso.
In our review, Bristol Live said: "Intelligent dishes with a firm sense of place created by a chef who cooks from the heart as well as with a conscience, Wilson’s deserves its reputation as one of Bristol’s go-to restaurants."
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