Harden's says

A Spanish tapas and sherry bar masterminded by Peter Sanchez-Iglesias (of Casamia - number 4 in our top 100 restaurants 2016) and named after his father. It opened alongside the relocated Casamia in Bristol's new General development (on the site of the old General Hospital).

survey result

Summary

£58
   ££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

Newly expanded and now sole occupant of the Sanchez Group’s harbourside HQ following last year’s surprise closure of the all-conquering Casamia, this “lively” and “enjoyable” tapas bar (named after patron Peter Sanchez-Iglesias’s father) is “well worth a visit”. Nobody doubts the quality of the “great tapas” and accompanying Spanish wines and sherries, but there are persistent grumbles about the “expense” and the “extremely loud music” that can make conversation difficult for some.

Summary

£53
   ££
3
Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

Peter Sanchez-Iglesias’s spin-off from the acclaimed Casamia is a buzzing Andalusian-style joint near the docks where you can sit on the terrace or plump for the eight-seater counter and banter with chefs. The order of the day: “absolutely delicious tapas, with excellent sherry to match” – and this is confirmed in many reports. But ratings blipped this year on the back of a couple of ‘off reports’: “been a few times… too loud and massively overpriced”.

Summary

£47
   ££
5
Exceptional
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

Near the docks, Peter Sanchez-Iglesias’s aim is to ‘transport you to Andalusia’ (well that’s what the website says) at his casual tapas haunt (named after his dad). As a concept, it’s “absolutely spot on” and “tapas of the highest quality, with every dish a delight”, alongside a decent list of wines and sherries. “Try to get a seat at the counter for top banter with the chefs and great views as they toss stuff into the open fire”.

Summary

£47
   ££
5
Exceptional
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

Near the docks, Peter Sanchez-Iglesias’s aim is to ‘transport you to Andalusia’ (well that’s what the website says) at his casual tapas haunt (named after his dad). As a concept, it’s “absolutely spot on” and “tapas of the highest quality, with every dish a delight”, alongside a decent list of wines and sherries. “Try to get a seat at the counter for top banter with the chefs and great views as they toss stuff into the open fire”.

For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at Paco Tapas?

Restaurant details

Highchair
Yes
No dress code

Prices

Traditional European menu

Starter Main Pudding
£10.30 £30.50 £0.00
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £26.00
Filter Coffee £3.50
Extras  
Bread £0.00
Service 10.00%
Lower Guinea St, Bristol, BS1 6SY
Opening hours
MondayCLOSED
Tuesday5 pm‑10 pm
Wednesday5 pm‑10 pm
Thursday5 pm‑10 pm
Friday12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10:30 pm
Saturday12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10:30 pm
SundayCLOSED

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