La Piazza 1 – restaurant review

There was a time when people would opt to head away from Fishponds for a special meal out. But as things have changed, so has Bristol’s culinary map and this neighbourhood now attracts diners from across the city.

And so it is that we find ourselves being welcomed into the vibrant, warm embrace of La Piazza 1 on a recent Friday night, to find the restaurant already packed, conversation flowing as dishes and wine are heartily devoured in equal measure.

Italian cuisine has been adopted as the UK’s comfort food of choice and it’s not hard to fathom why as steaming dishes of pasta and pizza, still bubbling hot from the oven are carried past, wafting tantalisingly delicious scents.

Our party of four are quickly shown to our seats, handed menus with a vast array of options and left to peruse the drinks list while the polite, unflappable waiter brings glasses of tap water.

Décor in the restaurant is bright and contemporary, with a statement wall featuring a striking black and white print of the Colosseum as a tribute to the restaurant’s roots, while soft lamps and fairy lights add a homely feel.

This family-run eatery is a perfect place to relax, unwind and indulge. During summer evenings on the terrace outside, you could almost forget you’re in a Bristol suburb and instead allow yourself to be transported away to sunnier climes.

A bottle of Prosecco is promptly brought to the table, the ice cold bubbles expertly poured into waiting glasses. It is zesty, refreshing and all-too-easy to drink.

Calamari fritti

Two plates of calamari fritti (£5.70 each) serve to whet the appetite for what’s to come. Each is a well-presented heap of fried squid set atop fresh green leaves and drizzled with a delicate dressing.

The texture is crisp and not too chewy, while flavours are tasty without being sensational, setting a solid grounding for the meal to follow.

Spaghetti con vongole e gamberoni

Vegetable lasagne

On to the mains, and the spaghetti con vongole e gamberoni, with king prawns, clams, tomato and garlic in a cream sauce (£9.95), is served as a generous portion, packed full of flavour with plenty of seafood and finished with a liberal dusting of parmesan.

A heady scent of molten cheese drifts up from the vegetable lasagne (£8.95) as it is carefully placed on the table, still bubbling from the oven and also treated to a generous spoonful of parmesan.

The roasted veg and pasta layers blend seamlessly in each soft, slightly gooey mouthful. Cheese and tomato are the leading flavours in the dish, which lacks the seasoning that could have given it an extra wow factor, but it is nevertheless thoroughly enjoyable.

Pizza Sicilia

Pizzas are devoured with little comment and much satisfaction. The pizza ortolana, with a tomato base, cheese, chicken, onions, garlic and chilli, plus the extra bacon as requested (£10.20) is fresh out of the oven and generously topped.

From the specials board, the pizza Sicilia laden with sundried tomatoes and olives (£12.95) offers a crisp bite, with smooth cheese topping. It could perhaps have benefited from a tomato base to balance the cheese, but this observation does little to hinder overall enjoyment.

Among the tempting array of desserts on offer, the crème brulee does not disappoint, but the homemade tiramisu proves overpoweringly creamy and lacklustre, and could do with an injection of coffee and liquor.

Food at La Piazza 1 is more hearty comfort eating than gourmet cuisine, but for the impeccable service and friendly atmosphere, this will remain a firm favourite with people in Fishponds and beyond.

La Piazza 1
777 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3BS
0117 965 0111
www.lapiazza1.com

Read more: Goram & Vincent – restaurant review