The Sanchez-Iglesias family is one of the biggest names on Bristol's food scene. What started out as an Italian trattoria in 1999 was transformed into one of the city's most famous restaurants over the years.
Casamia began in Westbury-on-Trym fronted by husband and wife Sue and Paco before their sons head chef Peter and the late Jonray returned to the kitchen to take the restaurant in a new direction. It earned its first Michelin star in 2009, which it retained until its closure in 2022.
Taking the helm of the family business, Peter Sanchez-Iglesias is now the chef-founder of Casa and Paco Tapas on the site of The General Hospital as well as executive chef at Decimo. Casa opened at the end of 2022 on the site of Casamia after the restauranteur decided the venue was no longer financially viable in the current climate.
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The restaurant underwent a major refurbishment, lightening the interiors and adding a new sound system. Casa focuses on classic and new Italian dishes using the best of Italian and British produce where diners can enjoy fresh pasta as well as Casamia's famous house tiramisu.
But where does chef enjoy eating around Bristol? Peter has revealed his list of favourite restaurants including the best newcomer of last year and his favourite Sunday roast.
Favourite restaurant overall
"I'd have to say that Bianchi’s is one of my favourites in Bristol, just because it's a real casual place where you can go to with family or friends, and you can just chill out with small plates to share.
"The Italian direction in the menu is playful and has little notes from around Europe. It's a really delicious restaurant all round, I love it. Dom - along with Joe, Ben and the whole family who are behind the restaurant - have become really good friends of mine."
The family-owned Bianchis Group has seven venues around Bristol in its portfolio that focus on Italian cookery across all the regions - with the restaurant of the same name serving beautifully made pasta dishes and main courses.
1-3 York Rd, Bristol BS6 5QB
Best new restaurant
"Cor. It opened not long ago - Mark used to work at Bravas and Gambas, and it's his own place that he runs with his wife. I reckon that's probably the best opening of 2022.
"It's somewhere I would highly recommend people go to. Pizza Bianchi opened this year as well, the pizzeria from the same team behind Bianchi, and does really great pizza."
Family-run COR opened in the autumn of 2022 and has been widely praised as being the best newcomer of the year with its Mediterranean-inspired menu. Mark Chapman and Karen Paley pride themselves on inclusivity, whether you want to come in for a drink and a snack or a long leisurely lunch.
81 North Street, Bristol BS3 1ES
Favourite cheap eat
"Squeezed do the best burgers - they're amazing, literally world-class. It's one of my favourite places to grab a quick bite for an early dinner."
The Wapping Wharf business began flipping burgers in 2017 and hasn't looked back since, having reached national acclaim for its food. It prides itself on a simple menu done the right way - using the best quality ingredients and washed down with a glass of homemade lemonade.
Unit 4, Cargo 1, Gaol Ferry Steps, Wapping Wharf, Bristol BS1 6WE
Best Sunday roast
"The Kensington Arms. I really always enjoy it there, it's a great place where the roast isn't talked about enough, but Josh is really good at it. I'm always a sucker for the beef, so I'd recommend that - it's normally a ribeye and it's absolutely delicious."
The Redland pub - part of the Pony Group family and also tied to Green King - was named one of the best Sunday lunches in the country by The Observer Food Monthly readers. It's a destination pub perfectly placed as a pit stop on a Sunday walk where you can then indulge in fine cuts of beef or pork belly for your lunch.
35-37 Stanley Road, Bristol BS6 6NP
Favourite restaurant doing something different
"Wilsons. I love his ethos and the fact they grow all their vegetables and herbs themselves. The team also opened up a great shop selling bread and their produce, alongside a wicked bacon sarnie."
The Michelin star restaurant was one of the restaurants that signposted Chandos Road as a food destination area of Bristol. The team led by Jan Ostle and Mary Wilson has just expanded its small holding meaning the restaurant can plate up more of its own produce.
24 Chandos Rd, Redland, Bristol BS6 6PF
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