Did I go to the same restaurant?!!! The decor is like a bad 80's restaurant (think white walls and exposed red brick arches!) The place is full of glamourous grannies in their twin-sets, pearls and overly coifed hair and on the other hand low-rent wag wannabes on dates with muscle-bound louts & is certainly not a hip exclusive eatery.
The food is okay, very small limited menu but freshly prepared (what you would expect of any decent restaurant really). Perhaps this is because I have eaten in restaurants all over the world so I have more to compare it to than most but to say it is some orgasmic experience would be a lie. It is mediocre food in a naff little restaurant in the outskirts of Bristol. The staff were pretty friendly however the hostess (an older blonde lady) is pretty indifferent and almost rude.
It would seriously need to make it more of an experience to make anybody want to go back there and I am very surprised it has any Michelin stars. I get the vibe it's the sort of place people want to go to to try to be upmarket. It's not upmarket whatsoever, it's nothing special and I for one would certainly not go back there again.
I think people say they like it for fear of coming across as uncouth for not understanding it or enjoying "Michelin Star" food. I have eaten in over 20 Michelin Star restaurants all over the world and this certainly isn't of that standard. It's okay not to like it! Just because it has this award doesn't make it automatically fantastic. The flavours are confused and the experience is well..... there isn't one.
Sarah
I went to Casamia a few weeks ago, before it got its Michelin star (which is very well deserved) and would be pleased to recommend it to anyone thinking of going. The bar and restaurant staff are friendly making the service excellent. My boyfriend and I were amazed at the food, the presentation was perfect and the flavours were out of this world, far exceeding our expectations. This restaurant is one of the best known secrets I have!
Dan B
we've been going to Casamia for over a year now (6 or 7 occasions). Each time, the whole experience has been a joy and one that I would wholeheartedly recommend.
The restaurant itself is located in Westbury-on-Trim but you would be pushed to find it and would struggle to stumble across it if just passing by. It is located in a small alley/courtyard and this in itself lends to the anticipation - its as though your travelling to a secret bolt hole or through a cupboard to Narnia. (to get to the front door you also have to pass the kitchen and with window's open the smells immediately hit you and get your tastebuds going).
Once inside you are greeted by the waiters/waitresses and usually by the owners as well who always deliver a warm and considerate welcome. It is small inside, which only adds to the relaxed but special atmosphere.
The drinks are good (always kick off with a manzilla), with a decent if small wine list.
However, the real beauty of Casamia is in the eating. The a la carte menu offers a good variety and the food is always beautifully presented and most importantly absolutely delicious. Do go for the tasting menu if you can however as this is really where the chefs show of their undoubted talent and creativity - the mozzarella and tomato is unlike anything you have ever had.
I've just learnt that Casamia has been awarded its first and Bristols only Michelin star. Well done and well deserved to all - i'll be back on Valentines day to say hello.
Phil M
I've been going to Casamia since 2000. My wife and I have always found the service charming and friendly. The food offering has evolved steadily over the years, from the standard pizza and pasta plus steaks/chicken of your everyday "Italian" restaurant, to the kind of place that you'd be happy to find if you were looking for high-end fare in Milan or Naples.
The service has remained friendly and welcoming (the owners are always in hand), with the food offered by chefs Jonray and Peter absolutely astounding. On more than one occasion (we get there about once a month) I have declared that I am no longer going to attempt to cook a specific dish - I can never hope to meet these levels of technical expertise. The food is now of Michelin-baiting quality.
If you love food, and want to spend a relaxed evening enjoying an experience to remember, I wholeheartedly recommend Casamia (remember to book though). If you really want to spoil yourselves, go for the tasting menu. This was only available during the week when we had it, but is a wonderful treat.
Hellsbells
A very friendly family-run restaurant. Previously a simple but good Italian, the sons of the owners have now taken over and have high aspirations - modern Fat Duck style food, with an Italian twist. I would strongly recommend the deconstructed Caesar salad and tiramisu - they will exceed your expectations. The tasting menu is very good value and all meals tend to come with little surprise extras. A real treat for all foodies!
k
Just dined at casamia and what a meal, the food has totally taken Italian food to another level, dishes were perfectly executed and presentation excellent, highly recommended and to gain recognition is certain.
dave
great fresh food, the mussels turned up just as i arrived. very friendly service. would recommend to anyone.
pip
Great, recently revised menu. Very fresh ingredients (the sea bass turned up when we were looking at the menus...). Very friendly people.
caz
lovely restaurant gorgeous food would definitely go again