I felt a little cheeky accepting the invitation to review Jamie’s Italian in Bristol. We’ve eaten there enough times to know how good it is. The restaurant has popped up in my weekend posts a few times in the past and it made the perfect setting for my birthday celebration last year. However, the chance to sample their new spring menu proved too alluring to resist, so we booked a table for lunch a few weeks ago and headed into town for an indulgent family meal.

Jamie’s manages to be child-friendly in my favourite way. Kids are treated as discerning customers rather than mere mouths to feed, and provided with a menu that caters for fussy eaters and fledgling foodies alike. Presented in a fun retro View-Master toy, it features things like mini-sliders, posh fish fingers and dinky hot dogs. Each dish is accompanied by a small, crunchy salad in a jar, a soft drink and ice-cream for dessert.

As one of the first tables to be seated after the restaurant opened at midday, we benefitted from the fact it was so quiet. Our lovely waiter, Lewis, took the children downstairs to watch pasta being made and talked them through some of the other Italian ingredients on display.

I’m a big fan of the cocktails on offer at Jamie’s Italian, but as I wasn’t in the mood for hard liquor with lunch, I decided to try something nonalcoholic. My Ginger Mojito was amazing and I’ll definitely be attempting to recreate it at home.

We kicked off our meal with Jamie’s Ultimate Sharing Plank, a huge board that arrives loaded with salami, mortadella, prosciutto, olives, mozzarella and much, much more. The Italian Nachos, or crispy fried ravioli stuffed with three cheeses and served with arrabattia and parmesan, were my favourite by far.

For our main course, Mr L.A. went for the burger with polenta chips, the best side order I’ve ever had the pleasure of stealing from his plate.

I always take advantage of the fact Jamie’s pasta dishes are available in a smaller portion, pairing my Sausage Pappardelle with a delicious Caprese Salad. As usual, the food was faultless and the service impeccable. The waiting staff always seem to really know their stuff, running through specials and recommending dishes with confidence and authority.

I’m not sure how, but we found ourselves with just enough room for dessert. The Amalfi Lemon Meringue Cheesecake was divine; fresh and fruity, but with just the right degree of decadence. Jesse was particularly taken with this dish, attacking my slice with gusto and eulogizing loudly between mouthfuls!

Needless to say, we left with full bellies and smiles on our faces. Jamie’s Italian remains a firm family favourite, ticking all the boxes for dining out with kids. In fact, we had such a good time, we returned a week later for dinner with my parents. Even on a busy Saturday night when the restaurant was full to capacity, the experience exceeded our expectations. I can say with complete confidence that it won’t be our last visit.

Have you sampled the delights of Jamie’s Italian? What did you make of the place?

Love Audrey xxx

We were guests of Jamie’s Italian, but all opinions are my own.