The Travel Critic

For the attention-span challenged: Just go. It’s brilliant.

Now, for those capable of reading more than a tweet without swiping away: Six by Nico in Bristol has nailed the elusive restaurant trifecta (or, in this case, sextet)—ambiance, service, food, concept, atmosphere, and yes, that magical ingredient: the urge to come back.

It’s a proper treasure trove. The venue? Sophisticated yet unpretentious, with an open kitchen that invites you into the action rather than lurking in moody shadowland like some pretentious speakeasy. The lighting is perfect for people who like to see both their food and their dining companion, and, bless them, they’ve spaced the tables far enough apart so you don’t feel like you’ve gatecrashed a stranger’s anniversary dinner.

The concept? Six courses, each curated around a theme, not as a gimmick but as a playful yet masterful culinary story. There’s theatre, but it’s genuine, not overblown. When the smoke-laden cloche is lifted, it’s not a cheap trick—a masterpiece like smoked pork belly waits underneath. Bravo.

The service? Immaculate. Josh, our server, deserves a BAFTA for his performance: polished yet personable, a raconteur who somehow balances knowledge of the menu with chatting about hometown triumphs, like his local chippy and that Triumph Motorcycle factory. Effortlessly engaging, never pushy—a perfect maître d’ of the evening.

And the food—oh, the food! It’s a culinary symphony that begins with curry sauce and ends with Mars bar heaven. Every course strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and restraint; you’re satiated, not stuffed. These folks know exactly how to woo diners with precision and flair.

Finally, it’s special—not just another evening out, but the kind of place you eagerly save for birthdays, anniversaries, or, let’s be honest, a random Thursday when life just calls for something extraordinary.

Six by Nico, welcome to Bristol. We’re thrilled to have you.