Grace Dent, celebrated restaurant critic and MasterChef judge, has spotlighted two Bristol eateries as her favorite dining spots, describing them as “absolute gems.” Best known for her role alongside chef Anna Haugh on the amateur cooking competition MasterChef, Dent combines her television presence with a professional background in food criticism, having appeared on shows like The Professionals and Great British Menu.
Reflecting on the past year, Dent shared that MasterChef had consumed much of her time, limiting her visits to restaurants. Yet, the fewer places she frequented left a lasting impression due to their “zinging hospitality” and “heart-thumpingly good food.”
In her Guardian column, Dent praised Bristol’s Ragù and Lapin, two unique establishments housed in converted shipping containers at the vibrant Wapping Wharf harbourside.
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Describing Lapin as “peculiar, meta, slightly earnest and definitely delicious,” Dent highlighted its authentic French offerings, including dishes like asparagus with sauce gribiche, gnocchi Parisienne, and rabbit—whenever local hunters supply fresh game. Run by Dan O’Regan and Jack Briggs-Horan, the restaurant breathes life into traditional French bistro cuisine with a modern twist, using exceptional ingredients sourced across the UK and Europe. Dent also noted Lapin’s distinctive 1980s French pop soundtrack and the refreshing mint-green menthe-over-club-soda diabolo, which conjures up the charm of a French exchange school trip.
While Lapin impressed, Dent reserved her highest praise for Ragù, describing it as “one of the greatest dinners I’ve eaten this decade.” Highlighted dishes such as crespelle in rich tomato brodo, artichoke fritti, and chocolate budino with sour cherries and amaretti showcased “flawless cooking in completely understated surroundings.”
Owned by Karen and Mark Chapman, a married couple whose passion for Italy inspired Ragù, the restaurant emphasizes simple, loving preparation of high-quality ingredients. Ragù welcomes diners for everything from a casual aperitif to a full family feast or a slice of their renowned tiramisu. Its menu evolves with the seasons, reflecting the Chapmans’ dedication to excellent hospitality and environmental responsibility, values they also uphold at their other Bristol venture, COR.
Grace Dent is set to return to our screens with a new series of MasterChef on BBC One at 9 pm, where she will challenge six new amateur cooks, including a tattoo artist and a retired US diplomat.