So uni life has begun. You’ve settled in. Your own space. Your own rules. Then you get the call: they’re coming to pay you visit! They say they’ve “forgotten what you look like already” but you know that’s just code for a parental raid. No worries. A swift clean-up, pop the kettle on, small-talk over a cup of tea; “yes, I’m doing my work… yes I’m using protection…” Whatever. Get rid of them and get pissed with your mates, right?

WRONG. They don’t see you often anymore, they want to spend some time with you, go out for a meal or something. Well, if they want to ‘spend’ then let them. Here’s your chance to go to that restaurant you could never quite justify on your student loan. This is why parents’ cards are gold. So, exactly where are you going to indulge your culinary fantasies? Let us give you a whistle-stop tour of some of the restaurants you might not have to pay for…

Bell’s Diner, Montpelier
Lurking unexpectedly on a corner in a restored grocery shop you’ll find Bell’s Diner, the epitome of fine dining. Proprietor and head-chef, Chris Wickes, has mastered a distinctive style of haute cuisine, drawing influence from the adventurous gastronomic forays of chefs such as Heston Blumenthal. There’s no denying that Bell’s Diner is right at the top end in its price tag but when every forkful is a taste sensation with a combination of flavours and ingredients you’d think was impossible, you’ll quickly realise what you… erm aren’t paying for.

Obento, Baldwin Street
With next to no competition in upmarket Japanese cuisine, it would be little surprise for Obento to be average. Indeed with communal, bench-style seating, there’s nothing visual to delineate it from the likes of Wagamama… except the food. Put simply, you won’t find better, fresher sushi in Bristol. All of the staples we’ve come to love in Japanese food are there and a few more to boot. Obento boxes a host of house specialities and it makes for a must to the connoisseur of Eastern delights.

Bordeaux Quay, Waterfront
Bordeaux Quay on the quayside, a onetime goods shed, houses an entire culinary ecosystem. The cookery school on the top floor trains the Ramseys of the future, while the elegant restaurant below serves excellently cooked contemporary provincial European cuisine and the brasserie on the ground floor serves up lighter, more wallet-friendly fare. There you can admire the harbour views through a huge glass frontage, that is, if you can draw your attention away from the hubbub of the combined bar, brasserie, bakery and deli counter.

Glass Boat, Welshback
If you’re a true gourmet and elegant haute cuisine is what floats your boat (sorry!) then this is a good place to start. Berthed on the Welshback, the Glass Boat’s visage is… well it’s pretty much a glass boat. This lovingly restored goods barge makes for an intimate and picturesque dining experience.

Bocanova, Colston Street
For those whose taste buds are tuned to a more exotic tone, Bocanova’s Brazilian and Mediterranean fusion could provide the perfect harmony. Dishes riddled with herbs and spices evoke that far-flung feeling, whilst the bright and colourful décor ensures all of your senses are in tune.

Best of the Rest:
Marco’s, Baldwin Street
The Firehouse Rotisserie, Anchor Square
Bosphorus, Baldwin Street
Café Maitreya, St Marks Road
Fishworks, Blackboy Hill
Hotel Du Vin, Narrow Lewins Mead

Ed Williams