Carpe Diem, Millennium Parade, Explorer Lane, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TY. Tel: 0117 3169173 / 0117 3169174

Carpe diem - seize the day

Set in the new and relentlessly developing harbourside, Carpe Diem is one of the newest and finest restaurants to open and is situated on Millennium Parade. I was very excited about doing this review, having read the ethical and ecological beliefs that form their basis, and drooled over the mouth watering menus on their website. It comes from good stock, with an award winning sister restaurant, the Michelin rated Curlew. We weren't disappointed, from the moment we entered the restaurant we could tell we were in for a real treat. Whilst deliberating what to choose, we drank a Carpe Diem Royale Champagne cocktail in the fabulous cocktail bar.

To start we had the Pan seared Cornish Scallops on Pay lentils, with Crispy Bacon, Sage and Radicchio £7, and Warm Salad of Smoked Duck Breast, flambéed in Cherry Brandy and finished with a Pineapple Salsa, £6. For our mains we chose Fillet of Beef with Horseradish Mash, Onion Jam and a Port Sauce £19 and Pan Fried Monkfish Fillet wrapped in Chorizo on a Shallot and Lime Risotto £17.50. To finish off we ordered the Hot Chocolate Fondant Pudding with a Hot Chocolate Sauce £6.50 and the Caramelized |Pear Brulee with Winter Spiced Ice Cream £6.00. We shared a bottle of the Shiraz Pumphouse which was very good value at £19.95.

The service was attentive from the time we were greeted until our departure. The atmosphere and style could be likened to a very upmarket, contemporary hotel restaurant. The food - elegantly presented and truly delicious. We will be going back and feel that Bristol can only benefit from having such a quality establishment. It will provide the perfect setting for entertaining top clients, celebrating special occasions and intimate dinning alike. So seize the day and book your table today!

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