Assilah Bistro, A little Moroccan holiday in Bristol

Last night we decided to venture over to Totterdown and try out Assilah Bistro for some tasty Moroccan fare. Chris had certainly done his research, and this unassuming find appears at the no.1 spot on Trip Advisor, making it the favourite restaurant (based on customer reviews) in Bristol. We went with high expectations and arrived with last night's balmy feel only adding to the authentic nature of the outing. From the outside Assilah's has the most lovely, welcoming feel. The rustic, wooden exterior, outside seating, lanterns and fairy lights warmly invite your inside where you find a highly decorative interior, which brings to life vivid thoughts of Arabian Nights, cosy riads and the intimacy of an eclectic souk.

We ate stuffed vine leaves and falafels to start, followed by a whole Poussin cooked with almonds and apricots for Chris and and Aubergine and Courgette bake for me. All the food was absolutely delicious, subtly spiced with fragrant undertones of coriander .

We finished the night, sat outside with a mixed fruit shisha and some sweet mint tea, the perfect end to the perfect evening. I must also mention the fabulous owner who takes a genuine interest in her customers and even offered Chris to come back and borrow a book she was currently reading. Just amazing! We arrived home, well fed, with smiles on our faces, it almost felt like we had been away on holiday for the evening. I could not recommend this place enough, everyone should go there.