MasterChef’s Grace Dent has singled out two Bristol restaurants as her personal favourites, describing them as “absolute gems.” The 52-year-old food critic and TV personality debuted on the amateur cooking show alongside chef Anna Haugh and has previously co-presented the celebrity edition with John Torode. Known for her sharp palate and culinary insight, Grace has also appeared on shows like The Professionals and Great British Menu.
Last year, Grace revealed that her demanding MasterChef commitments “sucked up most of her waking hours,” limiting the number of restaurants she could visit. As a result, the establishments that impressed her with their “zinging hospitality” and “heart-thumpingly good food” stood out more than ever.
Among these, two Bristol venues—Ragù and Lapin—caught her attention. Both are located in repurposed shipping containers at the harbourside Wapping Wharf development, contributing to Bristol’s vibrant food scene.
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Grace described Lapin as a “peculiar, meta, slightly earnest and definitely delicious” taste of France, serving dishes such as asparagus with sauce gribiche, gnocchi Parisienne, and the titular rabbit (lapin), when available. She noted Lapin’s willingness to add caviar to any dish upon request, highlighting the restaurant’s unique charm. Operators Dan O’Regan and Jack Briggs-Horan draw inspiration from lively French bistros and brasseries, with head chef Jack crafting a menu that offers a fresh, modern spin on classic French cuisine. The restaurant sources exceptional ingredients from across the UK and Europe. Grace also praised the venue’s 1980s French pop soundtrack and a signature mint-green “menthe-over-club-soda diabolo,” which evoke the nostalgic feel of a French exchange school trip.
While Grace appreciated Lapin’s flair, she reserved her highest praise for Ragù, calling it “one of the greatest dinners I’ve eaten this decade.” Highlights included crespelle in rich tomato brodo, artichoke fritti, and chocolate budino with sour cherries and amaretti—dishes she described as flawlessly executed within understated surroundings.
Ragù is run by Karen and Mark Chapman, a husband-and-wife duo who met in Australia before settling in Bristol. Their shared passion for Italy inspired them to open Ragù, where they focus on “quality ingredients, prepared simply, with love.” Welcoming diners for everything from a solo aperitif to a full family feast, Ragù offers a seasonally refreshed menu built on good hospitality and sustainability principles. The Chapmans also operate another Bristol restaurant, COR, maintaining these values across their establishments.
Grace Dent will soon return to screens with the new series of MasterChef, airing at 9 pm on BBC One. This season features six new amateur cooks, including a tattoo artist and a retired US diplomat, who will put their skills to the test under her critical eye.