Tried the new Ritorno Lounge on the Harborside

Ritorno Lounge on the Harborside (July 17) and is already incredibly popular with Bristol diners. By Thursday lunchtime it was full and I managed to secure the only unoccupied table outside to see what the shiny new arrival had to offer.

The eclectic decor is hard to describe with just one taste: imagine a moodboard of Neapolitan ice cream, 1920s speakeasy bars and an English country house. I know, these three things don’t sound like they would group together into a cohesive interior design style, but they do.

Outside is a charming and bold seating area with small marble-style tables and the brightest frilled parasols I’ve ever come across. The design was tastefully executed and I felt transported to some of my happiest memories at my favorite gelateria in Devon, which I frequented as a child.

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The waitresses who served me were polite and smiling. My only issue with the outdoor seating area was that other guests were smoking: this feels normal in a pub garden, but it didn’t feel right at all with many families with young children having lunch.

Planters filled with luscious green foliage and climbing vines gave the outdoor area a summer holiday feel. As I wanted to sit outside on such a gloriously sunny day, I had to hope that my table wouldn’t be grabbed by lunch-goers as I made my way to the bar to order, as the outdoor tables are not yet equipped with QR codes. to order from your place

I opted for the veggie breakfast which costs £10.95. Included are two cheddar and sweet corn cakes, greens and peppers, hash browns, baked beans, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, a fried egg and a choice of white or brown toast.

Only a short wait later, despite the busy crowd, I was served my food. The best way to eat a breakfast with so many different components is to try a little bit of everything, one at a time.

The hash browns were deliciously crispy and the greens were crisp and mixed with sweet peppers. While the perfectly fried egg is a moot point, the yolk was just the right amount of “dippy” for me.

The real stars of the show, though, were the cheddar and the sweet corn cakes. I imagine many vegetarian readers will agree when I say that delicious and inventive veggie alternatives are hard to come by, and I was worried that the steaks wouldn’t live up to the standard set by the rest of my plate.

The delicious main event was crispy on the outside, filled with a creamy, slightly spicy, cheese filling. I only wish there were a few more on the plate, although the portion size was already generous.

Inside it’s a more relaxed atmosphere, with warm lighting and a low hum of chatter. Quirky floral ceiling lights tie together with jungle-themed wallpaper and the mix of quiet, traditional paintings with modern portraits are a clever nod to our city’s rich history.

Once the staff have had a chance to settle in, I can see Ritorno Lounge being one of my top spots for lunch or evening drinks. As Loungers is a chain born in Bristol, I’m pleased to say that despite their expansion, they’ve returned home with flying colours.