Best steaks at The Ox!

"If you are gonna spend 27 quid for a steak, you;d better be sure it is the best steak in the world"

When I read that on Twitter the other day, I instantly knew they were talking about The Ox, a very good steak restaurant in Bristol. Unless you know where the restaurant is, it is very likely that you'd miss it. It is hidden in the basement below The Commercial Rooms on Corn Street.

We chose The Ox for a celebration dinner. Just to make sure we'd get a table, we decided to book it in advance. All dressed up, we entered to a cosy bar area where you can grab a drink if your table is not ready or you are waiting for some friends to arrive. There was a formal but relaxed atmosphere in spite of the big group of friends that were having dinner at that moment. Our table was waiting for us in the other (and smaller) room, which I honestly preferred to the other busier room.

The decoration is quirky and it seems that a lot of thought had been put into it as a reminder of past times. I found the grape-shaped lamps very interesting and original. 

We were handed to menu but both of us had already decided that we would have a steak (although there are steak alternatives if you doesn't eat steak).

We ordered one small plate each, Steak Tartare (£7.50) and Pig's Head (£6.50), and some Leeks & Greens (£3.50) to share. We also had a 10.5oz Rib-Eye (£27) and 10.5oz Bavette d'Aloyau (£27). A glass of Rioja red wine and a Belgian beer... and some peanut butter, banana and salted caramel chocolate ice as a dessert.

The food was just fabulous. Starters were very nice, specially the Steak Tartare, and the meat was perfectly cooked, charred on the outside but succulent inside. And the dessert, even though it could seem to be an odd combination of flavours, was very tasty. The service was brilliant, attentive but not fussy at the same time.

I know it is not an cheapest place. However, for a special occasion, it will be worth every penny you'll pay. Nonetheless, there are also some set menus for lunch (£14-17) and early-bird evening meals (£12.50) in a more than affordable prices. I highly recommend the place!

WEBSITE: http://theoxbristol.com/