Tucked away on Bristol’s once-industrial harbourside, The Olive Shed might not look like much from the outside, but step inside and prepare for a relaxed and cosy evening eating top-notch Mediterranean food. Even if it’s raining outside, the waterfront views and bright interiors will have you channeling thoughts of warmer climes. The menu is small, but perfectly formed, with around five choices on the main evening menu including strong vegetarian options.

Hidden away in the backstreets of Princes Wharf is a real Mediterranean treat that may well have the best view in Bristol. From The Olive Shed’s first floor, guests can peer out over the Floating Harbour whilst tucking into the tapas. Serving up some of the finest olives in the southwest, they also, unsurprisingly, deal in a great range of seafood in addition to stocking local cheeses, breads, olive oils and vinegars available to take home.

Boasting one of the best views of any restaurant in Bristol, The Olive Shed has been a popular choice for discerning foodies since launching 20 years ago. It's currently undergoing a major refurbishment before reopening on April 12 and is bringing back its former head chef, Jack Powell, who has spent the past five years cooking for the rich and famous in France. Jack will be working in a brand new kitchen which is being built by Bristol-based kitchen specialists QCM Equipment, whose designs can be found at the likes of Casamia, Pony & Trap, and Paco Tapas.

The Olive Shed is a lovely spot by the harbour where you can sit back and let out a very big sigh of relief. The sort of sigh of relief that helps free your body from any stress and goes great with a portion of crispy golden calamari or patatas bravas with tomato and a punchy aioli. Eating tapas-style is the way to go at The Olive Shed and the romantic ambience makes this a great restaurant to share some small plates with someone you’ve got the hots for.

The Olive Shed was my ultimate dinner date when I was at university in Bristol many moons ago. Back before the trendy Cargo shipping containers took over the Harbourside, this Mediterranean waterfront stalwart was, and is still, going strong. Al fresco seating spills out on the Harbourside, metres from the old railway line, with gorgeous views over the water towards Lloyds Amphitheatre, the dockside cranes, and in sight of the setting sun.

The Olive Shed may boast stunning views of the harbour, but what’s on your plate is what will truly take your breath away. With an expertly curated and seasonally changing menu, The Olive Shed offers a tapas experience that is both bursting with flavour and passionately authentic. Better yet, come summertime, they might just have one of the best spots for alfresco dining in Bristol.

A bit of a Harbourside stalwart, this small Mediterranean restaurant was my ultimate dinner goal when I moved to Bristol with my meagre admin salary, and although it may have been overshadowed by some of the shinier openings of the past few years, their ever-changing tapas offering is still solid, with some gorgeous views over the water.www.theoliveshed.com

What: The Olive Shed is another Wapping Wharf highlight, especially thanks to a bustling dockside terrace. The compact menu is well thought out with lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, or you can just sit and contemplate life with a glass of something fizzy.Where: Princes Wharf, Floating Harbour, Bristol, BS1 4RNBook now: The Olive Shed

About: Situated a stone's throw from the water's edge, The Olive Shed offers the very best of the Mediterranean, in the heart of The Floating Harbour. Whether you're looking for a delicious lunch time snack, an evening meal, or just want to share a few tapas dishes with a glass of wine, this is the perfect place to unwind and relax with friends.

The Olive Shed is a highly popular place with locals and with good reason. Serving up a Mediterranean/Lebanese inspired menu, their style is rustic and their flavour is big. The food is locally sourced, yet the seasoning and cooking methods are straight from the Med.

This Mediterranean restaurant boasts a delightful waterfront location, as well as a fantastic tapas menu to pick at with a drink. Boasting a large outdoor terrace, you can really embrace the sunshine whilst tucking into small plates of all your Spanish favourites.

A lovely bistro on the floating harbour, serving tapas and organic wine. It is a bit expensive considering what you are eating, but the location is worth the money, especially if you get a seat at one of their al fresco tables close to the water.

The Olive Shed is of the few restaurants on the south side of the Harbourside located between the M Shed and SS Great Britain. This restaurant has a good reputation for g...