Bristol is a city known for its food scene, with a diverse range of restaurants offering everything from Mediterranean tapas to innovative fine dining. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Bristol has something for everyone. Get ready to explore the best restaurants in Bristol, from trendy spots to hidden gems.
BANK
Located in Stokes Croft, BANK is a modern dining destination that offers a seasonal menu with a focus on fresh, local produce. The restaurant serves British cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere. Think dishes like roasted quail, fresh seafood, and their famous wood-fired flatbreads. The attention to detail and the care put into each dish make this a must-visit spot for foodies looking to experience the best of British dining.
Snobby’s
If you’re in the mood for Italian, Snobby’s on Chandos Road is the place to be. This wine bar and restaurant is known for its laid-back atmosphere, great music, and incredible small plates. Indulge in fresh, homemade pasta dishes, pizzas cooked to perfection, and carefully selected wines. Snobby’s focus on simple, high-quality ingredients combined with authentic Italian flavours makes it a firm favourite among locals.
Bravas
For a taste of Spain in Bristol, head to Bravas on Cotham Hill. This tapas bar offers plenty of delicious small plates perfect for sharing. From their indulgent tortilla to crispy patatas bravas, and chargrilled chorizo, the menu is full of flavour. Don’t forget to sample their sherry list for the full Spanish experience.
The Lido
For a unique dining experience, The Lido in Clifton offers something special. This restaurant, housed in a restored Victorian swimming pool, combines relaxation with fine dining. The menu is Mediterranean-inspired, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and bold flavours. Dishes such as grilled octopus, wood-fired meats, and inventive vegetarian options are on the menu. You’ll forget you’re in the city!
Mugshot
Step back in time at Mugshot, a prohibition-era themed steakhouse in the heart of Bristol. Known for its art-deco interiors and dramatic presentation, Mugshot offers a selection of prime cuts of steak cooked to perfection on hot stones, which you can sizzle to your liking at the table. The interactive dining experience is fun, especially if you’re a fan of delicious steaks and sides. Their signature cocktails are also a must-try.
Little Hollows Pasta
Tucked away in Redland, Little Hollows Pasta is a small, independent restaurant that has quickly made a name for itself with its handmade pasta. The casual, cozy atmosphere is the perfect setting to enjoy dishes like pappardelle with slow-cooked beef shin ragu, or their ever-changing specials that showcase the best local ingredients.
Caper and Cure
On the vibrant Stokes Croft scene, Caper and Cure is a delightful bistro that mixes global flavours with British ingredients. Their regularly changing menu highlights their commitment to seasonality. From small plates of confit rabbit, to a hearty mains like duck breast with root vegetables, Its charming setting and friendly service complete the experience.
Marmo
Located on Baldwin Street, Marmo is a wine bar and restaurant with a strong focus on sustainable sourcing and natural wines. The minimalist décor sets the scene for a menu that changes daily, featuring the best seasonal ingredients. With dishes like burrata with roasted squash or wild mushroom tagliatelle being particular highlights, it’s hard to say no! If you’re looking for a restaurant that combines Italian influences with contemporary British cooking, Marmo is a must-visit.
The Clifton
With its long history and classic British style, The Clifton is a Clifton Village institution. Recently refurbished, this pub-restaurant has retained its historic charm while introducing a modern edge to its menu. From Sunday roasts to gourmet burgers, there’s a focus on using the best local produce. Its stylish interiors and extensive drinks menu make it perfect for a relaxed meal or special occasion.
The Coconut Tree
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, The Coconut Tree offers an explosion of Sri Lankan flavours in the heart of Bristol. This restaurant, with locations in both Clifton and Gloucester Road, serves up street-food style dishes in a laid-back setting.. It’s the perfect spot for casual dining with a twist of heat and spice.
1 York Place
A hidden gem in Clifton, 1 York Place is a French-inspired bistro with a focus on flavourful, hearty dishes in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Their menu changes daily, offering fabulous meals like coq au vin, duck confit, and seafood stews. With its intimate atmosphere and rustic charm, 1 York Place is the kind of spot you’ll want to return to again and again.
Poco
Committed to sustainability and zero-waste dining, Poco in Stokes Croft is a restaurant with a conscience. The menu is designed to minimise waste, offering seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The dishes are small plates influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, with plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. From creative vegetable dishes to ethically sourced meat, Poco shows that sustainable dining can be delicious.
Wilsons
Wilsons, located on Chandos Road, is a small, independent restaurant that has gained a golden reputation for its farm-to-table approach. The menu changes daily depending on what’s available from their farm, ensuring the freshest ingredients. Expect dishes like Cornish crab, wood pigeon, or squash with hazelnut. The food is beautifully presented, full of flavour, and made with love. For a dining experience that celebrates local produce and craftsmanship, Wilsons is hard to beat.
Fisk & Frite
Finally, for seafood lovers, new restaurant Fisk & Frite brings a little taste of the coast to Bristol. Located in St. Werburghs, this relaxed spot offers your local fish & chippy with a modern twist. Think fish and chips elevated with the finest, freshest ingredients, along with inventive seafood dishes such as soft-shell crab burgers or seared scallops. The perfect blend of casual dining and gourmet flavours, Fisk & Frite is a must for seafood fans. We can’t wait to try!
Whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite, a refined meal, or something in between, there’s a spot on this list for you. We’re feeling hungry now!
Published 28.10.24 by Phoebe Clutton