From Michelin-starred places for a celebratory spread to laid-back cafes for a weekend brunch, this city's dining scene is as varied as it is delicious. But that's hardly a surprise considering the number of fab chefs roaming these streets. Top-notch dishes in Clifton? Chic dining in the city centre? A poolside Mediterranean feast? You've got it. Check out our list of the best restaurants in Bristol for a selection that will more than satisfy any hunger pang.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 15th November 2024
Step through the doors and back in time at The Lost & Found. A Victorian-themed bar and restaurant, this gem is filled with fabulous old school furnishings, while its menus will have you sipping on botanical cocktails and eating incredible brunches, lunches and dinners.
Located on Corn Street, Mowgli is a charming restaurant owned by celebrity chef Nisha Katona. The gorgeous decor here includes indoor trees, golden fairy lights and their signature rope swing seats, making for a stunning dining destination.
Their authentic Indian menu is inspired by the street food markets of Varanasi, featuring everything from tea-steeped chickpeas to Goan fish curry and gunpowder chicken - with most dishes coming in at under £10.
No.4 Clifton Village is ticking all the boxes when it comes to eating out. Not only does it house a secret garden and a relaxed bar area, but the former Georgian manor also offers a number of seasonal menus, ensuring you get the freshest produce around.
Offer: Teishoku set menu - £16.90pp - Unavailable on bank holidays
Craving Japanese food? Discover a taste of Tokyo in the heart of the city when you dine at KIBOU. Chow down on some of the finest sushi, gyoza and bao buns under the soft glow of neon signage and colourful street art.
Whether you're a plant-based eater or a fully-fledged carnivore, Honest Burgers have got the patty for you. Situated along Clare Street, these bun pros are loved up and down the country for their succulent chomps, local beers and beautifully simple cocktails.
Featuring modern interiors and a conveyor belt loaded with sushi, YO! is adding some theatrical fun to your meals out in Bristol. Perfect for a quick lunchtime bite, plates here range from vegan maki and prawn katsu to beef teriyaki and chicken curry ramen.
As well as being a top sports hangout, Racks Bar & Kitchen is also a fun place to eat with mates. Grab a table in the rustically chic dining area or on its heated outdoor terrace and tuck into a range of meaty, vegan and gluten-free pub classics.
Situated in the heart of the city centre, Piccolino is the ideal spot for Italian grub. Head to this venue, where you'll be met with an all-year-round alfresco dining space, alongside a pretty inside area flaunting an open kitchen. As for the food? You'll certainly want to check out its risottos.
You won't need to worry about the bill when visiting Yakinori, as their top-quality Japanese plates all come in at a very reasonable price. Order anything from salmon tacos to bao buns and sushi platters, or go for a hearty and comforting bowl of curry, ramen or donburi. They're also famed for their DIY poke bowls, where you can choose any base or dressing plus a variety of toppings for just £14.95. Beers and bubble teas are also available.
If you're after Bristol restaurants in the city, you can't go wrong with Browns Brasserie & Bar. Known for its quintessential menu of British favourites and hand-crafted cocktails, the sophisticated haunt also whips up afternoon teas and boasts jaw-dropping interiors.
Boasting an impressive menu of hanger steaks and crayfish salads, The Square Club is meeting all your date night needs with its swish venue and delish food. Spend an evening out in the gorgeous courtyard enjoying seasonal dishes that are made using the finest locally sourced produce.
Tucked by Bristol's harbour, Colosseum is a charmingly lit tapas spot where handcrafted cocktails (think daiquiris and Pimms) and mouthwatering nibbles await. Whether you're here for a lively bottomless brunch with jazzy tunes or a fun quiz night, it's always a vibe. And when it comes to food, you're in for a treat: deep-fried calamari, falafels, and Spanish meatballs await.
With stunning views over the water and a mouthwatering menu taking you from breakfast to dinner, it's not hard to see why Riverstation is up there with the best restaurants in Bristol Harbourside. Head here for everything from first dates to family meals and leisurely brunches.
The Bristol Stable is your go-to for an evening of craft brews and stone-baked pizza, cooked before your eyes in the open kitchen. But these aren't any bog-standard slices. Quirky toppings include slow-roasted lamb shoulder, pulled ham hock, BBQ jackfruit and hot smoked salmon.
With 1920s glamorous decor and sizzling steaks on offer, it's no wonder why Mugshot is one of the most popular romantic restaurants in Bristol. Pair your juicy cuts with delicious glasses of vino or grab a cocktail at its sleek bar area.
Championing hearty brunches and rustic lunches, Rosemarino is an award-winning Italian restaurant in Bristol. Head here for a leisurely morning of steaming coffees, poached egg-topped focaccia, ricotta pancakes and 'nduja toast.
A haven for indecisive diners, Rock Salt is serving some of the most iconic dishes from Indian and Chinese cuisine. Plating dim sum and sweet and sour chicken alongside samosas and Kashmiri lamb, this innovative restaurant's got to be up there with the top places to eat in Bristol.
Specialising in unique eats, Steak of the Art combines first-class cuts with incredible artwork. Get a look at an impressive temporary exhibition before sitting down among the creative pieces and working your way through a meat-fuelled meal.
If you're on the hunt for Italian restaurants in Bristol city centre, make sure to check out Casa. This snazzy spot took over from Michelin-starred Casamia, offering warm trattoria vibes, freshly prepared plates and a range of lip-smacking wines to pair.
High up on our list is this stunning waterside spot. Located within a swimming pool complex, Lido's dining room has some of the city's most unusual views and outdoor seating, while the kitchen has created a Mediterranean and Moorish-inspired menu.
Are you in need of a buffet in Bristol? Then COSMO is just the place. This all-you-can-eat offering from around the world spans the likes of duck pancakes, pasta, curries and more for a set price per person.
When it comes to comfort food classics, Burger Theory know a thing or two about whipping up a delicious patty. Choose between their drool-worthy selection of beef, chicken, lamb and veggie options, touting bacon jam, jalapeno ketchup and smoked cheddar.
After the best places for fine dining in Bristol? From the minds behind Hyde & Co and The Milk Thistle comes The Ox, a stylish basement restaurant pairing steak with crafted cocktails. Perfect for intimate date nights and meat-lovers, this Corn Street beauty has gained a name for its incredible cuts.
If you're looking for Michelin star restaurants in Bristol, make a beeline for Paco Tapas. Pairing beautifully prepared Spanish fare with fine wine and riverside views, this authentic hotspot is simply perfect for date nights and snazzy catch-ups with pals.
You can't go wrong with a trip to The Mint Room - one of the best Indian restaurants in Bristol. Not only does it offer laid-back, chic interiors, but also a menu of upmarket fare, from Kashmiri lamb chops and lobster biryani to classic tarka dhal.
Housed inside a former banking hall, Cosy Club has got to be one of the most beautiful eateries - we're talking high ceilings, marble floors and hanging chandeliers. As for food, you're spoiled for tapas in Bristol - we mean harissa lamb shoulder and fried halloumi.
The Cowshed are widely recognised for their fine dining in Bristol and timeless decor. Food doesn't get much fresher as they source their meat from the butcher next door, only using cuts that can be traced back to the farm and breed of cow.
