Famed as the birthplace of Banksy and the world's leading producer of hot air balloons, Bristol is also home to some of the UK's top fine dining destinations. From upscale, Michelin-starred experiences to chic, Bib Gourmand eateries, this West Country gem has it all. If you're planning on treating yourself to a luxury dinner or just need an expert tip on where to feast, follow our guide to the best Michelin star restaurants in Bristol, each highlighting the best of what this cultural hub has to offer.
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Bulrush
As Bristol's premier Michelin star restaurant, Bulrush may look modest with its petite blue exterior, but inside, it's a total culinary powerhouse. Chef George Livesey exclusively serves tasting menus, infusing a clever blend of subtle Japanese influences with organic, foraged ingredients, utilising preserving and pickling to add depth to each dish. The minimalist decor of exposed brick and bare floorboards lets the food do the talking at this cosy haunt, blending Anglo-French cuisine with Japanese and Scandinavian flair. Expect creations like Jerusalem artichoke chawanmushi, duck liver macaron, and roast fallow deer with hen of the woods at this wonderfully affordable venue, serving artfully crafted dishes.
Bulrush is
one of the UK's most wallet-friendly Michelin-starred eateries,
serving a tasting menu priced at just £90.
Marmo
Housed in the former Guardian Assurance Building, Marmo is an owner-run Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. Its rustic charm and on-trend osteria-cum-wine-bar setting make it the perfect spot for Cosmo Sterck to work his magic in the open kitchen, whipping up a concise menu of flavour-packed Italian dishes like grilled ox heart with beetroot and green asparagus with smoked cod's roe. His wife, Lily, takes care of the wine side of things, offering top-notch recommendations from their extensive organic and biodynamic selection. The high ceiling and parquet floor add to the charm of this cosy haunt, creating a pleasant ambience perfect for a seasonal meal in the heart of Bristol.
Marmo's commitment to local and ethically sourced ingredients makes their food taste even sweeter.
COR
On the hunt for hidden gem restaurants in Bristol with a Michelin Bib Gourmand? COR, derived from the Latin word for heart, is a fitting name for this charming red corner restaurant nestled in the heart of central Bedminster. Exuding an infectious zeal, the interior strikes a balance between a cosy tapas bar and a chic Mediterranean eatery, featuring counter dining and shelves brimming with cookbooks and fine wines. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine yet crafted with predominantly British ingredients, the menu offers a delightful array of multicoloured offerings such as Cornish hake with river Teign mussels, Tropea onion with hazelnut beurre noisette and slow-cooked pig cheek drenched in chilli gremolata.
If you're
hungry for an unforgettable dining experience, COR should be at the
top of your fine dining list.
Clifton
Clifton is a laid-back gastropub which has nailed the art of locally-inspired British cooking, crafting everything from scratch: sourdough, butter, fresh pasta, you name it. With influences from 'Nose to Tail' and wood-fire cooking, the menu is anything but ordinary and has earned this cosy haunt a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Get seated in the airy dining room bathed in natural light to feast on delicacies like Welsh rarebit, venison and pickled walnut pie, aubergine risotto with pickled radish, or whole grilled quail. Like its sibling, Hare & Hounds in Aberthin, this stylish Clifton Village watering hole is all about local ingredients and no-nonsense deliciousness.
Peek into
Clifton's open kitchen and catch the wood-fired grill doing its
magic.
Wilsons
Wilsons, a charming neighbourhood bistro nestled in Redland, has captured the hearts of Bristol's food connoisseurs since it popped up in 2016. Embracing sustainability as its guiding principle, the restaurant prides itself on crafting generously portioned dishes that celebrate the bounty of each season, sourcing ingredients from its own smallholding. This dedication to sustainability has earned this venue the Michelin Green Star, a testament to its commitment to eco-conscious dining. From their two-acre garden in Barrow Gurney, co-owner Mary Wilson carefully nurtures the produce, setting the stage for chef and fellow co-owner Jan Ostle to curate the ever-evolving tasting menu.
Wilsons offers an artfully delicious dining experience that feels like a ballet of seasonality and sustainability.
BOX-E
Fancy treating someone special (or yourself) to fine dining in Bristol? BOX-E, a cosy 14-cover restaurant perched on the top floor of Cargo 1, has won the hearts of both locals and critics alike. Clad in chipboard and plywood, this gem is tucked inside shipping containers on the pier, offering great value cooking by chef-owner Elliot Lidstone. Often working solo in his compact kitchen, Elliot crafts flavour-packed dishes with a rustic charm, earning his soulful cooking a Michelin Bib Gourmand. On the menu? Highlights include the simple yet delightful cauliflower soup with chestnut and truffle, as well as the perfectly cooked rose-pink duck breast with puy lentils and cavolo nero.
BOX-E is a cushy Whapping Wharf gem highlighting vegetables, letting them take centre stage over traditional proteins.
Root
Root, situated in the vibrant culinary hub around Wapping Wharf, is a shining example of Bristol's diverse food scene. Helmed by chef Rob Howell, the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant has garnered acclaim for its spotlight on locally sourced produce, particularly vegetables. Emphasising the natural flavours of the region's fresh goods, dishes such as grilled carrots and charred leeks showcase the culinary prowess of the kitchen. For dessert, indulge in classic tiramisu or opt for inventive doughnuts adorned with carrot jam, cream cheese, and walnuts. Complementing this exceptional culinary experience is a thoughtfully curated drinks list with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Looking for
top Michelin restaurants in Bristol? Root is the perfect place to
indulge.
The Blaise Inn
Nestled in the leafy nooks of Henbury, just a short walk from the picturesque Blaise Estate and Blaise Hamlet, The Blaise Inn stands as a true gem in Bristol's gastropub scene. Helmed by Louise McCrimmon, formerly the executive chef at Harvey Nichols Bristol, alongside her husband Ian, this venue has earned its place among the best in the country. Expect nothing less than elevated gastropub fare in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, where the friendly staff make you feel right at home. The bar is stocked with top-tier ales and a carefully curated wine list, perfect for enjoying in the cosy rear courtyard. With a monthly quiz night adding to the charm, this endearing joint offers everything you'd want from a classic English pub experience and more.
Michelin star hunters, look no further than The Blaise Inn for a quality meal.
Hungry for more? Then be sure to check out our guide to the city's best restaurants and sign up to our future newsletter for all the latest.
