From traditional Cantonese to innovative Szechuan dishes, the city is home to a blend of authentic flavours and contemporary twists, catering to every palate. With years of culinary traditions and cutting-edge fusion cuisine on display, these eateries promise an unforgettable taste of China, right in the heart of the South West.
Whether you're a long-time Bristol resident or a visitor keen on exploring the city's gastronomic delights, we're here to take you through the very best Chinese restaurants Bristol has to offer.
10 Restaurants To Eat Chinese Food In Bristol
Rock Salt
On Cotham Hill, Rock Salt is a modern Chinese restaurant that effortlessly combines the traditional flavours of India and China with contemporary flair. Founded by Harris Massey, previously of Dishoom, and Kedar Subedi, former chef at Dhamaka, the cosy space is adorned with exposed brick walls, colourful banquet seating, and a bold street art mural.
Signature plates include Khadai duck roasted medium rare in a clay tandoor oven, salt and pepper chicken, and crispy chilli beef. You can also munch on delicious dim sum here, as well as plenty of vegetarian dishes like cauliflower tossed with ginger, garlic and soy sauce.
You best believe the food here will rock your socks off.
Hao Wei
Hao Wei is one of the most highly rated Chinese restaurants in the city, tucked away in Stoke Gifford. It's a family-run affair with founder Tac Vien and three of his brothers at the helm. Coming from a background in property, Vien found a retail unit on the Bristol and South Gloucestershire border that he realised would make a great location for what was to be his first culinary venture.
The eatery's food is impressive: home-cooked and made-to-order, it features set meals starting from £18 per person (think crispy duck, chicken satay and tofu pak choi), plus scrumptious chef's specials like steamed scallops in a garlic and soy sauce, or kung po king prawns.
Chilli Daddy
Complete your hunt for the best Chinese restaurants in Bristol city centre with Chilli Daddy. The dining spot founded by Wengang Weng and Jing Li was the first market stall in the UK to serve authentic Szechuan cuisine, and its noodles are based on family recipes.
The Baldwin Street spot continues traditions by whipping up fried pork dumplings, minced chicken Dandan noodle hotpots and spring rolls. You can also bring your own drinks for an additional £1.50 too.
Grab your chopsticks and get ready to dip some dumplings.
Brisnoodles
The vibrant Park Row spot in Bristol, Birsnoodles, celebrates the art of noodle-making with a fun and modern twist. This casual eatery has quickly become a favourite for its freshly prepared noodles and bold, flavourful dishes inspired by Chinese street food.
Whether you’re craving hand-pulled noodles tossed in rich sauces, steaming bowls of marinated meats and sticky rice, or zesty stir-fried creations, the laid-back joint delivers a satisfying experience every time. With its lively atmosphere, affordable prices, and emphasis on high-quality ingredients, it’s the perfect place for a quick lunch, a casualk dinner, or a comforting noodle fix any day of the week.
Cathy Rendezvous
Cathy Rendezvous is a Chinese restaurant in Bristol that's known for its warm atmosphere and no-frills approach. Established in 1986, this family-run restaurant focuses on delivering traditional flavours that have stood the test of time.
It serves Mandarin, Szechuan and Cantonese dishes in a Grade II-listed, former Georgian library (the first purpose-built one in England, no less) that dates back to 1738. From tangy barbequed spare ribs to hearty beef in black bean sauce and scrumptious stir-fries, the menu is a celebration of home-style Chinese cooking. You can enjoy two courses for £23.95 per person, with the option to add a dessert for an extra £4.
We've been chicken this zesty dish out.
Emperor Court Chinese Restaurant
Sporting ruby red lanterns, rich, carpeted floors and crisp white tablecloths, it's safe to say that Emperor Court Chinese Restaurant is the ideal destination for a delicious dinner with your family or date night. It specialises in Peking, Szechuan and Canton cuisine, can cater to vegetarians and is home to a fantastic international wine collection.
Visit from Tuesdays to Sundays to wolf down mouthfuls of baked crab in black bean sauce, spare ribs marinated in Peking sauce, and sweet and sour chicken Cantonese-style with a side helping of egg fried rice.
Suyuan
For vegetarian Chinese eats, hit up Suyuan in Queen Square. Born from the founders' trip to the city of Foshan, it was inspired by the ethos of the famous Buddhist Temple, Foshan Zumiao.
The restaurant specialises in plant-based dishes, using fresh ingredients without any artificial flavours, home cooking techniques and pairing plates with a selection of Chinese teas. Order any three starters for £19.99 and delve into fragrant portions of deep-fried aubergines or enoki mushrooms, before moving on to tempting mains. The shui zhu qian zhang is a favourite, made using tofu and spinach in a bean sprout curry cooked with ginger, garlic, dried red chilli, and peanut butter.
Suyuan is a great Chinese restaurant by Bristol harbourside.
Beijing Cooking Pot
You'll find Beijing Cooking Pot on Perry Road with an eye-catching red exterior, and soft furnishings indoors complete with elegant wooden tables, multi-coloured lanterns and potted plants. It's an independent spot run by Yue Xiao, and offers an authentic taste of Chinese hot pot culture.
The cosy and welcoming restaurant invites diners to gather around bubbling pots of richly flavoured broths, filled with a selection of spicy beef or tofu with enoki mushrooms, seafood, vegetables, and handmade noodles - right after gobbling up fried squid rings to start, that is.
Dragon’s Delicacy
Craving authentic dim sum in Bristol? Dragon's Delicacy can help you out, as they specialise in paying homage to the traditional snack born from the Song dynasty. Two golden pillars frame the restaurant's doorway, and the main dining room is bright and airy, with red carpets and draped curtains.
It creates a regal atmosphere to enjoy set menus starting from £28.80 per person, featuring the likes of spring rolls, chicken satay skewers, and prawns and cashew nuts in a yellow bean sauce.
Anyone for sum more? Dragon's Delicacy specialises in these delicate snacks.
Nice Spice
Nice Spice is a Bristol favourite on Denmark Street, serving droolworthy Cantonese BBQ flavours in a relaxed and inviting setting. Known for its vibrant dishes and bold seasoning, this eatery offers a menu packed with crowd-pleasers - think Hong Kong-style roasted meats like crispy pork belly and aromatic duck.
With generous portions and a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, it's perfect for casual dining or grabbing a flavourful takeaway, washed down with milk or lemon tea.
Hungry for more? Check out our guide to the best Indian restaurants in Bristol.
