Hungry? Of course, you are! Why else would you be hear otherwise? Well, you’re in the right place because Bristol is home to some of the best restaurants in the UK. From simple pasta eateries to extravagant fine dining Michelin stars, via Korean and French, veg-forward or a steakhouse, there’s something for everyone too. So check out our guide to the most exciting restaurants in Bristol that you have to try at least once in your life.
1. Bulrush
You can’t talk about the best restaurants in Bristol without mentioning its Michelin restaurants. Bulrush stands out even among the very best restaurants in Bristol. This relaxed and cosy neighbourhood-style spot focuses on foraged and organic ingredients. Preserving and pickling also play a key role in a menu that takes maximum advantage of its seasonal ingredients. Blending Anglo-French cuisine with Japanese and Scandinavian influences, Bulrush’s tasting menus range from six courses to nine – and is also one of the UK’s cheapest Michelin Star restaurants.
Bulrush, 21 Cotham Rd S, Cotham, Bristol BS6 5TZ
2. Wilson’s
It was a long time coming. Wilson’s finally has its Michelin Star on tops its Michelin Green Star – awarded to the best restaurants at the forefront of sustainability. Its farm-to-table ethos sees all its vegetables, fruits and herbs grown in its own nearby ‘no-dig farm’. While co-founders, Jan Ostle and Mary Wilson, only work with local producers and traders that use ethical and low-impact methods for everything else.
Weekly changing, hyper-seasonal menus are based entirely on what is growing and ready to be harvested. Creating a six-course set menu for £75 and a, great value, lunchtime ‘menu du jour’ for £35 that includes a glass of wine. And what happens to the food left over at the end of the week? Well, that’s used up in bread and bakery items for Wilson’s Bread Shop.
Wilson’s, 24 Chandos Rd, Redland, Bristol BS6 6PF
3. Root
It’s pretty easy being vegan or vegetarian these days, particularly in Bristol. But you won’t find somewhere better at making vegetables the star ingredient than at Root in Wapping Wharf. The modern, veg-led eatery has an ethos of ‘more veg, less meat’ and was even nominated as the UK’s best vegan-friendly restaurant in 2023.
Specialising in small plates, not everything is completely vegan. Expect cheeses and other dairy products, some fish and meat too. But due to the stunning simplicity of the menu, many dishes can easily be altered. From grilled courgette ragu to confit tomatoes, tempura spring onions and jerk carrots, Root can make these veggies sing.
Root, Unit 9 Cargo 1, Gaol Ferry Steps, Bristol BS1 6WP
4. Little Hollows
It’s not always easy finding Michelin quality while ‘on a budget‘ among the best restaurants in Bristol. So do not skip over Bristol’s number-one pasta spot, Little Hollows. At this neighbourhood spot in Redland, the pasta is made fresh each morning and then hung to dry in the window. (Which adds a certain cosy charm that can’t be replicated by bigger spots.) But it’s what Little Hollows doe with its unique artisan pasta creations that really counts. With bold, rich and authentic flavours, there’s no better pasta in Bristol.
Little Hollows, 26 Chandos Rd, Redland, Bristol BS6 6PF
5. Muiño
Honestly, so many restaurants on Cotham Hill could feature among the best restaurants in Bristol. (Apologies to all the excellent Elia, Bravas, Rock Salt and more.) But if we are to name only one more on this street for foodies, it has to be Muiño. This family-run business is inspired by the relaxed culture of Galicia in the Northwest of Spain, with a tapas selection of dishes. A light and airy atmosphere makes it ideal for handing out and dining on a sunny afternoon.
Muiño, 32 Cotham Hill, Redland, Bristol BS6 6LA
6. Pazzo
It’s tough to pick just one restaurant from the Bianchis Group—Bianchis, Pasta Repiena and Cotto are all worth checking out for Italian food, and my favourite changes all the time. That’s why we’ve focused on the most recent, Pazzo. The spiritual successor to the group’s first restaurant, Pasta Loco, it brings bright and bold Italian flavours to Whiteladies Road. With a menu filled with pasta, risotto and porchetta, you may spot a crazy addition like… lamb kofta?
Pazzo, 89 Whiteladies Rd, Redland, Bristol BS8 2NT
7. Pasture
Got a hankering for steak? Your first choice has to be Pasture. Here, get your hands on everything from sirloins and ribeyes to the ‘dinosaur cut’ tomahawk and prized chateaubriand – all dry-aged for a minimum of 35 days. The upscale steakhouse serves some of the finest cuts of steak for miles, using only local ingredients that are ethically and sustainably sourced.
Pasture, 2 Portwall Ln, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6NB
8. Sonny Stores
If you’re looking for the best restaurants in South Bristol, this rather unassuming, husband-and-wife-team spot in Southville is a great place to start. It specialises in offering a delicious range of seasonal Italian food. Described as “a fun, optimistic space for the community to enjoy.” Sonny Stores can sort you out whether popping in for a quick lunchtime bowl of pasta, or you’re more in the mood for a leisurely and romantic three-course meal and a bottle of organic wine.
While a seasonal menu changes regularly, an idea of what Sonny Stores serves includes: zucchini cappellacci, pecorino sardo; farinata, charred friggitelli peppers, borlotti beans; pappardelle, chicken livers, 24-month aged parmesan; and dover sole, broad beans sott’olio, anchovy, rosemary. You also find Italian classics like pizza and tiramisu.
Sonny Stores, 47 Raleigh Rd, Southville, Bristol BS3 1QS
9. The Clifton
The Clifton describes itself best when it says, “this is not pretentious fine dining; it’s just about good food.” From the team behind Welsh pubs like the Hare & Hounds in Aberthin and Heathcock in Cardiff comes this Clifton pub dedicated to high-quality, seasonal food. Here, everything is made from scratch, from sourdough bread and cultured butter to fresh pasta, and takes influences from ‘Nose to Tail’ and wood fire cooking. Think anything from Welsh rarebit to a venison, trotter and pickled walnut pie. But, even if all you want is a delicious bar snack to go with your pint, The Clifton has you sorted.
The Clifton, 16 Regent St, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4HG
10. Chef’s Table
Situated next to the harbour, with views of Clifton and the estuary, you’ll struggle to find a better table in Bristol. But it’s not outside you’ll find yourself gawping at. The Chef’s Table uniquely features viewing windows and cameras straight into the kitchen, so you can see all your dishes being created in front of you, too. The 38-cover, Michelin-approved restaurant offers both an a la carte and a seven-course tasting menu (£89.50), which changes every two months to reflect the season’s best local produce
The Chef’s Table, 1a Avon Cres, Bristol BS1 6XQ
11. Caper & Cure
Caper & Cure, known for its shabby-chic atmosphere and seasonally changing menu, sits on the corner of Stokes Croft and Montpelier. A modern British menu, with plenty of French, Italian and Spanish influences, from Hereford beef onglet and frites to black truffle and taleggio agnolotti. It’s less about surprising diners and more about bringing out the best of local and organic ingredients. Just behind the restaurant, you’ll find Carmen Street Wine, Caper and Cure’s bottle shop and bar.
Caper and Cure, 108A Stokes Croft, St Paul’s, Bristol BS1 3RU
12. COR
Even only a few months after opening COR was picking up awards. This tells you everything you need to know about this relaxed, neighbourhood restaurant in Bedminster. Known for vibrant, Mediterranean dishes, you can easily pop in for a glass of wine or some small dishes, a light lunch or a multi-course feast in the evening. Menu highlights included creamy burrata and crispy capers, barbecued cuttlefish with Calabrian ‘nduja, and a mushroom canele.
COR, 81 North St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 1ES
13. Bokman
If your knowledge of Korean food stretches only as far as kimchi fries and bibimbap, then you’ll receive a good education at Bokman. From crispy-skinned chicken stuffed with sticky rice (tongdak) to beef short ribs braised in soy, pear and brown sugar (galbi stew), this is a real authentic Korean restaurant.
Other highlights in this bustling red-and-white restaurant include kimchi fried rice, crispy tempura chillis or spicy braised tofu. You can also grab a couple of Korea’s legendary fermented spirit soju while you’re here. Or finish your evening with soft-serve ice cream and a range of toppings.
Bokman, 3 Nine Tree Hill, Cotham, Bristol BS1 3SB
14. Tomo No Ramen
Until about a decade ago, few Bristolians had heard about the Japanese noodle dish, ramen. Now this savoury bowl of noodle soup, with mouthwatering toppings, is at the top of many people’s weekly cravings. Tomo No Ramen, meaning “friend’s ramen”, offers a fun and friendly atmosphere in Old Market. Topped with Bristol’s best ramen. With a balance of classic recipes and new styles, head chef and Bristol native James Stuart whips up a seasonal menu that uses local ingredients. Expect powerful flavours and heartwarming broths. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available too.
Tomo No Ramen, 55 West St, Bristol BS2 0BZ
15. Adelina Yard
The cosy, chef-owned Adelina Yard is best known for serving modern European cuisine and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for a multi-course, set menu, full of elegance yet without the frills of other fine dining restaurants, look no further. And, from the chef’s table to the other end overlooking the Welsh Back, you have your pick of excellent seating!
Adelina Yard, Queen’s Quay, Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SL
16. littlefrench
littlefrench really does add a little slice of France to the South West up in Westbury Park. The style combines a classic bistro with Bohemia Bristol and suits all times – offering lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Sit at the bar with a glass of wine and some bar snacks (such as oysters with shallot vinegar or a5 wagyu and caviar) or tuck into the mouthwatering evening menu.
Full of things like: rare iberico pork bavette, spring greens, garlic & rosemary fried potatoes, sauce robert; cœur de bœuf tomato stuffed with wild rice, pesto dressing & sauce vierge; or confit duck leg, crushed new potatoes, green beans, grain mustard & crème fraîche sauce
littlefrench, 2 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7QB
17. Pizzarova
There’s going to be a lot of debate about the best pizza restaurants in Bristol is. But if we had to choose just one spot (don’t fight us), it has to be Pizzarova. The Bristol-born pizzeria has taken the city by storm with locations all over now. Using a starter that has been fed for over 70 years, its slowly fermented sourdough gives its puffed-up pizza crusts a distinct and moreish taste.
The Margherita deluxe is ultra-cheesy and has a chilli flake kick; the double chorizo and hot honey has that perfect sweet and salty combo; while Bristol vegans should enjoy the homemade vegan nduja, with toasted sunflower seed pesto and vegan cheese pizza. But you can always craft your own! To choose one, we love the spot on North Street, but locations at Wapping Wharf, Gloucester Road and Park Street are equally great.
Pizzarova, 237 North Street, Bristol BS3 1JJ
18. The Lido
The oldest surviving heated pool in the country, The Lido offers Mediterranean vibes near Whiteladies Road in Clifton. But the onsite restaurant is just as exciting. Don’t worry, you won’t get splashed, while you eat – overlooking the pool, you actually dine up in the original viewing gallery. This is a relaxed and informal space too, with food cooked visibly in a roaring hot Italian clay oven. Why not go for a dip beforehand?
Lido, Oakfield Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2BJ
19. Dongnae
From the team behind Bokman, Bristol’s newest Korean spot is already the talk of the town. Dongnae is slightly more upmarket than its Stokes Croft sister site, where you should expect an “elevated yet accessible take on Korean cuisine.” Choose from a set lunch, à la carte dishes, or tuck into the restaurant’s hanjungshik (omakase-style) tasting menu. A standout dish has to be the Korean beef tartare!
Dongnae, 5-7 Chandos Rd, Redland, Bristol BS6 6PG
20. Nadu
It’s said that Tamil cuisine is based on the concept that food shapes the personality, mood, and mind. We reckon you’ll leave Nadu full, refreshed and rejuvenated. Stokes Croft is overflowing with amazing eateries, but above them, all stands Nadu. Using traditional Tamil techniques, it exclusively focuses on Sri Lanka and Tamil flavours – with a modern twist and a vibrancy that stretches from the décor to the food.
The melt-in-your-mouth black pork curry is a highlight, as is the vambatu noju made from aubergine and kokum. But we could not get enough of the rice pancakes (kal dosa) either. Nadu also specialises in rum-based cocktails. Check out the Raksha cocktail too, which packs such a punch that Nadu limits it to only two per person!
Nadu, 77-79 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3RD
21. BANK
Everything at BANK is cooked over a ‘live fire’. If that doesn’t get you excited to eat here, keep scrolling through the other best restaurants in Bristol. It’s not all show either, because the live fire cooking restaurant serves up some divine dishes too. It might use a primal way of cooking but BANK produces high-quality, modern food with family-style serving.
Expect a modern fusion of flavours, with recent dishes including, chicken thigh yakitori, duroc pork belly and Galician octopus, and bone marrow with oxtail rendang and pineapple salsa. The main focus is on creating a seasonal menu that reflects the best local produce. It also does a super special Sunday roast too.
BANK, 107 Wells Rd, Totterdown, Bristol BS4 2BS
22. 1 York Place
If you love littlefrench, then you’ll equally adore the team’s newest spot in Clifton Village, 1 York Place. This cosy 46-cover neighbourhood restaurant shines the spotlight on the best European cuisine can offer – with a similar informal yet impeccable approach Freddy and Nessa Bird are known for. The menu draws inspiration from Freddy’s career from his training at Ballymaloe Cookery School to working at the prestigious two Michelin-starred The Square with Phil Howard, and at Moro with Sam and Sam Clark.
1 York Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1 AH.
23. RAGÙ
Grace Dent is a fan. And so is most of the city. The sharing plates Italian restaurant in Wapping Wharf (from the owners of COR) has quickly become one of the best restaurants in Bristol. Whether after a small glass of wine and nibbles, or a full menu bursting with flavour, RAGÙ could be your new favourite spot.
RAGÙ, Unit 25, Cargo 2, Museum St, Bristol BS1 6ZA
24. Namak
At this award-winning Indian restaurant, the focus is more on meeting perfection rather than ripping up the rulebook. Namak has ended many people’s search for the best curry house in Bristol, and it might end yours too. All the classics you know and love are here, from korma to tikka masala, but use only the finest fresh ingredients.
The menu travels the breadth of India, too, meaning you can sample Goan fish curry next to a Kerala prawn and mango curry. But there are a few surprises, however. The lasooni deep-fried prawns, grilled scallops and chocolate samosas, for example, are all amazing.
Namak, 98 Mina Rd, St Werburgh’s, Bristol BS2 9XW
25. Marmo
Sat in the heart of Bristol (the former Guardian Assurance Building to be exact), Marmo is the perfect place to dine as you soak up the vibe of the city. A concise, yet punchy menu is flavour-packed Italian dishes – ranging from gnocco fritto and lasagnette to steak tartare. The Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant also doubles as a wine bar if you fancy just popping in for some nibbles and a glass (or two).
Marmo, 31 Baldwin Street, Bristol, BS1 1RG
26. OTHER
New kids on the block, OTHER stands out for its vibrant and bold look and ever-changing menu that has no constraints. This independent restaurant in Bedminster, run by Casamia’s former head chef, takes influences from all over the place and, as such, cannot be described easily. But when the Michelin Guide is raving about somewhere – even giving OTHER a Bib Gourmand distinction for ‘great value cooking’ – you take notice.
OTHER, 32 Cannon Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 1BN
27. BOX-E
For somewhere so tiny, BOX-E packs in a lot of flavours – why are so many of Bristol’s best restaurants inside of a shipping container? An ever-changing a la carte menu at the 14-cover restaurant focuses on European ideas and British ingredients. BOX-E also offers a seven-course unwritten tasting menu that’s full of surprises, too.
BOX-E, Unit 10, Cargo 1, Wapping Wharf, City of Bristol, BS1 6WP, United Kingdom
28. Noah’s
Officially the third-best fish ‘n’ chip restaurant in the UK, Noah’s offers a lot more than this traditional British staple. Boasting views of Clifton Suspension Bridge, you’ll find a seafood spot serving everything from grilled whole Cornish sole to Orkney Isle scallops and Cornish mussels – though its daily changing menu is dependent on markets and seasons. You’ve got to try the fish ‘n’ chips at least once, though, right?
Noah’s, 1 Brunel Lock Rd, Bristol BS1 6XS
29. Condesa
From the team behind Cargo Cantina, Gambas and Bravas, comes the candlelit, Mexican-inspired Condesa on Whiteladies Road. Cooking over charcoal and serving many mezcal-based drinks, you’d better be ready for that ‘smoky’ taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, from tostadas and tacos to quesadillas and queso.
Condesa, 83 Whiteladies Rd, Redland, Bristol BS8 2NT
30. The Blaise Inn
A pub? Yes, but not just any pub, The Blaise Inn is a stone’s throw from the Blaise Castle Estate – ideal for a meal after visiting the breathtaking parklands. But we haven’t chosen it for location, location, location alone. Traditional British fare, with a fresh modern take, makes The Blaise Inn – and at good value too – have seen it pick up a Bib Gourmand. It’s also home to one of the best Sunday roasts in Bristol.
Blaise Inn, 260 Henbury Road, City of Bristol, BS10 7QR
I bet some of you are screaming at us right now, ‘What about this place? What about that?’ Bristol is full of incredible eateries everywhere you turn—with more popping up every day. If nothing else, hopefully, this guide to the best restaurants in Bristol keeps you satiated for now!