Times are tough and money is tight. We expect moths to fly out each time we open our wallets at the moment. But we’re probably not the only ones feeling the pinch; the cost-of-living crisis has affected us all. Even so, we all still deserve to treat ourselves now and again. So we’re desperate for cheap eats in Bristol.
Luckily the city has some brilliant food spots to dine at that won’t break the bank. So we’ve rounded up some of the very best cheap eats in Bristol. Every one of these cheap restaurants is worth visiting no matter your budget.
1. Baba Ganoush Kitchen
Bristol serves some fantastic falafel. But for somewhere cheap and very cheerful, look no further than Baba Ganoush Kitchen in St Paul’s. Specialising in vegan and vegetarian Middle Eastern food, this colourful spot will fill you up without making your bank account cry. Grab a filling Lebanese flatbread crammed with freshly made falafel and plenty of extras for something hearty. Or choose a handful of mezze dishes such as hummus, moussaka or dolmade for something lighter.
81 St Nicholas’ Rd, St Paul’s, Bristol BS2 9JJ
2. Eatchu
Eatchu’s delicious gyoza is probably Bristol’s best dumplings and a steal at that! The ideal mid-day snack or lunchtime offering, choose between pork and chicken for meat lovers. While vegan options include roasted broccoli or triple mushroom. If you’re worried that might not be enough food – though we can say for certain it is – you can add soba noodles, dressed rice or a soy-pickled egg as extras.
The Old Mess Room, St Nicolas Market, Exchange Avenue, Bristol BS1 1JQ
Wiper and True Taproom, City Business Park, St Jude’s, Bristol BS5 0SP
3. Taste Of Napoli
When it comes to cheap restaurants, pizza is always a good call. Taste Of Napoli might be the cheapest pizza joint in Bristol, however. Selling single pizza slices for as little as £3.50, all your favourites are here like a margarita, pepperoni and parmigiana, as well as vegan options. The family-run restaurant offers traditional Italian street food like focaccia, panini and arancini.
32 The Horsefair, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3HZ
4. Tuk Tuck
By keeping things simple, this Asian restaurant continues to be one of the best cheap eats in Bristol. You’ll easily leave here stuffed without lightening your purse too much. As every menu item is well under a tenner, even the chicken bibimbap and pumpkin katsu curry. You won’t find fairer than that!
5 St Stephen’s St, Bristol BS1 1EE
5. Matina
This Middle Eastern walk-up spot serves cheap, but flavoursome charcoaled meats and vegetables wrapped in freshly made naan bread – fired in front of your very eyes. It’s rarely not busy at this St Nick’s Market spot. Just make sure your eyes don’t grow bigger than your belly while you wait. Matina packs their wraps with everything and are as big as your face. Now that’s a bargain! Just make sure to bring cash.
The Glass Arcade, St Nicholas St, Bristol BS1 1JQ
6. Cargo Cantina
We know most things at Wapping Wharf tends to be on the pricier side of things. But when looking for cheap eats in this part of Bristol, you can’t go wrong with Cargo Cantina. Its tasty tacos are the best in the city, such as the slow-braised chicken barbacoa or the trout ceviche tostada. Possibly, the best bargain you’ll find by the harbourside.
15 Cargo 2, Bristol BS1 6ZA
7. Cafe Kino
Another spot where everything is under £10. Cake Kino in Stokes Croft is a completely vegan brunch spot. And our go-to for cracking cheap eats with a hangover. From burgers to full English breakfasts, muffins to muesli, you’ll be returning again and again – especially with these pocket-money-saving prices.
108 Stokes Croft, Cotham, Bristol BS1 3RU
8. Little Bagel Co
They might be cheap, but these bagels are fit for a king. Little Bagel Co’s Elvis-inspired offering (a sweet and salty combination of peanut butter, bananas and crispy bacon) is among our favourites. But the NY deli classic Reuben and Asian-influenced kimchi and cheese are equally worthy of the crown. Inspired by New York bagels, Little Bagel Co also serves a small selection of homemade cakes and speciality coffee.
80 Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1QU
9. Sandwich Sandwich
So good they named it twice, Sandwich Sandwich has made the midweek lunch an absolute delight! With five locations around Bristol, no one need go hungry as there’s bound to be one nearby. Any filling and combination imaginable is here, served on a choice of white, granary or caraway bread. While you can also grab savoury snacks like a giant Scotch egg or sausage rolls.
48 Baldwin Street, BS1 1QQ
100 Queens Road, Clifton, BS8 1QE
1 Temple Way, BS2 0BY
19 Cotham Road South, BS6 5TZ
12 Park Row, BS1 5LJ
10. DonDon
This traditional Japanese spot is a quick, no-fuss and cheap lunchtime spot hidden away in Bristol. Grab a main, rice, pickle and three sides – all for under £10 – for a delicious bento box. Mains include karaage fried chicken, pork katsu, root vegetable tempura, and veggie curry. While sides change regularly, but in the past have included an edamame and carrot salad or pepper teriyaki. Yum!
98 Queens Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1NF