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From Harbourside dining to hidden gems on Gloucester Road, Bristol is packed with fantastic places to eat. It’s just one of the many reasons Bristol continues to be such a popular place to live.
And when it comes to eating out, Bristol doesn't disappoint. Here are our picks of the best restaurants in the city right now.
Discover A New Way to Live in Bristol
Brabazon is Bristol's most exciting new neighbourhood, bringing together homes, independent cafés, local businesses and green spaces. From morning coffee to an evening stroll in the park, more of everyday life is right on your doorstep.
Explore Brabazon | Explore Connections
The Best Restaurants in Bristol for Special Occasions
Whether you're celebrating a birthday, marking an anniversary or hoping to impress a date, Bristol is home to some of the South West’s highest-rated places for an extra special meal.
Wilson’s Restaurant, Redland
Awarded a Michelin Green Star for sustainability, Wilson's showcases home-grown produce and ingredients sourced from trusted local suppliers. Its regularly changing menu celebrates the seasons through creative dishes, while the relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for a special occasion without feeling overly formal.
Bulrush, Cotham
Bulrush has earned a Michelin Star for its inventive tasting menus, which showcase seasonal ingredients, preservation techniques and bold flavour combinations. Refined yet unpretentious, it's one of Bristol's standout destinations for special occasions.
Adelina Yard, Bristol City Centre
Set beside the waterfront, Adelina Yard offers relaxed fine dining. Its seasonal menus showcase the best of British produce with meticulous attention to detail. Praised by critics, this is a highly recommended choice if you’re looking for a memorable dining experience in the city.
Pasture, Redcliffe
Pasture has become one of Bristol’s most sought-after places to eat thanks to its open-fire cooking and focus on quality British beef. Watch chefs at work in the open kitchen while enjoying expertly cooked steaks, seasonal flavours and an extensive wine list.
Other picks include: Flat Iron or Root.
Best International Cuisine in Bristol
Bristol's diverse food scene reflects the city's creativity and multicultural influences, with venues serving exceptional dishes from around the world.
Nutmeg, Clifton
Nutmeg offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional Indian restaurant or curry house. The menu blends authentic flavours with contemporary presentation, introducing diners to recipes and ingredients rarely found elsewhere. Elegant interiors, attentive service and beautifully balanced dishes make it a loved choice for everything from date nights to family dinners.
Other International picks: Urban Tandoor, Dhamaka
Seven Lucky Gods, Clifton
Inspired by Tokyo’s energetic izakaya culture, Seven Lucky Gods delivers a vibrant dining experience centered around sharing plates, fresh sushi and bold flavours. The menu combines Japanese influences with creative twists, while favourites such as Korean fried chicken have achieved near legendary status among Bristol food lovers.
Dongnae, Redland
This contemporary Korean venue has quickly built a reputation for combining traditional flavours with refined dining. Guests can enjoy everything from premium Korean barbecue to sizzling stone bowl rice dishes, all prepared with high-quality ingredients and careful attention to detail.
Lonely Mouth, Horfield
Lonely Mouth brings a fresh take on Japanese cuisine to North Bristol, combining izakaya style small plates with creative brunch and breakfast offerings. The menu draws inspiration from Japanese classics while introducing subtle Western influences.
Other Asian restaurants worth trying: Dragon's Delicacy, Ramen Ya and Per & Cor.
Mexican & Latin American Restaurants
Condesa, Redland
Condesa brings modern Mexican cooking to Whiteladies Road with fire-cooked dishes, fresh homemade tortillas and a curated mezcal selection sitting at the heart of the experience. Its contemporary approach to Mexican cuisine has made it one of Bristol’s most exciting destinations for both casual dinners and celebratory meals.
After dinner at Condesa, head out for a stroll across The Downs - one of the best green spaces in Bristol - to see the Suspension Bridge and views across the city.
Chido Wey, Old Market Street
Chido Wey specialises in vibrant Cali-Mexican cooking packed with flavour. Generous portions, creative tacos and an extensive range of vegetarian and vegan options ensure there’s something for everyone. It’s become a beloved choice for groups, casual dining and relaxed weekend outings.
Mediterranean & Tapas Restaurants
Gambas, Wapping Wharf
At Bravas, guests can enjoy a constantly changing selection of authentic small plates, served in an intimate setting that encourages sharing and conversation – just like a true Spanish tapas bar. Its walk-in friendly approach and excellent food have made it a long-standing favourite among locals.
Bravas, Cotham
Overlooking Bristol’s iconic Harbourside, Gambas captures the true spirit of a Spanish coastal eatery through its seafood focused tapas and relaxed waterside setting. The menu celebrates fresh ingredients with dishes designed for sharing, making it ideal for team lunches and sociable evenings.
Best Italian Restaurants in Bristol
Whether you’re craving handmade pasta, authentic Neapolitan Pizza or classic regional dishes, Bristol has no shortage of Italian dining spots.
Ragu, Wapping Wharf
Ragu has earned a reputation as one of Bristol’s standout Italian dining destinations thanks to its exceptional handmade pasta and seasonally changing menu. The focus on carefully sourced ingredients and traditional techniques results in dishes that feel both authentic and contemporary. It’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking a more refined Italian dining experience.
Bosco, Whiteladies Road
Bosco brings the atmosphere of a bustling Italian piazza to Bristol through its wood-fired pizzas, cicchetti style sharing plates and vibrant dining atmosphere. With authentic Italian ingredients at the heart of every dish, Bosco is a consistently reliable choice for quality Italian food in Bristol.
Moltobuono, Bristol City Centre
A popular Bristol favourite, Moltobuono on Park Street combines traditional Italian hospitality with a menu full of comforting classics. From fresh pasta to seafood dishes, there’s something to suit a wide variety of tastes and dietary requirements.
Other Italian picks: Rudy's Pizza Napoletana, Limone Ristorante and Pizzucci.
Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Bristol
Bristol, as one of the UK’s leading cities for plant-based food, is home to an impressive range of vegan and vegetarian destinations. From creative small plates to large and inspiring menus, these venues prove that vegetable-led cooking can be every bit as exciting as traditional offerings.
Root, Wapping Wharf
Root has become synonymous with Bristol’s innovative plant-focused dining scene. Its inventive small plates celebrate seasonal produce through bold dishes featuring creative combinations, earning recognition with a Michelin Bib Gourmand. The waterside setting at Wapping Wharf and the excellent value lunch menu only add to the appeal.
Koocha, Cheltenham Road
Inspired by the vibrant cuisines of the Middle East, Koocha serves colourful vegan mezze dishes designed for sharing. Signature plates such as the famous Oyster Mushroom Wings have attracted a devoted following, while the lively interiors create a memorable and welcoming dining experience. It remains one of Bristol’s most popular destinations for plant-based food.
Plantugese, St Paul’s
Traditional Portuguese flavours are reimagined using innovative plant-based ingredients at Plantugese, producing dishes that are both familiar and surprising. A real standout is their creative take on classic seafood-inspired dishes and mushroom-based specialities.
More vegan and vegetarian restaurants: The Garden of Easton
Best Seafood Restaurants in Bristol
Bristol's maritime heritage and access to excellent South West produce make it a great city for seafood lovers. From local fish to freshly shucked oysters, these venues showcase the quality and variety of British seafood at its best.
The Spiny Lobster, Clifton
Combining the expertise of an independent fishmonger with fine dining, The Spiny Lobster champions exceptionally fresh seafood. Changing daily menus reflect the best available catch, while charcoal grilling adds depth and flavour to many dishes. Visitors can expect quality and expertise throughout their dining experience.
One Fish Street, Redland
One Fish Street has quickly established itself as one of Bristol’s most exciting seafood destinations, thanks to its ingredient-led approach. Seasonal fish takes centre stage across a range of inventive small plates and sharing dishes, allowing the quality of each ingredient to shine.
Noah’s, Hotwells
Situated beside the river, Noah’s combines traditional favourites with a broader menu celebrating British seafood. While fish and chips remain popular, diners can also enjoy daily changing specials featuring sustainably sourced fish and shellfish. The family-run atmosphere, waterside views and commitment to quality ingredients make it a real local favourite.
Other seafood favourites: Reel Soul, Frisk & Frite.
Best Affordable Restaurants & Hidden Gems
Some of Bristol’s most memorable food experiences combine outstanding food, independent character and excellent value, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well.
ImPasta Lab, Brabazon
This small Italian kitchen at Boxworks has developed a loyal following thanks to its commitment to authentic, fresh food. The menu changes regularly depending on seasonal ingredients, ensuring each visit offers something new. Affordable and full of character, it’s one of Bristol’s best examples of a genuine hidden gem.
Angelababy Kitchen, St Nicholas Market
Located within the bustling St Nicholas Market, Angelababy has become renowned for its flavour-packed Cantonese street food and excellent value for money, with many options well under £10. Its char siu rice boxes and freshly prepared snacks regularly attract lunchtime queues, while generous portions keep customers coming back. It’s a standout option for a quick and tasty meal in the city centre.
Gigi’s Pizza Shop, Old Market Street
Gigi’s has earned national attention for its outstanding New York style pizza. The single slices offer generous portions, while value deals make it particularly appealing for budget-conscious guests. Combined with a growing reputation among pizza enthusiasts in Bristol, it offers one of the best value dining experiences in the city.
Also worth mentioning: Baba Ganoush
New Bristol Restaurant Openings to Look Forward to
Bristol already boasts some of the best places to eat in the South West, and its food scene shows no signs of slowing down. But believe it or not, it’s about to get even better!
As Brabazon continues to take shape, new independent cafés, bars and restaurants will join the city's thriving dining culture, adding an exciting new destination for food lovers north of Bristol.
