Bristol is an ever-expanding hub of fantastic food and drink. Sometimes it’s difficult to know where to go with so much great choice, so we’ve compiled a list of Bristol restaurants perfect for all occasions! Visit a new restaurant and sample a ground-breaking dish, find your perfect spot for food and drinks on a busy weekend, or visit a classic you might never have been to.
Dishes you need to try at new restaurants
Root opened its doors earlier this month. Rob Howell – former head chef at the Michelin star Pony & Trap – is leading the way. With the humble vegetable as the star of the show, the forward-thinking view is to provide an unforgettable dining experience whilst highlighting the benefits of eating less meat. Sitting at the top of Wapping Wharf’s Cargo development, it’s the perfect place to admire the historic harbourside.
Thanks to the venue’s various drinking and dining areas, visitors can return time and again and always have a different experience. Whether you choose to sit outside on the balcony along the famous Christmas Steps or upstairs in the al fresco dining area when the sun is shining, Zerodegrees promises an excellent experience.
Okay, we’re cheating by including multiple of dishes, but we couldn’t help it! Feast your eyes on the duck breast with fondant potato, pearl onions, pak choi, sunblush tomatoes and beech mushroom, and the hazelnut gnocchi, with heritage carrots and hazelnut butter. Recently-opened in Southville, Malago is a lively and friendly neighbourhood-run eatery celebrating Bristol’s independent producers.
Steam is doing great things for Bristol’s pub scene. Alongside great ales, Prosecco and wine at reasonable prices, you’ll find show-stopping burgers at the resident pop-up restaurant: Cornish Burger Co. Take a seat on the gorgeous terrace (one of the best around) and treat yourself. Make sure you catch Steam’s upcoming Friday street food party this September, the last in a long line of successful Bristol Eats nights over the summer.
For busy weekends
Aqua is a long-standing Bristol independent, with a respected modern Italian menu. Have a seat on the heated piazza and tuck in to some small plates as you watch the world go by on the Welshback. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a day out exploring the harbourside.
Did someone say brunch? Bottomless brunch? Who could possibly say no to that? Get your friends together and get brunching at this central favourite, before you chill out and take a breather in Queen Square.
Big game coming up? Catch it at this spacious joint with a drink from the well-stocked bar. If this isn’t your thing, grab a cocktail and make the most of the sunny outdoor seating area on the lively and historic King Street!
The city’s favourite street food market runs throughout the day, perfect for lunch on-the-go. Get yourself some top-notch falafel from Eat A Pitta or visit Bristol favourites Pieminister. Get adventurous with some delightful Japanese gyoza from Eatchu or get a taste of the Med at Matina. Ready for round two? There’s ice cream at Brozen or cake from Ahh Toots or nourishing juices from Big Juice Bar.
Bristol classics
No doubt in the running for the best pizza in the city, Bocabar is a well-established Bristol fixture. It’s located in a cozy, hip warehouse in the multi-purpose Paintworks development on the Bath Road. Treat yourself to a unique Brazilian-style pizza from the eclectic pizza menu and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and quirky decor.
Get to Gallimaufry on Gloucester Road if you love great food and drink, local artists’ work, and live music. All can be found at this classic venue, which celebrates making the most of what’s on offer. Events run throughout the week and best of all, you can bring your dog! It’s no wonder it’s held dear to many Bristolians’ hearts.
If you’re looking for a fantastic meal away from the buzzing city centre, the Darlington Arms is the perfect choice. Located near the airport, this country escape offers a range of home-cooked classics, such as the pictured Somerset Brie with post box chutney and andrès salad and more.
Constant four and five star reviews on both Google and Tripadvisor are a glowing testament to the wonders this restaurant is capable of. A modern take on Italian classic dishes complements the slick, glitzy interior design – watch the chefs assemble your dish in the open kitchen.
Check out our Bristol Food & Drink Guide for more listings of great places to dine in Bristol’s ever expanding restaurant scene below:
