Best Restaurants Bristol

Looking for somewhere decent to eat in Bristol? Trust me, this city’s food scene goes way beyond just cider and pies (though we do love those too). Here are some of the best restaurants Bristol has to offer, whatever you fancy.

From cosy little independents tucked away in Stokes Croft to high-end restaurants that guarantee classy dining, Bristol’s food scene has seriously exploded in recent years.

And that’s what I love about about dining in Bristol – the brilliant mix of passionate indie owners alongside some really exciting new places. And the variety! You can pretty much eat your way around the world without even leaving Bristol.

So I’ve put together this list of my absolute favourite Bristol restaurants – the ones I’d personally recommend to friends when they visit. Some are perfect for impressing a date, others are great for a catch-up with mates, and I’ve thrown in some budget-friendly spots too. There’s something for everyone here.

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Special Occasions & Fine Dining

Bulrush (Cotham)

I managed to book a table here for a birthday – had to reserve six weeks ahead, mind you! But it’s worth it. The whole experience was just sensational. We went for the full tasting menu and honestly, it was hands down the best meal I’ve had in Bristol. Each plate looked like a tiny work of art, and the flavour combinations were mind-blowing.

There was this one dish with locally foraged mushrooms that sounds boring but tasted extraordinary. And the service was absolutely spot on. Every dish gets explained to you without being too pretentious about it.

It’s not cheap – our bill came to about £350 for two with the wine pairing – but for a really special occasion, it’s worth every penny. I’ve heard the service can be a bit hit and miss when they’re busy, but we didn’t experience this whatsoever. 10/10 from me.

Location: 21 Cotham Road, Bristol BS6 5TZ Contact: 0117 329 0990

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Wilsons (Redland)

Another special occasion that called for something memorable, and Bulrush really was! The place is small and unassuming from outside, but the food is absolutely phenomenal. (As is the cutlery… I marvelled at the cutlery just as much as the food!)

What makes Wilsons special is their commitment to seasonal, local ingredients. Most of their veg comes from their own farm just outside Bristol. The menu changes all the time, but when I went, I had the most amazing lamb with wild garlic that still makes my mouth water thinking about it.

Comparing it to Bulrush, I actually found Wilsons more satisfying and better value. It’s still a treat price-wise, but the atmosphere is more relaxed and the portions slightly more generous.

Location: 24 Chandos Road, Bristol BS6 6PF Contact: 0117 973 4157

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Little French (Westbury Park)

Popped in here on a whim last month when another booking fell through (I was very lucky to get a table), and oh my days – what a find! It’s got this really intimate, Parisian bistro feel with dim lighting and closely packed tables.

The menu is classic French food done incredibly well. I had escargots to start (when in Rome, right?) followed by the best steak frites I’ve had outside of Paris. But the real star was their wine list – absolutely stunning selection of French wines, including some unusual natural ones that I’d never tried before.

Perfect for a romantic date night – though book ahead as it’s tiny and always packed.

Location: 2 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7QB Contact: 0117 970 6276

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Casual Dining Spots

Marmo (Baldwin Street)

This is hands down my favourite Italian restaurant in Bristol. The lighting is just right, the atmosphere buzzy but not too loud, and the food… oh my goodness, the food.

It’s Italian-inspired but not your standard pasta place. Their menu changes regularly but if they have the truffle pasta on, ORDER IT. It’s the best and I struggle to order anything else (pic is my husband’s choice for the sake of variety…). When I took my friend here she ordered these beautiful hand-dived scallops with ‘nduja and she reported they were absolutely perfect.

The owners really know their wine too, and are always happy to recommend something that pairs perfectly with your meal. For the quality, it’s surprisingly affordable – about £70-80 for two with a decent bottle of wine.

Location: 31 Baldwin Street, Bristol BS1 1RG Contact: 0117 316 4987

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Pasta Loco (Cotham)

If you want proper fresh pasta made with love, this is your spot. Be warned though – you need to book weeks in advance for dinner, it’s that popular. And it’s not ‘just’ pasta with a few cheap ingredients thrown in (my pet hate when you’re paying restaurant prices…).

Their carbonara is genuinely life-changing – made with guanciale and a perfectly creamy sauce that doesn’t overwhelm the pasta. And the portions are generous too – I never manage to finish mine (though that doesn’t stop me trying!).

I’ve heard some people say Little Hollows is better these days, but I’m still Team Loco all the way. The atmosphere is just more fun, and the staff make you feel like you’re part of the family.

Location: 37a Cotham Hill, Bristol BS6 6JY Contact: 0117 973 3000

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Pasture (Redcliffe)

Had a friend’s birthday dinner here recently and it was very impressive. The steaks are aged in-house and cooked over fire right in front of you – bit of dinner theatre with your meal!

They do the best steak in Bristol, no question. I had a ribeye that was cooked to absolute perfection – crispy charred outside, melt-in-your-mouth inside. The sides aren’t an afterthought either – their triple-cooked chips are soooo good.

Top tip: it’s almost impossible to get a weekend dinner reservation unless you book ages in advance. But they do a brilliant lunch menu that’s a bit more affordable too. Win-win.

Location: 2 Portwall Lane, Bristol BS1 6NB Contact: 0117 370 0200

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Places People Don’t Know About (But Should)

The Lock Up (Church Road)

This unassuming spot on Church Road does the best Sunday roast in the city, by far. It’s a real neighbourhood gem that feels like a lovely pub but serves food that would put many restaurants to shame.

The Yorkshire puddings are the size of your head, the beef is pink and perfect, and they don’t skimp on the gravy. I’d definitely love to go back when the opportunity arises. If you’re not a Sunday roast person (who are you?!), their small plates menu during the week is also fantastic.

You do need to book for Sunday lunch well in advance – I usually try three weeks ahead to be safe. That being said, if it’s Sunday day, give it a whirl – someone may have had to cancel…

Location: 182 Church Road, St George, Bristol BS5 8AE Contact: 0117 329 0555

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Chido Wey (Old Market)

I stumbled across this place after a shopping trip and had the most nuts tacos I’ve ever eaten in the UK. They’re really authentic – soft corn tortillas with simple but flavour-packed fillings.

The pork carnitas taco nearly made me cry it was so good – perfectly crispy edges, juicy meat, and a zingy salsa that tied it all together. And their margaritas pack a real punch too!

It’s a small place and they don’t take bookings, so you might have to queue at peak times. But it moves quickly and is absolutely worth the wait.

Location: 19 West Street, Old Market, Bristol BS2 0DF Contact: 0117 329 1131

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Pappu Dosa (Patchway)

This place is a bit of a schlep if you’re in central Bristol, but oh my goodness – it’s the most amazing, ‘real’ Indian food I’ve found in Bristol. They specialise in South Indian cuisine, particularly dosas (these massive crispy pancakes filled with spiced potatoes).

Their masala dosa is the size of your arm and comes with the most amazing coconut chutney and sambar. It’s proper Indian food like you’d get in India, not the usual curry house fare.

And it’s ridiculously cheap too – about £25 for two people to eat like kings. Just don’t expect fancy decor or table service – it’s all about the food here.

Location: 5 Gloucester Road, Patchway, Bristol BS34 5HL Contact: 0117 969 7822

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World Cuisine Winners

Nutmeg (Clifton)

We’re staying with Indian cuisine for a moment, and though I love Pappu Dosa, Nutmeg is a little more refined. If you want proper sit-down Indian food that goes beyond the usual curry house menu, Nutmeg is fantastic. They focus on regional specialities from across India, and everything I’ve tried has been brilliant.

Their Goan fish curry is something special – perfectly cooked fish in this complex, tangy sauce that I could happily drink by the gallon. The prices are a bit higher than your average Indian restaurant, but the quality justifies every penny.

Location: 10 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4DR Contact: 0117 973 0978

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Tomo no Ramen (Gloucester Road)

After a trip to Japan previously, I’m always on the search for decent ramen… and I found it in Bristol! Tomo no is the closest I’ve found to the real deal – their tonkotsu broth simmers for hours and has that perfect rich, porky flavour.

The noodles have just the right chew to them, and the soft-boiled egg is always spot on with that perfect bright orange yolk. They don’t take bookings and there’s often a queue, but they serve food quickly – a queue worth your while, that’s for sure.

Location: 14 Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8AE Contact: 0117 942 6300

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Squeezed (Wapping Wharf)

If you want the best burger in Bristol, look no further. I’m not sure I can even call them burgers… they’re on another level! Squeezed is a tiny place in a shipping container at Wapping Wharf, but what comes out of that kitchen is pure magic.

The burgers are juicy, perfectly seasoned, and come with these incredible homemade sauces that take them into a different league. Their hand-squeezed lemonades are brilliant too – try the rhubarb and rosemary one if it’s on.

There’s hardly any seating so be prepared to take away or perch outside. And don’t wear white – these burgers are gloriously messy!

Location: Unit 22, Cargo 2, Wapping Wharf, Bristol BS1 6ZA Contact: Instagram @squeezedburger

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Your Bristol Food Adventure Starts Now!

So there’s my personal guide to eating out in Bristol, whatever you fancy and whatever your budget. If one of these has really taken your fancy or sounds like the best place for that special occasion you’re thinking about, then please try and take a moment to reserve a table in advance.

And if you’re reading this on the go, then take a punt on it! I’d imagine the fine dining options are less flexible, but if you don’t ask…!