Best Restaurants in Bristol

Famed for its fierce love of independent shops and rejection of the high-street chain, this notion transcends into the beating heart of the best restaurants in Bristol, too.

Bristol seems to have found its own perfect recipe for what constitutes a good restaurant. They come in many guises, but similar threads run through them – they’re independently owned, often run by couples (romantic or business) and have surprisingly small kitchens. The menus celebrate the fruits of the community’s labor, from drinks producers to city farmers and those further afield in the southwest, and they make as much as possible onsite. Dining rooms are compact, and there’s usually a tantalizingly affordable set menu at lunchtime that keeps the locals – and everyone else – coming.

It’s this successful list of attributes, along with the city’s air of ambition, that attracts other chefs and restaurant owners to create their own slice of the pie here.

Wilsons

Best for: Affordable set menu
Dish to order: The six-course tasting menu

A stained-glass sign and tealights welcome guests into this intimate Redland restaurant, which opened in 2016 and is Bristol’s only restaurant with a green Michelin star. The English bistro is run by vivacious chef Jan Ostle and his partner, Mary Wilson, who curates the wine list. The tasting menu changes seasonally with ingredients plucked from their own small holding just 20 minutes outside of the city.

Lunch features a remarkably priced set menu for £30, with past favorite dishes including baked cod and impeccably fresh pasta.

Address: 24 Chandos Road, Bristol BS6 6P

Granary Bristol

Best for: All-day dining
Dish to order: Cider-brined fried chicken with brown sugar buffalo sauce and blue cheese

This Byzantine-designed 19th-century former grain store once hosted some of Bristol’s best music events. Now, it serves delicious food with a focus on cooking over fire, inspired by diverse culinary traditions from India to the Middle East. Highlights include chewy sourdough flatbreads and the crispy cider-brined fried chicken.

Address: 32 Welshback, Bristol, BS1 4SB

Poco Tapas Bar

Best for: Affordable tapas
Dish to order: Roast beetroot, ricotta, and quinoa crisp

Locals adore Poco for its fairly priced tapas, including the best patatas bravas. Opening in 2011, Poco has always valued sustainability, provenance, and seasonality. It features ‘nose to tail’ and ‘root to fruit’ set menus, and dishes like the roast beetroot with ricotta are must-tries.

Address: 45 Jamaica Street, Bristol BS2 8JP

ROOT

Best for: Vegetable dishes
Dish to order: Ewe’s curd dumplings, braised greens, and breadcrumbs

ROOT, located in the restaurant hub of Cargo, focuses on elevating vegetables to star status on the menu. The head chef champions veg-led dishes, which are often complemented by a few sprinkled meat options. The results are wholesome, flavorful dishes that appeal even to meat lovers.

Address: Unit 9, Cargo 1, Goal Ferry Steps, Bristol, BS1 6WP

Marmo

Best for: Relaxed dining with friends
Dish to order: Gnocco fritto and speck

Marmo, located in the city center, boasts a casual atmosphere with a focus on sharing plates. The menu is concise, yet every dish is thoughtfully prepared, making dishes like gnocco fritto and lasagnette a delightful dining experience.

Address: 31 Baldwin Street, City of Bristol BS1 1RG

Tare

Best for: Contemporary tasting menu
Dish to order: Six-course tasting menu

Located in Wapping Wharf, Tare stands out for its contemporary menu. With an intimate setting and a focus on intricate flavors, dining here is a visual and culinary delight, featuring inventive dishes like a Jerusalem artichoke ice cream.

Address: Unit 14, Museum Street, Wapping Wharf, Bristol BS1 6ZA

Bravas

Best for: Spanish tapas
Dish to order: Croquette of the day

Inspired by Spain, Bravas started from the owners’ love for Spanish cuisine. Now a quintessential part of Bristol’s food scene, its offerings include delightful tapas and a welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss the croquette of the day and Jamon Ibérico.

Address: 7 Cotham Hill, Redland, Bristol BS6 6LD

Littlefrench

Best for: French food
Dish to order: Crispy fried pig’s cheek terrine with sauce gribiche

Littlefrench offers an unfussy yet classic dining experience. The cozy space serves dishes like crispy fried pig’s cheek and a renowned cheesy aligot that should not be missed.

Address: 2B North View, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7QB

Little Hollows Pasta

Best for: Affordable weekday lunches
Dish to order: Agnolotti

Famed for its freshly rolled pasta and remarkably priced lunch menus, Little Hollows is a buzz of activity. The agnolotti is a crowd favorite, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor.

Address: 26 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 6PF

COR

Best for: Mediterranean small plates
Dish to order: Catalan stew

COR quickly gained a reputation for its vibrant and creative small plates. The Mediterranean-inspired menu reflects a fine dining influence, making dishes like the Catalan stew a culinary highlight.

Address: 81 North St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 1ES

Pasta Ripiena

Best for: Filled pasta
Dish to order: Cappelletti of crab and ricotta, datterini, and saffron consommé

From the Bianchis Restaurant Group, Pasta Ripiena specializes in freshly stuffed pasta, incorporating local ingredients and varied pasta shapes. Expect an exciting range of dishes that elevate traditional flavors with a twist.

Address: 33 St Stephen’s Street, Bristol BS1 1JX

Casa

Best for: A celebration dinner
Dish to order: Rosemary gnocchi

Revamped from the acclaimed Casamia, Casa serves up traditional Italian meals meant for sharing. The cozy atmosphere and high-quality cooking create a delightful dining experience along the river.

Address: The General, Lower Guinea Street, Bristol, BS1 6fU

Bulrush

Best for: A tasting menu
Dish to order: Tasting menu of at least six dishes

Known for its Michelin-starred status, Bulrush offers exclusive tasting menus that blend British and modern influences. The intimate environment and exquisite flavor combinations make it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Address: 21 Cotham Road S, Cotham, Bristol BS6 5TZ

Thali Easton

Best for: Indian thali
Dish to order: Spinach tarka dal thali

A long-standing member of Bristol’s dining scene, Thali focuses on traditional thali dishes served with locally sourced ingredients. Its colorful decor and sustainable ethos enhance the dining experience.

Address: 64-66 St Marks Road, Bristol BS5 6JH

Sonny Stores

Best for: Sourdough pizzas
Dish to order: Bianca pizza

What started as a lockdown project now flourishes in Southville, offering Italian-inspired sourdough pizzas within a relaxed neighborhood setting. Look out for daily specials to complement your meal.

Address: 47 Raleigh Road, Bristol BS3 1QS

Adelina Yard

Best for: Harbour-side dining
Dish to order: Tasting menu

Opened in 2015, Adelina Yard offers an exquisite tasting menu influenced by top London restaurants. Enjoy a carefully curated meal along the harborside, showcasing seasonal ingredients and culinary creativity.

Address: Queen Quay, Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SL