From Michelin-starred places for a celebratory spread to laid-back cafes for a weekend brunch, this city's dining scene is as varied as it is delicious. But that's hardly a surprise considering the number of fab chefs roaming these streets. Top-notch dishes in Clifton? Chic dining in the city centre? A poolside Mediterranean feast? You've got it. Check out our list of the best restaurants in Bristol for a selection that will more than satisfy any hunger pang.
Boasting an impressive menu of hanger steaks and crayfish salads, The Square Club is meeting all your date night needs with its swish venue and delish food. Spend an evening out in the gorgeous courtyard enjoying seasonal dishes that are made using the finest locally sourced produce.
The Bristol Stable is your go-to for an evening of craft brews and stone-baked pizza, cooked before your eyes in the open kitchen. But these aren't any bog-standard slices. Quirky toppings include slow-roasted lamb shoulder, pulled ham hock, BBQ jackfruit and hot smoked salmon.
As well as being a top sports hangout, Racks Bar & Kitchen is also a fun place to eat with mates. Grab a table in the rustically chic dining area or on its heated outdoor terrace and tuck into a range of meaty, vegan and gluten-free pub classics.
Located on Corn Street, Mowgli is a charming restaurant owned by celebrity chef Nisha Katona. The gorgeous decor here includes indoor trees, golden fairy lights and their signature rope swing seats, making for a stunning dining destination.
Their authentic Indian menu is inspired by the street food markets of Varanasi, featuring everything from tea-steeped chickpeas to Goan fish curry and gunpowder chicken - with most dishes coming in at under £10.
Located in Southville, Tobacco Factory Cafe Bar is a family-friendly destination found inside a converted factory. The decor reflects Bristol's industrial past, with some added artistic touches, and you'll often find fun events going on here too.
They're all about sustainability, prioritising independent suppliers and using local, seasonal produce in their vegetarian menu. From truffled eggs at brunch through to tapas or burgers in the evening, there's something for everyone here.
Step through the doors and back in time at The Lost & Found. A Victorian-themed bar and restaurant, this gem is filled with fabulous old school furnishings, while its menus will have you sipping on botanical cocktails and eating incredible brunches, lunches and dinners.
Cosy Club Bristol is set within a stunning Grade II listed building, offering a grand yet welcoming atmosphere with opulent interiors, high ceilings and vintage furnishings that nod to its historic roots. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy a varied menu of British classics and globally inspired dishes, including Spanish chicken, king prawn and cod linguine, and Asian buttermilk chicken, alongside a well-curated cocktail list - making it a versatile choice for everything from casual catch-ups to special occasions.
Meanwhile, the brunch menu features comforting favourites like smashed avocado, buttermilk pancakes and breakfast burgers, with the option to add 90 minutes of bottomless drinks for £25 per person, including fizz, cocktails or mocktails.
No.4 Clifton Village is ticking all the boxes when it comes to eating out. Not only does it house a secret garden and a relaxed bar area, but the former Georgian manor also offers a number of seasonal menus, ensuring you get the freshest produce around.
Located in Clifton, Giggling Squid is a relaxed but sophisticated Thai restaurant that's ideal for couples and groups alike. Expect a stylish setting inside, featuring comfy leather booths, shimmering mirrors and gorgeous floral displays.
There's all sorts on the menu, which showcases the best of Thai cuisine, both modern and traditional. Think crispy lemongrass salmon, salt and pepper chilli mushrooms, slow-cooked beef stir-fry and much more, with cracking cocktails up for grabs too.
Jamaya brings the big flavours of Jamaica to Bristol's iconic Harbourside. Expect bold jerk spices, island-inspired cocktails and a buzzing atmospere whenever you stop by.
Proudly family-owned, each dish is packed with heart and soul, from the Jamrock Brown Stew to the Jamaican fried chicken. Whether you're looking for a spot for a laid-back lunch, lively dinner or long night out over dishes and drinks, this is where it's at.
If you're after Bristol restaurants in the city, you can't go wrong with Browns Brasserie & Bar. Known for its quintessential menu of British favourites and hand-crafted cocktails, the sophisticated haunt also whips up afternoon teas and boasts jaw-dropping interiors.
Whether you're a plant-based eater or a fully-fledged carnivore, Honest Burgers have got the patty for you. Situated along Clare Street, these bun pros are loved up and down the country for their succulent chomps, local beers and beautifully simple cocktails.
You won't need to worry about the bill when visiting Yakinori, as their top-quality Japanese plates all come in at a very reasonable price. Order anything from salmon tacos to bao buns and sushi platters, or go for a hearty and comforting bowl of curry, ramen or donburi. They're also famed for their DIY poke bowls, where you can choose any base or dressing plus a variety of toppings for just £14.95. Beers and bubble teas are also available.
Tucked by Bristol's harbour, Colosseum is a charmingly lit tapas spot where handcrafted cocktails (think daiquiris and Pimms) and mouthwatering nibbles await. Whether you're here for a lively bottomless brunch with jazzy tunes or a fun quiz night, it's always a vibe. And when it comes to food, you're in for a treat: deep-fried calamari, falafels, and Spanish meatballs await.
With stunning views over the water and a mouthwatering menu taking you from breakfast to dinner, it's not hard to see why Riverstation is up there with the best restaurants in Bristol Harbourside. Head here for everything from first dates to family meals and leisurely brunches.
Championing hearty brunches and rustic lunches, Rosemarino is an award-winning Italian restaurant in Bristol. Head here for a leisurely morning of steaming coffees, poached egg-topped focaccia, ricotta pancakes and 'nduja toast.
After the best places for fine dining in Bristol? From the minds behind Hyde & Co and The Milk Thistle comes The Ox, a stylish basement restaurant pairing steak with crafted cocktails. Perfect for intimate date nights and meat-lovers, this Corn Street beauty has gained a name for its incredible cuts.
Bringing charm, charisma and a Michelin Bib Gourmand to its cluster of converted shipping containers in Wapping Wharf, Root puts vegetables centre stage. Expect super seasonal produce from local growers alongside succulent meats and show-stopping seafood.
With years of experience working in French kitchens, as well as at Bristol's Michelin‑starred The Pony and Trap, head chef Rob Howell serves up a simple yet spectacular menu. Think pumpkin caponata, Jerusalem artichokes with quince, hake and trout Kievs, and braised Hebridean lamb.
Craving Japanese food? Discover a taste of Tokyo in the heart of the city when you dine at KIBOU. Chow down on some of the finest sushi, gyoza and bao buns under the soft glow of neon signage and colourful street art.
Nestled nicely in the leafy suburb of Cotham, Bulrush has been quietly earning accolades since opening its doors in 2015. Led by chef‑owner George Livesey, formerly of St John and Club Gascon, it bagged a Michelin star just three years later.
With head chef Jake Pain in the kitchen, its meticulously plated dishes bring together English and French culinary techniques with heavy Japanese and Scandinavian influences. The tasting menu is the best way to get a sense of the place, packing in all sorts of seasonal dishes, from guinea fowl and hand-dived scallop to caramelised pinecone and poached quince.
One of Bedminster's brightest and boldest bistros, Other is all vibrant orange walls, eclectic artwork and chilled-out communal tables. Chef Zak Hitchman, formerly of Casamia and Ynyshir, serves up an ever‑changing menu of creative sharing dishes that have rightly earned this place a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Expect everything from homemade crisps with satay dips to tempura pollock, roast carrots with cavolo nero pesto, and rotating daily fish specials. The drinks list keeps it local too, with wine and beer sourced straight from independent producers.
You can't go wrong with a trip to The Mint Room - one of the best Indian restaurants in Bristol. Not only does it offer laid-back, chic interiors, but also a menu of upmarket fare, from Kashmiri lamb chops and lobster biryani to classic tarka dhal.
If you're on the hunt for Italian restaurants in Bristol city centre, make sure to check out Casa. This snazzy spot took over from Michelin-starred Casamia, offering warm trattoria vibes, freshly prepared plates and a range of lip-smacking wines to pair.
The Cowshed are widely recognised for their fine dining in Bristol and timeless decor. Food doesn't get much fresher as they source their meat from the butcher next door, only using cuts that can be traced back to the farm and breed of cow.
Are you in need of a buffet in Bristol? Then COSMO is just the place. This all-you-can-eat offering from around the world spans the likes of duck pancakes, pasta, curries and more for a set price per person.
With 1920s glamorous decor and sizzling steaks on offer, it's no wonder why Mugshot is one of the most popular romantic restaurants in Bristol. Pair your juicy cuts with delicious glasses of vino or grab a cocktail at its sleek bar area.
A haven for indecisive diners, Rock Salt is serving some of the most iconic dishes from Indian and Chinese cuisine. Plating dim sum and sweet and sour chicken alongside samosas and Kashmiri lamb, this innovative restaurant's got to be up there with the top places to eat in Bristol.
Tucked away inside a pair of converted shipping containers at Wapping Wharf's Cargo 1, BOX-E is one of the city's most intriguing and intimate places to eat. With just 14 seats and an alfresco terrace, it's great whether you want to feel the warmth of the kitchen or soak up some sun in the summer months.
With a Michelin Bib Gourmand and two AA Rosettes to its name, its seasonal British dishes are refined yet relaxed. Think soy‑glazed onglet, miso roasted courgette and silky panna cotta.
Specialising in unique eats, Steak of the Art combines first-class cuts with incredible artwork. Get a look at an impressive temporary exhibition before sitting down among the creative pieces and working your way through a meat-fuelled meal.
With its name derived from the Latin for 'heart', there's a lot to love about COR. Run by husband‑and‑wife duo Mark and Karen Chapman, it serves up fine seasonal produce in Mediterranean-inspired dishes that have bagged the place not one, but two Michelin Bib Gourmands.
Standout dishes include pig cheek ragu, smoked duck liver parfait and Devon scallop with cara cara orange. Among its many other accolades are shoutouts in The Good Food Guide and Timeout, plus a place in SquareMeal's UK Top 100.
Over in Redland, Wilsons serves up Michelin star food that's full of flavour without the fuss. Think dry-aged trout with pickled mushrooms or dry-aged chicken with leek and ragu. Almost every ingredient is sourced from the owner's smallholding, making each dish hyper-local and super seasonal.
Just as much care is taken over the drinks list. As well as perfectly paired low-intervention and biodynamic wines, you can sip on fresh soft drinks made from herbs, fruits, and flowers grown on the farm.
If you're crazy about Korean cuisine, Dongnae is the spot for you. On Redland's Chandos Road, it celebrates traditional techniques and top quality ingredients.
Expect vibrant banchan, deep umami flavours and a family feel courtesy of the husband and wife team behind Bokman, Duncan Robertson and Kyu Jeong Jeon. The charcoal grill is the star of the show - think samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) paired with expertly spiced and fermented condiments to elevate every bite.
If you're looking for Michelin star restaurants in Bristol, make a beeline for Paco Tapas. Pairing beautifully prepared Spanish fare with fine wine and riverside views, this authentic hotspot is simply perfect for date nights and snazzy catch-ups with pals.
When it comes to comfort food classics, Burger Theory know a thing or two about whipping up a delicious patty. Choose between their drool-worthy selection of beef, chicken, lamb and veggie options, touting bacon jam, jalapeno ketchup and smoked cheddar.
At the entrance to Blaise Castle Estate in Henbury, The Blaise Inn combines the best bits of a charming 17th century tavern with modern culinary excellence. Expect scrubbed wooden tables, a cosy crimson dining room and Michelin Bib Gourmand-acclaimed food.
Renowned head chef Louise McCrimmon serves up sensationally seasonal dishes, from small plates to hearty mains and indulgent desserts. Think roast pigeon breast, seared onglet steak and chocolate mousse cake with candied kumquats.
High up on our list is this stunning waterside spot. Located within a swimming pool complex, Lido's dining room has some of the city's most unusual views and outdoor seating, while the kitchen has created a Mediterranean and Moorish-inspired menu.
One of Wapping Wharf's most sparkling gems, Ragu serves up sensational seasonal dishes from its repurposed shipping container. We're talking handmade pastas, flavour-packed sauces and small plates made for sharing.
The second venture from husband‑and‑wife team Mark and Karen Chapman, who also run neighbourhood favourite COR, this place is attracting all kinds of attention. Among its many accolades, it holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand in recognition of its exceptional cooking at accessible prices.
