8 min readDo you have a favourite dish from your travels, or want to try something new?
One of the best things about Bristol's food scene is the variety on offer, so we've rounded up some of the best places in town to get a taste of cuisines from across the globe.
Not sure where to start? Book on to a food tour to experience some of the city's best food & drink!
Belgium
From Belgian beers to bar snacks and stews, Strawberry Thief in the city centre compliments its fantastic range of international beers with some delicious Belgian-inspired dishes, using locally-sourced ingredients.
Image - Strawberry Thief
China
A popular choice for locals and visitors for over 30 years, family-run Cathay Rendezvous serves high quality Chinese cuisine, in the grand surrounds of what was the first purpose-built library in England. Cosmo also has a selection of live cooking stations and food from around the world on its buffet menu, including a range of Chinese dishes.
Bristol is brimming with fabulous Chinese restaurants showcasing in a range of regional specialities, from the extensive feasting menus at Mayflower, flavoursome dim sum at Little Chinatown and Dragon's Delicacy, comforting bowls at Beijing Cooking Pot or mouth-tingling Szechuan noodles at Chilli Daddy.
Image - Cathay Rendezvous
France
Enjoy a taste of Paris in the opulent surrounds of the Aqua Brasserie in Clifton, or head to French creperie Chez Marcel for a delicious range of sweets crepes and savoury galettes made from buckwheat flour (gluten free), with plenty of fillings to choose from. If you're looking for some hearty French cuisine for dinner, check out littlefrench in Westbury-on-Trym.
Image - Chez Marcel
Greece
If you're looking for a bite on the go, head to Taka Taka on Bridewell St or Clifton Triangle for a selection of Greek snacks, wraps and deli treats to take home. Sotiris is a delightful deli on Park Row - pay a visit for Greek pastries, biscuits and produce.
Image - The Real Greek
India
If you're looking for top-notch Indian dishes, order a range of street food dishes and curries at Urban Tandoor and Dhamaka in the city centre, or Nutmeg's restaurants in Clifton or the city centre for dishes inspired by regional specialities. Talwar Express near the Harbourside has a range of street food options.
Head to Rana’s Dhaba in Broadmead or Bristol Sweet Mart in Easton for Indian snacks on the go alongside homemade curries.
Image - Talwar Express
Italy
Not just the best gelato in town, Swoon also does some of the best hot chocolate we've ever had, as well as cocktails, pastries and other delectable treats. Handmade treats including sorbetti, gelato sticks and individual gelato monoporzioni.
Image - Swoon
Family-run restaurant Cafe Napolita in St Werburghs serves up a menu of Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta and authentic desserts in a cosy setting.
Image - Cafe Napolita
You'll also find great Italian snacks, gelato, aperitivo and sandwiches at Taste of Napoli in Broadmead. For pasta fans, Pasta Ripiena has received praise from food critics and locals alike.
In the mood for pizza? Head to Pizza on the Park for a local take on Roman-style pizza, or if you're looking for more of an old school feel, Don Giovanni's next to Temple Meads and Sergio's off Park St have built a loyal following through the decades. Papadeli is worth a trip out of the city centre for a range of Italian treats.
Image - Pizza on the Park
Jamaica
Recently named in the Top 10 Restaurants in Bristol by The Telegraph, Caribbean Croft is a fun and funky bar-restaurant which takes its rum and cocktails as seriously as it does its food. Make sure you try their jerk pork belly or oxtail stew, and a rum of course!
If you want to indulge in more Caribbean flavours, you can enjoy a fully vegan menu at Fi Real on Old Market, or traditional favourites at Rice and Things on Cheltenham Road near Stokes Croft.
Image - Caribbean Croft
Japan
If you're more in the mood for sushi, head over to the glamourous Kibou in Clifton, or the neon-lit Seven Lucky Gods, which takes inspiration from Japanese izakaya bars. Yakinori offers a selection of bento, sushi, curries and grilled dishes in a vibrant setting, while Tonkotsu serves up a range of hearty ramen bowls.
Bento Boss is very popular for its sushi selection, or try Eatchu for some of the best gyoza in town. If you're looking for some food on the go, Woky Ko always have a queue at their noodle stall in St Nicholas Market. Izakaya serves up fresh sushi, sashimi, katsu curry, udon, poke bowls and desserts from restaurants in Clifton and the city centre.
- Try food from more vendors at St Nicholas Market on a Hotspots & Hidden Treasures Food Tour
Image - Izakaya
Korea
If you're looking for some tasty and healthy bites on the go, Tuk Tuck do a great selection of bibimbap (shredded vegetables and rice, with meat or tofu), kimbap (Korean-style sushi) and curries.
If you're looking for a larger selection of traditional Korean dishes, head to Seoul GaJa on Gloucester Road. Or try something a bit different at the charming Sky Kong Kong (where a meal will set you back just £12.50) or the mixed menu of Middle Eastern and Korean dishes at Per Kor.
Image - Tuk Tuck
Mexico
Try to nab a seat at Cali-Mexican kitchen Chido Wey on Old Market, who are regularly booked up weeks in advance for dinner, and with good reason when you try their food! Condesa on Whiteladies Road serves contemporary Mexican small plates mostly cooked on a charcoal grill, including tacos and tostadas, delicious dips and slow cooked meats. The menu is entirely gluten free, with several vegetarian and vegan options. Cargo Cantina is also worth a visit - inspired by the authentic Cantinas of Mexico, we recommend ordering a selection of tasty tacos and nibbles at the bar or to enjoy on their sunny terrace in Wapping Wharf.
- Sample food from across Wapping Wharf with a Gourmet Food Tour or Street Food Tour
Image - Cargo Cantina
Middle East
Taking inspiration from across the Mediterranean and Middle East, Souk Kitchen has been a firm favourite among Bristol foodies for over ten years. Choose from a selection of hot and cold mezze as well as larger plates including Persian fish curry, Imam Biyaldi, borek and chicken shish.
If you're planning a group outing, we'd recommend one of the grilled meat platters at Lona on Gloucester Road or a mega mezze banquet at Beirut Mezze. Bristanbul is also the place to go for Turkish biscuits, bread and savoury pastries.
Image - Souk Kitchen
Spain
Bar 44 is a large and glamourous tapas bar & restaurant in Clifton, offering a highest quality menu and range of wines & sherries. Bomba Tapas on Gloucester Road do a menu of Spanish classics as well as ever-changing specials, plus some top notch cocktails!
COR in Bedminster draws on a range of Eurpoean and Mediterranean influences for its menu of sharing plates and cocktails. Alternatively, Bravas in Cotham serves a simple menu alongside a great range of gin & tonics - sit up at the cosy bar and watch the food being cooked in front of you.
Image - Bar 44
Sri Lanka
Visit The Coconut Tree for small sharing plates of Sri Lankan specialities, with plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans. Another popular choice is Nadu on Stokes Croft, which has a menu of Sri Lankan and South Indian dishes, plus regular rum tastings.
Image - The Coconut Tree
Thailand
Enjoy the intense flavours of Thailand at Jean's Bistro, with a range of classic dishes such as salt and pepper squid, chicken satay and red curry served in a cosy restaurant on the buzzing Gloucester Road. Other Thai restaurants popular with the locals include Siam Smile in Hotwells or Giggling Squid in Clifton.
Turkey
Bring your friends to to enjoy some of the Turkish sharing platters at Cappadocia on Baldwin Street, or pick and choose from their menu of mezze, grilled meats and pize pizzas.
Image - Cappadocia
USA
Mollie's Diner in Cribbs Causeway does a fine line in burgers, shakes, wings and waffles. For more great burgers in the city, try simple classics and a dedicated vegan menu at Three Brothers Burgers.
Image - Quay Street Diner
Vietnam
Pho sells Vietnamese inspired dishes.The menu also includes a range of tasty snacks, plus plenty of vegan and gluten free options.
Can’t decide?
Take your taste buds on a food tour of the world at Bristol's grand banquet-style global cuisine restaurant, Za Za Bazaar!
Let us know your own international favourites on Instagram. You can continue your food adventures with the following guides...
- Bristol's best steak restaurants
- Where to go wine tasting in and around Bristol
- Vegan restaurants in Bristol
- Michelin-starred restaurants in Bristol
