If you’re looking for the perfect date night location in Bristol, we’ve got plenty of suggestions to make your evening extra special…

The Ox

Bristol's seductive steakhouse, hidden away in an unasuming basement in the old city and packed full of old school glamour, with wood-panelled walls and low lighting. Opt for one of their substantial sharing steaks if you really want to impress.

The Ox Bristol
Image: The Ox

Bar 44

Sharing is caring at this opulent tapas bar in Clifton Village, where you can tuck yourselves into a cosy booth or grab a table in the main dining room. Choose from a selection of seasonal and classic tapas dishes to enjoy with a glass of wine or one of their popular G&Ts.

Bar 44 Bristol
Image: Bar 44 Bristol

Kibou

Get snug in a boot and tuck into sushi rolls, exotic cocktails or even a Japanese-inspired afternoon tea at the beautiful Kibou in Clifton. There's plenty of choice depending on if you're in the mood for a Volcano Roll, some comforting ramen or a plateful of gyoza.

Kibou
Image - Kibou

COR

Enjoy a selection of Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates with your loved one at this charming neighbourhood restaurant in Bedminster. Having received a stream of glowing reviews and accolades within a few months of opening, this is a great option for treating your beau to a special meal without things feeling too formal.

COR restaurant mushroom canele
Image - COR

The Lido

If you want to combine a pampering session with dinner, book in for a spa day at The Lido and then head to their restaurant for some delicious dishes from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired menu. The restaurant also looks out over the open air pool, which makes for a relaxing backdrop while you eat.

Lido Bristol
Image: Lido

Harbour House

Take in the view of Bristol's historic Floating Harbour and the colourful houses of Redcliffe from the waterside terrace at Harbour House, set in a 19th century transit shed designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their menu champions the best seasonal produce, with emphasis on the finest seafood the region has to offer. Round off date night with some of their bespoke cocktails, or an English Sparkling wine from their ‘Britz’ list.

Sister restaurant The Granary is just around the corner and has its own secret cocktail bar, The Granary Club.

Harbour House terrace exterior
Image: Harbour House

Aqua Grand Cafe

Inspired by the great cafes of Paris, you can dine on more casual bites such as a croque monsieur or club sandwich for lunch, or book in the evening to enjoy classics such as coq au vin or Dover Sole Meunière.

Aqua Grand Cafe bar

Bravas

This bustling tapas bar in Cotham still manages to feel comfortable and intimate even when it's full. Perch up at the bar with your date to see the action while enjoying your food.

Chefs working behind counter
Image - Bravas

The Metropolitan

Sink into the slick modern surroundings at The Met on Whiteladies Road in Clifton, where the menu is modern interpretations of classic dishes, from fried chicken to steamed dumplings.

Interior of restaurant
Image - The Metropolitan

Colonnade

Tuck into a seasonal selection of small plates at Colonnade, the stunning new restaurant at Bristol Beacon. Not only is it a great place for a pre or post show meal, it's worth a visit in its own right for the quality of the food. You'll find yourself marveling at the grand Bristol Byzantine colonnades and original features from the Victorian building as you eat.

Colonnade bar stalls
Image - Colonnade

Harvey Nichols Bristol Second Floor Restaurant

Boasting an AA Rosette Award and Notable Wine List Award, The Second Floor Restaurant is a great choice for a sophisticated date night in the middle of Quakers Friars, perfect for a bite after shopping at Cabot Circus. As well as a seasonal a la carte menu and regular dining events, you can also book in for afternoon tea, or just enjoy cocktails from their talented mixologists at the bar!

Harvey Nichols Second Floor Restaurant
Image - Harvey Nichols Second Floor Restaurant

Riverstation

Another harbourside favourite, Riverstation has been a stalwart of the city's restaurant scene for a long time, and no wonder given its waterfront terrace and great views. Enjoy a more casual bite on the terrace, or head upstairs to their restaurant for à la carte options.

Riverstation Bristol
Image: Riverstation

Hotel du Vin Bistro

If your beau is a bit of a wine connoisseur, there's no better place to take them for dinner than the bistro at Hotel du Vin in the city centre, where a Sommelier is always ready to recommend the perfect wine to go with your meal. 

Across town at The Avon Gorge Hotel by Hotel du Vin, their restaurant Goram & Vincent has some stunning views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge, whether you opt for a table on the terrace or in the glass-fronted dining area indoors.

Hotel du Vin Bristol
Image: Hotel du Vin Bristol

Thornbury Castle

Take your romantic night out to the next level with dinner in a castle! Just a short drive from Bristol, the historic Thornbury Castle is home to a luxury hotel and restaurant, so you can combine your evening out with an overnight stay if needed. The menu is a mix of traditional British and European dishes, all given a modern twist. Or if you're more sweet-toothed, they do a great afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea by the fire at Thornbury Castle
Image: Thornbury Castle

The Ivy Clifton Brasserie

Set in a stunning converted bank in Clifton Village, The Ivy Clifton Brasserie certainly has the wow factor when you walk in. You can choose to sit in the impressive main room or more intimate orangery to enjoy the menu of traditional British favourites. We'd recommend a look at the cocktail menu too!

The Ivy Clifton Brasserie
Image: The Ivy Clifton Brasserie

You'll also find a fun and flirty atmosphere at some of Bristol's most dazzling restaurants such as The Cow & Sow or Coppa Club in Clifton, or Steak of the Art near the harbour.

And here are a few other restaurants guaranteed to make your romantic evening:

  • Wilsons - a charming and award-winning neighbourhood bistro in Redland, loved by locals and critics alike.
  • littlefrench - a cosy bistro in Westbury-on-Trym, with a menu of comforting French-inspired delights.
  • Pasture - a dazzling steak restaurant in Redcliffe, taking its inspiration from Hawksmoor but with added flair.
  • Pasta Ripiena - taking pasta to a new level in the city centre. Next door you'll find it's little sister, Cotto wine bar.
  • Box-E - a tiny restaurant in Wapping Wharf making a name for itself far beyond Bristol. Make sure you book in for the Chef's Table.
  • Adelina Yard - another Bristol fine dining establisment lauded by critics, with all the finesse of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants, but not the price tag to match.

Sliced up steak
Image: Pasture

If you’re looking for a nightcap after your decadent dinner, how about a cocktail in the stylish surrounds of The Granary Club, speakeasy Hyde & Co, its glamorous big sister Milk Thistle or in Steampunk-themed bar The Clockwork Rose?  Alternatively, you could pop in for a Belgian beer at The Strawberry Thief or a frozen G&T at Brozen Bar.

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10 Romantic Bristol restaurants

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