9 Romantic Bristol restaurants

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.

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.

Image: Bar 44 Bristol

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.

Image: Lido

Broken Dock

One of the most picturesque views in the harbour has to belong to Broken Dock, situated on the corner of Brunel Quay looking out towards Brunel's SS Great Britain. If you can't get a table, its neighbour Spoke & Stringer serves up some great small plates with the same spectacular view.

• Read more: The best places to eat al fresco in Bristol

Image: Broken Dock

Bravas

This bustling tapas bar in Cotham still manages to feel comfortable and intimate even when it's full. Request a table in the corner if you want a quieter spot, or perch up at the bar with your date to see the action while enjoying your food.

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.

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.

• Read more: 6 Hotels with award-winning restaurants in 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.

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!

Image: The Ivy Clifton Brasserie

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

• Wilson’s - a charming neighbourhood bistro in Redland, loved by locals and critics alike.
• Otira - one half of a duel restaurant concept in Redland (opposite Wilson's!), with modern dishes inspired by the chef's New Zealand roots.
• Flow - this restaurant in Haymarket Walk creates spectacular vegan dishes which draw people in from miles around.
• Pasture - a dazzling steak restaurant in Redcliffe, taking its inspiration from Hawksmoor but with added flair.
• Pasta Ripiena - taking pasta to a new level, and much easier to book into than its super popular sister Pasta Loco, which fills up months in advance.
• 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.

If you’re looking for a nightcap after your decadent dinner, how about a cocktail in cosy 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.

Read more

• Where to go for cocktails in Bristol
• Bristol’s best steak restaurants
• Michelin starred restaurants in Bristol