8 min readIf 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 unassuming 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. Order their Set Menu for Two, featuring a cured meat baord to share, followed by the T-Bone or Bone in Rib steak with chips, greens and your choice of sauce, finishing with a selection of ice creams.
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. If you're planning on dining earlier in the day, take advantage of their early bird offer, where you can enjoy three tapas dishes for £22 (available Wed & Thu 5 - 6:30pm, Fri 12 - 6pm and lunchtime on Saturday).
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 this beautiful restaurant 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.
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 since it opened, this is a great option for treating your beau to a special meal without things feeling too formal.
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. For an extra special treat, book one of their Swim & Dine packages, which gives you use the pool and spa facilities (outdoor hot tub, sauna and steam room) followed by a lunch or dinner.
Image: The 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. 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.
Image: Harbour House
Cappadocia
Treat your date to a Turkish feast, from grilled dishes to flavoursome meze. The restaurant has a range of snug booths and a beautiful interior to match the colourful plates and cocktails.
Image - Cappadocia
Cafe Napolita
Head to this family-run Italian restaurant in St Werburghs to enjoy Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta in a cosy setting.
Image - Cafe Napolita
Aqua Brasserie
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.
Image: The Aqua Brasserie
Noah's
Take your date for a stunning seafood feast at this harbourside restaurant. Choose from an ever-changing selection of fried or grilled fish, British shellfish and seasonal specials.
Image: Noah's
Steak of the Art
Visit one of the city's quirkiest restaurants for a date to remember! No two tables are the same in this arty restaurant, with some booths themed around Alice in Wonderland and Britpop.
Image - Steak of the Art
San Carlo
Take a tour of Italy from the comfort of your table in this glamourous city centre restaurant. Expect impeccable service and grand interiors to match the delicious dishes.
Image - San Carlo
The Cow & Sow
Visit this city centre chophouse (they also have a restaurant in Clifton) to enjoy the best cuts alongside a bespoke cocktail menu, including a dedicated alcohol-free section.
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.
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!
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.
Image: Riverstation
BANK
Treat your date to a dazzling array of small plates at this glamorous neighbourhood restaurant in Totterdown. Many dishes are cooked over fire, with influences coming from across the globe. You'll have plenty of choice if you're looking for vegetarian, vegan or gluten free options too.
Image - BANK
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.
Image: Hotel Du Vin
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
You'll also find a fun and flirty atmosphere at some of Bristol's most dazzling restaurants such as Coppa Club in Clifton, Mowgli and Cosy Club on Corn Street, or Miller & Carter next to the Cathedral.
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 its little sister, Cotto wine bar.
- Box-E - a tiny restaurant in Wapping Wharf making a name for itself far beyond Bristol.
- 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.
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, the old-school glamour of The Milk Thistle, or in Steampunk-themed bar The Clockwork Rose? Alternatively, you could pop in for a Belgian beer at The Strawberry Thief, a glass of wine with sharing boards at Veeno, or a frozen G&T at Brozen Bar.
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