Bristol is a food lover's dream. Wherever you are in the city, you’ll find something delicious just waiting to be devoured, whatever your tastes and budget.
Come and join the food revolution in Bristol, and whether you find yourself in Stokes Croft or on the bustling Harbourside, we know you won't be disappointed. As well as the amazing Bristol restaurants listed here, be sure to take a look at our other Food & Drink pages for even more ideas.
Celebrating or hosting an event? Bristol has plenty of private dining options and large group-friendly restaurants. If you want to make the most of the sunshine, enjoy some outdoor dining on a restaurant terrace, or nab a table by the water's edge.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Bristol
Looking for the best family-friendly restaurants in Bristol? You’ll find plenty of welcoming places across the city where little diners are treated just as well as the grown-ups. From relaxed cafés and riverside pizza spots to bustling buffets and cosy pubs, Bristol’s food scene makes family dining fun, easy and full of flavour.
Family-friendly restaurants in Bristol are never far from the main attractions, including Brunel’s SS Great Britain, We The Curious and M Shed. Plenty of restaurants welcome little ones , such as Watershed Café Bar, and have just the facilities you need, such as highchairs, and at some restaurants, children eat free with a paying adult. You’re bound to find just the right place for you and your crew.
Top tip: Many Bristol family restaurants offer baby-changing facilities, step-free access, and special kids’ menus. Be sure to book ahead during weekends and school holidays to secure your table at some of the city’s most popular spots.
Fine Dining & Award Winning
Bristol’s thriving food scene is one of the most exciting in the UK, with fine dining restaurants and award-winning chefs putting the city firmly on the culinary map. From elegant tasting menus and Michelin-starred experiences to creative local kitchens with a passion for seasonal produce, Bristol offers something truly special for every discerning diner. The South West produces some of the top chefs in the country and many cook with locally-sourced ingredients - just one of the ways Bristol is striving a more sustainable future.
Bristol is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants and several more that have been awarded a Bib Gourmand, Green Star or Michelin Plate.
Plenty of other restaurants across the city have received awards and national recognition, including Harbour House on the Harbourside, The Lido Restaurant in Clifton and COR in Bedminster.
Independent Restaurants in Bristol
Bristol is a city that thrives on creativity and individuality and nowhere is that more evident than in its independent restaurants. From tucked-away neighbourhood bistros to quirky cafés and pop-ups run by passionate local chefs, Bristol’s food scene is packed with personality. If you love discovering hidden gem restaurants that locals can’t get enough of, you’re in for a treat.
Some top independent picks include COR, Little French, The Granary, Mud Dock, The Ox, Bambalan, Noah's, BANK Restaurant, The Canteen and Aqua. For even more head to our independent restaurants page.
Sunday Lunch
There’s nothing quite like a Sunday lunch in Bristol, hearty roasts, golden Yorkshire puddings, and the warm buzz of friends and families tucking in together. Whether you prefer a traditional pub roast by the fire, a riverside meal with a view, or a refined take on the British classic, Bristol’s restaurants and pubs serve up some of the best Sunday roasts in the South West.
Find out where you can find some of the best roast dinners in Bristol and a traditional Sunday lunch experience that doesn't disappoint.
Dog-Friendly
Bristol is a city that loves its four-legged visitors, with plenty of dog friendly restaurants in Bristol where your furry friend is just as welcome as you are. From cosy cafés and relaxed pubs to stylish restaurants with outdoor terraces, there’s no shortage of spots where dogs can join you for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Many venues even provide water bowls, treats, and shaded outdoor seating to ensure your pooch feels right at home.
For those looking to combine a stroll with a meal, the Harbourside is a great starting point. Restaurants and cafés along the waterfront, offer dog friendly dining in Bristol with views of the water, perfect for enjoying a leisurely brunch or a long lunch with your canine companion. Elsewhere, neighbourhoods such as Clifton, Southville, and Stokes Croft are home to charming cafés and pubs that welcome dogs indoors and out.
Exploring Bristol with your dog has never been easier, or tastier.
Romantic restaurants in Bristol
When it comes to romantic places to eat in Bristol, there are some stand-out options to make your guests feel super special. The intimate feel of The Ox and Lapin is perfect for date nights, or the grand interiors of Bar 44, Cosy Club or Colonnade are also sure to impress.
Bristol Restaurant Vouchers and Special Offers
Looking for the perfect gift for the foodie in your life? Treat them to a Love Bristol Gift Card, which can be used at more than 80 cafes, bars and restaurants across the city, including Bambalan, Eat a Pitta, Veeno, Bistro du Vin and No.1 Harbourside.
Browse our latest special offers to find set menus, early-bird and pre-theatre deals, plus a range of seasonal discounts.
Restaurants in Hotels
If you want to combine your stay with a great meal, there are several great hotels for foodies in Central Bristol awarded with an AA Rosette, from the epic wine selections and rustic French dishes at the AA Rosette Hotel du Vin & Bistro to the fresh, seasonal dishes at No.4 Clifton Village.
Just outside Bristol, the menu at The Curious Kitchen at Aztec Hotel and Spa in South Gloucestershire draws on flavours from around the globe while using produce from their own garden, while the 3 AA Rosette restaurant at the 16th-century Thornbury Castle sits within the same walls that once hosted King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, as well as Sophia Lauren and Laurence Olivier.
Many of Bristol’s top hotels have restaurants if you want to keep things as convenient as possible after a busy day of travelling or sightseeing. The Kiln Restaurant, close to Temple Meads, is housed in a 17th-century glass kiln, the glass-fronted The River Grille offers waterfront dining in the Floating Harbour, Goram & Vincent has stunning views of the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Mollie’s Motel & Diner brings a slice of American-style retro to Cribbs Causeway.
