Independent Restaurants in Bristol

Bristol is renowned for its exceptional food and drink scene, featuring everything from award-winning restaurants to world-class pubs & bars, and that's before we tell you about our local breweries and distilleries!

Make the most of your trip by visiting the restaurants you’ll only find here – Bristol has a strong and proud independent food scene, and we want you to try as much as possible! A visit to any of the city's Michelin-rated restaurants will showcase the region’s finest independent food and drink, with several local restaurants awarded a Bib Gourmand for serving up exceptional food at affordable prices. 

If you’re exploring the Harbourside area, stop on for a drink or bite with a view at Harbour House, No.1 Harbourside, The Grain Barge or Mud Dock, which all boast waterside terraces where you can watch boats, paddleboarders and kayakers go by. Nearby Wapping Wharf is home to several acclaimed restaurants, including LapinRoot, Box-E and Seven Lucky Gods.  

South of the river in the Bedminster area, you’ll find the critically-acclaimed COR, which is just a hop skip and a jump from independent wine bar KASK, who host a variety of local street food pop-ups and supper clubs at their sister venue Kitchen by KASK. Bombil on East Street serves up a delicious menu of Indian dishes in a stylish setting. Over in nearby Totterdown is BANK Restaurant, an mutli award-winning neighbourhood restaurant serving small plates cooked over live fire.

On Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft, you’ll be spoilt for choice with over two miles of fantastic indie eateries spanning a range of cuisines from across the world, from Spanish dishes at Bomba Tapas to South Indian bites at Kal Dosa. The Gallimaufry is one of the hubs of the area, with free live music every night and a brilliant seasonal menu. The Canteen also hosts a variety of entertainment throughout the week, and has a 100% vegetarian/vegan menu. 

Enjoy the full spa experience at The Lido in Clifton, where you can relax in hot tubs, dine on flavoursome food and swim in an outdoor pool dating back to the Victorian era. You've got plenty of options on nearby Whiteladies Road, from sushi platters at KIBOU to French classics at Aqua Brasserie, or a taste of Spain at Bravas.

East of the city centre in Old Market, you’ll find everything from Cali-Mexican tacos to ramen in the selection of independent cafes and restaurants along this bustling thoroughfare. Head over to Easton to explore even more international cuisines represented, from Ethiopian and Caribbean to Indian and Colombian. A detour to St Werburghs is worth it for brunch at cosy Cafe Napolita, or The Forge & Fern serve up a popular all-day dining menu in Staple Hill.

In the city centre, you’re sure to find whatever you fancy in the Old City, Bristol Shopping Quarter, Cabot Circus, or Park Street. Highlights include all-day dining at The Granary,delicious burgers at Burger Theory, Lebanese mezze platters at Lamaya, Japanese dishes at Yakinori and 200+ world dishes at Za Za Bazaar.

Treat the foodie in your life to a Love Bristol Gift Card, which can be used at 80+ restaurants and bars across the city.

Many of Bristol’s restaurants run regular pop-up kitchen takeovers with talented, up and coming chefs – keep an eye on the Visit Bristol What’s On page for more information. 
 

The best of Bristol

Find out which local restaurants have been recognised globally.

Food and Drink

Michelin-starred restaurants in Bristol

  • 6 min read

Bristol is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants and several more that have been awarded a Bib Gourmand, Green Star or Michelin Plate. Here's the full list of restaurants that have been given an award in the city... The Michelin Plate This distinction is given to restaurants singled out in…

You may also like...

Bristol's brewery taprooms

Bristol is a beer lover's paradise, with over 20 breweries in the city and surrounding countryside, and you'll be pleased to hear that many of them have tap rooms that you can visit! Not only can you enjoy a great pint, but there's usually the option of booking on to a tour of the brewery too. Most…

Bristol’s best picnic spots

Warm summer weather calls for alfresco eating at some of Bristol's best picnic spots. Please remember to take your rubbish home with you, to help keep our parks and green spaces clean. 1. The Downs The Downs is an enormous expanse of green up in Clifton and is loved year-round by runners, dog…

10 rooftop bars for summer in Bristol

When the temperature rises in the city, it’s hard to beat a rooftop watering hole for an awesome view and glass of something chilled. Here are ten of Bristol’s best rooftop bars: The White Lion Bar Home to one of the most iconic views in Bristol, The White Lion Bar (part of the Avon Gorge by Hotel…