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. 

Independent restaurants on the harbourside

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 Lapin, RAGÙ, Root, Box-E and Seven Lucky Gods.  

Bristol's neighbourhood restaurants

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. Bombil on nearby East Street serves up a delicious menu of Indian dishes in a stylish setting. Over in nearby Totterdown is BANK Restaurant, a multi-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 cocktails and European plates at 1 York Place, 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, seafood platters at Fisk & Frite, dim sum and natural wine at CLOUDS, or The Forge & Fern serves up a popular all-day dining menu in Staple Hill.

City centre independents

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, Sourdough Pizzas at Pizzarova, 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.