Must-see restaurants in Bristol

  • Riverstation

    Bristol

    Riverstation's waterside location is hard to beat, with a view over the Floating Harbour, but it's the classical food that truly shines, from confit duck…

  • Primrose Cafe

    Bristol

    The Primrose richly deserves its status as a Clifton institution, thanks to decades of serving towering homemade cakes and imaginative lunches, such as…

  • Canteen

    Bristol

    Occupying the ground floor of an old office block, this community-run cafe-bar sums up Bristol's alternative character: it's all about slow food, local…

  • Pieminister

    Bristol

    This Bristol-born chain of pie shops has become a local institution. Choose from Deer Stalker (venison and cured bacon), Heidi (goat's cheese and spinach)…

  • Ox

    Bristol

    Gorgeous, highly polished wood, glinting brass, low lighting and cool jazz ensure this sleek eatery resembles a posh Pullman dining car that's somehow…

  • Cowshed

    Bristol

    Country food with a modern twist is served at the Cowshed. The focus is on quality, locally sourced meat – aged beef, slow-braised lamb, pork belly, plus…

  • Thali Café

    Bristol

    At Thali, something of the makeshift exuberance of Indian street food comes to Clifton's hills. Richly flavoured dishes infused with spices include the…

  • Fishers

    Bristol

    Bristol's top choice for fish dishes rustles up everything from garlicky pan-fried bream with pesto, to succulent grilled whole lobster. The hot shellfish…

  • Soukitchen

    Bristol

    Middle Eastern market food is the stock-in-trade at this friendly diner in Southville, with characteristic dishes such as borek (filo pies stuffed with…

  • Gallimaufry

    Bristol

    The very definition of a locals' cafe, favoured by a resident cool crowd. All the elements are there – upcycled furniture, quirky artworks, scruffy decor,…

  • Shop 3

    Bristol

    It's a bit like heading into a French neighbourhood bistro when you step through the door at Shop 3 to encounter the rich aromas of rustic food. The focus…

  • Yurt Lush

    Bristol

    Behind Temple Meads Station is this bohemian café bar, based in three interlinked Mongolian yurts next to Engine Shed. Despite its somewhat industrial…

  • Arts House

    Bristol

    Indulge in prime people watching and fine comfort food at this supremely welcoming art cafe overlooking one of Stokes Croft's key junctions. Eggs Benedict…

  • Clifton Sausage

    Bristol

    One for Brits to go all misty-eyed over: a cool eatery that places the much-beloved sausage on a culinary pedestal. The varieties on offer here include…

  • St Nicholas Market

    Bristol

    The city's lively street market has a bevy of food stalls selling everything from Pieminister pies and mezze platters to pulled-pork rolls from barbecue…

  • Pieminister

    Bristol

    In this town-centre branch of the legendary Bristol craft pie makers you'll find the usual array of quirkily named creations plus sides (think minted…

  • Dockyard Cafe

    Bristol

    With a waterside terrace and big picture windows overlooking the City Dock, the Dockyard Cafe is popular with people visiting the neighbouring SS Great…

  • Boston Tea Party

    Bristol

    First-rate sandwiches and burgers, fresh juices and locally roasted coffee are served up in style at this southwest deli chain's very first store. Brunch…

  • Glassboat

    Bristol

    This converted river barge is an ideal spot for a romantic dinner, with candlelit tables and harbour views through a glass extension. The refined food…

  • Small St Espresso

    Bristol

    A gleaming pale blue espresso machine sits at the heart of this artisan coffee house where caffeine connoisseurs sit at tiny clumps of tables munching on…

  • Cargo

    Bristol

    Set in scores of former shipping containers stacked two stories high on the dockside, these bijou eateries offer bites ranging from curries and burgers to…

  • Chapter & Holmes

    Bristol

    Top-notch coffee and cake served from a lovingly converted Piaggio Ape parked up near the Clifton Suspension Bridge visitor centre.

  • Olive Shed

    Bristol

    With tables right beside Bristol Harbour, this rustic eatery is a top spot for a waterfront lunch. It serves tapas and twists on Mediterranean food, such…

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