Restaurants in Bristol

As one of the top tourist destinations in England, Bristol is home to fantastic restaurants that serve a wide range of cuisines. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients, menus often change with the season, and are prepared by some of the most skilled chefs around.

If you’re looking for a great place to grab a bite to eat on your next visit to Bristol, these eight restaurants are some of the best rated in town.

  1. Riverstation

Situated on the waterfront, Riverstation offers modern European dining on two floors. The bar and kitchen is located on the waterside, while the restaurant is located on the first floor.

Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers stunning views of the harbour. Using the freshest ingredients, the menu changes daily at Riverstation. Everything on the menu is made in-house, including the ice cream and bread.

The bar and kitchen features a waterside location and an al fresco terrace. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, all menus are seasonal and carefully selected. The bar also serves a variety of cocktails, wines, ciders and beers.

If you’re looking for a modern dining experience with wonderful views of the harbour, Riverstation should be at the top of your list.

  1. Urban Tandoor

Serving fine Indian cuisine in the center of Bristol, Urban Tandoor is one of the top-rated restaurants in the city.

What sets Urban Tandoor apart is that the restaurant serves genuine Indian food prepared by skilled chefs from India.

With a welcoming atmosphere and large menu, you’re sure to find something you love at Urban Tandoor.

  1. Bulrush

Located on the border of Cotham/Kingsdown, Bulrush is a contemporary restaurant serving modern British food. Menus are seasonal, and often include foraged ingredients, like sea vegetables and hedgerow.

Dishes include local beef, lamb and rare breed pork, which are paired with organic vegetables and local cheeses.

Chef George Livesey trained at the esteemed Academy of Culinary Arts under Albert Roux.

The two-floor restaurant features a dining area and bar downstairs, and a second dining area upstairs. The downstairs bar serves specialty drinks, like sparkling sake and Japanese plum wine.

Take advantage of the tasting menu, or sit down for an afternoon meal on the second floor.

  1. Veeno Bristol

Veeno Bristol is an Italian wine café situated in the heart of Temple Quay. With large floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can enjoy views of the River Avon as they dine.

Wine is the star of the show at Veeno. All wines come from the family’s vineyard in Sicily.

The food is great, too, and features a range of Italian fare. All breads, cold cuts and cheese are sourced from Italy as well to provide an authentic experience.

From house platters to bruschette, cheeses, meats, paninis, salads and desserts, Veeno offers something for every taste.

While not a full-on restaurant, Veeno prides itself on being the go-to place for drinking, nibbling and relaxing after work.

  1. Mezze Palace Lebanese Restaurant

Located on Small Street in Bristol city centre, Mezze Palace serves authentic Lebanese cuisine in a unique setting. Dishes are created using recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.

Traditionally prepared with authentic spices and herbs, Mezze offers a mix of both classic and innovative dishes.

Share a platter of starters (mezzes), or indulge in a main course.

If you’re looking for unique fare in a casual setting in the heart of Bristol, give Mezze Palace a try.

  1. Casamia

Casamia is an upscale restaurant in the center of Bristol renowned for its unique cuisine. Each dish incorporates all the senses: sight, taste, smell, hearing and touch.

The menu and the restaurant décor change with the season, so guests are always served something new and delicious.

The Sanchez-Brothers took over the kitchen of this former trattoria. The two renowned chefs were praised by Gordon Ramsey, who called them “two little geniuses.”

  1. The Lock Up

Revered as one of the top restaurants in Bristol, the Lock Up is new in town, but serves a delectable range of brunch, dinner and drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for lamb, duck, steak, crab, or something in between, you’re sure to satisfy your taste buds at this cosy restaurant.

Located on Church Street, the Lock Up’s menu includes European, Modern British and gluten-free options.

With a warm, welcoming vibe, this is a restaurant the whole family will love.

  1. Greens Restaurant

Located on Zetland Road, Greens Restaurant serves a seasonal menu with a contemporary take on classic British cuisine. Head Chef Martin and his front-of-house partner Nick have been working together for more than a decade in Scotland’s fine dining restaurants.

The menu boasts French and European influences, with dishes like duck breast, pumpkin soup, and fig and almond tart.