Bristol, a vibrant and culturally rich city in the southwest of England, has long been a hub for innovation and creativity. From its historic maritime roots to its thriving arts scene, the city is renowned for its eclectic and forward-thinking spirit. This ethos extends to its culinary landscape, which has evolved dramatically over the past decade.
Today, Bristol is home to some of the UK’s most exciting and innovative restaurants, each redefining local cuisine in its own unique way. In this article, we will explore the best restaurants in Bristol that are pushing the boundaries of traditional fare and shaping the city’s food scene into one of the most dynamic in the country.
The Ethicurean: A Celebration of Local and Seasonal
Located in the picturesque Mendip Hills just a short drive from the city, The Ethicurean is a restaurant that epitomizes the farm-to-table movement. Founded by a group of passionate friends in 2010, The Ethicurean has garnered acclaim for its commitment to sustainability and seasonal cooking. The restaurant is set within a Victorian walled garden, and much of the produce used in its dishes is grown on-site or sourced from local farmers.
Menu Highlights
The menu at The Ethicurean changes with the seasons, reflecting the freshest ingredients available. Diners can expect dishes like roasted squash with hazelnut and sage, or slow-cooked lamb with garden vegetables. The restaurant also offers a carefully curated selection of natural wines and ciders, many of which are produced locally.
The Ethos
The Ethicurean’s philosophy is rooted in a respect for nature and a desire to create a dining experience that is both sustainable and memorable. The team’s dedication to reducing waste and supporting local producers is evident in every aspect of their operation, from the menu to the decor. This approach not only results in delicious food but also promotes a deeper connection between diners and the land.
Casamia: Fine Dining with a Personal Touch
Casamia is a Michelin-starred restaurant that has become synonymous with high-end dining in Bristol. Originally established by the Sanchez-Iglesias family in 1999, the restaurant underwent a significant transformation in 2016, moving to its current location in a stunning waterfront development. Casamia’s innovative approach to cooking and its focus on seasonal British ingredients have earned it numerous accolades and a loyal following.
Menu Highlights
Casamia offers a tasting menu that evolves throughout the year, with dishes that are both visually striking and flavorfully complex. Highlights might include scallop with cucumber and dill, venison with beetroot and blackcurrant, or a delicate dessert of elderflower and yogurt. Each dish is meticulously crafted, showcasing the culinary team’s creativity and technical skill.
The Experience
Dining at Casamia is an immersive experience, with an emphasis on personalized service and attention to detail. The restaurant’s intimate setting and open kitchen allow guests to observe the chefs at work, adding a sense of theater to the meal. This, combined with the exquisite food, makes for a truly memorable dining experience.
Wilsons: A Neighborhood Gem
Wilsons is a small, independently run restaurant that has quickly made a name for itself in Bristol’s culinary scene. Located in the heart of the city’s thriving Chandos Road, Wilsons offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, where the focus is firmly on quality ingredients and expert execution. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing has earned it a loyal following and widespread acclaim.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Wilsons is concise and changes regularly to reflect the seasons. Dishes might include grilled mackerel with rhubarb and fennel, roasted chicken with wild garlic and morels, or a dessert of poached pears with honey and thyme. The restaurant also offers a selection of natural wines and craft beers, chosen to complement the food.
The Philosophy
Wilsons is dedicated to creating simple, honest food that showcases the best of what the region has to offer. The team works closely with local farmers and suppliers to ensure that their ingredients are of the highest quality and sustainably sourced. This commitment to ethical practices and culinary excellence is evident in every dish.
Poco Tapas Bar: Sustainability Meets Flavor
Poco Tapas Bar is a lively and popular restaurant located in the heart of Bristol’s Stokes Croft area. Founded by Tom Hunt, a chef and food writer with a passion for sustainability, Poco offers a menu of vibrant and flavorful tapas dishes, inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. The restaurant’s commitment to zero waste and ethical sourcing has earned it a reputation as one of Bristol’s most forward-thinking eateries.
Menu Highlights
Poco’s menu is designed for sharing, with a variety of small plates that highlight seasonal produce and bold flavors. Dishes might include grilled octopus with romesco sauce, spiced lamb koftas with yogurt and mint, or a refreshing salad of heritage tomatoes with basil and burrata. The restaurant also offers a range of natural wines, craft beers, and inventive cocktails.
The Ethos
Poco’s approach to food is rooted in a commitment to sustainability and a desire to minimize its environmental impact. The restaurant works with local farmers and producers to source ingredients that are organic, seasonal, and ethically produced. This philosophy extends to every aspect of the business, from the kitchen to the front of house, making Poco a leader in Bristol’s sustainable dining movement.
Box-E: Intimate Dining with a Creative Twist
Box-E is a small, family-run restaurant located in a converted shipping container at Wapping Wharf, one of Bristol’s most exciting new developments. Founded by husband-and-wife team Elliott and Tess Lidstone, Box-E offers a unique and intimate dining experience, with a focus on inventive cooking and locally sourced ingredients.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Box-E changes regularly, reflecting the best of what is in season. Diners might enjoy dishes such as cured trout with cucumber and dill, slow-cooked pork belly with apple and sage, or a dessert of chocolate mousse with salted caramel. The restaurant also offers a carefully selected wine list, featuring both local and international bottles.
The Experience
Box-E’s cozy and relaxed atmosphere, combined with its open kitchen, allows diners to feel truly connected to the cooking process. The restaurant’s small size and personalized service create a warm and welcoming environment, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Root: Plant-Based Innovation
Root is a groundbreaking restaurant located in Bristol’s vibrant Cargo development at Wapping Wharf. With a focus on plant-based cooking, Root offers a menu that celebrates vegetables and showcases the creativity and skill of its culinary team. Founded by Rob Howell and Josh Eggleton, Root has quickly become a standout in Bristol’s dining scene.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Root is designed for sharing, with a variety of small plates that highlight seasonal and locally sourced produce. Dishes might include roasted cauliflower with tahini and pomegranate, beetroot carpaccio with goat cheese and hazelnuts, or a dessert of rhubarb and custard. The restaurant also offers a selection of natural wines and craft beers, chosen to complement the food.
The Philosophy
Root’s approach to cooking is centered around a respect for ingredients and a desire to create delicious, innovative dishes that are both healthy and sustainable. The team works closely with local farmers and producers to source the best possible ingredients, and their commitment to plant-based cooking is evident in every dish. Root’s focus on vegetables is not just a trend, but a reflection of a broader movement towards more sustainable and ethical eating.
The Lido: Poolside Dining with a Difference
The Lido is a unique and iconic restaurant located within a restored Victorian swimming pool complex in the heart of Clifton. Offering a relaxed and informal dining experience, The Lido combines Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a stunning setting, making it one of Bristol’s most distinctive dining destinations.
Menu Highlights
The menu at The Lido is inspired by the flavors of Spain and the Mediterranean, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dishes might include grilled sardines with lemon and parsley, slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic, or a dessert of almond and orange cake. The restaurant also offers a range of natural wines, craft beers, and cocktails.
The Setting
The Lido’s beautiful setting, with its historic pool and surrounding terraces, creates a unique and atmospheric dining experience. Guests can choose to dine poolside, enjoying the tranquil ambiance, or inside the cozy dining room, which offers views of the pool through large windows. This combination of great food and a stunning setting makes The Lido a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Bristol’s culinary scene.
Bulrush: Modern British Excellence
Bulrush is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the residential area of Cotham. Founded by chef George Livesey, Bulrush offers a menu of modern British cuisine that showcases seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. The restaurant’s dedication to quality and creativity has earned it widespread acclaim and a loyal following.
Menu Highlights
The tasting menu at Bulrush is a journey through the best of British produce, with dishes that change regularly to reflect the seasons. Diners might enjoy courses such as smoked eel with apple and horseradish, venison with beetroot and blackberry, or a dessert of elderflower and yogurt. Each dish is meticulously crafted, showcasing the culinary team’s skill and creativity.
The Experience
Dining at Bulrush is an intimate and personalized experience, with a focus on exceptional service and attention to detail. The restaurant’s cozy setting and open kitchen allow guests to feel connected to the cooking process, creating a memorable and engaging dining experience.
Cargo Cantina: A Taste of Mexico
Cargo Cantina is a vibrant and lively Mexican restaurant located in Bristol’s Cargo development at Wapping Wharf. Offering a menu of authentic and flavorful Mexican dishes, Cargo Cantina has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s focus on quality ingredients and bold flavors makes it a standout in Bristol’s dining scene.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Cargo Cantina features a
variety of traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. Highlights might include tacos al pastor with marinated pork, quesadillas with roasted vegetables and cheese, or a refreshing ceviche of white fish with lime and cilantro. The restaurant also offers a selection of tequila and mezcal, as well as craft beers and cocktails.
The Atmosphere
Cargo Cantina’s lively and colorful atmosphere, combined with its friendly and welcoming staff, creates a fun and enjoyable dining experience. The restaurant’s open kitchen and communal tables encourage a sense of community and shared enjoyment, making it a great place to gather with friends and family.
Hart’s Bakery: A Haven for Bread Lovers
Hart’s Bakery is a beloved Bristol institution, known for its exceptional bread and pastries. Located in a railway arch near Temple Meads station, Hart’s Bakery offers a range of freshly baked goods, made with the finest ingredients and traditional techniques. The bakery’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship has earned it a loyal following and widespread acclaim.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Hart’s Bakery includes a variety of breads, pastries, and cakes, all made fresh daily. Highlights might include sourdough loaves, croissants, pain au chocolat, and seasonal fruit tarts. The bakery also offers a selection of sandwiches and savory pastries, perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
The Experience
Visiting Hart’s Bakery is a sensory delight, with the aroma of freshly baked bread filling the air and the sight of beautifully crafted pastries lining the shelves. The bakery’s friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer recommendations and answer any questions, making it a welcoming and enjoyable place to visit.
Tare: Intimate Dining with a Seasonal Focus
Tare is a small, independent restaurant located in a shipping container at Wapping Wharf. Founded by a group of friends with a passion for food and hospitality, Tare offers a menu of seasonal and locally sourced dishes, expertly crafted and beautifully presented. The restaurant’s intimate setting and personalized service make it a standout in Bristol’s dining scene.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Tare changes regularly to reflect the seasons and the best of local produce. Dishes might include roasted duck breast with beetroot and blackberry, pan-seared scallops with cauliflower and capers, or a dessert of chocolate and salted caramel tart. The restaurant also offers a carefully selected wine list, featuring both local and international bottles.
The Philosophy
Tare’s approach to cooking is centered around a respect for ingredients and a desire to create delicious and memorable dishes. The team works closely with local farmers and suppliers to source the best possible produce, and their commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in every dish. This focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients ensures that each meal at Tare is fresh, flavorful, and unique.
Adelina Yard: Riverside Elegance
Adelina Yard is a modern British restaurant located on Bristol’s harborside, offering a menu of creative and beautifully presented dishes. Founded by chefs Jamie Randall and Olivia Barry, Adelina Yard has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its elegant setting and exceptional food.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Adelina Yard features a range of dishes that showcase the best of British produce, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. Highlights might include Cornish crab with avocado and grapefruit, slow-cooked beef cheek with celeriac and truffle, or a dessert of chocolate and hazelnut mousse. The restaurant also offers a selection of carefully chosen wines, designed to complement the food.
The Experience
Dining at Adelina Yard is a refined and elegant experience, with a focus on exceptional service and attention to detail. The restaurant’s beautiful riverside setting, combined with its stylish interior and stunning views, creates a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.
