Bristol has long been known for its diverse, exciting and independent food scene. The last few years has seen this trend continue to accelerate and make this city an even more tempting prospect for those of us seeking quality places to eat. Here are just a few of the reasons why any food lover should visit this fantastic city.
1. Flour & Ash
Tuck into award winning sourdough pizza in this delightful small local pizzeria. Using only the best ingredients they can get their hands on; this place is a must for any pizza fan.
The wood-fired oven operates seven days a week and the menu is exciting. It covers the classics but also has a small changing, seasonal offering and white base pizzas too. We loved the roasted aubergine, mozzarella, dried chilli, basil and parmesan pizza. Ice-cream is on offer here too- terrific!
Flour & Ash
203B Cheltenham Rd, Cotham, Bristol BS6 5QX, United Kingdom
2. Wapping Wharf
Wapping Wharf is a flourishing new neighbourhood in Bristol’s historical and cultural heart. People come here to shop, eat and relax by the city’s glistening waterfront. This has so much to offer so a stroll around the shops is recommended. We of course have visited to eat so will focus on the restaurants.
Root is our favourite lunch spot to visit when in Bristol. Situated in a former shipping container, this is a lovely relaxed place. Root has a stunning terrace overlooking the harbour, so try to go on a sunny day and enjoy watching the boats and people go by.
Root serves vegetable-focused sharing plates for casual and social dining. A great way to enjoy good food with friends and relax. Rich, bold flavours and really satisfying dishes. If you enjoy the small plate dining style, which we do, you will enjoy our sharing plates restaurant recommendations.
You might also like:
We start with two plump arancini balls, hidden under a generous layer of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Classic cheese and onion flavour with a vibrant brown sauce- these disappear quickly. My favourite dish was spiced potato gnocchi served with seasonal courgettes and greens. The gnocchi light but with a lovely crispy edge which brings strong paprika flavours. A great ending to the main event and a great meal. Book in advance here so you don’t miss out.
Right next door is BOX-E. This is a more intimate dining experience. The open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs working which is always enjoyable in our opinion. The food showcases contemporary and seasonal British cooking so is well worth a visit.
Wapping Wharf
Root and Box-E
Wapping Wharf, Bristol, BS1 6WP
3. Adelina Yard
The Chefs at Adelina yard have a very strong CV and this shines through in the food served. This waterside restaurant is cosy and welcoming. The food is expertly cooked in a modern European style– think Octopus with salsa verde, lime, orange, and ratte potato, or Monkfish, alexanders, wild garlic, iberico tomato, fumet. They also offer tasting menu which takes you on real journey of flavour and creativity.
Adelina Yard
Queen Quay, Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SL, United Kingdom
4. Pasta Loco
Bristol has a very good selection of Italian restaurants, but we think Pasta Loco is one of the very best. As the name suggests they specialise in fresh homemade pasta which is the star in unique and delicious dishes such as pappardelle, Lidney park estate wild boar ragu and Linguini salsiccia carbonara with pork belly. Exceptional food.
Pasta Loco
37A Cotham Hill, Redland, Bristol BS6 6JY, United Kingdom
5. Paco Tapas
Paco is a modern tapas bar that brings a taste of Andalusia to Bristol. This place offers an ever-changing menu in which their Michelin starred Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias combines traditional tapas with his own personal interpretations, whilst staying true to the vibrant and comforting flavours of his heritage. The wood fired oven plays a major part in the stupendous food.
Paco Tapas
3A, The General, Lower Guinea St, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6SY, United Kingdom
6. Casamia
I had one of my favourite meals at the outstanding Michelin starred restaurant Casamia. It really is a special occasion place and well worth the visit. Offering a surprise seasonal tasting menu, expect to be thrilled from start to finish.
Your journey begins with a tour of the kitchen which we loved. The surprise tasting menu, which is based on seasonal ingredients, means that you don’t see a menu, and this added to the excitement for us! Fabulous dishes just keep arriving- heaven.
One of our favourites was the sea trout; expertly cooked and topped with caviar, served with an accompanying sauce made from the shells of carabinero prawns (the meat was used in another dish earlier in the menu).
We also adored the freshly baked madeleines, all standing to attention in a vanilla sugar which arrived with our coffee. Dressed in a little grated orange, the smell was pretty fantastic but the taste even better. Superb service coupled with excellent food and exceptional wine. One of the very best in the country let alone Bristol. This is an absolute must-visit.
Casamia
8, The General, Lower Guinea St, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6FU, United Kingdom
As a lover of good food, you really are spoilt for choice when you visit Bristol City. Perhaps allow a few days to give yourself time for all the places you would not want to miss eating in, or pencil in a return visit to complete the culinary bucket list!
About Melanie from Two Plus Dogs
A lover of exercise, fresh air and finding beautiful places to enjoy in the company of my family- my husband and our two cheeky whippets. Food is an important part of our family life; in fact our friends say we are eating, planning what or where to eat, or cooking our next meal! We love eating out and really value quality food and restaurants. A teacher and Reflexologist, I am passionate about health and wellbeing.
Follow Melanie from TwoPlusDogs on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Pinterest
Where to eat in other famous cities
- What to Eat in Lima, Peru
- Where to Eat in Nashville, TN
- What to Eat in Croatia
- Where to Eat in Toronto, Canada
- Where to eat in Niagara-on-the-lake, Ontario, Canada
