The Best Bristol Restaurants 2026

Michelin Star Seasonal British ££££

Widely regarded as Bristol’s finest restaurant, Wilsons has earned its Michelin star through unwavering commitment to seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine. Chef Jan Ostle and his team grow many ingredients on their own market garden just outside the city, creating dishes that truly reflect the surrounding landscape.

The restaurant offers a regularly changing tasting menu that showcases the best available produce. The intimate, whitewashed dining room creates a relaxed yet special atmosphere that perfectly complements the sophisticated yet unpretentious food.

For exceptional value, try their £35 lunch menu – arguably the best fine dining deal in Bristol. Dinner reservations should be made several weeks in advance.

Michelin Star Modern British ££££

Hidden away on Cotham Road South, Bulrush is a small, unassuming restaurant that delivers extraordinary culinary experiences. Chef George Livesey crafts innovative tasting menus that push boundaries while remaining accessible and delicious.

The eight-course tasting menu (£70) showcases modern British cuisine with occasional global influences. Expect creative dishes like kohlrabi with bergamot and salt-baked meat radish or hay-baked artichoke with BBQ leeks. The optional wine pairing (£45) is highly recommended for a complete experience.

Despite its Michelin star, Bulrush maintains a relaxed atmosphere and represents excellent value compared to similarly acclaimed restaurants in other cities.

French Bistro Romantic £££

Chef Freddy Bird’s Westbury Park restaurant brings authentic French bistro cuisine to Bristol with impeccable execution. The candlelit dining room creates the perfect romantic atmosphere, while the menu celebrates classic French techniques and flavors.

Standout dishes include perfectly executed steak frites, guinea fowl with morels, and a selection of French classics that change with the seasons. The wine list is exceptional, featuring both classic and natural French wines.

As Sunday Times critic Marina O’Loughlin noted: “The finest French food I’ve eaten in a long time is here, in Westbury Park, Bristol-sur-Avon.” High praise indeed, and well deserved.

Italian Pasta Specialists ££-£££

The Bianchi’s Group has revolutionized Bristol’s Italian dining scene with their collection of exceptional restaurants. Each venue has its own specialty: Pasta Ripiena focuses on filled pasta, Cotto pairs simple seasonal dishes with excellent wines, Bianchi’s offers classic trattoria fare, and Pazzo blends Italian traditions with global influences.

What unites these restaurants is an unwavering commitment to quality ingredients and authentic techniques. The handmade pasta is among the best you’ll find outside Italy, and the atmosphere at each venue strikes the perfect balance between casual and special.

These restaurants are perpetually popular, so booking well in advance is essential – sometimes weeks or even months ahead for weekend slots.

Mediterranean Small Plates ££

COR has quickly established itself as one of Bristol’s most beloved restaurants, earning a Michelin Guide mention within its first year. Created by husband and wife team Karen and Mark Adams (formerly head chef at Gambas), this North Street gem focuses on Mediterranean small plates designed for sharing.

The menu changes regularly to showcase seasonal ingredients, with dishes that are both sophisticated and approachable. The restaurant’s warm, neighborhood atmosphere makes it perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Don’t miss their seasonal canelé for dessert, and the cocktail menu is equally impressive as the food. COR exemplifies the community-focused, farm-to-table ethos that defines Bristol’s best restaurants.

Vegetable-Focused Small Plates ££

Root has turned the traditional menu structure on its head by making vegetables the stars of the show, with meat available as a side option. Located in a shipping container at Wapping Wharf, this innovative restaurant creates sophisticated small plates that celebrate seasonal produce.

The menu changes frequently but might include dishes like squash risotto with Old Winchester cheese and kale crisps or chicory with candied walnuts, pear, and ewe’s curd. The sharing format makes it ideal for trying multiple dishes.

Root perfectly embodies Bristol’s progressive food culture – sustainable, creative, and unpretentious. It’s equally appealing to vegetarians and meat-eaters who appreciate excellent produce prepared with skill and imagination.

Thai BYO ££

This unassuming spot on Gloucester Road serves what many consider to be the best Thai food in Bristol. Jean’s Bistro offers authentic Thai cuisine in a casual, welcoming environment with a bring-your-own-bottle policy that makes it excellent value.

The green curry is exceptional – perfectly balanced with fragrant herbs and just the right level of spice. The menu includes all the Thai classics executed with authenticity and care. For vegetarians, the kitchen is happy to accommodate dietary preferences, including omitting fish sauce upon request.

Jean’s operates on a dine-in or collection-only basis (no delivery), and its popularity means booking ahead is essential, especially for weekend evenings.

Indian Fine Dining £££

The Mint Room in Clifton elevates Indian cuisine to fine dining status with sophisticated presentations and depth of flavor that rivals anything you’d find in India itself. This isn’t your typical curry house – it’s a culinary journey through regional Indian specialties prepared with premium ingredients.

Standout dishes include the butter-soft lamb chops marinated in aromatic spices and the inventive vegetarian options that go far beyond the usual paneer dishes. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to recommend dishes and spice levels to suit your preferences.

The elegant dining room and attentive service make this perfect for special occasions, while the quality of the food ensures it’s worth the premium pricing.

Mexican Tacos ££

From the team behind other Bristol favorites like Bravas and Gambas comes Cargo Cantina, an authentic Mexican eatery housed in a shipping container at Wapping Wharf. The small but perfectly formed menu focuses on tacos, tostadas, and other Mexican street food classics.

The corn tortillas are made fresh daily, providing the perfect base for fillings like slow-cooked pork carnitas, baja fish, or seasonal vegetables. Don’t miss their selection of mezcal – either neat or in one of their excellent cocktails.

The vibrant, casual atmosphere makes this perfect for a quick lunch or relaxed dinner. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared for a short wait during peak times.

Modern British Sunday Roast ££

This unassuming spot on Church Road in St. George serves what many locals consider to be the best Sunday roast in Bristol. Housed in a converted police station (hence the name), The Lock Up combines the cozy atmosphere of a neighborhood pub with food that would impress in any fine dining establishment.

Their Sunday roast features perfectly pink beef, enormous Yorkshire puddings, and generous portions of gravy and sides. During the week, they offer an equally impressive menu of small plates showcasing seasonal ingredients.

Sunday lunch bookings should be made several weeks in advance, but it’s worth planning ahead for this exceptional meal.

Chinese Sichuan ££

For one of Bristol’s most unique dining experiences, head to this Redcliffe restaurant specializing in authentic Sichuan hot pot and hand-pulled noodles. The all-you-can-eat hot pot allows you to cook your choice of ingredients in flavorful, spicy broth right at your table.

The hand-pulled noodles are a particular highlight – made fresh to order with a theatrical stretching technique that results in perfectly chewy noodles. The menu can be challenging to navigate for first-timers, but the staff are helpful in guiding newcomers.

Be prepared for authentic Sichuan spice levels and a selection of offal and unusual cuts that might challenge Western palates – but the adventurous will be richly rewarded.

Middle Eastern Street Food £

Located in St. Nicholas Market, Matina serves what many consider to be the best lunch in Bristol. This tiny stall specializes in Middle Eastern wraps filled with chargrilled meats or falafel and mountains of fresh, vibrant salad.

The pillowy flatbreads are made fresh throughout the day, and the generous portions ensure you won’t leave hungry. Ask them to cut your wrap in half to fully appreciate the impressive cross-section of colorful ingredients.

Matina is perfect for a quick, affordable lunch that doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality. The stall’s location in the historic St. Nicholas Market also offers excellent people-watching opportunities.