Bristol’s diversity comes in handy when you are looking for a place to eat as there are unlimited cuisines to choose from. So, whether you are a new student or returning and want to discover some new gems, here are 18 best restaurants in Bristol according to students to get you started.
1. Wokyko
Address: Unit 7, CARGO, Wapping Wharf, Gaol Ferry Steps, Bristol BS1 6WP
If you love your fried chilli squid, Wokyko is a restaurant which you cannot afford to miss out on. Wokyko is a Bristol-based restaurant serving various Asian cuisine including duck bao buns, chicken katsu curry and of course, their juicy chilli squid (a personal favourite if you could not already tell)! Located in St Nicholas Market, opposite the Wills Memorial Building and down by the harbour in Wapping Wharf, you can always enjoy their food in a lively atmosphere and with a beautiful view.
2. Oowee
Address: 202 North St, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JF
Oowee is great for those days when you want to indulge in a guilty pleasure. As their slogan ‘deliciously dirty’ suggests, they serve the most extravagant burgers and chips, of which include their double patty burgers and dirty fries with jalapeno, cheese and fried chicken. Tailored to Bristol students, Oowee even have restaurants that are fully vegan.
3. Bosco Pizzeria
Address: 96 Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2QX
If you find yourself looking for somewhere to eat on a date night or just fancy changing up your nights out so that they are a bit classier, Bosco Pizzeria is one to consider. Authentically Italian, you can order stone baked pizzas and flavourful squid ink pasta. Plus, you do not need to worry about menu prices as they are reasonable in comparison to other restaurants, with a well sized margarita at £9.
4. Nomu
Address: 81 Whiteladies Rd, Redland, Bristol BS8 2NT
Nomu is a Japanese restaurant with some of the best dishes and sake on offer in Bristol. They also have great daily deals such as their Monday student selfie night where anyone who posts a picture of the food and tags the restaurant gets 25% off. On Sunday they also have movie night where if you show a cinema ticket for the same day you get 25% off. With Everyman cinema right opposite, it’s a steal!
5. Hub Box
Address: 113 Whiteladies Rd, Redland, Bristol BS8 2PB
Hubbbox serve delicious burgers which you can get stuck right into. One of my favourites is their Kim Yum Chick chicken burger with Korean BBQ sauce, chipolata mayo and lettuce. Again, for non-meat eaters there is plenty of choice also. Be sure to also check out the cocktail menu as Hubbox have many twists on classic cocktails.
6. Moltobuono!59
Address: 59 Park St, Bristol BS1 5NU
Moltobuono is a family owned Italian restaurant, with their menu having been handed down for many years. They are especially well renowned for their pizzas which are made from stone-ground flour and left to ferment for a long period of time to create a light and fluffy dough. Specialising in pizza means that they offer a variety of pizzas both with and without tomato sauce. Having become loved by many, if you fancy going call ahead to see if you need to book as they are often busy.
7. The Vittoria
Address: Vittoria, 57 Whiteladies Rd, Bristol BS8 2LY
Are you missing your Sunday roast dinners at home? If so, The Vittoria serve all types of succulent roast dinners. You can have their standard roast pork or beef with apple sauce and stuffing or their roast stuffed squash, spinach and mushroom fondue for £13.
8. Caribbean Croft
Address: 30 Stokes Croft, St Paul’s, Bristol BS1 3QD
Carribean Croft is a vibrant cookhouse and bar with dishes representing the Caribbean islands from Jamaica and Trinidad to Barbados. The atmosphere alone is enough to enjoy as their interior is painted by local artists and they are always playing reggae soundtracks.
9. Bambalan
Address: Podium Level, Colston Tower, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 4XE
Been wanting to go on holiday but can’t afford it as you’re a student? Head down to Bambalan as it is a perfect alternative. Lay back and let the warm sun hit you on the bar’s rooftop terrace, transporting you away to a sun bed at a beach resort. Their relaxing music, Mediterranean food menu and tropical drinks will make you forget about the busy city life. Make sure to go during their happy hours from 4 to 9pm to get that holiday feeling for a bargain!
10. Riverstation
Address: The Grove, Bristol BS1 4RB
If you are looking for a restaurant where you can really enjoy Bristol’s scenery, head down to Riverstation. Situated right by the Harbourside, it’s an amazing way to eat and drink your heart out. What’s more, the outside balcony is beautifully lit up at night, making for a romantic date night spot when the weather is pleasant.
11. Pieminister
Address: 7 Broad Quay, Bristol BS1 4DA
Pieminister is an award-winning pie and mash restaurant who pride themselves on being sustainable. Made with ethically-sourced ingredients such as free range British meat, there’s also plenty of pie choice for vegetarians, vegans and those following a gluten free diet. With fabulous nibbles, super sides, cocktails, local beers, ciders and delicious puddings served with great music and good times, you’ll never want to leave.
12. Za za Bazaar
Address: Za Za Bazaar, Canon’s Rd, Bristol BS1 5UH
Za Za Bazaar is a buffet restaurant offering over 300 cuisines from across 5 continents allowing you to get a global experience in one plate. They also have monthly guest cuisines so you can continue to sample new flavours. Prices vary depending on the day and time but lunch from Monday to Thursday is £10.99 and between Friday and Sunday £11.99. Dinner from Monday to Thursday costs £17.99 and between Friday and Sunday £19.99. All day Sunday is priced at £16.99.
13. Steak of the art
Address: Unit 1, Balmoral House, Cathedral Walk, Canons Way, Bristol BS1 5LW
Looking to experience a unique meal out? Steak of the Art will be sure to fulfil your desires. What makes this restaurant stand out is the fact that it is also an art gallery! Whilst you enjoy your meal you can sit on the uniquely crafted furniture and admire the art on the walls. The restaurant specialises in serving steaks as their chefs are meat experts and so there will be no worry about your steak not being cooked to perfection. If you’re not a steak lover, they also cook just as juicy burgers, fish and of course vegetarian dishes. One thing is for sure, when you visit Steak of the Art, expect to have all your senses satisfied.
14. Dhamaka
Address: 15 Clare St, Bristol BS1 1XH
Dhamaka is an Indian restaurant showcasing the best of street food from across India. The chefs at Dhamaka cook using a clay oven to provide authentic dishes. What’s more, their top-quality food is so affordable with much of their menu under £7!
15. The Coconut Tree
Address: 2 Byron Pl, Bristol BS8 1JT
The Coconut Tree will transport you to the street food markets in Sri Lanka. If you find it hard to choose because you are spoilt for choice and are feeling a little bold, they also have an option where the chef will surprise you by choosing their favourite dishes. The restaurant also has the most vibrant cocktails. The Wild Bling Ting is served in a large ceramic elephant with sparklers, and the Yaka is served whilst on flames.
16. Bento Boss
Address: 6 Clifton Down Station Whiteladies Gate, Bristol BS82PN
Bento Box is another authentic Japanese restaurant centred around the Japanese ‘bento’ box or lunch box offering a selection of various foods. My personal favourite is the Salmon bento which comes with 2 nigiri, maki and temaki sushi, 2 pieces of salmon and miso soup for just £11.
17. Rosemarino
Source: Trip Advisor
Address: 1 York Pl, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1AH
If you love a good brunch, then be sure to check out Rosemarino. The Italian brunch bar not only offers classic English brunch options such as Eggs Royale, but also serves more hearty delicious dishes including Mais frittelle and Eggs Purgatorio.
18. Thai Classic
Address: Avon, 87 Whiteladies Rd, Redland, Bristol BS8 2NT
Thai Classic is one of the best Thai restaurants in Bristol having won the Bristol Good Food Award by serving everyone’s old classic favourites. You will always leave deeply satisfied as Thai Classic provides great value for money with their lunch 2 course deal at £7.50 and at £12.95 at dinner or £15.95 with an extra dessert.
