Cafe Kino
BRITISH, VEGAN •STOKES CROFT
A worker-owned cooperative that’s been a cornerstone of Stokes Croft for years. Cafe Kino is the definition of a community hub that's fully vegan, totally unpretentious, and the perfect spot to nurse a coffee or dive into one of their legendary burgers. Whether you’re working on a project or meeting mates before a gig in their basement, it’s a space that belongs to everyone. Real food & real people
Little Victories
BRITISH •HARBOURSIDE
A sleek, Scandinavian-inspired specialty coffee shop by day that transitions into a relaxed craft beer, natural wine, and cocktail bar in the evenings. It offers exceptional espresso, and locally baked goods in a bright, airy space overlooking the harbour. Make sure you try the banana bread with espresso butter!
Loki Poké
ASIAN •HARBOURSIDE
Healthy, Hawaiian-inspired fast-casual eatery serving customisable poké bowls and salads. Known for its sustainable sourcing, fresh ingredients, and commitment to being gluten and dairy-free.
Nadu
SRI LANKAN, INDIAN •STOKES CROFT
A vibrant, loud, and incredible celebration of Sri Lankan and Tamil food right in the heart of Stokes Croft. Nadu drops the stiff restaurant act and focuses entirely on what matters: honest cooking and a brilliant community atmosphere. Famous for their traditional hoppers, deeply rich curries, and unique Arrack cocktails. It’s the perfect independent spot to drop your shoulders and catch up with your mates over a meal that actually tastes like something. As someone who has travelled a lot through Sri Lanka, multiple times, my final recommendation is don't miss this one.
Per & Kor
KOREAN, PERSIAN •GLOUCESTER ROAD
A unique, family-run restaurant where Persian and Korean culinary traditions live side-by-side. Expect authentic, generous portions of everything from Sizzling Bibimbap and Kimchi Pancakes to fragrant Lamb Stews and Mirza Ghasemi. It's a cozy, 'living-room' style space that is famously cash-only and BYOB.
The Hobgoblin
AMERICAN, BRITISH •GLOUCESTER ROAD
A Gloucester Road icon famous for its 'gut-busting' portions and high-quality burgers. It gained cult status for its 'Dirty Dirty Fries' and extreme eating challenges. While it's a dedicated craft beer pub, the kitchen is the main draw, serving up dry-aged beef patties and a wide array of inventive toppings in a relaxed, classic pub setting.
1b Pitville
COFFEE, CAFE, BRITISH •COTHAM
A cozy, welcoming independent cafe situated just off Cotham Hill. Known for serving top-tier coffee, delicious pastries, and great brunch options in a relaxed setting.
4500 Miles From Delhi
INDIAN •CITY CENTER
An authentic fine-dining Indian restaurant in the city centre. Known for its stylish ambiance, diverse menu (including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options), and unique theatre kitchen.
Albatross Café
BRITISH, CAFE, COFFEE •BEDMINSTER
A charming, high-ceilinged cafe known for its specialty coffee, house-made cakes, and a distinctively aesthetic interior. During the day it serves as a creative hub for brunch and coffee, while it frequently hosts evening events with a focused menu of cocktails and wine.
Arnolfini Café Bar
BRITISH •HARBOURSIDE
Located within Bristol's contemporary arts center on the harbourside, the Arnolfini Café Bar pairs spectacular waterfront views with a strong local ethos. Operated in collaboration with independent Bristol breweries, the space offers excellent craft beer alongside a seasonal menu of vibrant, locally sourced dishes. This might be one of the vibiest spots to grab a drink in the Summer on an evening after work.
Asado
AMERICAN •CITY CENTER
A fiercely independent burger joint specialising in gourmet, Anglo and South American-inspired burgers. All beef is dry-aged, organic, and cooked over a wood-fired Asado grill.
Aya Sushi
JAPANESE •CLIFTON
A sleek and contemporary Japanese restaurant located in the heart of the Clifton Triangle. Aya Sushi focuses on the art of high-quality sushi and sashimi, utilizing traditional techniques and premium ingredients to offer a refined, authentic dining experience.