The Lido
MEDITERRANEAN •CLIFTON
Set within a restored Victorian swimming pool complex in Clifton, The Lido offers a truly unique dining setting. The kitchen draws heavy inspiration from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, utilising a wood-fired oven to produce vibrant, perfectly charred dishes.
The Malago
BRITISH •BEDMINSTER
A staple of North Street that gets the fundamentals of a great independent kitchen absolutely right. The Malago strips away the restaurant fluff to focus on what actually matters: properly sourced local ingredients and honest cooking. From their hearty weekend brunches and seasonal evening menus to one of the most reliable Sunday roasts south of the river, it’s a beautifully run, no-gimmick local doing things the right way.
The Mayflower
CHINESE •CITY CENTER
Long-established and popular Cantonese restaurant known for its late closing hours, traditional setting, and extensive menu of Chinese cuisine, including famous dim sum and traditional banquet options.
The Ox
BRITISH •CITY CENTER
The Ox is a premium steakhouse with a distinctly moody, vintage aesthetic. The menu is heavily centered on exceptional, dry-aged steaks and expert charcuterie, sitting alongside a formidable cocktail list. It offers an atmospheric, dimly lit dining experience that prioritizes top-tier meat and impeccable service.
The Scrandit
POP UP •CITY CENTER
A unique Bristol venue on the historic Christmas Steps that functions as a rotating kitchen and event space. It hosts a constant cycle of diverse food pop-ups, guest chefs, and street food traders, offering a fresh dining experience nearly every week alongside a curated selection of local craft beers.
The Social Bristol
BRITISH •STOKES CROFT
The ultimate independent neighborhood hangout. The Social on Cheltenham Road effortlessly blurs the line between a laid-back daytime café and a vibrant evening bar. Famous for its hangover-curing brunches, top-tier Sunday roasts, and an incredibly welcoming community vibe. No pretension, just great local drinks and honest food. A guaranteed go-to for your weekend plans.
The Spotted Cow
BRITISH •BEDMINSTER
A North Street cornerstone that understands exactly what a proper pub should be. The Spotted Cow strips away the gastropub fluff to focus on the essentials: seriously good local ingredients, a massive walled beer garden, and a cracking rotation of independent Bristol beers. Their Sunday roast is a legend for a reason, and the kitchen delivers top tier, no nonsense pub classics all week long. It’s a beautifully run, historic space that proves you don’t need gimmicks to run a brilliant independent kitchen.
Thikanaa
INDIAN, ASIAN •HORFIELD
An authentic Indian street food restaurant specializing in Mumbai-style staples like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, and Misal Pav. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, it also serves Indo-Chinese specialties and traditional Thalis, bringing the spirit of Indian roadsides to Bristol.
Three Brothers Burgers
AMERICAN •HARBOURSIDE
Moored permanently on Welsh Back, Three Brothers Burgers offers an iconic, boat-based dining setting. The kitchen keeps its focus tight, serving up juicy burgers, loaded fries, and a massive selection of craft beers and ciders.
Tobacco Factory Cafe Bar
BRITISH •BEDMINSTER
Located within the cultural hub of the Tobacco Factory, this cafe bar offers a relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu, popular for brunch, lunch, and pre-theatre dining.
Tomo No Ramen
JAPANESE •OLD MARKET
A dedicated ramen shop that evolved from a popular pop-up into a permanent fixture near Old Market. Known for its meticulously crafted broths, including complex Shoyu and seasonal specials, it balances traditional Japanese techniques with high-quality local ingredients.
Uncle Pho
VIETNAMESE, ASIAN •BEDMINSTER
A vibrant Vietnamese noodle bar that recently took over the former Uncle Wah space on North Street. They swapped the dim sum for steaming bowls of authentic pho, fragrant noodle soups, and fresh Vietnamese street food, all while keeping the same friendly neighborhood vibe.