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.
The Sundial Kitchen
BRITISH •TOTTERDOWN
Run by husband-and-wife chefs Paul and Chloe from a beautiful space on William Street, the Sundial Kitchen is one of Totterdown's quiet treasures. The menu is vegetarian-focused and built around the seasons, with breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes that punch well above café weight. Think Turkish eggs, kimchi fried rice and freshly baked goods made in-house. The room doubles as a community venue for artists and musicians, and the whole thing hums with a warmth that makes it feel genuinely special. Book ahead at weekends.
Thikanaa
ASIAN, INDIAN •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.
Tocayo
MEXICAN •OLD MARKET
The younger sister to Chido Wey next door, Tocayo landed on Old Market Street in summer 2025 and immediately set Bristol's brunch conversation alight. The menu leans into Mexican morning food done properly. Huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, a full Mexican, alongside specialty coffee made with Mexican beans roasted by Triple Co Roast. Warm orange walls, plants, and a relaxed communal vibe make it somewhere you'll happily lose a slow morning.
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
ASIAN, VIETNAMESE •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.
Urban Tandoor Clifton
INDIAN •CLIFTON
On the top of Whiteladies Road, Urban Tandoor has built a reputation through serious cooking and genuinely warm hospitality. Their chefs work with a traditional clay oven, turning out everything from smoky tandoori chicken to silky butter chicken, alongside more adventurous specials that keep regulars coming back. Their TikTok account (@urbantandoorbristol) has gone viral multiple times, with the waiters and kitchen team becoming near-celebrities in their own right. Whether you're here for the food or to spot a face from your For You page, it never disappoints