City Centre - Where to Eat

Bristol ranks high on the ‘must visit’ scale for food lovers, and for very good reason. From Saturday brunches, mid-week treats and that birthday splurge, here is our comprehensive guide to eating in Bristol’s city centre.

Weekend brunches:

I love going out for brunch on Saturday morning and luckily, Bristol has lots of options. Whether it’s a full English, a coffee and pastry or syrup-drenched sweet treats, you are spoilt for choice!

• The Bristolian – tucked away on Picton Street, The Bristolian is famous for it’s full English breakfasts. Get there early though, and expect a queue!
• East Village Café – venture up Park Street and into café for a quintessential Bristol experience. Plus it’s 100% plant-based!
• Quay Street Diner – the pancake stack is a must here. Sweet or savoury, you have to try them.

Baked goodies:

In the last five years, Bristol has had a baking boom. As a result there are some incredible treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.

• Ahh Toots – located at the bottom of the Christmas Steps, this bakery is truly magical. Book in for an afternoon tea or grab a slice to go.
• Anna Couture – if you’re feeling fancy, Clifton’s Anna Couture specialises in gorgeous macarons and occasion cakes.
• The Forest Bakery – they supply cafes across Bristol with giant cinnamon buns and super buttery croissants.

Coffee shops:

Bristol is home to several coffee roasters, so of course our café scene is amazing. Sit in or takeaway there are coffee shops on every corner all pouring the best espresso in the west.

• Small Street Espresso – just off of Corn Street, their house espresso is by Clifton Coffee and they have guest roasts from Bristol and beyond.
• Greytone Coffee – specialising in simple (but delicious) drip coffee Greytone is a very photogenic coffee shop. And don’t forget about their homemade cakes baked fresh every morning!
• Sweven – head south of the river onto North Street for a dreamy coffee experience in a sun-drenched cafe.

Sunday roasts:

A British institution and the cosiest way to spend a Sunday – especially in winter! Did you know the UK’s best Sunday roast is at The Bank Tavern in Bristol? If you book in first year, you might get your reservation by graduation – it’s that popular! If you can’t wait three years on a list, book into these:

• The Old Market Assembly – serving up local ingredients, this menu changes seasonally and is perfect for flexitarians.
• The Barley Mow – the teams behind Bristol Beer Factory and Cord Kitchen have collaborated to roast up a real treat in their St Philip’s pub. (This is my personal favourite!)
• The Lock Up – take a walk up Church Road into St George and you’ll find The Lock Up. This has made the top five spots for a Sunday lunch in recent years so we definitely recommend reserving a table.

Plant-based and vegetarian:

Veganism isn’t going anywhere and Bristol has been ahead of the curve for plant-based food for years. You won’t be missing meat with these amazing alternatives:

• Oowee Vegan – eat in at Baldwin Street or takeaway from Picton Street. Oowee Vegan was voted Deliveroo’s best restaurant and their meat-free burgers and loaded fries are definitely award winning.
• Su Yuan – pure, vegetarian Chinese home cooking bringing Hainan cuisine to Queen’s Square. Their early bird menu includes a starter, main and rice dish for £17.99, Monday to Thursday.
• Root – a modern, veg-led restaurant serving sharing plates of seasonal produce from local suppliers in Whapping Wharf. A great treat restaurant to show off to out-of-town visitors!

Food markets:

Food markets are a great way of making sure everyone is satisfied. There are lots that pop up across the city on a weekly basis, like Harbourside Market, and others that are static, like St Nick’s. What a great excuse to get out and about! Add these to your diary:

• Tobacco Factory – every Sunday morning, between 10:00-14:30, dozens of traders descend on the Tobacco Factory, North Street. There’s over 50 stalls selling food to eat there, food to take home, as well as gifts, vintage clothing and art.
• Finzels Reach – held every Wednesday and Friday, this market showcases the best of Bristol’s street food. The organisers are also hot on sustainability, making sure all of their traders are minimising food waste and using eco-friendly packaging.
• Temple Quay Market – head to Temple Quay, by Bristol Temple Meads, every Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime. Serving up international flavours and decadent treats, I love making a little detour on my way to the train station.