Places in Bristol

Featured places in Bristol

Explore restaurants, cafés, rooftop spots, neighbourhood hangouts and local gems we've personally featured for Bristol.

Bambalan

Bambalan

Cocktails, Wine Bars & NightlifeIndependent Restaurants

Bambalan is one of Bristol’s most iconic rooftop dining spots, offering vibrant Mediterranean and North African-inspired dishes, creative cocktails, and a stunning city view. Located on the podium level of Colston Tower, Bambalan delivers an upbeat yet relaxed atmosphere perfect for casual lunches, group dinners, and weekend DJ nights. With a sun-soaked terrace, bottomless brunches, and flexible event spaces for private hire, Bambalan blends big flavours with social fun — making it a go-to destination in the heart of Bristol. **Opening Hours:** - Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM - Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM - Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM **Category**: Restaurant & Rooftop Bar **Cuisine**: Mediterranean, North African, Fusion **Price Range**: ££ – Moderate **Features**: Rooftop Terrace, Cocktails, DJ Nights, Group Bookings, Private Hire, Vegetarian Options, Lunch Deals, Bottomless Brunch

Finzels Reach Street Food Market

Finzels Reach Street Food Market

Street Food & Market Eats

Finzels Reach Street Food Market is a lively, open-air food market in Bristol city centre held every Wednesday and Friday. Featuring a rotating roster of independent street-food traders, the market offers a wide array of global cuisines — from dumplings and tacos to vegan curries, pizzas, and sweet treats. Set in the heart of Finzels Reach near Temple Meads, it’s a vibrant lunchtime destination for local workers, students, and visitors looking to discover Bristol’s tastiest independent eats. **Opening Hours**: - Wednesdays & Fridays: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Closed on Bank Holidays, Good Friday, and around Christmas/New Year **Category**: Food Market **Cuisine**: Multi-Cuisine / Street Food **Price Range**: £ – ££ **Features**: Rotating Traders, Vegan Options, Open-Air, City Centre Location, Independent Vendors

Koocha Mezze Bar

Koocha Mezze Bar

Independent Restaurants

Koocha Mezze Bar is Bristol’s pioneering Persian and Middle Eastern inspired vegan restaurant, blending vibrant plant‑based mezze with warm hospitality and creative drinks. Founded in 2018 as the city’s first fully vegan restaurant, Koocha has become a beloved destination for both vegans and non‑vegans, celebrated for its colourful plates, rich flavours, and fresh ingredients sourced locally and sustainably. From shareable mezze and innovative main plates to signature cocktails and mocktails, the menu offers an inclusive dining experience with a cosy, friendly vibe in the heart of Cheltenham Road’s food scene. **Opening Hours**: * Monday–Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM * Friday–Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM * Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM **Category**: Restaurant / Casual Dining **Cuisine**: Persian & Middle Eastern, Vegan, Mezze **Price Range**: ££ (≈ £25 and under) **Features**: Full Bar, Cocktails & Mocktails, Vegan & Gluten‑Free Options, Dog Friendly, Weekend Brunch, Table Service, Private Parties, Outdoor Seating

Pura Vida Tacos

Pura Vida Tacos

Street Food & Market Eats

Pura Vida Tacos brings fresh, Latin-inspired street food to Bristol and beyond with a mobile taco truck available for events, weddings, markets, and private parties. With a focus on handmade, locally sourced ingredients — including soft corn tortillas — and a diverse menu of meat, vegetarian and vegan tacos, Pura Vida delivers colourful flavours and laid-back charm. Their all-inclusive catering service makes them a favourite for hassle-free, high-quality events. **Operating Days**: By booking or market appearance **Category**: Street Food / Taco Truck / Private Catering **Cuisine**: Mexican-Inspired, Gluten-Free, Vegan Friendly **Price Range**: ££ – Moderate **Features**: Private Hire, Local Corn Tortillas, Nacho Bar Add-On, Eco Packaging, Vegan Options, Full-Service Catering

The Milk Thistle

The Milk Thistle

Cocktails, Wine Bars & Nightlife

The Milk Thistle is Bristol’s original hidden cocktail bar — a four-story speakeasy tucked inside a historic building on Colston Avenue. Behind its unmarked door lies a moody, vintage-style interior with candle-lit lounges, a secret whisky vault, and a rotating cocktail menu crafted by expert mixologists. Whether you’re looking for a refined evening out, a romantic setting, or private hire for a celebration, The Milk Thistle delivers a uniquely intimate and stylish escape from the ordinary. **Opening Hours**: - Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM - Friday to Saturday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM - Closed Sunday & Monday **Category**: Cocktail Bar / Speakeasy **Cuisine**: Cocktails & Small Plates **Price Range**: £££ – Premium **Features**: Hidden Entrance, Craft Cocktails, Private Hire, Whisky Vault, Historic Interior, Lounge Seating

The Ostrich

The Ostrich

Hidden Gem Pubs & Local Bars

Perched on the edge of Bristol’s historic Harbourside, The Ostrich is a lively and welcoming pub and restaurant that celebrates traditional British pub classics alongside seasonal, local produce. With a huge riverside beer garden perfect for sunny days and cosy interiors across two floors, guests can enjoy everything from hearty Sunday roasts and pub favourites to refreshing Butcombe beers, inventive cocktails, and an extensive rum selection. The upstairs Top Deck dining space offers stunning views of the water and is available for private hire, making The Ostrich ideal for casual lunches, relaxed dinners, drinks with friends, and special occasions alike. **Categories:** Pub / Gastropub / British Restaurant / Waterfront Dining **Price Range:** ££ **Rating:** ⭐ 4.4 (Google Reviews) **Opening Hours:** - Monday – Thursday: 12:00 – 23:00 - Friday – Saturday: 12:00 – 00:00 - Sunday: 12:00 – 22:30 **Features:** - Traditional pub classics with modern twists - Waterfront views along Bristol’s historic Harbourside - Large outdoor terrace with riverside seating - Locally sourced seasonal menus - Cask ales, craft beers, cocktails and a full wine list - Dog-friendly and family-friendly - Available for private hire and group bookings