Famous for its music and culture, Bristol’s dining scene has also been making waves in recent years and its progress has not gone unnoticed by critics.
Our guide to the best restaurants in Bristol includes Michelin starred-restaurant Casamia, owned by brothers Jonray and Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, who only serve one menu at any given time.
After researching how Japanese restaurants are influenced by seasonal change in their dishes and décor, the brothers also decided to adopt the approach. Not only do the menu and interior reflect the seasons, in the last few years the brothers have decided to incorporate all the senses – taste, sight, hearing, smell and touch – and in doing so have created a restaurant that offers a truly unique experience.
Other highlights of Bristol’s dining scene include The Bath Priory. Although located a short distance from Bristol, this Michelin-starred restaurant is well worth this visit. Head Chef Sam Moody has created a reputation for delivering strong flavors and exciting cuisine. He places a strong emphasis on fresh and locally sourced ingredients, with salad leaves being grown by local suppliers to his exact precise requirements.
SECOND FLOOR AT HARVEY NICHOLS
Second Floor at Harvey Nichols is the perfect place to enjoy a light lunch, afternoon tea or an indulgent dinner.
Located on the top floor of Harvey Nichols in Bristol, this restaurant boasts fantastic views of the city’s skyline. It also offers an extensive wine list featuring more than 40 varieties, all of which have been perfectly selected to complement the dishes on offer.
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Head Chef Louise McCrimmon proudly serves food with real character, known for its lightness of touch and well-defined flavors.
www.harveynichols.com/restaurant/bristol-dining
CASAMIA
This Michelin-starred restaurant has previously been voted the best restaurant in Bristol by Gordon Ramsay, and is run by brothers Jonray and Peter Sanchez-Iglesias.
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Serving only one menu at any given time, the brothers were inspired by Japanese restaurants and how they are influenced by seasonal changes not only in their dishes but also in their soft furnishings and décor. The brothers immediately adopted the approach and have spent the last few years developing this concept to include all the senses.
PONY & TRAP
Brother and sister duo Josh and Holly Eggleton have a reputation for quality and simplicity and have taken this 200-year-old pub from strength to strength.
Having been awarded a Michelin star in 2011 which it has maintained, Pony & Trap is now recognized as one of the most exciting places to eat in the South West. The varied menu changes daily but the emphasis on simplicity and quality remain the same.
HOTEL DU VIN BRISTOL – BISTRO DU VIN
The restaurant at Hotel du Vin is inspired by French home-style cooking and proudly serves robust earthy dishes.
Dishes include comte cheese souffle and 28-day dry-aged steak fries.
Bistro du Vin is served by attentive staff, happy to explain the dishes, the ingredients and how the talented chefs put them together. The décor includes dark-stained floorboards, restored fireplaces, soft lighting and comfortable chairs, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
www.hotelduvin.com/locations/bristol/bistro
BERWICK LODGE
The effortlessly relaxed Berwick Lodge provides an elegant setting for quality cuisine.
They source seasonal reflected throughout the regularly changing menus, including the a la carte dinner menu, tasting menu and afternoon tea.
The wine list has been carefully selected to complement the cuisine, and the highly experienced sommelier will guide you through 30 different choices. Head Chef Paul O’Neil describes his cooking as Modern British with an Asian twist and is making his mark within the Bristol culinary scene.
THE BATH PRIORY
Located a short distance from Bristol, this Michelin-starred restaurant situated within the stunning dining room at The Bath Priory is well worth a visit.
Head Chef Sam Moody has earned a reputation for delivering fine quality food and a delightful culinary experience.
The cuisine is complemented by an exemplary wine list with a well informed sommelier who is always happy to advise and suggest the perfect wine to accompany your meal.
www.thebathpriory.co.uk/restaurant
OLIVE TREE RESTAURANT
Situated in the heart of the West County, Olive Tree Restaurant is committed to creating beautiful food in a sophisticated, relaxed environment.
Head chef Chris Cleghorn takes pride in using only the highest quality ingredients. Located within the basement of a boutique hotel, this stylish restaurant boasts three dining rooms – all on different levels.
Olive Tree believes that the drink in your glass is crucial to your dining experience and boasts interesting and unique choices.
The restaurant also allows the whole restaurant to be booked out, allowing it to be exclusively yours. With a capacity of up to 60 people, this restaurant is the perfect place for a special celebration. The private dining room is available for up to 28 guests.
MENU GORDON JONES
Up-and-coming Michelin trained chef Gordon James offers a five course surprise menu at lunch and a six course surprise menu at dinner. His quirky, modern style is based on creating dishes with a twist.
The ever changing menu here is based on fresh, handpicked ingredients. The wine list is also carefully selected to ensure it is just as excellent as the food, handpicked to compliment the dishes.
