14 best restaurants in Bristol to visit this year
As a born and bred Bristolian, I have been witness to some of the city’s best institutions coming and inevitably going (RIP Rocotillos), making it difficult to know where to begin with Bristol’s burgeoning food scene. Much of the city’s charm comes from its love for all things independent (notoriously, there was an outcry when a Tesco local opened in a neighbourhood that favours shopping local), which certainly translates to its dining options.
What you will struggle to find in the city is white tablecloth service. Instead, it’s the neighbourhood spots that really put Bristol on the map when it comes to good food – and naturally, it’s these destinations that are well worth sniffing out. Wilson’s in Redland, for example, is a local spot that showcases exactly what makes the city so great, with a focus on experimental cooking, warm service and sustainably sourced produce. Recently opened 1 York Place (by husband and wife duo Freddy and Nessa Bird of littlefrench) is a Clifton showstopper. And then there’s Bank in Totterdown, a buzzy injection into a quieter area specialising in dishes cooked over fire.
That’s just to name a few. Undoubtedly, more special spots will spring up – and I’ll share them with you. But keep reading for our current favourite destinations, from a pool-side haven that transports you to your favourite holiday destination to a family-owned Italian serving up cheap homemade pasta and Aperol Spritz on the harbour.
BANK
The side of a busy road in Totterdown may seem a strange location for such a buzzy restaurant, but BANK really has added life to this area of Bristol. The old red brick building (once home to Lloyd’s Bank, hence the name) offers a grand entrance, but once inside you’re greeted with wooden tables, warm lighting, large windows and tall ceilings, giving it a welcoming and almost homely feel.
Specialising in contemporary sharing plates cooked over fire, the menu changes seasonally, so it might be different when you go (which you definitely should!). We opt for a selection of small plates and a large plate, all of which come out at different times. Kicking things off with sourdough focaccia with pumpkin borani and feta (£4.50) – while delicious, the pumpkin lacked flavour and I’d have liked a bigger hit of feta – and Nocellara olives cooked in burnt jalapeno butter (£4.60), which were buttery and smoky in equal measure, and were good enough to convert even an olive hater into a lover.
The tenderstem broccoli with burnt aubergine, chipotle and walnut salsa (£9.70) came out first – it was al dente with a delicious. I’ll be back.
