Bristol, the vibrant cultural centre of the South West, has emerged quietly as one of the UK’s most popular places to eat. It may be famous for its creative vibe and lively street food scene, but this beautiful city is showing that it has an excellent choice of dining restaurants in Bristol too, rivaling some of those in London and further afield. From Michelin-starred restaurants to stylish waterside eateries and innovative tasting menus, dining restaurants in Bristol offer something for every discerning taste.
Whether you are organizing a romantic meal, celebrating a special event, or just enjoying great food, these are the top fine dining restaurants in Bristol in 2025.
1. Casamia
Address: Redcliffe
Food Type: Modern British
Michelin Stars: Past starred (Casamia shut down in 2022, but there is a rumored successor concept for 2025)
Casamia was once the jewel in the crown of Bristol’s high-end dining, under the creative direction of visionary chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias. Although the original site closed in 2022, the team has hinted at forthcoming ventures, possibly returning to the Bristol dining scene in 2025. Their legacy of dramatic tasting menus and theatrical plating remains unsurpassed.
Look out for: Multi-course tasting menus, molecular methods, and a constantly evolving creative journey.
2. Paco Tapas
Location: Redcliffe
Cuisine: Spanish Tapas
Michelin Stars: ★
Part of the Sanchez-Iglesias family, owners of Casamia, Paco Tapas is a Michelin-starred restaurant providing a cozy and genuine Spanish dining experience. Celebrating bold Andalusian flavors and traditional tapas, the food is cooked over an open flame and accompanied by sherry and Spanish wines.
Must-try: Grilled octopus, jamón ibérico, and the house tortilla Española.
3. Wilson’s Restaurant
Location: Redland
Cuisine: Modern British, Farm-to-Table
Michelin Guide: Green Star for Sustainability
This small, understated restaurant is a hit among Bristol locals and food critics alike. Wilson’s offers a seasonally changing menu sourced from its own farm, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and hyper-local ingredients. Every dish is meticulously prepared, making it a must-visit for those who value eco-conscious fine dining.
Highlight: Elegant yet simple plates that let fresh ingredients shine — think wild game, garden vegetables, and homemade sourdough.
4. Bulrush
Location: Cotham
Cuisine: Modern British with Foraged Ingredients
Michelin Stars: ★
Bulrush, with chef George Livesey at the helm, is one of Bristol’s most creative Michelin-starred eateries. With a warm, intimate setting and artistic touch, the tasting menu showcases wild and foraged ingredients and creative presentation. Don’t expect standard flavors, just open your mind to novel combinations that miraculously come together.
Popular Dish: Monkfish with fermented vegetables and burnt hay oil.
5. Root
Location: Wapping Wharf
Cuisine: Plant-forward Small Plates
Michelin Guide: Bib Gourmand
Though not strictly a fine dining restaurant, Root’s commitment to vegetable-centred, sustainable cuisine and small plate format gives it a place on this list. Its sleek, contemporary interior and views of the harbour are just the icing on the cake at Root, where innovative dishes see meat as optional but vegetables centre the stage.
Signature Plates: Jerusalem artichoke with truffle, beetroot tartare, and burnt aubergine with miso.
6. The Lido
Location: Clifton
Cuisine: Mediterranean-British Fusion
Setting: Poolside Dining in a Restored Victorian Lido
A special fine dining experience is in store at The Lido. Located within a restored Victorian swimming pool complex, visitors can dine on the water’s edge while indulging in refined, Mediterranean-style food. The open kitchen further adds to the drama, and the set menus provide fantastic value.
Special Dish: Cornish hake with harissa, smoked aubergine and saffron potatoes.
7. Adelina Yard
Location: Welsh Back, Harbourside
Cuisine: Modern European
Michelin Guide: Fine dining reputation, featured
Managed by chefs Jamie Randall and Olivia Barry, Adelina Yard serves elegant seasonal menus with gorgeous plating and flavour focus. With floor-to-ceiling windows looking out across the water, it’s perfect for romantic nights out or relaxed luxury. Its tasting menus (with wine) are a highlight.
Recommended Course: Truffle-infused venison with black garlic and smoked celeriac.
8. BOX-E
Location: Cargo 1, Wapping Wharf
Cuisine: Modern British, Local & Seasonal
Setting: A Small Shipping Container with Great Flavour
BOX-E is the UK’s smallest fine dining restaurant, nestled in a re-purposed shipping container. But don’t be deceived by size — chef Elliott Lidstone’s cuisine is refined, creative, and full of flavour. The menu is seasonal and features new dishes on a regular basis, so every visit is an original experience.
Must-have: Smoked shallot slow-cooked beef with seasonal greens.
9. Little French
Location: Westbury Park
Cuisine: Fine French
Atmosphere: Polished But Relaxed
Little French is a local restaurant with fine-dining ambitions. Led by Freddy Bird, the former Lido chef, it serves classic French comfort food with a light touch. Escargot to côte de boeuf, the food is indulgent but not fussy. Imagine a Parisian bistro with a Bristol spin.
Don’t Miss: Duck confit with puy lentils and their rich chocolate mousse.
10. The Ethicurean
Location: Wrington (just outside Bristol)
Cuisine: Field-to-Fork Dining
Awards: Sustainable Restaurant of the Year (previous winner)
Located in a Victorian walled garden with views over the Mendip Hills, The Ethicurean is an enchanted setting. The seasonally changing tasting menus draw inspiration from British nature, sustainability, and the preservation of heritage cooking methods. Fermentation, foraging, and produce from the garden take center stage.
Experience: Multi-course tasting menu accompanied by garden walks and wine pairings.
Fine Dining Tips in Bristol for 2025
Book in Advance: Bristol’s upscale restaurants tend to be tiny and cozy—book weeks in advance, particularly on weekends.
- Try Lunch Menus: Some restaurants, such as Bulrush and Wilson’s, have lower-cost tasting menus during lunch hours without sacrificing quality.
- Dietary Options: Most restaurants now provide vegetarian and vegan tasting menus — simply give the restaurant notice in advance.
- Sustainability Matters: Bristol’s food culture is strongly connected to environmental concerns. Look forward to local sourcing, seasonal menus, and minimal waste cooking.
- Dress Code: Although certain restaurants are more laid-back, it’s always best to be smart-casual for Bristol’s fine dining.
Final Thoughts
Bristol has quietly emerged as a powerhouse of fine dining in the UK. With its rich culinary talent, commitment to sustainability, and love for innovation, the city offers something for every gourmet. Whether you’re dining by the water, inside a garden, or in a hidden container, you’ll find memorable flavors and exceptional hospitality throughout dining restaurants in Bristol. From creative tasting menus to eco-conscious kitchens, dining restaurants in Bristol continue to set new standards in the UK’s culinary scene.
So, reserve a table, enjoy every mouthful, and toast one of the UK’s most vibrant food cities. Bon appétit!