It’s no secret that Bristol is a city full of some top notch places for food and drink. And 2024 has provided us with some exquisite cuisine of all shapes and sizes.
From classic roast dinners to award-winning fine dining, multiple-course dining experiences, sweet treats, and even traditional pub grub, we have it all. And many of the BristolLive team have been venturing out to sample some of the finest the city has to offer.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the places we’ve had the pleasure of visiting this year – and just why you should look into visiting them, too…
Radius by Pasture – for ‘the best’ dining experience
Where: Pasture, 2 Portwall Lane, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6NB
BristolLive’s What’s On reporter, Ellie Kendall, described her experience at Radius as ‘one of the best dining experiences ever’. She said: “When we arrived at Radius, which is located at the same venue as Pasture, the space was warmly lit, there were jars on shelves showcasing concoctions made from the farm’s produce, and a display of fresh farm veg sat welcoming us in.
“The concept behind Radius, and the layout of the space itself showcases this, is that guests will sit around a circular bar, closed off from the main Pasture restaurant with double doors and curtains for the ultimate VIP feel. Staff will talk about each course in the very centre of the room, with guests surrounding them, and will delve into the local produce, local suppliers, drinks and all that has gone into the carefully curated menu.
“The menu for Radius changes every so often, and can be heavily influenced by what is being grown on the farm. Our experience cost £75pp for food and an additional £45pp if you also wished to enjoy the Flight – and it was absolutely worth every penny. This is truly the most memorable food experience I have ever been a part of and I still can’t get it out of my head.
“Some of the key things I loved about Radius include the fact that the chefs have multiple uses for one single ingredient – and this was showcased throughout the meal. Our hosts were also engaging, friendly and made the whole experience fun, relaxing and highly enjoyable – but we also left knowing more about the restaurant and our food.
“Showcasing what the farm is producing, without overpowering these vegetables – and by utilising herbs and ingredients in drinks, sauces, as garnishes etc – is just utterly genius. I don’t think I have ever felt so good and so satisfied about a meal in a sense that I knew throughout it all exactly where each and every part of it had come from – and it was all from the South West region at most (if not just down the road).
“All in all, it’s near impossible for me to summarise what makes Radius a must visit for anyone and everyone – foodie or otherwise. The staff never miss a beat, have wonderful personalities, passion and expert knowledge of their craft.
“The menus showcase local suppliers, the talent of the chefs you get to meet, and the hard work that’s taking place behind the scenes at the farm. And the people around you will share something truly special with you, an unforgettable experience none of us would have ever expected.”
Forge & Fern – for a memorable Sunday lunch
Where: 76 Broad Street, Bristol, BS16 5NL
There are many top spots for a roast dinner in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, serving up the iconic British dish. One place we visited surprised us in the best possible way, by dishing up a pretty sizable and very delicious Sunday roast.
The Forge and Fern, which was formerly the Red Lion pub on Broad Street in Staple Hill, opened in 2022 as a neighbourhood cafe, bar and restaurant. Outside, the exterior boasts a pretty wall covered with foliage, stylish signage, and a covered outdoor seating area to the front, which boasts a cosy spot for a catch-up drink with friends.
Our review went on to say: “Minutes before the kitchen was due to open, our wait staff took our order and went straight to the chefs in the kitchen, asking if they wouldn’t mind plating up our roasts as the first of the lunch service diners. Within moments, and with big smiles, our wait staff brought our dishes over – and the plating (on the pork dish at least) looked spectacular.
“We ordered one beef roast, and one pork roast. The beef (priced at £21.50) consisted of a Buxton rump of beef/slow braised beef brisket (which the menu stated would be served pink), with Yorkshire pudding, garlic & rosemary potatoes, parsnip puree, spiced red cabbage, glazed carrots, seasonal greens and red wine gravy. The slow roasted pork belly (priced at £19), came with the vegetables listed above, as well as Yorkshire pudding and crispy pork crackling.
“In addition to the speed at which our food was served to us, the first thing we noticed was the size of our meals. The Yorkshire puddings were huge, taking up much of the plate, and the meat portions were hefty, meaning you got plenty for your money.
“We’d gone into the Forge & Fern for a spontaneous Sunday hot chocolate and catch up, but when our cravings for a good roast dinner hit us, we were not disappointed. Like the meal itself, the staff and service went above and beyond, too. So I definitely recommend any roast dinner fan in the area to try this one for size – their hot chocolates are good too!”
Bristol Flyer – for delicious chicken and burgers
Where: 96 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8BN
We stopped off on our commute home from work on a Tuesday evening to grab some food and a drink or two in one of the bustling shopping street’s most iconic venues – The Bristol Flyer – and we were not disappointed. Dubbed the ‘best British pub in Bristol’ and Gloucester Road’s ‘favourite social spot for chilled catch-ups and high-energy evenings’, the first thing you’ll notice about this place is its size – it’s pretty huge.
In our review, we said: “The Flyer offers an extensive menu of food and drink offerings, as well as the ability to either order at the bar or via a QR code from your table. It has a vast array of drinks on tap at the bar, including draught beers, ales and ciders, as well as a cocktail menu, spirits and wine list, too.
“We opted for an ‘Instant Classic Burger’ (£11), fries (£4) and a large chicken tender meal with fries included (£18) – the pricing was pretty reasonable for a pub dinner, and this one was well worth the money, and then some. The service here is second to none. Staff are so friendly that you feel right at home – and I’ve already made sure that plenty of my friends and family members visit when they’re next in the area.
“Tucking into our meals, the burger was perfectly cooked, full of flavour and the meat had a glorious charred, smoky flavour that I couldn’t get enough of. I opted for no bacon, but can imagine bacon lovers would be extremely satisfied with the flavour combinations and this, paired with the fluffy bun, crispy lettuce, top-notch pickles (which they didn’t scrimp on like some places do) and melt-in-your-mouth cheese, put this burger up there with the best of them.
“The chicken tenders stole the show, however. These are probably some of the best, if not the best I have had the pleasure of tasting. The chicken was, well, as tender as can be – succulent, flavourful and you got plenty of meat for your money. The batter surrounding it was utterly incredible, crispy, moreish and the flavours only enhanced by the mayo and hot sauce.
“Overall, the food and drink here was absolutely perfect and the service really went above and beyond. It’s no wonder that this place is among the best pubs in the city, and Gloucester Road, if the description on the website is anything to go by.”
Lunita Pasteleria – for scrumptious pastries
Where: 332 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8TJ
Tasty pastries were on the menu at Lunita Pasteleria earlier in the year for one of our reviewers. She said: “Just after the Saturday lunch rush, we ventured inside the pastel blue-coloured cafe and were greeted by interior decor that could equally be found in a venue in Argentina, or one in Santorini, Greece.
“Paved floors, whitewashed walls and bluey-green accents fill the space, paired with raffia chairs, pinstriped cushions and plants aplenty – it is an extremely welcoming and yet utterly zen place, ideal for seeking some solace away from the hustle and bustle outside.
“Diners sitting one table over from us were tucking into the hash brown dish, which looked so unbelievably delicious (and plentiful) that I’m already planning a trip back soon to sample it. But, this time at least, we were here to try some of the delicious baked goods and pastries that lined the counter top – they looked too good to resist.
“Within minutes, our selection was brought over and people sitting nearby couldn’t help but look over in awe of the stunning pastries we’d picked. The hot drinks were served on a cute wooden tray, and it all looked too good to eat and drink – but we gave it our best shot.”
She rounded off the review by writing: “Overall, whether you’re looking for somewhere peaceful to enjoy a cup of coffee, or a brunch or lunch date with friends, Lunita Pasteleria is a little haven on Gloucester Road, offering a little taste of Argentine food – and leaving diners longing to go back for more.”
Daily Noodles – for award-winning noodles
Where: Unit 7, CARGO, Wapping Wharf, Gaol Ferry Steps, Bristol, BS1 6WP
Located in one of Bristol’s havens for foodies, Larkin Cen’s Daily Noodles sits in a storage container amid a walkway of twinkle-lit trees, mere metres away from stunning views of The Matthew and the city’s Harbourside. Part of Wapping Wharf‘s Cargo – a collection of shops and food and drink venues serving everything from shellfish to burgers – the TV chef’s noodle destination is extremely popular, and it’s easy to see why.
Our reviewer visited on a Saturday evening in February and said: “We ordered and, within a few minutes, the first of our dishes were brought to our table – freshly cooked, piping hot and dressed stunningly on the plate. Within 10 minutes of ordering at the counter and sitting down outside, all of our food and drink was with us – and all that was left to do was tuck in.
“People walking by – and there were plenty considering venturing for food at Daily Noodles during our meal – could be heard commenting on how good our food looked and smelled. With delivery drivers heading in and out consistently, I know that if I am ever in the mood for a pick-me-up when I can’t make it to Wapping Wharf, I will be making this my new comfort dish from now on.
“All in all, from ordering and paying swiftly with a warm welcome at the beginning of our visit, to the quickest service I have ever received – and all with the freshest food, which was utterly delicious – Larkin Cen‘s Daily Noodles went above and beyond to make what is described as a ‘casual restaurant’, truly unforgettable.”
The Bank Tavern – for the roast with the biggest waiting list in the country
Where: 8 John Street, Bristol, BS1 2HR
Known for its waiting list for its famed roast dinners, The Bank Tavern was a sure choice for our reviewer, who said: “Last weekend we tried to book a roast dinner for my friend’s birthday, in August 2026, but the barmen told us they were closed for new bookings until next January — although they had a table free the following day due to a cancellation.
“So by a stroke of luck, we skipped the famously long queue. Did the Bank’s famous roast live up to the hype? Yes, yes it did.
“Regardless of the roast, one of the best pubs in Bristol’s city centre is hidden away just up from Nelson Street. They have a small but eclectic and rotating mix of local beers and ciders on tap, friendly service, a countryside vibe, and a learn German audiotape bizarrely playing in the loos.
“The vibe in the pub was relaxed despite the hallowed food and huge demand for the table we were sitting on. We could have stayed for another hour, chatting away and nibbling on some cheese and drinking a little more wine, but didn’t feel at all rushed along after the dessert.
“Before the meal I fretted apprehensively about whether the food would live up to its hype. The Bank Tavern feels like the Berghain of pub roasts. There are Berliners who, on return from their recent holiday in Bristol, are asked by their friends if they managed to get a roast at the Bank.”
Our reviewer finished the review, writing: “Part of the fun is the impossibly long queue and the fact that loads of people are waiting months and months for something very special, which for just an hour or two, you get to enjoy too. But the roast deserves its reputation. Put a note in your calendar for January, it’ll be worth the wait.”
Sonny Stores – for a tasty lunch
Where: 47 Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1QS
“A short walk from the bustling foodie destinations of Wapping Wharf and North Street lies a quiet residential terrace, with a small restaurant on the corner. Sonny Stores in Southville has giant windows on two sides, making it perfectly situated for diners to bask in the sunlight even in winter,” our reviewer writes.
“The fewer the dishes often tends to mean the better the food, but despite the brevity of the menu we were stuck for choice. We eventually settled on a pizzetta, tagliatelle and tiramisu for me; and the whipped coco blancs, ravioli and olive oil cake for my partner.
“The pizzetta was the highlight of the whole meal. At first I was dubious about the idea of a small pizza, but the miniature size only meant there was still plenty of appetite for pasta and pudding.”
Our review went on to say: “Maybe a three-course lunch on a weekday might seem too decadent. But on our visit — the day after Blue Monday, allegedly the saddest day of the year — the delicious food, winter sunshine filling the room, and friendly service left us walking home with an optimistic glow.
“In the middle of winter, in often spartan months when many people give up alcohol or try a new diet, I would argue that spending just £25 for a hefty dose of hedonism is certainly a bargain. Eating lunch at Sonny Stores certainly makes it seem like spring is only round the corner.”
The Pump House – for some quality pub grub
Where: Merchants Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 4PZ
The Pump House, as described by our reviewer, sits overlooking the Harbourside, and “is a stylish and comfortable pub serving a range of dishes including pub classics, meat mains and desserts. Operating as a pub since 2007, it has been recognised in The Good Food Guide every year since 2011 and its chef, Toby Gritten, won the best chef award at the Bristol Good Food Awards in 2013.”
Our reviewer, Al, went on to say: “The pub makes a point of using locally-sourced ingredients and supports local communities. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and are even up for a chat to make the experience feel personal. The hospitality is second to none. The food was incredible.
“Make sure to head upstairs also as it is so beautiful. Staff paintings fill up the walls and it makes The Pump House so homely. It is also a dog-friendly pub, meaning it is perfect to visit whilst on a walk around the Harbourside. It is a card or contactless payment pub only.
“As an independent pub, The Pump House takes care of its customers and that is reflected in the great service and great time. It is symbolic of what a pub should be and there is no wonder why it is so highly regarded.”
Dongnae – to sample a brand new menu
Where: 5-7 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6PG
Run by the same people who own popular Korean Bokman, just off Stokes Croft, our reviewer was very excited to try Bristol’s newest restaurant at the time, Dongnae, as Bokman has never disappointed the few times they have eaten there. And, eating there less than a week after opening – and being mid-week, were surprised to see how busy the restaurant was; “by the time we left the restaurant at about 9pm, the restaurant was pretty much full”, they said.
The review went on to say: “The first thing I was struck by is how different the atmosphere at Dongnae felt. A much-more spacious restaurant than the one off Stokes Croft, it has a sophisticated and smart vibe; a more done up Bokman.
“However, as it seems to be the theme with restaurants along Chandos Road, the atmosphere felt relaxed and unpretentious. We were sat at the bar, which felt like a welcome change to the usual table, and reminded me of my trip to Japan.
“With my friend being vegan, we were given a separate menu for her with all the different options and, not having eaten lunch that day, she decided to order pretty much everything on the vegan menu. Having had a really lovely meal, I left feeling like this team truly know how to run a restaurant.
“Despite having been open for less than a week, Dongnae felt like it had been part of Chandos Road for a long time already; what are you waiting to try it?”
Wilsons – for a fine dining lunch
Where: 24 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6PF
Frequently mentioned by chefs we interview for our weekly features, Wilsons has been on our list of must try places for a while and, back in August, we visited Wilsons with our reporter describing how she “noticed it defies the ‘white tablecloth’ stereotype. The decor is understated, yet charming with flowers adorning the centre of the table, and the atmosphere exudes a relaxed and unpretentious vibe.”
She went on to say: “At £35 for the lunch menu, I was expecting to get a couple of dishes. However, this turned out to be more fine dining than I expected despite it being lunchtime. We got six courses, including three desserts and one that was actually a three-in-one.
“While I have to admit we both a bit felt self-conscious of having two toddlers with us (this was more fine-dining than I expected, as I said), and it did not feel like small children are their usual clients, they made us feel welcome. We were given extra bread for them and at one point one of the co-founders, chef Jan Ostle, checked that we were ok on one of his trips out of the kitchen.”
And she rounded off by saying: “We were certainly not disappointed with our meal at Wilsons; this was packed with bold, unique flavours and the presentation was stunning every time. It felt like a more affordable way to enjoy fine dining and we both said we would come back; without toddlers next time.”
Little Hollows – to try its new garden
Where: 26 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6PF
On a visit to the brand new Little Hollows restaurant garden this year, BristolLive reporter, Estel, said: “Both of us went for the Agnolotti as a main, with this being the pasta dish I have every time I come as it is so memorable. The fresh pasta is filled with roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, mascarpone and Fior de latte, accompanied with a rich buttery sauce and parmesan.
“This dish never disappoints – and must be a popular one as it is always on the menu – and believe me when I say it is something you will remember for a long time. They may seem like simple flavours, but they are executed so well and it is truly something you could not make at home.”
She rounded off her review by adding: “From start to finish, Little Hollows Pasta delivered another flawless meal. It truly is no surprise this restaurant was added to the Michelin Guide after less than a year of opening, as well as The Good Good Guide last year, and certainly deserves the ‘local gem’ badge. The garden is the ideal addition for the summer months and I can not wait to be back.”