Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and, here in Bristol, we have an abundance of incredible places to go for a date night meal. It goes without saying that Bristol is filled with quirky and unique venues to spend an alternative date night, but if you’re in the mood for something timeless and classic – like a three course dinner or the like, then you’ll never be short of options.
Bristol’s restaurant scene has been featured among prestigious lists, received coveted awards, commended on the likes of the Michelin Guide, Bib Gourmand and such, and even received top reviews from culinary legends – and even the Queen’s son.
But, when it comes to a foodie date night that boasts a romantic setting and delicious food, what does Bristol have to offer? We’ve compiled a list of restaurants perfect for a Valentine’s Day date this year:
1 York Place
Address: 1 York Place, BS8 1AH
1 York Place, which is situated on the outskirts of Clifton Village, is a small independently owned 46-seater restaurant that describes itself as ‘serving the best of European food and wine in a relaxed environment’. It’s been praised by not only the Michelin Guide, but also by top food critic Jay Rayner, and even the Queen’s son, Thomas Parker Bowles, who described it as serving “luscious sausages” and “exquisitely cooked” seafood. He was inspired to pay 1 York Place a visit after an old friend tipped him off.
Opening back in December 2023, 1 York Place is the third venture from husband and wife duo Freddy and Nessa Bird, who also run Little French in Westbury Park and Little Shop in Henleaze, their pantry and bakery store. 1 York Place offers a classic a la carte menu, with a wine list curated by Freddy himself, and dishes draw inspiration from his culinary career to date and visits to all corners of Europe.
Inside, the decor is cosy, romantic and very sophisticated, all making for an ideal date location.
Mowgli
Address: 35 Corn Street, BS1 1HT
Popular restaurant chain Mowgli opened the doors of its brand new Bristol restaurant back in 2023. Located on Corn Street, restoration of the Grade II-listed building within which it sits may have pushed back the reopening of what has been a restaurant on many a foodie’s wishlist for the city.
However, it’s all been worth it as since then Mowgli has impressed diners with its food and enchanting decor.
With a great selection of meat and vegetarian dishes on offer, as well as dessert and cocktails, you’ll also fall in love with the stunning atmosphere – twinkle lights cascade around you, enchanting trees whisk you away to a wonderland, and the beautiful architecture of the building in which it sits is exquisite in itself. All of this, paired with some delicious food, will be sure to impress your date.
Cappadocia
Address: 30-34 Baldwin Street, BS1 1NR
Following massive popularity over in Bath, Cappaddocia opened in Bristol back in April 2024. Named after the Turkish destination known for, fittingly, its hot air balloon-filled skies, Cappadocia has become a firm favourite in both cities.
It was recently among the finalists for a coveted prize at the 2025 British Kebab Awards, recognised in the ‘Best Newcomer’ category, and is praised by many for its food. On the menu are dishes such as baba ghanoush, falafel, calamari, flatbread, mezze platters, chicken, mixed grills, and a huge array of kebabs – from shish, to kofta, vegan and veggie options, and more.
Inside, both restaurants have since become known and loved for their relaxed atmosphere, stunning artwork and decor, and authentic Turkish food – there’s even the option of a takeaway. You only have to walk past the exterior of the Bristol’s glass-fronted restaurant, adorned with an archway of flowers and cosy lanterns hanging from the ceilings inside, to know you’re in for an atmospheric meal.
Bulrush
Address: 21 Cotham Road South, BS6 5TZ
It wouldn’t be right to not include Bristol’s only remaining Michelin-Starred restaurant to this list. This is fine dining, but without all the white tablecloths and the like, offering a more relaxed dining experience that still boasts Michelin Star food.
Located on Cotham Road, Bulrush offers a dinner and lunch menu – the dinner boasting around nine courses, and the lunch offering around four – priced in the region of £65-£90, and £48 respectively. There’s also the optional addition of a drinks pairing, and the team are always busy working to not only create new and exciting dishes, but to pair them with wines and other drinks that will add to the flavours of their meals.
At time of BristolLive’s visit in 2024, the team were pairing wines with a new white truffle dish that was being added to the menu, while cosy faux sheepskins were draped over wooden tables and chairs, candles adding an extra ambience to the setting.
Head chef George Livesey hopes that more people will look beyond the stereotypical white tablecloths and begin to embrace a more modern and relaxed take on the Michelin Star, with fine dining at a more affordable price.
The Ivy
Address: 42-44 Caledonia Place, Clifton, BS8 4DN
A classic when it comes to chic dining. Many people will think of The Ivy when thinking of somewhere fancier to dine, so we just had to include Clifton’s restaurant in the mix.
The Clifton Brasserie describes itself as “overlooking The Mall Gardens, bringing relaxed, sophisticated all-day dining to the heart of Bristol’s ceaselessly chic Clifton Village. From modern British cuisine to café-style classics and fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes, you’ll find something for everyone to love. As well as the main restaurant, there is a bar, an orangery, and two private dining rooms for those special celebrations.”
You’ll find not only the iconic floral decor that many an Ivy restaurant boasts inside, but also an A La Carte menu and breakfast available everyday, as well as a £19.95 two-course menu (available Monday-Friday, 11.30am-6.30pm).
The Square Club
Address: 15 Berkeley Square, BS8 1HB
The Square Club boasts a stunning, quirky interior, secret garden terrace space, and exquisite food at its restaurant. In addition to the fact this is a popular wedding venue in the city, you only have to take a look at the website to see how they love catering to dates of all shapes and sizes.
This year The Square Club is boasting a seven-course tasting menu including canapes and dessert, with complimentary Moet Champagne, especially for Valentine’s Day. But all year round this venue boasts delicious food and drink – including one of our favourite roast dinners ever – for you to enjoy with the ones you love best.
Pasture/Radius
Address: Pasture, 2 Portwall Lane, Redcliffe, BS1 6NB
If you’re a steak lover, or even if you’re not that way inclined, Pasture is commended by many a Bristolian and foodie from afar, alike. If you’re in the mood for a date night with a bit of a difference, Radius (which sits next door in a smaller more intimate room to Pasture’s main restaurant) is one that many a couple have embarked on.
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 Pasture’s very own farm in Long Ashton. All in all, it is a very intimate experience, with delicious food, and all in a cosily lit space.