Where to eat out in Bristol this summer

Spot on for a seasonal summer dish! With a weekly changing menu and organic wines, Wilsons is a dreamy, intimate, independent bistro that’s perfect for summer lunches. Boasting a lunch “Menu du Jour” paired with a glass of natural wine, Wilsons is a lovely venue that produces its own veg and edible flowers in its garden only 20 miles away. Wilsons really is a sustainably focused venue that’s unmissable during summer.

Pasta Ripiena follows a simple philosophy: food tastes best when it’s unpretentious and served in a comfortable atmosphere. Judging by the quality of the dishes, the ‘less is more’ approach works surprisingly well here. On the menu, you’ll find dishes made from Italian and Spanish produce. For example, you can have an Iberico Pork Abanico with tropea onion and salsa verde, and Triangoli of spinach and mascarpone, ‘nduja, spring onion, and prosciutto. If you’re vegetarian, you should try Mezzalune of sweetcorn and ricotta with pistachio, basil oil and preserved lemon. The interior is cosy and welcoming, especially when you want to escape the heat and cool yourself down with a glass of wine. The restaurant also welcomes adults with children and is located close to Castle Park. You can take a walk there after a meal and make a family day of it.

We are absolute fans of Root at Wapping Wharf! It’s got a fantastic terrace overlooking the harbour – ideal for those warm summer nights – as well as a stunning interior for when the weather typically decides to change. Sustainability and local produce is at the forefront of Root’s philosophy. Featuring a vegetable focused seasonal menu, and a heavy emphasis on no waste, this really is an ideal spot for the sustainably focused.

Summer is a great opportunity to try something new. In our case, it’s getting familiar with a plant-based cuisine and we’re glad we did because who would have thought it could taste this good? Pastan is a cosy little venue filled with plants and natural lighting, creating a relaxing atmosphere where you can feel refreshed after a long day. And where, you guessed it, there are plenty of filling pasta dishes to indulge in. One of the menu’s highlights is definitely the Vegan Meaty Feast with vegan bacon, Heura chicken, sweet corn, barbeque sauce and grated vegan mozzarella on a crispy crust. We also love the starters, among which you’ll find mini raviolis with mushrooms, a selection of cheeses and pan con tomate. When the weather’s too hot, you can cool yourself down with one of the delicious cocktails too.

There’s no better way to start the summer than to visit The Bank Tavern. Tucked away from the bustle of the city centre, this gastropub is always a favourite hangout spot for families and groups of friends. With a laid-back atmosphere and locally sourced British food on the menu, it doesn’t take long to feel right at home. Among our favourite comfort dishes here is a dry aged beef burger with smoked streaky bacon, cheese, dill pickle and house sauce. When the weather’s nice and warm, you can sit outside and have a pint while catching some sun. You’re also encouraged to bring your four-legged family members to enjoy the day too; everyone’s welcome here. The venue is also known for hosting weekly events, from quizzes to sports on a big screen.

Casa Brasil is every carnivore’s dream. Satisfy all your cravings thanks to a menu that features all kinds of meats, from pork loin to chicken piri piri. With an all-you-can-eat approach, it’s also the perfect place to catch up with your friends. At Casa Brasil, you don’t just share the food, you also share great memories. The interior is colourful and upbeat, which is the perfect vibe for summer weather. Apart from the wonderful atmosphere, you’ll get to take part in a unique dining experience. As soon as your meat is ready, it will be brought to you by a carving waiter who will slice it onto your plate. Pair your barbecued meats with sensational cocktails, from Mojito to Sex on The Beach and many more.

With an amazing location and a pretty landscape, Aqua is one of those places you simply must visit in the summertime. Known as one of the best Bristol waterside dining destinations, the restaurant boasts a riverside terrace where you can sip on a cocktail (or two) while taking in the views. Some say that watching the water is like meditation so you’re bound to leave calm and relaxed. If the weather’s good, you can also enjoy an al fresco dining experience (don’t worry if it’s a bit nippy on the day of your booking, there’s heating to keep you warm!). The menu has some great options such as a slow braised rabbit ragu in a rich chianti sauce with pappardelle pasta and drizzled with truffle oil, plus classics like Margherita pizza. If you wish to stay inside, you can expect a great atmosphere with a service to match the classy interior. Perfect for a first date or an anniversary this summer!

Romance is the one here. Perfect for a warm summer evening, here you can dine under the stars upon the moored boat in Bristol Harbourside. Ideal to get dressed up and spend some quality time with a loved one amongst the crazy summer social plans. Under the Stars offers a stunning Mediterranean tapas menu, perfect for sharing.

If the wait to your summer holiday is beginning to feel unbearable, then this place is the one for you. The Lido Restaurant & Poolside Bar is in the heart of the city but offers the perfect kind of escape you’ll need. With a big pool for cooling down, a lovely bar and a great menu, you can easily spend the whole day here. You can also book yourself a relaxing massage and visit the spa. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? The food is also top notch here with a Spanish/Mediterranean influence on the beautiful dishes.

At the Clifton Sausage, the aim is to show that when British food is done well, it can compete with the best food in the world for taste and satisfaction. And we couldn’t agree more. Situated in the heart of Clifton Village and furnished with pine tables, candles, warm yellow and sky blue walls, comfort and ‘a touch of class’ is found in the surroundings as well as the food and service. These will be some of the best sausages you ever try – trust us!