The best Belgian bars and restaurants in Bristol


The Strawberry Thief is an award-winning bar with about 50 options on the menu. Meet one of the most popular hangout spots in Bristol where both younger and older generations enjoy craft beer (mainly Belgian beer, which the venue specialises in) and munch on the classics from all over Europe. The sample menu includes bar snacks such as chilli crackers or nut mixes, small plates such as cheeseboard or fries and a selection of mains (for example, cannon of lamb, ratatouille, romesco, gnocchi, lardo). If you’ve never tried the beer before, consider joining a night of beer and food pairing that will introduce you to new flavours and allow you to fully appreciate Belgian beverages. The bar boasts an old fashioned setting where you can relax with a pal or bring along a larger to celebrate the end of the week. At The Strawberry Thief, everyone is welcome to have a good time.

Set in an historic building surrounded by plants, Zerodegrees is an award-winning microbrewery, having won the Architectural Design Award for a reason; it has three terraces that overlook Bristol streets, a dining garden and plenty of seats inside because who doesn’t enjoy sipping on good beer paired with delicious food? Speaking of which, the venue’s speciality is pizzas straight out of the wood-fired oven, but you can also find dishes influenced by other parts of the world, such as teriyaki chicken or truffle mac n cheese. For the dessert, be sure to try the legendary Belgian waffles. And just like the saying about Belgian cuisine goes, you can expect the quantity of German cuisine and the quality of French food as the waffles are crispier and bigger than what you’re used to, served with maple syrup and vanilla ice cream. If you’re planning a celebratory meal or a catch up with friends, this is the right venue for you.

The Beer Emporium’s motto is, “Great beer, great food, great time”, which is very much the vibe the venue gives off as soon as you enter. Apart from making a good impression, the pub specialises in craft beer from Belgium and beyond, and fulfils the promise of a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. If drinks are what entice you to visit the most, you’ll be delighted to know that happy hour is on offer from Sundays to Thursdays between 5 and 7pm. You can also get a beer and pizza deal from Sundays to Thursdays between 12noon and 9pm for only £9.99. If you’re looking for somewhere you can relax and enjoy food and drinks at affordable prices, The Beer Emporium is the place to go.

Attention all beer lovers; at The Portcullis you can find a hefty list of Belgian beers, including a selection of dark, Saison, red, amber, blonde, fruit and sour options! If you aren’t familiar with some of these beers but willing to give them a try, you can always ask a friendly member of staff to help you out – whether you’re going there for food or drinks, you’ll be in good hands. A bonus is that you can enjoy your delicious beverage while watching a movie (check out the pub’s website for the latest information on movie nights) and if you’re into trivia, keep your eyes peeled for quiz nights, too. As for the food, you can expect dishes such as cheeseburger, beef pasanda, pork sausages with spring onion mash, and five bean chilli served with rice – everyone will find something for themselves. The venue has a homely, slightly rustic interior that makes it the perfect spot for a relaxing evening.