The best restaurants to visit in Bristol during Twixmas

This east Bristol restaurant was created by a family team, and it really shows in the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. It serves a high standard of food, served by a knowledgeable and friendly team. The menu offers modern British dishes made from locally and ethically sourced ingredients. Its sample menu includes dishes like seared duck breast with a soy and sesame pork fritter, heritage carrot, boulangère potatoes, spiced beetroot and a ponzu jus as well as Cornish hake served with crayfish bon bons, wilted greens and a crab cream. The menu is very carefully chosen with flavours perfectly complementing each other and the seasonal sides served alongside them. Open on 29^th and 30^th December, this is the perfect choice for a nice dinner out.

If you’re looking to get out of the house for a bit, at any time of day, The Garden of Easton is great because it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. This beautiful café is lined with more plants than you could imagine, and the lighting really transforms the restaurant into a relaxing paradise, giving that hint of warmth that Bristol can be lacking in winter. Its ever-changing menu uses locally sourced ingredients, keeping things fresh and current. From oyster mushrooms with chilli jam, salted pork belly with fennel and apple salad, and ricotta dumplings with pistachio and parmesan, this little café sure knows how to do small plates well. 

We always find that over the Christmas period everyone is always so busy prepping for the big day that afterwards there always seems to be loads to catch up on. This wine bar is the perfect place to meet up with friends and catch up over a delicious glass of wine. Inspired by its Parisian chef, it offers deli-style small plates to go alongside its extensive selection of organic and well sourced wines. Every week it selects 12 wines to serve by the glass, which are always specially chosen by staff for their uniqueness or impeccable taste. Located on the ever-bustling Gloucester Road this bar is the perfect choice for a night of wine and fun.

Rock Salt is a great option if you’re looking to move away from traditional British Christmas food. It’s an Asian fusion restaurant that has the aim of bringing both Indian and Chinese food under one roof. We don’t know about you, but we find the Indian vs Chinese debate always splits a group, so this one is definitely a crowd pleaser. The menu has been carefully selected to complement each other and to bring out the best flavours in both cuisines. Its owner has travelled across the world throughout his career, improving his food knowledge and ability. It’s clear that the food here is made with a passion for Asian cuisines and the love that goes into the menu, and cooking really shines through in the taste of the dishes. So, if you don’t fancy cooking and are looking for a delicious meal to please the whole family then this is a great contender.

If you’re looking for something to warm the soul, then Pieminister never fails. With fillings ranging from a traditional steak and ale, goats’ cheese with sweet potato and spinach, or chicken and ham, there’s loads of choice. With sides ranging from mash, minty mushy peas, smokey baked beans and slaw, this is comfort food at its finest, perfect for a cold winter night.

If it’s easy and simple food that’s bursting with big flavours that you’re after, then head to Old Market and visit Chido Way. This Mexican’s ethos is ‘more’ and the food explodes with flavour with every bite. The menu is simple, specialising in tacos, burritos and quesadillas, and is the perfect place to get all your Mexican classics.

If you’re looking for a more interactive dining experience, then give Mugshot a try. It’s suited to either family or friends and it’s a great way to make an experience out of a meal out. Mugshot has become famous for its hot stone dining, where stones are brought over to you at 350 degrees, enabling you to finish cooking the steak at your table, piece by piece, just to your liking. With delicious flavours, butters and sauces, impeccably trained staff and beautiful décor, Mugshot is like no other restaurant in Bristol. 

This is the perfect place to come with friends if you’re looking for a bite to eat, accompanied with some great music and maybe a boogie. It serves a range of ‘Galli Plates’ which are small bites, including things like parmesan gnocchi with ham hock and blue cheese sauce, and squash, sage and cashew arancini. There are also some larger main dishes on offer that change regularly depending on the season. Hosting live music every night of the week, come evening this becomes one of Bristol’s best loved bars. It showcases some of the best up-and-coming artists the South-West has to offer. You’re guaranteed to have a night full of food, fun and great music at the Galli. 

Chance and Counters is a great option if you’re looking for a change of scenery but still looking to keep the Christmas spirit. This board game café has more than 850 games to choose from, so whether you’re looking for a party game, heavy strategy or a family-friendly one, you’ll definitely find something for you. The staff are really friendly and know a lot of the games really well, so if you’re overwhelmed with choice then we recommend asking them! It serves a selection of food including loaded fries, hotdogs and lots of other nibbles to snack on. The original café is located by the Christmas Steps, but it has just opened its second Bristol venue on Gloucester Road so make sure to check them both out if the other is booked up.

The Greenbank is a lovely traditional community pub in the heart of Easton. It’s always busy with a lively atmosphere and it serves a huge range of local drinks. The menu is simple but delicious with a selection of burgers, pizzas and a small selection of specials. The relaxing but fun atmosphere make this the perfect place to come, whether you’re looking to catch up with friends, meet with colleagues or bring the family.