The best Thai restaurants in Bristol

Our personal favourite, Giggling Squid in Clifton has a charming name that suits its botanical inspired interior, which makes it an ideal spot for both a date and an Instagram shoot. Since it’s located in Clifton Village, you can go there to recharge your batteries after walking around the city. The menu consists of dishes prepared with authentic Thai ingredients: melting beef with green beans and sweetheart cabbage in a red curry sauce; lamb shank in Massaman curry with coconut milk, cinnamon, cardamom and star anise; and a popular Pad Cha (seafood stir fry). Not to miss!

Known previously as the Bangkok House restaurant, this venues has now been refurnished and offers a variety of authentic, freshly cooked Thai meals in a formal but cosy setting. All dishes are prepared with traditional seasoning and fresh herbs that give them a tasty flavour and bold colours. On the menu, you can find a selection of Thai curries, a variety of starters (crispy aromatic duck is a favourite), noodle and rice dishes, vegetarian options and signature mains such as Pad Thai Goong Yai with king prawns. The choice is vast so don’t forget to ask one of the friendly waiters for a recommendation or two. Just make sure you book a table in advance to avoid disappointment.

If the phrase ‘a girl next door’ could be used to describe a restaurant, it would be a very fitting adjective for Everyday Thai. Loved by locals, the venue is known for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere, where everyone is always welcome. Plus, it serves delicious and authentic food. If you’re already familiar with Thai cuisine, there’s plenty you can choose from: wok-fried vegetable and noodle dishes, curry, seafood and meat dishes, and a lot more to satisfy your cravings. If you’re new to Thai cuisine, don’t worry. The menu tells you how spicy each meal is so you can truly appreciate the flavours without getting too overwhelmed. It’s the perfect spot if you want to catch up with a friend while munching on good food.

Just like others on the list, Thai Garden offers a great selection of all the classics: Thai style sweet and sour pork, Tom Yum vegetable soup, Pad Thai noodles with prawns and many more. An added bonus is that the restaurant serves lunch that comes in generous portion sizes, but at more affordable prices. The menu highlights are the desserts, especially the pancake stuffed with banana, which is a real treat if you have a sweet tooth. The interior is cosy, the staff is friendly and the food is amazing – what more do you need?

GoongNoi Thai is one of our best finds. The restaurant prides itself on serving food that is delicious every single time and even though we’ve only been there a few times, we can confirm that it’s true so far. Head there to taste some Thai specials, such as chicken satay marinated in Thai spices with peanut sauce, duck fried with sweet and sour Thai liqueur, and mixed seafood panang curry with lime leaves, coconut milk, onion, peppers and Thai herbs, just to name a few. The venue is suitable for both casual and more formal occasions. Welcoming atmosphere guaranteed! 

StreatWok is a great restaurant for those who have never tried Thai food before as it allows you to choose a level of spice to suit your taste buds, which saves you from dealing with watery eyes (but if you like a challenge, you can always go for extra hot). The dishes are a selection of Pad Thai, Khao Pad rice, noodles, curry plates and starters such as sesame chicken or vegetable spring rolls. The food is served in a setting that sort of resembles vibrant Thai streets, but is more toned down and not at all less stylish. If you’re looking for somewhere to chill with a friend, add StreatWok to your list.