The top comfort food spots in Bristol

What could be more comforting than a big bowl of hearty Italian pasta? At Pasta Ripiena, pasta is made from the heart and from the kitchen in equal measure. It serves unpretentious honest dishes, in a comfortable but dynamic atmosphere. The team here leans towards Italian and Spanish produce, with the ingredients they choose being the most important element to their dishes. Try the Mezzalune of black truffle and ricotta or Cappellacci of prawn and mascarpone. As well as the amazing food, Pasta Ripiena has a strong emphasis on wine pairing. It makes sure there is something for everyone on the extensive wine list creating an all-round fulfilling dinner experience.

This restaurant and bar serves authentic Caribbean food alongside a huge selection of rums from around the world. Fuelled by independent spirit and West Indian flavours, it serves up the most delicious dishes. The menu includes options like jerk chicken, curried goat or ackee and saltfish. Whatever you choose, the food is cooked from the soul and will leave you with a full belly and a smile on your face. There is even a drinks happy hour between 5-6:30 and 9:30-11 if you fancy a few delicious rum cocktails. Try one of the overproof rums if you dare! 

This well-loved pie restaurant was born from two pie lovers’ dream to reinvigorate the humble British pie. You’ll find loads of fillings to choose from, from your standard steak and kidney or steak and blue cheese, to lots of different veggie and chicken options too. Served with a choice of sides including cheesy mash, loaded fries, smokey beans or minty peas all with lashings of gravy, there is nothing more comforting when it’s cold. There are three different restaurant locations in Bristol, so there really is no excuse to not try it out. 

If you’re looking for some indulgent chocolate inspired treats, then look no further. Mrs Potts Chocolate House is a family run café that offers a range of decadent desserts. The menu is full of cakes, brownies, and cookie sandwiches all drizzled with lashings of melted chocolate. What could be cosier than a cup of tea with a naughty chocolate treat? This is a café you don’t want to miss out on. 

This little restaurant in the heart of Clifton Village specialises in, you guessed it, sausages. It describes them as unpretentious yet universal, and there are many varieties; at least six appear on the menu at one time. From lamb, mint and apricot to chickpea and coriander, you’ll find it all. Choose them served with mash and onion gravy or you can upgrade to toad in the hole. It also has a range of other British comfort classics on the menu if you wanted something different. This family-friendly restaurant offers a warm welcome to everyone, so head on over for bangers and mash like you’ve never had before.

Tuk Tuck is an Asian bistro featuring a range of dishes from all across south-east Asia. The restaurant, located on Stokes Croft, is always welcoming to everyone, making you makes you feel relaxed and looked after. Its ethos is all about family, wanting to create “freshly cooked meals just like my mum made.” Its menu is full of warming dishes like curries and stir fries, or crispy duck and tom kha soup. With dishes from Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam the menu range is impressive. There’s also a menu ‘for the little people’, so kids are more than welcome! 

Located in the heart of Ashley Down, The Lazy Dog is the perfect pub for a bite to eat. Its chef has a background in South American street food, which influences the menu of world food small plates. Alongside this there’s traditional British pub classics and also a banging roast on a Sunday. All in all, this little pub is the perfect place to spend a cosy afternoon, leaving you full and satisfied.