Top 5 Caribbean restaurants and bars in Bristol


While heading to the beach after a tough day at work isn’t possible in Bristol, its dining scene boasts venues that can help you destress as there’s a great selection of comfort food, and Caribbean Croft is one of them. Here you’ll find family recipe dishes and rums from all around the world. Even though the venue is small, you can expect a strong sense of community and an upbeat atmosphere, ideal for hangouts with friends. It also helps that there are two happy hour slots from Monday to Friday that allow you to enjoy two for one cocktails! On the food menu, you’ll find a selection of vegan/vegetarian, fish and meat dishes like jerk chicken wings or curried peppered prawns.

Caribbean cuisine is impossible to describe in just a few words but Turtle Bay comes close by calling it a ‘world of flavour’. Influenced by cooking styles from several different countries such as Africa and India, Caribbean food is packed with herbs and spices and perhaps it’s the bold flavours that make it so unique and tasty. Whether you like it extra spicy, slightly hot with sweet undertones or something in-between, the cuisine is versatile enough to meet your needs. As a starter at Turtle Bay, you could go for salt fish fritters to satisfy your taste buds and finish it off with one of the jerk meat dishes, then sweeten it all up with pineapple pudding at the end. Apart from the food, the reggae music and laid-back atmosphere makes sure that you have the feel of what the true Caribbean spirit is like.

If you’re looking for a venue with a laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff and authentic Caribbean dishes, The Kings Head ticks all these boxes. The pub is family-run and it’s earned its reputation thanks to being a place where people from all walks of life can socialise and have a pint. If you want to come here to enjoy food, you’re in for an even bigger treat as the menu consists a variety of wraps, and jerk and curry dishes. One of the most popular options is Kings jerk pork served with rice, peas, coleslaw and a salad, which is a true delight. There’s no better place to celebrate than The Kings Head, whether it’s your birthday, wedding or major sporting event that bring the local community together. For those who like to party, there’s a DJ playing on the last Friday of every month, too. 

Rice & Things is another vibrant venue on the list that features good food and good vibes. Behind this award-winning restaurant is Chef Neufville whose aim is not only to help people experience authentic Jamaican dishes he remembers from his childhood, but also Jamaican hospitality which is reflected by friendly service and a heart-warming atmosphere. The menu is versatile and will suit anyone’s needs, whether you’re familiar with Jamaican flavours or yet to fall in love with them. The customers’ favourites include jerk chicken, brown stew chicken, baked chicken, pepper steak and beef/pork stew. The interior is simple yet cosy, which makes it perfect for all kinds of occasions.

Even though jerk chicken is one of the most popular Caribbean dishes, it’s not necessarily the highlight. Recent winners of Channel 4’s Come Dine With Me: The Professionals, Fi Real is a business run with passion, aiming to introduce you to the side of the cuisine you might not have experienced before. All dishes are made with locally sourced and organic ingredients, and include only vegan and vegetarian options, which are no less delicious than Caribbean classics. For example, you can expect treats such as jerk tofu and spicy kale or chickpea curry and a selection of homemade juices to tone down the spiciness. If you’re a fan of healthy and tasty food, make sure you pay these winners a visit.