The Michelin Guide has released its latest version showcasing the best restaurants in Bristol, the UK and across the world. The prestigious list ranks the best culinary experiences of a sliding scale of Michelin stars, Bib Gourmands and other awards.
This year, Bristol has seen a number of restaurant openings despite a difficult time for hospitality, including Picole, The Cheese Platter and The Metropolitan. Bristol has 18 restaurants in total, with three new mentions for next year. Wapping Wharf's Cargo development holds a staggering four entries.
The most recent edition of the guide for Bristol has lost one restaurant - Casamia, which held a Michelin star and closed over the summer - but has gained three new restaurants. This means there are now only two restaurants in Bristol that hold a Michelin star. The Michelin Guide 2023 for Bristol is listed in full below.
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Michelin-starred restaurants
Winning three stars is considered the pinnacle of a chef's career and is only ever achieved by a select few, but even earning one star is hugely commendable. The star rating system is based on Michelin the tyre company's previous maps for motorists, with three stars meaning the restaurant has exceptional cuisine and is worth a special journey.
Paco Tapas (one star)
The guide says: "This buzzy tapas bar shoehorned in the corner of a vast development is the younger sister of Casamia, and is named after the head of the family who own it. Sit on the terrace for nibbles, accompanied by one of their fine Spanish wines, then head inside where you’ll find grey period tiles and a few Spanish prints.
"Appealing menus provide plenty of choice and include all the favourites, from jamon croquetas and tortillas – where the rich, golden egg just oozes out – to the fire-cooked bread which will have you in raptures. Dishes are skilfully prepared and packed with flavour – and the passion with which they are made is palpable."
Unit 3A Lower Guinea Street, Bristol, BS1 6FU
Bulrush (one star)
The guide writes: "At first glance it might appear quite modest but this sweet neighbourhood restaurant comes with an appealingly relaxed and cosy feel, helped along by an amiable team. It’s set over two floors; ask to stay downstairs to soak up the atmosphere from the on-view kitchen.
"Top-notch seasonal ingredients are either foraged or organic, and preserving and pickling play a key role on the imaginative, well-balanced and deftly prepared tasting menu. Combinations are original and provide plenty of contrasts and flavours are clear and natural."
21 Cotham Road South, Bristol, BS6 5TZ
Wilson's (green star)
The guide says: "Wilsons is one of those appealing neighbourhood places that works in pure harmony, with everyone from the chefs to the service team sharing the same ethos. Sustainability leads the way, with generously proportioned, highly seasonal cooking showcasing ingredients from their smallholding."
24 Chandos Road, Bristol, BS6 6PF
Bib Gourmand
Restaurants that are not quite at Michelin-starred level, but offer high level cookery, are often awarded a Bib Gourmand, a very esteemed rating that recognises friendly establishments serving good food at moderate prices. The Bib Gourmand is awarded to restaurants deemed to be both good quality and good value by Michelin's inspectors.
BOX-E
Here's what the guide has to say: "Wapping Wharf is home to Cargo, a retail yard made of converted shipping containers, and on the first floor is intimate BOX-E, a compact restaurant clad in chipboard and plywood. Cooking comes from the heart and dishes are rustic, assured and flavour-packed. The panna cotta is a must!"
Unit 10, Cargo 1, Wapping Wharf, City of Bristol, BS1 6WP
Root
"This busy, welcoming little restaurant occupies five first floor shipping containers on the old wharf. Produce from small local suppliers is used in simple yet flavour-packed small plates formed around vegetables. They have a modern, sometimes intriguing style and inventive touches," the guide comments.
Unit 9, Cargo 1, Gaol Ferry Steps, Wapping Wharf, City of Bristol, BS1 6WP
Michelin-listed restaurants
It's a huge achievement for any restaurant to have a mention in the coveted guide. These 11 restaurants have all made the cut in 2023.
Chef's Table (new entry)
What the experts say: "In the old part of the city close to the famous docks you’ll find this intimate, personally run, two-room restaurant, with a small front terrace, a warm service team and a buzzing atmosphere. The two menus – most diners plump for the tasting menu – offer original, modern and sometimes intricate dishes, which are aesthetically striking and full of flavour."
1A-2 Avon Crescent, Bristol, BS1 6XQ
Harbour House (new entry)
"Right on the river, in the heart of Bristol, you’ll find this rustic restaurant, which features a spacious dining room and a long, narrow outside terrace. Well known for their afternoon tea and Sunday roast, they also serve an all-day menu of appealing modern dishes, which offers something for everyone. The fish dishes are a highlight, and the kedgeree arancini, a must-try," experts say.
The Grove, City of Bristol, BS1 4RB
Little Hollows Pasta (new entry)
"Come to this rustic bar-cum-bistro-cum-deli for fresh pasta, which is made in-house, and hung out to dry in the window. The knowledgeable staff are clearly passionate about what they do; ingredients are top-notch, and flavours, rich and authentic. Save room for one of the classic Italian desserts – and don’t forget to grab something from the deli on your way home."
26 Chandos Road, City of Bristol, BS6 6PF
Pony Bistro (set to close)
*Please note Pony Bistro is set to close on Christmas Eve*
"The team behind the Pony & Trap have moved from the country into the city, settling down in a southern neighbourhood beside the Bristol Beer Factory Brewery. The place has a homely, unfussy style and offers a set priced menu of wholesome, flavour-packed dishes; be sure to try the ‘Beer Factory’ tiramisu."
291 North Street, City of Bristol, BS3 1JP
Gambas
"Set in a lovely first floor location in the bustling Wapping Wharf, Gambas comes with a terrace on two sides and lovely river views. The concise menu of good value small plates showcases great quality produce and has a seafood slant; dishes arrive as they’re ready from the open kitchen."
Unit 12, Cargo 2, Wapping Wharf, City of Bristol, BS1 6ZA
Adelina Yard
"The experienced chef-owners named their first restaurant after their old home. Sit at the chef's table to watch all the action or at the far end of the L-shaped room overlooking the quay. Attractively presented, well-balanced modern dishes are sometimes brought to the tables by the chefs themselves," says the Micheline Guide.
3 Queen Quay, Welsh Back, City of Bristol, BS1 4SL
Tare
Experts says: "Tare is set in a block of converted shipping containers and is named after the term for their empty weight. It’s run by two young chefs and their charming team, and has just 10 tables inside and a handful more outside. Prime West Country ingredients feature in attractively presented, creative global dishes."
Unit 14, Museum Street, Wapping Wharf, City of Bristol, BS1 6ZA
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Marmo
It says: "The former Guardian Assurance Building, with its stark décor and high ceiling, is now home to this on-trend osteria-cum-wine-bar. Here, Cosmo Sterck offers a concise menu of Italian dishes from his open kitchen, while his smiley wife Lily takes care of the organic and biodynamic wines."
31 Baldwin Street, City of Bristol, BS1 1RG
Lido Restaurant
"Snack on flatbreads and small plates in the poolside bar or head up to the first floor former viewing gallery of this restored Victorian lido, with its retractable floor-to-ceiling doors and daily changing menu. Spanish, Mediterranean and Moorish dishes make good use of the wood-fired oven."
Oakfield Place, City of Bristol, BS8 2BJ
Klosterhaus
The guide writes: "Generously portioned German and central European dishes – from herring and sausages to schnitzels and strudels – form the menu at this opulent Grand Café. A balconied first floor looks down over a beautiful bar where they serve a mix of local and German beers in a lively atmosphere."
Bokman
"A few minutes from Cabot Circus, in a bohemian part of town, is this simple shop conversion run by an experienced couple. A wood-fired rotisserie oven where they cook chicken stuffed with rice takes centre stage. These are joined by exquisite ramen, Korean daily specials, and homemade kombucha and soju," it says.
3 Nine Tree Hill, Cotham, City of Bristol, BS1 3SB
littlefrench
"This softly lit neighbourhood bistro’s authentic Gallic feel will warm your soul. Well-executed dishes are fresh and hearty: at lunch, have the ‘plat du jour’ and a glass of wine; in the evening go for one of their sharing dishes. Service is friendly; ask for a booth beside the semi-open kitchen."
2b North View, Westbury Park, City of Bristol, BS6 7QB
Blaise Inn
It writes: "Situated in the suburbs, close to the famous folly of Blaise Castle, this simply decorated village inn serves good value, traditional British dishes cooked with a skilful, modern approach – make sure you save room for dessert! As well as quality ales and a well-chosen wine list, you'll find a pleasant rear courtyard in which to enjoy them. Personable service completes the picture."
260 Henbury Road, City of Bristol, BS10 7QR
You can read the Michelin Guide 2023 for Bristol and elsewhere in full here
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