EatDrink24/7 recommendations: best of north-east Bristol

RESTAURANTS

Bell’s Diner & Bar Rooms
1-3 York Road, BS6 5QB

Bell’s Diner & Bar Rooms is the latest incarnation of Bristol’s beloved Bell’s Diner, which first opened in 1976 and has remained one of Bristol’s best-loved restaurants ever since. The new team has continued flying the Bell’s flag since taking over in May 2013 with a team which has its roots in Rocinantes and Quartier Vert and brings to Bell’s the same relaxed enthusiasm for getting knees under a table to eat, drink and have a good time.

“For Sam’s food and Kate’s wine list. I don’t think there’s a nicer spot to sit than in that window on the corner Montpelier with something to gorgeous to eat and drink. It’s pretty much perfect.” – Clare Thomson, food writer

“The beating heart of Bristol’s restaurant scene, all of the charm of a Parisian bistro but with a Bristol feel.”- Mat North, Full Court Press

“A Bristol institution which never lets you down. Sam’s cooking is outstanding we’d happily devour the whole menu.” – Graham Faragher, Bertha’s Pizza

“A Bristol, institution and for good reason. Bell’s is faultless.” – Rosie Morgan, The Bristol Cheesemonger

The Cauldron
98 Mina Road, BS2 9XW

This St Werburgh’s gem can boast to be the first solely solid-fuelled commercial kitchen to open in the UK in the last 100 years. The Cauldron may have a unique USP but it’s certainly not a gimmick. It’s what chef and co-owner Henry Eldon calls ‘heirloom’ cooking techniques, which he learned while living in India for a year before returning to Bristol and crowdfunding more than £7,500 to help open his dream restaurant.

“Henry and the team are independent and creative and cooking up top quality cooking at a reasonable price. I love eating their dishes when I get the chance.” – Dermot O’Regan, Grow Bristol

“With a great atmosphere and open kitchen, The Cauldron boasts spectacular locally sourced and seasonal dishes, lucky to have this place almost on my doorstep.” – Harry Calvert, Gingerbeard’s Preserves

“A mixture of old fashioned and modern hearty wood and coal fired treats adorn the menu in this muraled restaurant with more than its fair share of plug sockets due to the fact that it used to be an internet café. All ingredients are, where possible sourced from their side of the A38, taking the term ‘local’ to the extreme.” – Andy Clarke, TV Food Producer

Everyday Thai
11 New Station Road, BS16 3RP

A friendly, popular restaurant serving freshly cooked Thai cuisine for lunch and dinner. Special offers and gift cards are available. Open Tues to Sat midday-2.30pm & 5.30pm-10.30pm; Sun 5.30pm-10.30pm.

“It’s run by a lady, and all the chefs are ladies. They are so passionate, and make everything by hand. When we last went as a family there was one dish that really blew my mind.” – Shilpi Choudhury, Chai Shai

Flour and Ash
203B Cheltenham Road, BS6 5QX

Specialising in wood-fired sourdough pizzas and ice creams made in house, Flour & Ash is a laid-back restaurant serving an ever-changing menu of main meals as well as breakfasts, brunches and snacks. Its award-winning pizzas can also be taken away or delivered. Open Mon-Wed midday-9.30pm; Thurs-Sat midday-10pm; Sun midday-9pm.

“In a city boasting many fantastic pizza places, Flour & Ash stands out for being one of the best. Steve and his team produce the most creative pizzas in the city, with a full-flavoured sourdough base.” – Justin Hawke, Moor Beer

“Simple and yet completely original pizzas. The ox cheek one is fantastic – instead of a tomato base you get ox cheek ragu, and instead of cheese you get béchamel. Is it still a pizza? I literally don’t care. I’ve never had circle bread like it.” – Dan Pudsey, Dirty Gurties

The Lock Up
182 Church Rd, BS5 9HX

Open since 2016, this family-run place does brunch, dinner, Sunday roasts and drinks. Their eclectic menu features such treats as roasted beetroot and ewes curd salad, and a pork and mustard fritter with pickled red cabbage. Open Tues-Sat 10am-11pm; Sun 11am-8pm

“They have very high standards of food and drink at sensible prices. The staff are warm and friendly, and they’ve played a huge part in improving the St George area.” – Sam Espensen, Bristol Spirit & Espensen Spirit

Maniks
7-11 Gloucester Road North, BS7 0SG

A warm welcome and delicate dishes greet you at both branches of Maniks. Their food combines Indian and Thai flavours, while in Eastville they offer a gourmet grill menu. Vegetarian options available, as is take away. Open Mon-Thurs 6pm-11pm; Fri-Sun 6pm-11:30pm.

“This is my one of my favourite Indians in Bristol. The setting and service is impeccable and their understanding of spices is incredible.” – James Gordon, The Chocolate Bear Kitchen

Poco
45 Jamaica Street, BS2 8JP

Before opening in Bristol in 2011, Poco toured the UK’s best festivals, preparing mountainous feasts for hungry revellers. Their first permanent premises in the heart of Stokes Croft brought together a devotion to seasonality, locality, great food and atmosphere with a core passion for sustainability. Where Bristol innovates, London follows, with Poco’s sister restaurant to be found in Hackney’s Broadway Market.

“A great spot for people watching whilst having a coffee but even better for sitting at the back with a friend and picking dish after dish form their seasonal and fresh menu. Its take on small plates and tapas is simple but inventive.” – James Gordon, Chocolate Bear Kitchen

“The warmest welcome, amazing cocktail list and delicious food. Great for brunch, lunch and dinner. A very special place serving seasonal British tapas with a strong commitment to waste reduction and a general focus on sustainable dining.” – Elly Curshen, Pear Cafe

“Their food is imaginative and beautiful to look at. If you like architecture and buildings as I do, Poco is also in an interesting little building with prime people spotting views over the hustle and bustle of Stokes Croft. Never a dull moment!” – Ingrid Bates, Dunleavy Vineyards

“The cocktails are amazing but espresso martini is where it’s at! No need to try anything else. Whether you fancy authentic tapas and small plates or just some evening drinks I love this place. A great option to pop by in the day for brunch or a coffee and pastry sitting by the window looking out over stokes croft, perfect for people watching and reading! – Emma Chapman-Burnett, Yonder Collective

Thali Cafe
12 York Road, Montpelier, BS6 5QE

A much-loved Bristol institution, which began as a street food truck at Glastonbury and now has five restaurants across Bristol. The star food attractions are the set menus, offering a little taste of various Indian regional dishes on one plate. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-10pm; Sat & Sun midday-10pm.

“Reminding you of how tasty a curry can be. Particularly good if you’re looking for somewhere veggie or vegan friendly.” – Dee Davies, Jinzu

The Urban Standard
35 Gloucester Road, BS7 8AD

An industrial-style bar and kitchen which is stripped back: and so is their food. No fuss Philly cheese steak, pork loin wrapped with spicy ndjua, mactorious P.I.G sandwich and dirty beans baked eggs are just some of the naughty food on offer. Vegetarian and vegan options. Open Sun-Wed 10am-11pm; Thurs-Sat 10am-midnight.

“Always good for a decent Dark & Stormy.” – Flora Slater, The Pickled Brisket

“My go-to brunch spot on a Sunday morning, with a laid-back environment, delicious menu, and no skimping on the maple syrup!” – Zara Narracott, Zara’s Chocolates

Water Sky
Eastgate Oriental City, Eastgate Road, BS5 6XY

An a la carte menu of Chinese dishes, plus an extensive dim sum selection and an all-you-can-eat menu for the undecided. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Chinese supermarket Wai Yee Hong downstairs. Open Mon-Fri 11.30am-4pm & 5.30pm-10pm.

“The best dim sum I’ve had in Bristol.” – Sara Venn, Incredible Edible

“Their dim sum is a worthy Sunday lunch alternative.” – Graham Faragher, Bertha’s Pizza

 

PUBS & BARS

The Barley Mow
39 Barton Road, BS2 0LF

Celebrating the best of Bristol’s brewing scene with eight hand pulls and 10 keg lines serving a huge range of craft beers from Bristol and around the UK. A cosy pub, great beer garden and top notch pub food, this is the flagship boozer of Bristol Beer Factory whose brewery tap on North Street is well worth a visit to get even more of their beers.

“One of my favourite locals, off the beaten track yet not far at all from the centre, boasting a great selection of cask ales, keg beers, bottles and cans in comfortable surroundings.  If this pub was in a more trendy location it would be too rammed. Thankfully its location keeps it free of the stag do’s and circuit drinkers and means you get a warm welcome.” – Justin Hawke, Moor Beer

“Just a skip from our warehouse, it’s a great little homely pub that does awesome roasts, is run by great people and most importantly always has a beer list to die for.” – Bruce Gray, Small Bar

“The perfect pub. It really suits any occasion. The cosy inside is warm and welcoming in winter, whilst the courtyard and outdoor seating serves those summer days. Excellent beer selection from one of the forerunners of Bristol’s craft beer scene and a contender for Bristol’s best Sunday roast. What more could you want?” – Mat North, Full Court Press

The Duke of York
2 Jubilee Road, BS2 9RS

Only good things are said about this arty pub. Excellent ales and great atmosphere. Open Mon-Thurs 5pm-11pm; Fri 4pm-midnight; Sat 3pm-midnight; Sun 3pm-11pm.

“Wicked little pub with a great atmosphere, serving lovely local beers!” – Harry Calvert, Gingerbeard’s Preserves

“(Very) St Werburghs, tucked away but worth seeking out. Where we head for a beer and game of skittles, post climbing.” – Graham Faragher, Bertha’s Pizza

The Gallimaufry
26/28 The Promenade, Gloucester Road, BS7 8AL

You might never know whether to say it’s a restaurant or a bar or a music venue. It’s all those things and yet they work harmoniously together, and you’ll never eat there feeling like you’re in the middle of a gig. The mezzanine dining level looks down over the bar area and means it feels buzzy but not manic. Try their new beer, In Our Nature, specially created in partnership with Good Chemistry brewery.

“My most recommended place when people ask me for a Bristol tip-off. The small plates in the evening are ridiculous value for money and their Sunday lunches are exemplary. If you are a group eating out, I reckon it’s one of the best places to go but I’ve also done plenty of dining there à deux. Great for any occasion. Lovely, lovely team too.” – Elly Curshen, Pear Cafe

“Everything they value is on point. It’s artistic, the music is varied, excellent quality and always free entry. You could be equally at home with friends in the garden as you could be taking a date to the nook in the top, or taking the fam out for some amazing small plates.” – Dan Pudsey, Dirty Gurties

“My favourite pub on Gloucester Road. Good music, good atmosphere and seriously good food. Quite possibly the best roast north of the river!” – Pete Snowman, Bristol Cider Shop

“I’ve never had a dish I didn’t enjoy at the Galli and I eat there a lot, so that’s saying something. I have yet to find a sticky toffee pudding I prefer to theirs.” – Dee Davies, Jinzu

The Golden Lion
244 Gloucester Road, BS7 8NZ

For a little rock and roll, reggae or jazz, the pub showcases live music from Thursday to Sunday. Cocktails and real ales are served alongside The Creative Burger People’s innovative recipes. Open Mon-Thurs 2pm-midnight; Fri & Sat 2pm-1am; Sun midday-11pm.

“The best pub furniture in Bristol. Like the Old Duke, it’s from a time long ago, potentially off a pirate ship, but, unlike the Duke, it doesn’t feel like it’s about to turn into dust upon using it. They have a classic too-difficult-to-be fun quiz, a very eclectic mix of bands and something that is actually a really underrated feature of a pub: a low ceiling for keeping the heat locked in. There’s nothing I enjoy more in the middle of summer than sweating into a puddle, watching a Klezmer band at the back of the Golden Lion with a rowdy bunch of middle-to-upper Glosrodians.” – Dan Pudsey, Durty Gurties

The Lazy Dog
112 Ashley Down Road, BS7 9JR

Dog lovers, your pooch can watch you devour dishes including saffron risotto and stuffed pork loin, in a bygone gin palace setting. 16 draft, 14 bottled beers and ciders, and a premium selection of spirits and wines. Open Mon-Thurs midday-11pm; Fri & Sat midday-midnight; Sun midday-10:30pm.

“This place has a wonderfully extensive and imaginative chalk board menu and a dog friendly policy. Fab food / super friendly staff who make you feel like a local.” – Andy Clarke, TV food series producer

“This bistro pub is a winner for a Sunday roast and a drink. It has a warm homely feeling, with a great outdoor area for the summer, and you’ll usually find many dogs scattered about the place. Best Bloody Mary in town!” – Ursula Hutchinson, Konichiwa

Moor Beer Tap Room
Days Road, BS2 0QS

Drink the current selections from one of Bristol’s best breweries just the other side of the wall from where they are made. Look out for limited edition collaborations and regular special events, including visiting street food vendors. Take their beer home as well in cans, bottles or growler. Open Wed-Sat midday-10pm; Sun midday-6pm.

“Outstanding beer and great regular tasting events.” – Harry Calvert, Gingerbeard’s Preserves

“Where better to drink beer than in the tap room of this fantastic brewery? In the interests of research we had to go and taste every single beer here before we opened Box-E. They are all bloody brilliant, not least the lovely Claudia, which is so clean and fresh-tasting that it has the power to convert even wheat-beer haters.” – Tessa Lidstone, Box-E

The Old Market Assembly
25 West Street, BS2 0DF

It’s a mighty fine bar and restaurant with a theatre and bakery attached. Seasonal dishes including vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options are available, together with quality teas, coffees, spirits, wines and beers. Open daily from midday-3pm and Mon-Thurs 5pm-10pm; Fri & Sat 5pm-9pm; Sun 5pm-8pm.

“Set in such a beautiful building, and with a bakery attached! Love visiting in the day for a relaxing coffee and delicious cake, or for some food and drinks before going to see a play at the Wardrobe Theatre.” – Zara Narracott, Zara’s Chocolates

“It’s got a great food menu, a nice bar, live music and the theatre at the back.  Something for everyone, and really well priced.” – John Drysdale, Small Street Espresso & Little Victories

The Plough
223 Easton Road, BS5 0EG

Live music, sports and a good time. This local rustles up great pub dishes, a good drink and excellent atmosphere. Open Mon-Wed 4pm-midnight; Thurs 4pm-1am; Fri 2pm-2am; Sat midday-2am; Sun midday-midnight.

“The best pub-club in Bristol and an outdoor area with more stories than Aesop. It’s a late night, dark-at-all-times, grimy boozer for all.” – Dan Pudsey, Durty Gurties

“A great place for a night out and a little dance with a true Bristol feel.” – Fiona Slater, The Pickled Brisket

“After a session at the Old Stillage on a weekend, we’ll all be drawn across the tracks to up the ante here for a late one ‘Nuff said!” – Dermot O’Regan, Grow Bristol

The Volunteer Tavern
9 New Street, BS2 9DX

If you’re looking for a knees-up after shopping, you could do much worse than this splendid establishment tucked away near Cabot Circus. More than 30 local ciders and beers available, plus stonebaked pizzas, and, on Sundays, roasts with reggae. A 17th century pub that is perfectly formed in every sense. Open Sun-Thurs midday-11pm; Fri & Sat midday-midnight.

“Hidden gem in between Cabot and Old Market. Great beer and great roasts.” – Pete Snowman, The Bristol Cider Shop

“A welcome escape from the shops; great beer selection.” – Mat North, Full Court Press

“In the shadow of Cabot Circus is a pub that contains the essence of what every pub needs. It’s an ancient, wiggly building with only a few seats and a great beer garden. The staff are passionate about the booze and the food is stunning for the price.” – Andy Clarke, Television food series producer

The Old Stillage
145 -147 Church Road, BS5 9LA

Take a step through a sliding bookcase to the bistro beyond the bar for a refined nibble on quesadillas, patatas bravas and balsamic dip, with plenty for vegans. Lagers, ales, fine wines and hot drinks are also available. Takeaway available. Open Mon-Wed midday-11:30pm; Thurs midday-12.30am; Fri & Sat midday-130am; Sun midday-11pm.

“The Redfield neighbourhood has been my home for the last seven years and the Old Stillage has been my local. A unique and quirky old pub, with a very mixed crowd, great beers and roasts, which has become a natural home for the Redfest crew.” – Dermot O’Regan, Grow Bristol

 

CAFES

Bakers & Co.
193 Gloucester Road, BS7 8BG

Serving food inspired by the San Francisco cafe scene, this café-cum-restaurant from the same team behind Bravas and Cargo Cantina serves quality brunch, seasonal lunches and colourful suppers, with a regularly changing menu depending on what is inspiring them and what is seasonal, alongside Extract coffee, fresh juices and natural wines.

“I never thought I’d be a brunch person, but Bakers is so tasty I just can’t help myself.” – Dee Davis, Jinzu

“This buzzing little joint is one of my regular breakfast haunts. I’m a greedy bastard, so I most often go for the ‘Baker’s breakfast’, or if I’m feeling a general lack of sweetness, the morning toast with bacon, banana, crème fraiche and maple syrup remedies the situation.” – Dan Vaux-Nobes, bon vivant

“Clever thoughtful brunch options with great coffee in a beautiful space. One of the originals and still one of the best places for breakfast in the city.” – John Drysdale, Small St Espresso

“A go-to spot for me. Good selection of drinks, including homemade sodas and a brunch menu which reflects dishes across the globe, including French toast, English breakfast and huevos ranchos. Perfect for meeting a friend or to work from.” – Ursula Hutchinson, Konichiwa

Katie & Kim’s Kitchen
41 Picton Street, BS6 5PZ

Katie & Kim’s has swiftly become a Bristol institution. Scotland-born Katie Houston and Kim Glegg met at art school and first started cooking out of a converted horse box on Stokes Croft, winning the top prize at the British Street Food Awards before moving to permanent premises on Picton Street in Montpelier in 2014. They’ve even published their own recipes in a book, We Can’t Write But You Can’t Cook.

“Bristol legends! There’s a big sharing table, right next to the open kitchen and a small menu of around four to five interesting brunch dishes. Love watching the hustle in the kitchen on a busy Saturday.” – John Drysdale, Small St Espresso & Little Victories

“If I had to only pick one place in Bristol, I think this would be it. Everything I’ve ever had there (many, many, many visits later) has always been utterly delicious and joyful. A toasted cheese scone, perfectly charred, soaked in butter and topped with poached eggs, seasonal greens and date ketchup, aioli and lots of fresh herbs. Very close to home and very hard to resist.” – Elly Curshen, Pear Cafe

“Imagine your best mate is an amazing cook and invites all your friends for brunch, where you all sit around their awesome wooden kitchen table swapping stories of the night before. It’s like that.” – Zara Narracott, Zara’s Chocolate

My mini haven in Bristol. I call it mine because I spend every other weekend there for Bristol’s best brunch and more recently quick coffee stop trips and lunch bites. The prefect place to take friends from out of town to show them ‘real Bristol’. – Emma Chapman-Burnett, Yonder Collective

Ceres
32 Stoke Croft, BS1 3QD

A Melbourne-style café which opened in October 2016 and has since become a firm favourite. Pop in to this Stokes Croft venue for coffees, teas, cakes and an all-day brunch menu featuring choices like smoked salmon and poached eggs on sourdough or veggie picks such as smashed avocado and feta. Open daily 8am-5pm.

“Aussie-style brunch spot with a minimalist fit-out and a great chef.  It’s all about the food, a range of Melbourne-inspired epic brunch dishes.” – John Drysdale, Small Street Espresso & Little Victories

“The menu is creative yet still maintains a comforting familiarity – a very difficult balance to achieve.  Ingredients, preparation and presentation are all top quality.” – Justin Hawke, Moor Beer

“A new entry to our day-off brunch shortlist. Square Mile coffee, first class food and enough space for an overexcited toddler (on a Monday at least).” – Graham Faragher, Bertha’s Pizza

“This Australian venue serves beautifully presented brunch. Favourites on the menu include the salmon with poached eggs on sourdough and the sweetcorn fritters with avocado – delicious!” – Ursula Hutchinson, Konichiwa

Emmeline
116 Cheltenham Road, BS6 5RW

Characterised by a bright interior, decorated with flowers and verdant houseplants, this independent café doubles as a florist. It serves up mouth-watering toasties, salads, cakes, coffees, juices and smoothies. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm.

“Lovely, really simple, great coffee. It’s the perfect little pit-stop if I’m over that side of Bristol. I get my coffee from the hatch outside when walking by.” – Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, Casamia

“Shona Graham is a great friend of mine and it’s a comfortable place to go to with banging sandwiches. You’re always greeted with a smile and lovely hospitality, and I always know someone in there too.” – Josh Eggleton, Pony & Trap

“This is an oasis of calm with plants, flowers and life-enhancing juices and smoothies, run by the lovely Shona Graham.” – Flora Slater, The Pickled Brisket

“This cute little café spot serves wonderful salads, toasties and delicious smoothies. The smoothies are the winner for me: best looking and best tasting ones in the city!” – Ursula Hutchinson, Konichiwa

Este Kitchen
7 Greenbank Road, BS5 6EZ

Inspired equally by South American street food and coffee culture, this family-run café’s eclectic and healthy menu includes freshly-baked pastries, cooked breakfasts, nutritionally-balanced light bites, Colombian arepas, Brazilian black beans, empanadas, and hot and cold drinks. Open Tues-Sat 9am-6pm (kitchen closes at 4pm); Sun 10am-4pm (kitchen closes at 3pm).

“A menu of South American favourites such as empanadas, which are particularly delicious.” – Abdul Ismail, Bristol Sweet Mart

“South American inspired street food, the empanadas are particularly good!” – Harry Calvert, Gingerbeard’s Preserves

La Ruca
89 Gloucester Road, BS7 8AS

Sharing its premises with a health food shop, this family-run coffee shop serves fresh Latin American and healthy dishes, along with coffees, smoothies and milkshakes. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm.

“Their chimichanga en route to the greengrocers is the perfect grab-and-go lunch. Made daily, I love these South American pastries stuffed with black beans, spinach and cheese.” – Claire Thomson, chef, author and food writer

Milk Teeth
21 Portland Square, BS2 8SJ

Milk Teeth is a crowdfunding success story. Through Kickstarter, barista-turned-businessman Josh Bowker was able to set up this shop and café that serves coffees, sandwiches and cakes, as well as deli produce. Once he makes any profit, Josh hopes to micro-finance other small businesses, particularly ones based in St Paul’s. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2.30pm; Sat 10am-4pm.

“Well-made coffee in a very chilled space. Lots more to come from this one I think.” – Dave Faulkner, Extract Coffee

“Amazing cakes and coffee, made to perfection.” – Ursula Hutchinson, Konichiwa

No.12 Easton
12 High Street, BS5 6DL

Award-winning No. 12 serve breakfasts, brunches, pizzas, snacks and pastries. Vegetarian options are available. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-5pm.

“Bacon sarnie wizards! Fantastically sourced, big promoters of Bristol produce and so family friendly. One day we will try the other brunch options on the menu but that bacon sandwich makes it hard!” – Fozia Ismail, Matatu Kitchen

“Best bacon sarnie in Bristol.” – Dave Faulkner, Extract Coffee

“Great coffee, the best of local produce and a warm welcome as you step through the door.” – Graham Faragher, Bertha’s Pizza

St Werburgh’s City Farm Cafe
Watercress Road, BS2 9YJ

An award-winning community café inside a functioning farm that supplies many of the ingredients for its dishes. The building feels as if it’s been sculpted from nature and the log burner makes it nice and cosy even in winter. Open Mon 10am-4.30pm; Wed-Sun: 10am-4.30pm.

“Delicious breakfasts, soups and lunches in a relaxed cafe with a covered seating area to view the wooden play area.” – Flora Slater, The Pickled Brisket

“Beautiful seasonal food, ethically and thoughtfully sourced with lots of foraged ingredients. They use as much produce from the farm and allotment, or foraged (I just tasted some birch sap they collected over the weekend), as possible and preserve, cure, and ferment their own products.” – Danielle Coombs, Bishopston Supper Club

 

MARKET STALLS, SHOPS & TAKEAWAYS

Oowee Diner

54 Picton Street, BS6 5QA

In keeping with its name, which was inspired by Snoop Dogg, the food at Oowee is typically American. Mainly serving burgers, dirty fries and grilled sandwiches, it isn’t the place for salad-loving types. All of the burgers are layered with cheese and even the most simple burger, The Single (£5) is topped with cheese pickles, mustard and Oowee relish. Behind the counter, chefs Charlie Watson and Verity Foss work busily in their tiny kitchen which leaves little space to manoeuvre.

“The queues stretching down Picton Street tell you all you need to know about the Oowee. The burgers this tiny take-away joint are knocking out daily put all the other big-name-big-budget operators to shame. Seriously, they’re bloody amazing. Oh yeah, I’ll just say Marmite & cheddar fries and leave it right there.” – Dan Vaux-Nobes, food blogger

“The first time I went to the Oowee Diner I made the terrible mistake of ordering the Mexican dirty fires AND a saucy bird burger. Good lord, what a lot of naughty, dirty, cheesy, wicked food! Not for the faint-hearted, this place is full-fat, full-fun, full-fabulous. If you need a bad-ass takeaway that will cheer you up, this is it!” – Anna-Louise Taylor, food journalist

“All the taste no BS. Fast and friendly as you like. Plus they are three minutes from my front door.  WIN WIN WIN.” – Dave Faulkner, Extract Coffee

“If you want a really filthy (in the best possible way) burger, come here. It’s always packed and you’ll have to wait but it’s worth it. I’ve not seen queues like this in Bristol before, apart from that time those Massive Attack tickets went on sale.” – Elly Curshen, The Pear Café

Sweetmart
St Mark’s Road, BS5 6JH

A labyrinth of exotic produce, this huge Easton shop sells pretty much everything you could ever want or need where it comes to cooking Indian or Middle-Eastern food. Even if you’re not buying anything, take a wander around to gawp at the unfamiliar ingredients and huge selection. A bonafide Bristol institution.

“You can find anything and everything in this place. Parking is a nightmare but it’s worth the tip if you are looking to fill your cupboards with spices.” – Romy Gill, Romy’s Kitchen

“A Bristol institution – great for stocking up, discovering new ingredients and its almost impossible to leave without a few delicious fried bits from their deli counter” – Laura Hart, Hart’s Bakery

“Always worth a visit – you’ll end up buying something you didn’t even know you wanted – cherimoya, snake fruit or a bag of one their hundreds of different flours. It’s a bustling, well presented, family run business that epitomises the dynamic and multicultural city that we are.” – James Gordon, The Chocolate Bear Kitchen

“Sweet Mart is great, the best place in Bristol to buy spices and exotic ingredients.” – Harry Calvert, Gingerbeard’s Preserves

Wai Yee Hong
Eastgate Oriental City, Eastgate Road, BS5 6XX

A family-run Chinese cash and carry and supermarket based in the purpose-built Eastgate Oriental City complex. Their wide range of Asian and Oriental provisions and utensils, spans many nationalities including Chinese, Thai, Malay, Singaporean, Korean, Indonesian, Filipino and Japanese, with some products and brands you won’t find anywhere else in the UK.

“Basically the Far-Eastern version of Sweetmart. If that’s a labyrinth, this is a frigging mungus warehouse also selling EVERYTHING. Want soy sauce? They’ve probably got at least 20 different types and likewise for any other product you could imagine. Incidentally, in the event of an apocalyptic zombie outbreak, with its heavy shutters, commanding location and infinite noodle supply, it features heavily in my survival plan. Should that ever happen, see you there!” – Dan Vaux-Nobes, bon vivant

“I don’t think there is a more comprehensive shop. I love standing in the noodle isle, floor to ceiling, an avenue of noodles.” – Claire Thomson, food writer

“I could spend hours in the aisles here and do, pure treasure. Dim sum upstairs is a worthy Sunday lunch alternative.” – Graham Faragher, Bertha’s Pizza

 

NB For the purpose of this guide, we have divided Bristol into four geographical areas: Central, South, North-West and North-East. Central encompasses most of the BS1 postcode up until the start of Stokes Croft. South is everything south of the river. And Gloucester Road is the dividing line between North-West and North-East, with everything on Stokes Croft, Cheltenham Road and Gloucester Road in North-East.

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