14 of the best BYO restaurants in Bristol

1. A Cappella 184c Wells Road

Consistently winning numerous awards such as the UK’s Best Independent Pizzeria, and chosen as one of The Guardian’s Best Budget Restaurants, you certainly can’t go wrong in choosing this charming community café. The traditional stone baked pizzas, made from ingredients outsourced from Naples are heartily recommended.

2. Sergio’s 3 Frogmore Street BS1 5NA

This traditional family-run restaurant is somewhat of an institution in Bristol. A colourful, cosy Italian based in Frogmore Street, below one of the city’s most famous Banksy murals, since 1979. 

3. Melbourne’s at The Anchor 60 Ham Green, BS20 0HB

Much to the delight of many Bristolians, this hugely popular Italian restaurant in the nineties has been recently revived after a 15 year break, relocating to a village pub in Ham Green. A three course meal is a reasonable £18.25.

Picture from https://www.facebook.com/melbournes

4.Oh! Calcutta!  216 Cheltenham Rd, BS6 5QU

Its Malaysian Curry, made with fresh tomatoes cooked in pineapple, is known as being a particular favourite with locals. There is a £1 surcharge when you bring your own bottle.

5. Blue Ginger 36-38 Gilda Parade, BS14 9HY

Highly rated for its flavoursome dishes made using fresh ingredients. “The highest recommendation I could give is to say that we drive from the other side of the city to eat here,” was one comment left by a reviewer. Praise indeed for this Indian restaurant.

6. Lido Spa & Restaurant Oakfield Place, Bristol BS8 2BJ

A scenic restaurant situated in the viewing gallery of the Pool, located in the heart of Clifton. The Lido allows BYO on Tuesdays for lunch or dinner.

7. Thai Garden 100 West St, Bristol BS3 3LR

It may look unassuming from the outside, but Thai Garden is regarded as a hidden gem, tucked away in Bedminster. A great budget restaurant, with curries starting at £8.95.

8. Assilah Bistro 194 Wells Rd, Bristol BS4 2AX

Come to Assilah Bistro if you’re after authentic Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes. You might even catch some traditional belly dancing. If you’re looking for the celebrity seal of approval, Joss Stone recently filmed her latest video at the restaurant too.

9. Afendi Restaurant & Café 217 Cheltenham Road, BS6 5QP

Afendi provides excellent Lebanese food using only the finest, fresh ingredients. Their famous houmous is something you have to try. 

10. Shadin Indian & Balti Restaurant 70 Broad St, BS16 5NL

Providing excellent value for money, with its generously portioned main dishes such as the Lamb Tikka coming in at just £5.95, it’s no surprise the Shadin is rated so highly by locals.

Picture from www.facebook.com/pages/Shadin-restaurant

11. A Taste of Africa 611 Fishponds Road, BS16 3AA

Opening its doors this year to rave reviews, this African restaurant has made quite an impression. Its fragrant Green Plaintain Curry and Jollof Rice using natural ingredients are particularly recommended by the restaurant’s head chef.

Picture from @tasteofafricabristol

12. Chai Shai 4 Jacob Well’s Road, BS8 4NF

“A restaurant that really cares about its food” noted one reviewer, and clearly a thought echoed by many, given that it’s rated as the fourth best restaurant in Bristol by Trip Advisor. Run by former lord and lady mayoress of Bristol, Faruk and Shilpi Choudrury, Chai Shai features an array of delightful indian dishes packed with flavour.

13. Dain Korea 27 Gloucester Road BS7 3AA

Based on Gloucester Road, Dain Korea offers excellent value with its authentic Korean cuisine (the dolsot bimbap is a notable customer favourite), and also many Japanese dishes too. 

14. La Casbah 96 St Mark’s Road, BS5 6JD

Despite, perhaps, a no-frills appearance, don’t be fooled. Known for its friendly atmosphere and its fantastic Moroccan dishes, La Casbah is truly a hidden delight.