Six best new restaurants in Bristol 2022 including Yafo and Namak - plus four more still to open

After a difficult couple of years of Covid cancellations, closures and a feeling of doom within the hospitality industry, we’re delighted to see the food scene within our city bouncing back and defying the odds.

Bristol is already full to the rafters with innovative and exciting restaurants, breweries and coffee shops - but there’s always room for more!

Recent openings across Bristol and the rumours of new restaurants that are coming soon have really got our mouths watering.

There are second premises and expansions, permanent residencies, and completely new concepts to get excited about.

From falafel to ramen, and eggs to steak, there really is something new to suit every taste in the recent cohort of foodie openings across Bristol.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into what you can expect.

NEW ON THE SCENE

Yafo

Situated on the bustling North Street in Southville, Yafo is a truly authentic falafel and plant-based food eatery and, following on from its recent opening, it seems to be taking the locals by storm. It’s always full throughout the day and night, and whispers on the street suggest that the food is incredibly good.

All food is made on site, with care, experience and authenticity and the menu includes many traditional dishes passed down through generations. With an authentic Shuk menu to choose from, as well as a Manot menu from the Falafalia, the restaurant does both eat-in options and takeaway.

Ruby Jeans

Ruby Jeans is a new Bristol restaurant in Shirehampton, serving up breakfast and brunch in the mornings and turning into a friendly vibe 40-cover restaurant in the evening - not to mention Sunday lunch service, too.

Having started life as a popular coffee shop and community shop nearby, the owners of Ruby Jeans decided to bite the bullet and open a larger, more flexible premises just down the road. The new eatery is in the former Natwest building on The Parade and is a welcoming environment for both coffee and cake and wining and dining.

Namak

Brought to us by popular Bristol chef Harris Massey, Namak is a new Indian restaurant in St. Werburgh’s. Having co-owned the incredibly popular Rock Salt on Cotham Hill and worked at pioneering establishments such as the ever-growing Dishoom brand, Massey has built up something of a strong reputation across Bristol.

Namak on Mina Road is situated in the old Cauldron site, and the menu aims to present a new take on Indian dining with dishes from many of the different regions. Expect incredible flavours, unique meal combinations and a warm atmosphere.

Tomo No Ramen

Having taken the city by storm with his pop-up residence on Old Market last year, Bristol local James Stuart managed to secure a permanent spot on West Street in the old West Street Kitchen site that opened at the beginning of this year.

As the name would suggest, you can expect all sorts of different ramen dishes, with different menu and ingredient focuses at different times. The core noodle menu is built around lekei-inspired Yokohama-style ‘Tonkotsu’ ramen so you can expect some classic style and some entirely new ones. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

The Blaise Inn

Although not a new opening as such, The Blaise Inn was recently taken over by the popular former Harvey Nichols executive chef Louise McCrimmon. As one of Bristol’s top chefs, naturally, this change has brought about some serious excitement.

Wanting to keep the traditional pub feel, McCrimmon and her business partners are often seen chatting to punters in the bar. The food is focusing on locally-sourced and seasonal produce so it’s a smaller menu but one with plenty of options for different diets.

Four Quarters

This recently opened bar and eatery is bringing a bit of fun to the local food and drink scene. Located on Park Steet, the popular London brand Four Quarters hosts over 20 original arcade machines – and soon will also have retro console booths over two floors as well.

Collaborating with Bristol-based breweries for their crafty beer and cocktail menus, you can expect to see familiar names such as Lost and Grounded and Bristol Beer Factory.

COMING SOON

Artist Residence

Launching very soon, the new bar, kitchen and courtyard garden at trendy Artist Residence will become your new favourite neighbourhood hangout. A huge industrial space with plenty of comfy corners for settling in with a laptop or catching up with friends and a relaxed menu, this will be a laid-back spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in-between.

Hoba

Another restaurant that started life as a pop-up, Hoba Kebab will now be opening a permanent and larger restaurant on Bristol harbourside.

Whilst visiting Berlin, founders Hope and Annie were awestruck at the incredible kebab houses, with their lunchtime queues stretching down the street. They became obsessed with trying to find one in the UK, but it became clear they were going to have to recreate their own.

Fast forward to now and their unique take on kebabs has taken Bristol by storm, so it’s not surprising they are opening up a permanent residency in the city. Expect brilliant flavours, their unique Hoba bread and ethically sourced produce.

The Crafty Egg

The ever-popular Bristol cafe and coffee shop The Crafty Egg is expanding! So, for those of you who often join the well-known long queues outside the current premises on a weekend morning, you’ll be pleased to hear that there is a new establishment opening in a former pub in Fishponds.

Boxhall

Award-winning dining, retail and leisure operators BOXPARK will be opening a brand-new premium food and drink concept in June. Boxhall Bristol will be highly committed to local people and produce, so will feature only the best local and independent restaurants and street food traders.

What’s exciting is that this will sit alongside a diverse events programme, showcasing the best of Bristol’s music scene, and a mix of other events including local art shows, live screenings and gaming experiences. BoxHall Bristol aims to provide an exciting all-day social dining experience.