Spanish tapas to vegetarian - discover all of Bristol’s Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants

Clearly, one of the things Bristol definitely has going for it at the moment is its pretty special food scene. From places of complete indulgence to simple neighbourhood eateries, Bristol has its fair share of award-winning restaurants.

This year, three restaurants have maintained or been awarded a new Michelin star in the Michelin Guide and two more Bristol eateries have been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand.

According to the Michelin Guide, a Michelin star is awarded to a restaurant for outstanding cooking, taking into account “the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed in their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both over time and across the entire menu.”

The Bib Gourmand, however, is awarded for a simpler style of cooking at more affordable prices. It is worth noting though, that they are still looking for a high enough standard of cooking for the restaurant to even be recommended in the Michelin Guide.

So, without further ado, this list will show you the top of the top in Bristol with the Michelin Star restaurants and the Bib Gourmand restaurants, and where to find them, too.

MICHELIN STAR

Paco Tapas

A Michelin star tapas restaurant is a slightly strange concept, but it’s something that Paco Tapas on Lower Guinea Street does very well indeed. Clearly, as it has earned its Michelin star only one year after opening its doors for the first time.

The ever-changing menu combines traditional tapas with personal interpretations from Michelin-starred Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, whilst staying true to the vibrant and comforting flavours of his heritage. The family-run restaurant is on the pricey side, and has dishes that range from £8 for small plates to £120 for 480 grams of chateaubriand.

Casamia

Set within the same building as Paco Tapas, it’s obvious that this area is becoming something of a hotspot for food and drink in Bristol, with its neighbour The Ostrich also being named among one of the UK’s best.

Casamia is considered one of the best restaurants in the south west and, according to Harden’s Best Restaurant Guide, it’s also the best restaurant in the whole of the country. The fine-dining eatery works closely and seasonally with amazing suppliers and has a lot of fun doing what they would call “some proper cooking”.

The menu at Casamia is always on the move and they don’t like to tell you too much ahead of time, but prices vary from around £90 to £120 per person. Headed up by the same team as Paco Tapas, it’s family-run again and has a feeling of authenticity amongst the fine dining atmosphere.

Bulrush

Bulrush, headed up by chef George Livesy, has been exciting the people of Cotham and wider Bristol for the last couple of years.

With a slightly lower price tag to other Michelin star restaurants at around £50 to £70 per person, the restaurant offers a brilliant value tasting menu, biodynamic wines and a focus on celebrating vegetables and British produce.

Awarded its first Michelin star in 2018, the Cotham neighbourhood restaurant is obviously still doing something right and many put it down to its relaxed atmosphere, laid-back vibes and well-priced fine dining.

BIB GOURMAND

Box-E

Having recently come out on top as one of the best Michelin star restaurants in the UK in a survey by Parkdean Resorts, the Cargo restaurant on Wapping Wharf is going from strength to strength.

The 14-cover restaurant is only small, but good things clearly come in small packages. Focusing on seasonal modern British cooking, the a la carte menu changes regularly but you can often find details of the dishes of the day or week on their social media pages.

With something for everyone, the restaurant also offers a seven-course unwritten tasting menu, which costs £50 per person. Within this, they can accommodate most dietary requirements.

Root

Another Cargo restaurant, situated just next door to Box-E, Root has made a name for itself for being a mostly vegetarian restaurant that is showcasing just how incredible the humble veg can be.

Head chef Rob Howell teamed up with The Pony and Trap’s Josh Eggerton to open Root and now it’s one of the most well-known restaurants in the south west, as well as being awarded the best value for money of the Michelin star restaurants in the UK.

Expect simple dishes that change your perceptions of the way in which vegetables can be cooked and presented, plus well-sourced meat and fish at times, too.