Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Bristol

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Bristol? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Buenasado - Bristol

4.8

4.8 (517)

£26 to £40

Argentinean

Bristol

About the restaurant

At Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse experience a unique combination of top quality beef from grass-fed cattle, reared in the fertile lowlands of Las Pampas, and superb world-famous Argentinian wine.

Top review

Paul

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Excellent meal, steaks were fantastic. Service excellent too.

The Hollybush

4.7

4.7 (1462)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Bristol

About the restaurant

Located on the Bath and Bristol border, the Hollybush is everything a great country pub should be.

We have two comfortable and modern spaces for dining and a large bar area for drinking. Whether you are in the mood to put your feet up and enjoy a freshly prepared bar snack, treat the family to an excellent dining experience or grab a refreshing pint in our wonderful garden, we look forward to seeing you soon.

We are proud to serve the best local ales, an extensive range of up to 40 gins and the finest wines. Our experienced chefs prepare a wide range of dishes using fresh, local produce.

Our desserts are to die for! We regularly receive fantastic reviews, especially for our cheesecake which customers have been know to travel from afar to experience.

Top review

Nick

Dined 5 days ago

Absolutely superb, thank you to all at the Holly Bush for a fantastic lunch, will be returning again.

Koocha Mezze Bar

4.7

4.7 (1493)

£25 and under

Persian

Bristol

About the restaurant

We are located at 203 B Cheltenham Rd The Arches Bristol BS6 5QX

Koocha was founded in 2018 as Bristol’s first totally vegan restaurant – a plant pioneer, we’ve led the way for animal-free cuisine across the city.

What really sets us apart though is the big, unexpected and delicious spices and flavours from Persia and the Middle East that infuse every dish in our bountiful menu.

Our food is as fresh as it comes, sourced locally and sustainably, everything is made from scratch by our talented team. And whether you’re vegan or not, we pride ourselves on our seductive fare – even the most devout meat eaters have declared their love after a meal at one of our tables.

Top review

Caroline

Dined 5 days ago

Great place for vegans, vegetarians and even meat eaters. Fantastic tapas - all lovely and so tasty.

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Popular dish

Pomegranate Cheesecake

4.7

4.7 (525)

£26 to £40

Burgers

Bridgeyate

About the restaurant

Our Story

Milk Bun. brings you both the finest ingredients and atmosphere, for a truly unforgettable experience.
Founded in 2018, Milk Bun. was born from two brothers with a passion for good food & good times. Both brothers share the same ethos, utilising only the freshest of locally sourced ingredients; all whilst providing the perfect place to enjoy them.
We take great pride in our hand-made, gourmet burgers; sourcing only the finest grass-fed aged meat, perfectly complemented by our secret signature bun recipe.

Important Information Before You Book!

Unfortunately, due to the size and nature of our kitchen, we are unable to cater to those with severe dairy, gluten, peanut and sesame allergies. Apologies for any inconvenience! If you need any further information or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ring the restaurant, our team is happy to help :)

Top review

Ben

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Absolutely lush burgers, loaded fries and wings. Would highly recommend

Kibou Clifton

4.7

4.7 (28)

£26 to £40

Japanese

Clifton

About the restaurant

Located in Clifton Village, KIBOU brings a slice of Tokyo-chic to this popular neighbourhood of Bristol. A haven for any sushi or ramen lover, the restaurant is know for it's vibrant and quirky interiors, Japanese-inspired murals, and eye-catching display of red Japanese acers. Featuring an extensive menu of classic and contemporary Japanese hot food and sushi, plus a decadent range of weekly changing specials, dive into Instagram-worthy platters of sushi and sashimi, the crispest of tempura, rich katsu curry, pillowy bao buns and the most soulful of ramen. They also serve a fabulous Japanese-inspired afternoon tea and run a Bottomless Sushi session on Saturdays. Add to this a range of signature and classic cocktails - The KIBOU is a must try - sake tasting flights, Japanese whisky and Japanese brewed beers, and your visit to KIBOU in Clifton is complete!

Top review

Richard

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Been a few times now and each time doesn't disappoint. Amazing food and service everytime!! Also had a lovely little touch of a brownie and sparkler for my partners birthday. Love the place, a must if you haven't been before!!

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Experience

Teishoku (定食) Set Lunch - £16.90

Experience

Bottomless Sushi

Experience

Japanese Afternoon Tea

Cappadocia Restaurant, Bristol

4.7

4.7 (446)

£25 and under

Turkish

Bristol

About the restaurant

We invite you to drink and dine with us in our bright and lively restaurant, redolent with the aroma of delicious, authentic Turkish dishes grilled over charcoal, or slow cooked until tender. The décor is vibrant, the chairs comfortable, the atmosphere convivial and the cocktails made with fresh ingredients.
We offer a lovely lunch menu from 12-4pm Monday to Friday and a generous Cappa 4 course set menu which gives you the chance to sample the best that Türkiye has to offer.
Come along and be taken on a journey!

Top review

Leanne

Dined 6 days ago

We had a wonderful time. Super food, service and refreshingly chilled.

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4.6

4.6 (345)

£25 and under

Vietnamese

Bristol

About the restaurant

Pho is a healthy Vietnamese restaurant that specialise in pho noodle soup, the national dish of Vietnam. Aside from pho, you can also expect to find amazing sharing starters, healthy salads, hearty rice bowls and decadent curries. They have a range of freshly made juices and also Vietnamese beers and a large wine and cocktail list. Pho’s menu is 40% vegan and nearly entirely gluten-free too. They also have an accessible kids’ menu where children can get a meal and a drink for £5.50.

Top review

Monika

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

wonderful service - Simona is a very nice person and very helpful. The food is delicious. I recommend it

Ivy Clifton Brasserie

4.5

4.5 (10238)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Clifton

About the restaurant

The Ivy Clifton Brasserie is located on the corner of Caledonia Place and The Mall, overlooking The Mall Gardens.

Top review

Sarah

Dined 2 days ago

Beautiful surroundings, attentive pollite staff and delicious food. A lovely spot for the a special meal.

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The Ivy Classic Shepherds Pie

Côte Brasserie - Bristol Clifton

4.5

4.5 (120)

£25 and under

French

Clifton

About the restaurant

Join us to discover modern French food in Bristol Clifton, just a stone's throw from iconic Bristol landmarks like the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Observatory Viewpoint. Amongst the independent boutiques, colourful streets and Georgian architecture of Clifton Village, we are proud to offer a French dining experience to rival that of any Parisienne bistro. Just a short stroll from Redgrave Theatre and Bristol Zoo, it's easy to combine your trip to any of these cultural venues with a truly exceptional dining experience. So, whether you're with friends, family or just looking for a slice of calm while you explore this gorgeous area, we'd love to welcome you in to enjoy our delicious French food in Clifton Village.

Top review

Yvonne

Dined on Jun 12, 2025

Always a lovely greeting and a good place to sit. Staff are excellent just like the food.

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