6 of the best vegetarian restaurants in Bristol

The best vegetarian restaurants in Bristol aren't actually that hard to find, when you know where to look. They're dotted in amongst one of the UK's best rejuvenated dining scenes, which is in part the reason many people are making the move to Bristol - this south-westerly city has so much going for it. Aside from the great vegetarian restaurants (more on those later), Bristol has brilliant Michelin-starred fine dining, easy-going bistros and natural wine bars, and a thriving cafe culture. That’s before you get to Bristol’s brilliant harbourside restaurants, where you can enjoy quality food to a soundtrack of lapping waves.

Life is good here, and you’re never short of options when you’re looking for your next meal. That rings true for plant-based eaters too - Bristol is a fantastic city for vegetarians, offering a huge range of choice both north and south of the river. The city covers all price points - at the most affordable end you have excellent vegetarian cafes and speedy lunch spots, as well as a bevy of great street food choices at food markets like St Nicholas in the city centre.

The city has lots of good choices at the very top end as well, for those looking to splash out on a plant-based celebration dinner or enjoy something more inventive and unusual. Lots of the higher-priced restaurants on this list aren’t strictly vegetarian restaurants, but they serve entirely vegetarian or vegan menus so you can visit without having to worry about picking from a few solo plant-based options.

Scroll down for our pick of the best vegetarian restaurants in Bristol - if you see anything you like you can click through to the main restaurant page for more information, contact details and images of the restaurant. Or, click here to scroll through our complete listings for vegetarian restaurants in Bristol and pick something that suits you.

Bandook Cargo

What: This easy-going Indian spot in Wapping Wharf is often where we head for quick veggie thrills, as the menu has plenty of vegetarian options. Best among them are the pani puri and samosa chaat, as well as the chilli paneer and aubergine curry. Colourful interiors kick things up a notch too, making Bandook a fun place to bring friends or family for something casual. Save space for a kulfi, with four flavours available (mango, malai, pistachio and rose). 
Where: UNIT 17, Cargo 2, Museum Street, Wapping Wharf, BS1 6ZA
Book now: Bandook Cargo

Root Bristol

What: Root Bristol and Root Wells both have Michelin Bib Gourmands for their fantastic, affordable cooking. Though you will find some meat and fish dishes, the bulk of the menu here is plant-based making this a great choice for mixed dining groups. The cooking treads a line between innovative and comforting, with dishes including grilled hispi cabbage with tahini and preserved lemons, and roasted beetroot with radicchio and blood orange.
Where: Unit 9 Cargo 1, Gaol Ferry Steps, BS1 6WP
Book now: Root Bristol

Koocha Mezze Bar

What: A Cotham legend, Koocha’s colourful, dynamic vegan Persian cooking is instantly recognisable, as is the gorgeous painted mural at the front of the restaurants. This was one of Bristol’s very first completely vegan restaurants and it remains one of the city’s best. Get a mix of the small plates as well as the Koocha seitan doner kebab, but prepare to be fed because the portions are generous.
Where: 203B Cheltenham Road, BS6 5QX
Book now: Koocha Mezze Bar

Wilson’s

What: Jan Ostle and Mary Wilson’s gorgeous neighbourhood Redland spot is one of our absolute favourite restaurants in Bristol, so it’s gratifying to know that the excellent tasting menu can also be adapted for vegans and vegetarians. Most of the produce comes from the Wilson’s farm just a few miles from the restaurant, so ingredients often hit the plate the same day as they’ve come out of the ground.
Where: 24 Chandos Road, BS6 6PF
Book now: Wilson’s

Poco Tapas

What: This diminutive tapas restaurant in Stokes Croft is well known around Bristol for its tasting menus, particularly the smart ‘root to fruit’ that celebrates local, seasonal fruit and vegetable produce. Dishes at the time of writing include shiitake mushroom with mushroom ketchup, custard and quinoa crisp; and cauliflower steak with farro risotto, all for an incredibly reasonable price.
Where: 45 Jamaica Street, BS2 8JP
Book now: Poco Tapas

Bosco Pizzeria

What: Pizza is typically a safe option for vegetarians, and Bosco Pizzeria slings out proper Neapolitan-style pizzas, made with slow-fermented doughs and quality toppings. You can’t go wrong with the Bosco margherita, but there are other great options (the artichoke-laden carciofi is a winner for us) as well as solid focaccia, salads and assorted veggie mains.
Where: 96 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2QX
Book now: Bosco Pizzeria

A few of these restaurants have made it into our best restaurants in Bristol guide - hit the link to see which Bristol restaurants rate as the very best in the city.