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Best restaurants in Bristol Harbourside

With so many wonderful spots across the city, it can be hard finding that perfect place for a couple of cocktails or some al fresco dining. If you find yourself in the area, these harbourside restaurants are worth a visit. Because sometimes you just can't beat a good view…

Updated on 09 April 2024

Like lots of trendy areas now, Bristol Harbourside started out life as a thriving industrial area – playing host to a busy dock – and has been modernised into a buzzy home for shops, bars and restaurants. What was once an area devoid of attractions is now one of the most exciting areas of the city, and Bristol's best harbourside restaurants also number amongst some of the best restaurants in Bristol, period.

Bristol residents and tourists alike flock to this fashionable area during the day to explore the quirky shops in Wapping Wharf, while the evenings see the area become a food and drink hotspot. A particularly popular spot by is CARGO, a retail yard made from converted shipping containers, which plays host to a range of exciting independent eateries. These harbourside restaurants in Bristol are perfect for when summer rolls around and it’s finally warm enough to sit outside. It doesn’t really get better than a couple of waterside drinks and some al fresco dining as the sun sets.

We’ve done the (very demanding) job of working out the best Bristol Harbourside restaurants for you, so that next time you’re in the area you shouldn’t be hard pressed to find somewhere serving up delicious food. With everything on offer from top notch street food to fine dining restaurants with stunning views of the water, there is plenty to get your teeth into when it comes to Bristol Harbourside restaurants. These are our picks of the best restaurants in this fashionable area of the city. We’ve also included a section on our favourite harbourside cafés for when you’re just on the hunt for a coffee and cake rather than a substantial meal. We’ve included restaurants at all price points too, so that there’s something for all budgets.

Take a scroll through our favourite Bristol Harbourside restaurants below and be sure to click through and book a table if something takes your fancy.

Stable Pizza Bristol

Canon’s Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5UH

This one’s for the pizza lovers. Stable Pizza is a popular industrial-style pizzeria specialising in organic sourdough pizzas and cider. Toppings are locally-sourced and include slightly less traditional offerings like slow-roasted pulled beef and Naga harissa marinated jerk chicken. 

Under £30
Pizza
British
Vegan friendly
Vegetarian friendly

Riverstation

1 The Grove, Bristol City, Bristol, BS1 4RB

At Riverstation, everything is made in house – whether that’s the bread you start your meal with or the ice cream you tuck into as a finale. This restaurant is housed in the former headquarters of the riverside police, affording it front-row seats to views of the harbour. 

Under £30
Modern European
Vegan friendly
Vegetarian friendly

Under The Stars

Narrow Quay, Old City, Bristol, BS1 4QA

A floating restaurant and bar housed on Bristol’s Narrow Quay, Under the Stars serves tapas, cocktails and pizza from its indoor dining room or top deck al fresco terrace. A cosy and unique experience, with unrivalled views and excellent Mediterranean cuisine. 

£30 - £49
Mediterranean
Spanish
Vegan friendly
Gluten-free options
Vegetarian friendly

Gambas

Unit 12, Wapping Wharf, Bristol, BS1 6ZA

Another star player in Bristol's exciting Cargo development on Wapping Wharf, Gambas serves authentic Spanish tapas, specialising in prawns, as the name might suggest. Take a seat out on the terrace to enjoy stunning sunset views from your seat.

£30 - £49
Tapas
Spanish
Gluten-free options
Vegetarian friendly

Salt & Malt Wapping Wharf

Gaol Ferry Steps, Wapping Wharf, Bristol, BS1 6WD

What more could you want than fish and chips by the Harbour? Salt and Malt at Cargo are offering a selection of small plates, along with a classic menus of cod, haddock and all the rest. Grab a table or pick up a box to go.

£30 - £49
Seafood
Gluten-free options
Vegetarian friendly

No 1 Harbourside Bristol

No.1 Canons Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5UH

This South Western gem has a three-star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, meaning you can dine in comfort knowing that everything you’re eating has been carefully and locally sourced. Regularly-changing menus reflect what’s in season, to make the most of the best ingredients of the area.

Under £30
Burgers
British
Vegan friendly
Gluten-free options
Vegetarian friendly

The River Grille at The Bristol Hotel

Prince Street, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 4QF

For Harbourside views you don’t get much better than The River Grille, with its floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the water. Looking for a relaxing ambience, good food and occasional live music? The River Grille is sure to deliver. 

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
Afternoon tea
Vegan friendly
Gluten-free options
Vegetarian friendly

Arnolfini Café Bar

16 Narrow Quay, City Centre, Bristol, BS1 4QA

Based inside Bristol's famous Arnolfini contemporary art gallery, the Arnolfini Café Bar spills out onto an al fresco decked area on the harbourside. This picturesque spot is the perfect place to come for coffee and cake during the day, or a pint or two in the evening. 

Under £30
British
Vegan friendly
Vegetarian friendly

BOX-E

Unit 10, Wapping Wharf, Bristol, BS1 6WP

Another restaurant within the CARGO development, BOX-E has been winning plaudits since it opened in 2017. The 14-seater restaurant, run by a husband-and-wife team, comes complete with an open kitchen and is perfect if you're looking for something a little more special without breaking the bank.

£30 - £49
Modern European

The Olive Shed

Floating Harbour, Princes Wharf, Bristol, BS1 4RN

This Mediterranean restaurant boasts a delightful waterfront location, as well as a fantastic tapas menu to pick at with a drink. Boasting a large outdoor terrace, you can really embrace the sunshine whilst tucking into small plates of all your Spanish favourites.

£30 - £49
Mediterranean
Tapas
Spanish
Vegan friendly
Gluten-free options
Vegetarian friendly

Three Brothers Burgers

Welsh Back, City Centre, Bristol, BS1 4SB

Sometimes only a burger will satisfy a really intense hunger, and we’ve found the perfect place to get your fill. Three Brothers Burgers serve up incredible combos at really reasonable prices, all cooked from a permanently moored ship!

Under £30
Burgers
International
Vegan friendly
Vegetarian friendly

Root Bristol

Unit 9 Cargo 1, Wapping Wharf, Bristol, BS1 6WP

Putting veg at the centre of each dish, Root is a casual small plates restaurant in Bristol’s harbourside development which has a seasonally-led menu. There’s the occasional bit of fish or meat, but mostly this is all about fantastic local, seasonal veggies.

£30 - £49
Modern European
British
Vegan friendly
Gluten-free options
Vegetarian friendly

The Granary

32 Welshback, Queen Square, Bristol, BS1 4SB

This all-day eatery offers menus of creative yet comforting cuisine with options of small plates, flatbreads and grills. Bright and vibrant, every inch of The Granary is bursting with colour from the tiled open kitchen to the funky seats at the Chef’s table.  

£30 - £49
Mediterranean
Vegetarian only
Vegan only
Barbecue
Seafood

Harbour House

Harbour House, The Grove, Bristol, BS1 4RB

Harbour House has an impressive array of choices - from pub classics to well stuffed sandwiches boasting a menu that offers something for everyone. With both indoor space and a covered terrace overlooking the river, you can't go too far wrong location-wise either.

£30 - £49
British
Gastropub
Vegan friendly
Gluten-free options
Vegetarian friendly

Bristol's dining scene is vast, offering a number of top spots no matter the time of day. Looking for somewhere for some avo toast or poached eggs to start your day? Why not check out our guide to the best brunches in Bristol. Or, if you're on the hunt for some dainty cakes and sandwiches to fill your afternoon, we've got you covered with this guide to the best afternoon tea in Bristol.

For something a bit fancier, be sure to have a gander at one of these Michelin star restaurants in Bristol to find the best places for tasting menus and fine dining. 

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