Best brunch in Bristol: 16 spots to start your morning

Bristol may be tucked away in the hills, but this city - often hailed as the cultural hub of the South West - has plenty to shout about. Effortlessly blending countryside charm with urban convenience, Bristol has become a magnet for young professionals, families, and staycationers alike. More and more people are trading the stress (and expense) of London life for a fresh start in this vibrant, and more affordable, southern city.

But Bristol’s appeal isn’t just in its attractions. The city also boasts a dynamic, ever-evolving food scene that caters to every craving. And let’s face it - brunch has become a weekend ritual. Every Saturday and Sunday, crowds of Bristolians gather with friends and family for a leisurely mid-morning feast - whether that means a cosy catch-up over coffee or a rowdy, boozy brunch that rolls straight into a night out by the harbour.

For the uninitiated, brunch is the meal that falls between breakfast and lunch - perfect for weekends when lie-ins are mandatory. These days, though, the term is used pretty loosely. Many restaurants serve brunch all day, and menus often include hearty dishes you’d normally associate with dinner.

How do we decide the best brunch spots in Bristol? Alongside a team of critics who are always out and about around the UK, we also have some Bristol based experts who are always weighing in on the best things happening in the city. Whenever we discover a great new brunch spot, you'll see it appear in the list below alongside all our other favourites.

The title of best brunch in Bristol is hotly contested, with a growing number of local spots carving out a name for their standout offerings. Some even serve brunch throughout the week. Want to find the top spots for a weekend feast? Check out our top picks below and book yourself a table.

Mud Dock Cafe 

What: Mud Dock Cafe is a bike shop and cafe in the heart of Bristol that serves a mean brunch menu until 3pm. Whether you have a hankering for a good old fashioned fry up, eggs royale or shakshuka, or you're after something a bit different like chargrilled mackerel kedgeree, you certainly won't be disappointed. The perfect place to fuel up pre- or post-ride! 
Where: 40 The Grove, BS1 4RB
Must-try dish: Mud Dock vegan breakfast
Book now: Mud Dock Cafe

Sundial Kitchen

What: Sundial Kitchen is a little further out from the centre in Totterdown, but this quaint little spot is worth the extra walk. We love the inventive breakfast and brunch plates - flavour-bomb dishes like kimchi fried rice, sauerkraut and ricotta pancakes, and Turkish eggs, are all available from early in the morning, as are the giant cheese toasties. Stick around until lunch for more classy, globally-inspired cooking.
Where: 1 William Street, Totterdown, BS3 4TU
Must-try dish: Kimchi fried rice
Book now: Sundial Kitchen

The Garden of Easton

What: The Garden of Easton (in Easton, funnily enough) is well-known for lush foliage-laden vibes, but it’s also an excellent brunch spot with a menu that’s sufficiently different to be worth a spot on this list. Sure, there’s the usual helping of eggy brunches and French toast, but there are also some great international plates (we love the okonomiyaki pancake, and the stuffed arayes, for example). You also get some cracking veggie and vegan brunches here too.
Where: 89 St Marks Road, Easton, BS5 6HY
Must-try dish: Okonomiyaki pancakes
Book now: Garden of Easton

Foliage Kitchen

What: The ever-popular Foliage Kitchen in Clifton is a haven for lovers of healthy brunches, but it’s the mega pancake stacks that keep us coming back to this spot time and time again. Foliage Kitchen also does impressive stacks of croque monsieur, often with different seasonal twists. Oh and the coffee is brilliant, perhaps some of the best in the whole city.
Where: 17 Regent Street, Clifton, BS8 4HW
Must-try dish: Pancake stacks
Book now: Foliage Kitchen

The Lost & Found

What: Astrology is the theme at the Bristol branch of this small chain eatery. Designed to take diners on a celestial journey, Lost & Found is an enchanting space that aims to be a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Bristol. The weekend bottomless brunch menu promises innovative cocktails and indulgent dishes, such as chargrilled rump steak with eggs and smoked salmon waffles, alongside tasty tipples, for a deliciously boozy time.
Where: 85 Queens Road, BS8 1QS
Must-try dish: Tiramisu French toast
Book Now: The Lost & Found

Cafe Kino

What: This vegan cafe and community space is a not-for-profit co-op, designed to be a safe space for all. While the brunch menu is compact, what is on offer is home-made, using locally-sourced ingredients, and 100% plant-based. Tuck in to the full (meat-less) breakfast or mushrooms on toast, surrounded by friendly staff and very friendly prices.
Where: 108 Stokes Croft, BS1 3RU
Must-try dish: Toasted breakfast ciabatta
Book Now: Cafe Kino

Aqua

What: Aqua is a contemporary Italian joint with several sites across Bristol. Brunch is served from 9:30am on the weekends. The menu offers classic dishes such as avocado on toast and a full English, as well as those with an Italian twist. Like the sound of eggs pomodoro with spinach and parmesan, so do we. Bottomless brunch is also available, with the chance to pair your meals with free-flowing Champagne, house cocktails, or virgin mocktails.
Where: Welsh Back, BS1 4RR; 153 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2RF; Martingale Way, Portishead, BS20 7AW
Must-try dish: Brioche bacon and egg bun
Book Now: Aqua Welsh Back; Aqua Brasserie; Aqua Portishead

Hart's Bakery

What: While it is a bit of a stretch to call this a brunch place, we would be remiss not to mention the loved-by-locals spot, Hart’s Bakery. Serving up freshly baked, hand-made pastries, bread, and cakes, Hart’s is ideal for a casual sit down and lighter brunch. Weekdays boast daily specials, and the single-origin coffee is just as artisan as the fresh-out-the-oven bites, with flavours ranging from classic pork sausage rolls to cheddar, mustard and sesame savoury croissants. 
Where: Arch 35 Lower Approach Road, BS1 6QS
Must-try dish: Any pastry (but we especially love the Danishes) 
Book Now: Hart’s Bakery

Bakesmiths 

What: This bakery, coffee shop and brunch spot hybrid is a favourite among hipsters and we’re not surprised. The clean lines, wooden touches and mismatched counter makes for a fun and homely feeling – the perfect spot for an early morning breakfast of freshly baked pastries or a late brunch after a weekend lie-in. Sitting in? Why not try their dirty beans on toast with pulled ham hock, chorizo and roast peppers. In a rush? Take one of the butter buns with streaky bacon or herby mushrooms to go. 
Where: 65 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2LY
Must-try dish: The dirty beans, with ham hock and chorizo
Book Now: Bakesmiths

Este Kitchen 

What: Serving up all the usual brunch fixtures, with some exciting variations on the classics, Este Kitchen is a family-run cafe bringing the flavours of Latin America to Bristol. The rustic wooden interiors and quirky wall art make for a visually interesting place to enjoy your brunch (and a very Instagrammable backdrop if you’re into that kind of thing). Try the smashed avocado on toast or the ‘Arepa con Perico’, a Colombian take on scrambled eggs. Caramba!
Where: 7 Greenbank Road, BS5 6EZ
Must-try dish: Arepa con Perico with scrambled eggs
Book Now: Este Kitchen

East Village Café

What: Located just outside the centre of Bristol, this pretty cafe is 100% vegan and 100% Instagrammable. The décor is neutral with the odd touch of pink and sparkle thrown in for good measure. You can enjoy granola pots, blueberry dream pancakes, or if you're in the mood for something more savoury, why not try their take on a banh mi? If you want to add a bit of colour to your life, the huge selection of "super" lattes is very impressive. Why not try the red velvet latte with chocolate that uses beetroot to give it its intense red colour. You really don’t want to miss this.
Where: Boyce's Avenue, BS8 4AA
Must-try dish: A pastry from the counter
Book Now: East Village Café

The Crafty Egg

What: Located in Bristol’s ‘cultural quarter’, you can expect lots of egg dishes at this aptly named cafe. Try the signature baked ones in a range of different flavours or enjoy one of its totally Instagrammable rainbow lattes to accompany your brunch. If coffee isn’t your thing, the smoothies will set you up for the day. In this bright and airy café you’ll find students and locals alike, but you will always be guaranteed tempting brunch dishes and imaginative coffee creations.
Where: 113 Stokes Croft, BS1 3RW
Must-try dish: Turkish eggs
Book Now: The Crafty Egg

Spicer + Cole

What: Serving up quality coffee and a range of artisanal pastries, Spicer + Cole is a hipster coffee shop you won’t mind spending all day in. Whether you visit with friends for a brunch date, or take your laptop to work remotely for the day, its menu will keep you going. Offering all your usual suspects like avocado on toast and a vegetarian full English, you certainly won't be short of options. Keep an eye on the specials board too for exciting additions to the menu. This is the place to go if you want a fuss-free, filling dish. Spicer + Cole is housed in a super sleek, but still cosy, coffee shop, so you’ll be made to feel right at home.
Where: 1 Queen Square Avenue, BS1 4JA
Must-try dish: The veggie full English is great
Book Now: Spicer + Cole

The Ivy Clifton Brasserie

What: The Bristol outpost of The Ivy Collection hosts an elegant weekend brunch for guests looking to impress their date or just enjoy an afternoon of luxury with friends. The varied menu includes everything from buttermilk pancakes and avocado on toast, through to lobster linguine and pan-fried sea bass. 
Where: 42-44 Caledonia Place, BS8 4DN
Must-try dish: Eggs Royale
Book Now: The Ivy Clifton Brasserie

The Bristolian 

What: Surrounded by greenery, flowers and succulents, get a feel of the countryside while still being in the city at The Bristolian. Tucked down a back street not too far from the main town centre, try one of their signature "Bristolian" breakfasts, or if you fancy something a bit different why not try the tostadas tomato with your choice of halloumi, bacon or aubergine fritters.
Where: 2 Picton Street, BS6 5QA
Must-try dish: The Bristolian fusion
Book Now: The Bristolian

Primrose Café

What: Open for more than 25 years, the Primrose Café knows what it’s doing when it comes to brunch. The quaint café, located in the Clifton Arcade, is the ideal spot to enjoy brunch after browsing the vintage shops. On the menu, you’ll find everything from bubble and squeak and savoury croissants to Belgian waffles. If it is a nice day, make the most of its outdoor seating area and watch the world go by.
Where: 1 Boyce Avenue, BS8 4AA
Must-try dish: The Scandi open
Book Now: Primrose Café

Looking for a laid-back brunch in a city nearby? Check out our roundup of the best brunches in Bath, which is only a short bus or train ride away! 

Or, check out more of our Bristol guides for restaurant recommendations galore, including our guide to the best restaurants in Bristol, the best bottomless brunches in Bristol, and Bristol's best afternoon teas - all suitable for a variety of catch-ups and celebrations.