2 Best Restaurants in Bristol, The West Country

Occupying a former police station, this modern, clean-lined restaurant affords serene views over the passing swans and boats. Upstairs, the more formal restaurant serves delicately cooked dishes like Brixham plaice with 'nduja butter, clams, and samphire, or local asparagus, pea, and fava risotto, while the lip-smacking desserts include passion fruit syllabub with marshmallow and macerated strawberries or ricotta mousse cheesecake with almonds. On the river level, the Pontoon Bar has a more rough-and-ready menu that includes mussels, pan-fried peppers, and burgers, and with its terrace seating, it also makes a great spot for a weekend brunch, afternoon coffee, or evening drinks.

Despite the name, this laid-back and vaguely eccentric restaurant is quintessentially English and is ideal for a relaxed lunch away from the nearby rigors of the Park Street shopping scene. Generous salads, soups, and burgers are available, as are all-day breakfasts and brunches. Find your table first, then either make your order via the QR code or note the table number and order at the bar—you can sit in one of the airy rooms upstairs or in the terraced backyard—a secluded spot for a cup of tea with lemon drizzle cake. The restaurant opens at 8 am and closes at 5 pm (4 pm on Sunday).