Bristol is a city with its finger firmly on the pulse when it comes to dining out; its flourishing food scene – with its emphasis on independence and creativity – surely one reason why the city is regularly cited as one of the best places to live in the UK.
Here’s our guide to the hottest restaurants in town:
Michelin Star Restaurants 
Casamia
Set in the old Bristol General Hospital building on the harbourside and run by Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, Casamia has held a Michelin Star since 2009.
It’s welcoming and homely, with a serving team who are charming and professional in equal measure; proof if ever it were needed that a Star doesn’t equal stuffy!
The chefs bring the plates to your table themselves, and the skilfully prepared dishes are boldly flavoured and highly creative.
Twitter: @Casamia_
Paco Tapas
This buzzy tapas bar is owned by the same family as nearby Casamia and named after its patriarch, Mr Sanchez-Iglesias Senior.
The 8-seater counter is set around a large open grill where top quality ingredients are cooked, creating authentic Spanish dishes which are full of flavour.
Try the ‘Chef’s Menu’ for a best-of-the-best tour of Spain, with the likes of clams, jamón croquettes and wood-roast gambas.
Twitter: @PacoTapas_
wilks
An elegant yet unpretentious neighbourhood restaurant run by experienced couple, James and Christine Wilkins.
Chef James is well-travelled and skilfully balances different textures with flavours from around the globe.
The menu lists top quality French and British ingredients – and dishes are crafted using carefully honed techniques and a light touch.
Twitter: @wilksrestaurant
Bulrush
A relaxed, cosy restaurant set over two floors; sit downstairs to soak up the atmosphere from the on-view kitchen.
Cooking showcases local – often foraged or organic – ingredients and preserving and pickling play a key role.
The imaginative and well-balanced tasting menu is the most popular choice; combinations are original and provide plenty of contrasts.
Twitter: @BulrushBS6
Bib Gourmand Restaurants 
Bell's Diner & Bar Rooms
This bustling city institution has an über-cool bohemian feel, with evidence of its days as a grocer’s shop in each of the little rooms – and vinyl played on an old record player.
The fresh Mediterranean cooking shows a good understanding of ingredients and dishes are full of colour and flavour.
The well written wine list offers some 75 ml nips and service is friendly and engaging.
Twitter: @BellsDiner
Root
Vegetables take centre stage at this welcoming restaurant, with meat and fish taking a back seat.
It’s set in five first floor shipping containers on the Wapping Wharf redevelopment; the large terrace is a popular spot come summer – and the young team run the place with smiles on their faces.
Seasonal produce from small local suppliers is used in simple yet flavour-packed combinations; they reckon 3 small plates per person is about right.
Twitter: @RootBristol
Tare
Also located in several shipping containers on the popular Wapping Wharf redevelopment – and named after the term for their empty weight – is this tiny restaurant with space for only ten tables, run by two young chefs and their charming team.
The concise menu lists creative modern dishes – which are both pretty on the plate and super tasty.
Twitter: @tarebristol
Michelin Plate Restaurants 
Second Floor at Harvey Nichols
A welcoming refuge when the shopping gets too much.
Twitter: @HarveyNichols
Adelina Yard
Tasty modern cuisine overlooking the quay.
Twitter: @AdelinaYard
BOX-E
Intimate 14 seater restaurant on Wapping Wharf.
Twitter: @boxebristol
No Man’s Grace
Unfussy cooking and a neighbourhood vibe.
Twitter: @NoMansGrace
Nutmeg
Authentic Indian cuisine from all 29 states.
Twitter: @nutmegbristol
Wilsons
Gutsy, generous plates from a charming chef.
Twitter: @JanWilsons
Kensington Arms
Welcoming pub serving local seasonal fare.
Twitter: @kensingtonarms
Victoria Park
Pub classics, pizza and a great garden.
Twitter: @TheVictoriaPark
Cover Photo Credit: Diego_Torres
