Where to eat on a Monday in Bristol

Monday; widely lamented, the most unloved day of the week. For many, Monday is Sunday scaries manifested. It’s no wonder so many of the stalwarts of the Bristol hospitality scene choose to take the day off, especially following the weekend. But it does leave us with a problem on what for many is already the darkest day of the week; where can we go for dinner?

I am often asked this question from people who find themselves endlessly trawling Google opening hours in a bid to fulfill their desires to eat out on a Monday, and while choices are limited, we are not without hope. In fact, some of Bristol’s best restaurants are open on Mondays – here is my hand-picked selection.

Monday lunch 

Little Bagel Co – A small shop with counter seating that is bustling with bagel-lovers every lunchtime, and for good reason. Little Bagel Co serves the best bagels in Bristol. These bagels have rescued me on more than one occasion from the pits of a particularly cruel hangover. Read Bristol24/7’s review “the kind of lunch that can turn a bad day around“.

The Reuben at Little Bagel Co. The use of ‘little’ is pure irony – photo: Meg Houghton-Gilmour

Bristol Loaf – Bristol Loaf is a phenomenal bakery and a formidable business; they now have branches in Redfield, Bedminster, Bristol Beacon and a pop-up on Gloucester Road. Choose from the many sandwiches, savouries and sausage rolls or order from their menu.

Matina – I don’t place much stock in TripAdvisor opinions, but even I will admit that they got one thing right: Matina being the best ‘restaurant’ in Bristol. It held the position of number one for a long time and rightfully so. There are few better ways to spend half an hour in Bristol than chewing delightedly on a Matina wrap shoulder to shoulder in the hustle and bustle of St Nick’s market.

All day

Bravas – One of many gems in the crown of Cotham Hill, Bravas is a charming and small Spanish affair from the Season and Taste team. If you fail to order the fried aubergine I will be most disappointed indeed.

Gambas – Bravas’ sister restaurant, but this one grew up by the sea. Or in Wapping Wharf, to be specific. Expect a similar menu to Bravas but with more prawns.

She (Gambas) sells sea shells (delicious food) by the sea shore (Wapping Wharf) – photo: Bristol24/7

Bosco – If pizza is the only thing that will cure your Monday woes then Bosco is the place to go. Worth noting that their pasta is quite something too.

Great Chongqing – One of Bristol’s premiere Chinese restaurants, Great Chongqing is as authentic as it gets in the West. This is the place to go if you want a hearty bowl of noodles, but not if you want wine and fine dining. Read Bristol24/7’s review “unfussy, authentic and distinctive cooking“.

Lido – The Lido is arguably the optimum antidote to Mondays. When sitting poolside and tucking into a Mediterranean feast it’s hard not to think you’re on holiday. Book yourself a swim as well for the full mini-break experience.

There’s few more scenic places to enjoy tapas than the Lido – photo: Betty Woolerton

Your Kitchen – Another one for those who love authentic Chinese, Your Kitchen specialises in Hunan and Szechuan cuisine and also boasts a generous al fresco dining option. Read Bristol24/7’s review ‘we can’t keep ourselves from going back for more’.

Little French – Little only by name, this warm Westbury Park restaurant specialises in top notch wines, service and French cooking. A wonderfully reliable option for lunch or dinner, come rain or shine.

Risotto at Little French – photo: Bristol24/7

Seven Lucky Gods – Another Wapping Wharf stronghold, Seven Lucky Gods brings Japanese small plates, sushi and a healthy dose of neon lighting to the Harbourside. Their cocktails aren’t half bad either.

Magari – If fresh pasta is the only thing that will cure your Monday blues, look no further. Magari comprises a simple menu, stools and lovely service in a small shipping container in Wapping Wharf and will most certainly provide all the respite you need from starting the week. Read Bristol24/7’s review “fun to eat and to look at“.

I could eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner – photo: Meg Houghton-Gilmour

Monday evening

Marmo – Oh Marmo, how you do charmo. If you wish to be dazzled by fine Italian cooking while sipping on fine wines and watching passers by who are much less fortunate than you (for you are in Marmo, they are not) – there is no better spot.

COR – Perhaps the greatest success story to come out of Southville in the last year, COR is already generating ripples on the national food scene. Not only is the food bright and cheerful enough to make you forget which day of the week it is entirely, the cocktails are worth a serious detour for too. Read Bristol24/7’s review “the best new Bristol restaurant of 2022“.

Cannellini beans, lemon beurre blanc, smoked caviar – photo: COR Restaurant

Cotto – One of my favourite restaurants in Bristol. I love popping into Cotto for a glass of wine or a Tommy’s margarita and then accidentally staying for dinner. Resistance is futile and ill-advised. Read Bristol24/7’s review “have they created the formula for the perfect restaurant?”

The wild garlic crema at Cotto was the dip to crown all dips – photo: Meg Houghton-Gilmour

Jean’s – Bristol’s best Thai restaurant without a doubt. Need I say more? Take your own wine too. Or beer, they don’t discriminate. Read Bristol24/7’s review “there is no better place to eat Thai food“.

Milk Bun – Sometimes you just need a damn good burger, and Mill Bun will happily oblige. And even if you don’t need a damn good burger, you’ll still be glad you went to Milk Bun and had one.

Urban Tandoor – Whether you love or love to hate their prolific social media presence, there’s no denying that Urban Tandoor serve some of the best curries in Bristol.

Nutmeg – Another of Bristol’s finest Indian restaurants, Nutmeg in Clifton Village serves some of the classics and a few rarer creations.

Souk Kitchen – I think Souk Kitchen is the closest thing you can get in Bristol to eating the rainbow, bar ploughing through bags of Skittles. Expect striking dishes that demonstrate pure finesse when it comes to vegetables, pairings and flavours of the Middle East.

Root – Root makes getting your five a day laughably easy, and more magical than you previously thought possible. Centring locally sourced seasonal vegetables is at the heart of everything they do, and boy do they do it well.

Rob Howell garnishing freshly fried vegetables at Root – photo: Root

Nadu – From the team behind Nutmeg but this time with a Sri Lankan twist, this joint on Stokes Croft is happiness in bricks and mortar. You simply cannot spend an evening in Nadu and not emerge soulfully satiated.

Bianchis – Last but by no means least. In fact, with Bianchis we are ending on a true high. Bianchis has all the charm of your friendly neighbourhood Italian but the food is not easily overlooked. Situated in the once renowned Bell’s Diner; let’s just say they do the site justice.

Meg Houghton-Gilmour is Bristol24/7’s Head of Audience. Subscribe here to her weekly food & drink newsletter.

Main photo: Bristol24/7

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