Your Bristol Favourites: Al fresco

In the third instalment of a series of daily features all this week, we’ve collated the top places to eat and drink in the open air in our city – as chosen by Bristol24/7 readers.

It’s to celebrate the launch of the fifth edition EatDrink24/7: your definitive guide to Bristol’s thriving food and drink scene, filled with recommendations from a panel of industry experts, our own trusted editorial team and our readers.

2023’s guide is hot off the press, so keep an eye out for free copies across the city.

These are the best al fresco spots in Bristol according to our readers:

Bambalan

Bambalan’s rooftop is one of Bristol’s best-known drinking, dining and music destinations – photo: Bambalan

Podium level, Beacon Tower Colston Avenue, BS1 4XE / www.bambalan.co.uk

Look out for Bambalan’s Summer Sessions on their terrace, which in 2023 saw a lineup including Norman Jay, DJ Spoony and Zed Bias.

Gambas

An easygoing Spanish eatery with outdoor seating serving seafood, meat and veggie tapas, plus wine – photo: Gambas

Unit 12, Cargo 2, Wapping Wharf, BS1 6ZA / www.gambasbristol.co.uk

Cotham Hill favourite Bravas transplanted with a twist to Wapping Wharf, with a focus on fresh fish and seafood. Sit on the terrace while enjoying a refreshing drink from the aperitivo menu.

Little Hollows

The Little Hollows team specialises in speciality handmade filled pastas – photo: Little Hollows

26 Chandos Road, Redland, BS6 6PF / www.littlehollowspasta.co.uk

Little Hollows has gone from street food to restaurant, with an entry in the Michelin Guide after less than a year of being open. Before stepping inside, watch owner Chris Davis hard at work making handmade pasta at the window in one of Bristol’s best pieces of culinary theatre.

Olive Shed

Olive Shed’s far-reaching harbour views make for a perfect summer view – photo: Olive Shed

Princes Wharf, BS1 4RN / www.theoliveshed.com

Mediterranean dishes, Spanish tapas, olives, seasonal dishes, cakes and coffee are the standout menu choices at this old favourite on the docks.

The Ostrich

If there was an award for the finest located pub in Bristol, the Ostrich would surely be one of the strongest contenders – photo: Ostrich

Lower Guinea St, BS1 6TJ / www.butcombe.com/pubs/the-ostrich

This 18th century pub reopened in April 2019 after a major refurbishment by new owners Butcombe. Its outside area is one of the biggest in the city.

Paco Tapas

Paco Tapas serves daily changing seasonal menus overlooking the water – photo: Paco Tapas

3a The General, Lower Guinea Street, BS1 6SY / www.pacotapas.co.uk

Feel the heat from the grill as you sit back at this Michelin-starred establishment and wait for little bowls ‘para picar’, a sizzling steak or fresh squid. An authentic Andalusian menu is suited to cosy dinners accompanied by sherries and expertly made cocktails.

Riverstation

Sitting in a converted dockside police station, Riverstation is a restaurant and bar with river views and modern European menu – photo: Riverstation

The Grove, BS1 4RB / www.riverstation.co.uk

Everything here is made in-house by head chef Lee Bloomfield and his team, from sourdough bread to the ice cream. More than a dozen of the 60 wines on offer are usually available by the glass.

Root

Root sits within Wapping Wharf  – photo: Root

Unit 9 Cargo 1, Gaol Ferry Steps, BS1 6WP / www.rootbristol.co.uk

With creative head chef Rob Howell at the helm, Root offers an inventive menu of vegetarian mains with optional meaty sides.

Starlings

Owner Edward Starling used to work at Little Shop and Pantry and ran a pop-up at Penfold’s kitchen – photo: Starlings

99 Queens Road, Clifton, BS8 1LW / www.starlingsuk.co.uk

Starlings is a family-run cafe and wine bar offering locally roasted coffee, modern food and an array of drinks.

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Read next:

• Your Bristol Favourites: Cafes
• In photos: EatDrink24/7 2023 has officially launched
• Colosseum pub to be brought back to life by experienced team

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