Features / Cafes
Bristol’s best cafes
Ahead of the Bristol Coffee Festival on Saturday, here’s a list of Bristol’s best cafes as featured in the EatDrink24/7 2025 guide.
All cafes on the list are based on recommendations from a panel of more than 60 experts from Bristol’s food and drink industry.
The full list of panellists can be found here.
is needed now More than ever
808 is from the team behind Mugshot Barber, which is just a stone’s throw away from the cafe and bar – photo: Martin Booth
3ft 6, Redfield
“There aren’t many better community stories than this, with residents living where Redfield becomes Barton Hill talking to each other for the first time over a cuppa here.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
808, Perry Road
“808 is one of my favourite spots for a flat white surrounded by doctors and nurses taking a break from saving lives in the nearby hospitals. Also, look out for the original cafe wall illusion now accessorised by some Rowdy artwork.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Ahh Toots, Christmas Steps
“There is absolutely nothing not to love. To eat in is always a lucky treat, service and staff with charm and character, a delectable choice of sweet and savoury treats, I have never managed to have only one item, the minimum is usually three because everything is just so good. Particular standout- sausage roll and the peanut butter stacked cookie which I still dream about.”
Florence Wilson, Little Hollows Pasta
Boston Tea Party, multiple locations
“I have been going here for years and it remains like a comfort blanket. My two daughters now also love their brunch options and milkshakes, so it’s another excuse for us to visit.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Bowl Shed, Whiteladies Road
“When I feel like I need a health kick or nutrients, I come here. I am a big fan of the ‘The Hench One’ an açai berry smoothie bowl topped with fruit and peanut butter. Yum!”
Janine Alexander, J9kitchen
The Bristolian, Montpelier
“Consistent, customisable and creative. Easy walking distance for us and the ‘Bristolian Breakfast’ never lets me down. Excellent cakes; warm, tranquil environment; genuinely down-to-earth service with a smile.”
Anita Cheung, Ah-Ma’s Dumplings & Clouds
Bristol Loaf, Redfield, Bristol Beacon & Bedminster
“My favourite place to go for lunch in the city centre. Sunday roast is also top-class. Head down early before they run out of beef!”
Arrow Jie, Ka:fei
Burra, North Street, Clifton Village & Redland
“Brunch fit for the gods. Seriously, no exaggeration here – it’s that good.”
Kins Pelletier, Big Nath’s BBQ
“People might just think coffee when thinking of Burra, but this is a serious contender for best brunch in Bristol. Toru Yanada has developed a delectable brunch menu and I have yet to see an overcooked egg come out of that kitchen. Consistency and quality!”
Miguel Alzugaray, Food Tours of Bristol
“I’d been away from Bristol for three weeks and every morning I thought about Burra’s eggs Florentine. Perfectly poached eggs layered over crispy sourdough toast with perfectly balanced hollandaise on the top. And of course, the North Street cafe is such a perfect spot to people-watch. I could sit here for hours.”
Karen Johnson, Bristol24/7
Burra now has sites in North Street, Clifton Village and Redland – photo: Karen Johnson
Catley’s, Clifton, St Anne’s & Old Market
“One of my favourite places to get a Sunday morning treat. Grab a chocolate almond croissant for breakfast and a loaf of seeded sourdough for lunch. What could be better?”
Janine Alexander, J9kitchen
“No trip to Clifton Village is complete without a trip to Catley’s. An amazing independent bakery. Coffee and pastries to die for, it’s always worth a trip, especially if you have a sweet tooth!”
Sam Gregory, The Bank Tavern
Dio’s Deli, North Street
“Big boy fresh sandwiches using produce from Hugo’s greengrocer next door. Always a winner for a grab and go.”
Elliot Lidstone, Box-E
Hannah Catley opened the first Catley’s on King’s Road in Clifton in 2023 – photo: Karen Johnson
Cha & Chill, Wapping Wharf
“The whole family’s favourite any time of the year. Fresh fruit, Thai coffees, fun toppings. And we’ve become tapioca converts. Don’t @ us!”
Elliot Lidstone, Box-E
Chance & Counters, Christmas Steps & Gloucester Road
“This is a firm family favourite of ours, always best on a rainy day. Arguments over the rules of the games can continue over a Sunday lunch in the Christmas Steps pub.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Other than delicious coffee, FED is also known for its array of sweet and savoury choices – photo: Karen Johnson
The Colombian Company, St Augustine’s Parade
“They have great coffee, so I pop in whenever I have the chance.”
Shishir Sinha, Nutmeg Street Kitchen
Coffee + Beer, Cotham Hill
“Best oat latte in Bristol? Great staff and an ever-changing wide selection of coffees to get ground.”
Janine Alexandar, J9kitchen
“Really lovely, friendly staff. They always have something interesting on espresso.”
Cat O’Shea, Radical Roasters
The Crafty Egg, Fishponds, Stokes Croft and Redfield
“A very comfortable and quirky spot to enjoy a relaxing brunch with my family. Great coffee, and breakfast, my daughters love the smoothies. The staff are always very friendly and the vegan brunch is delicious.”
Sarah Conwy-Dyer, Forest Bakery
“The best cure for an exhausting week. We stumbled in after a long one and left talking about it for hours. ‘The meat crafty’ and ‘meaty poutine’ were delicious, but the homemade crafty sauce was the real star. Generous portions and perfectly cooked, it’s a hearty meal that leaves you feeling satisfied.”
Hari Nathan, Red Tiger
Eddie’s Coffee Lounge, East Street
“The best coffee in the city, served with charm and warmth by the man himself Eddie!”
Matt Parry, Bocabar
Emmeline, Spike Island
“Perfect for a Sunday. Delicious and super affordable lunch, lovely coffee and nice open space to read your book, do some work or just people watch out the windows.”
Melanie Vaxevanakis, Mazi Project
“The best grilled cheese toasted sandwich. You won’t get better. I always go and always have the same sandwich. You kind of get the naughtiness of the hot cheese in the ham, but then you also get loads of amazing freshness from the amazing salads on the sides.”
Josh Eggleton, The Pony Group
All earnings from the Underfall Yard Cafe goes to the Underfall Yard Trust – photo: Karen Johnson
Farro, St Paul’s
“The best bakery in Bristol doesn’t need much of an introduction, but for those who haven’t yet been to Farro Bakery, what are you doing? A visit pre-coach trip to London is a must, even at the expense of possibly missing said coach. Their pastel de nata is the best I’ve had outside of Lisbon, and maybe better than some in Lisbon too.”
Tallulah Small, COR
“Everything they do is to such a high standard but their natas and cannelé will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Will Prosser, Hilda’s Bakery
“My favourite bakery. I think it doesn’t need explaining; it’s just perfectly laminated pastries, pastel de natas and that medovik cake. You have to get there early before they sell out.”
Emily Xin Xin Chan, Wangs
“There’s nothing quite like a Farro cannelé. Honestly, I dream about them. It’s borderline magical.”
Kins Pelletier, Big Nath’s BBQ
“Bradley is a true baking legend and the king of laminations. It’s hard to pick a favourite here as he really is a perfectionist in his trade. If I had to choose though it would be a cannelé with a cheeky splash of rum and the decadently buttery kouign amann. Love the new royal blue!”
Lisa Coulter, She Sells Sushi
“Meticulous attention to detail. Everything is always really spot-on. Really flaky pastries, and cannelé which are real tricky pastry to pull off.”
George Roberts, Hart’s Bakery
“A fully-fledged Bristol institution, Farro’s bread and pastries are justifiably the stuff of legend. Their double-baked honey almond croissant is my weekend breakfast of choice and their soft serves in the summer months are out of this world.”
Lily Sterck, Marmo
“I’m always impressed at how Brad and his team consistently come up with new seasonal inventions, alongside their brilliant classics and excellent coffee. The panela and bourbon tart is a must-order!”
Kyu Jeong Jeon, Bokman
“If you live in Bristol and haven’t tried Farro Bakery, I will shake my head. Big shout-out to Ben for the Christmas mince pie and all the delicious pastries to keep me going for the rest of the year.”
Arrow Jie, Ka:fei
“Despite my best efforts, I have literally never left Farro without a dizzying amount of baked goods. I pop in for a pastry and can never help but leave with fresh bread, cannelés, coffee and a few treats for our team at BANK. Bad for my waist and wallet, but excellent for the soul.”
Dan O’Regan, BANK
“Just flawless pastries and baked goods; the plain kouign amann is my favourite as well as their madeleines. I think their coffee is the best in Bristol. Incredible service every time too!”
Jessica Penfold, Mark’s Bakery
FED, multiple locations
“The salad and hummus plate is to die for. The cakes are so good. I often get one to take home and have later.”
Sarah Conway-Dyer, Forest Bakery
“The best cinnamon roll – crispy and slightly caramelised – is our go-to for a morning sweet, especially if we are having an off-site meeting or a team day out.”
Anna Tyler, Anna Cake Couture
Foliage Cafe, Clifton
“A favourite spot of mine for some solo downtime; especially as no laptops are allowed here.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Full Court Press, Broad Street
“Doing some of the best speciality coffee in the city and not only slaying the game as a cafe but as a roastery too. Last year’s Christmas Geisha was exquisite.”
Chris Williams, Farro
“Never resting on their laurels and always innovating (they now even have a sofa downstairs), FCP remain the gold standard for the best coffee in Bristol.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Greytone, St Paul’s
“A very stylish coffee shop. A good matcha latte here is hard to beat and also serves delicious cakes such as chiffon rolls and matcha strawberry smores cookies.”
Emily Xin Xin Chan, Wangs
Hart’s Bakery, Lower Approach Road
“Macaroni cheese, in a pasty. Yes, actually. This is what (carb-heavy) dreams are made of.”
Elliot Lidstone, Box-E
“Hart’s is always a stop-off when getting the train. Love everything in there.”
Olivia Barry, Adelina Yard
“Like many others, I have been visiting Hart’s for more than a decade and it is as excellent as ever.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Hay Bale Cafe, Hartcliffe
“A unique and fun place to have a coffee or lunch. You’re in a city farm but you feel like you’re in the countryside. It’s really fun and they do really good coffee.”
Cat O’Shea, Radical Roasters
Hippie Flower Cafe, East Street
“Get the full English breakfast. Nothing else matters.”
Florence Wilson, Little Hollows
Interlude, St Michael’s Hill
“I don’t actually drink tea or coffee, but I do love a hot choccy. Really, I’m just there to see Laurence. Wish I could attend more Pours and Picky Bits events. Bristol needed what Laurence has created.”
Josh Dickinson, The Scrandit
“Lovely and local speciality coffee shop, run by Laurence. He always goes 10 extra miles to provide the best service and coffee experience. They also do some incredible wine evenings which are well worth the visit.”
Mikey Farrer, One B
“Larry always has something interesting to choose from and the service is outstanding.”
Cat O’Shea, Radical Roasters
“There’s no coffee shop in Bristol that exudes such warmth of hospitality as Interlude. Laurence has a real knack for great service and he always makes exceptional coffee.”
Dan O’Regan, BANK
Jo’s Tea, Park Row
“There’s bubble tea, and then there’s Jo’s Tea. Trust us, no one does it quite like them.”
Kins Pelletier, Big Nath’s BBQ
Ka:Fei, Colston Avenue
“Arrow still makes the best coffee in Bristol and everyone who wishes to work in hospitality should spend some time with him. Get a coffee, watch the world go by and have a conversation with him and whoever else is in the queue. He exudes what good customer service is.”
Alex Hayes, Squeezed
“Arrow is a coffee magician, always brewing up our favourite cup with perfect precision. And bonus – they always remember our order. It’s never a bad day when we’ve had our fix from Kafei. Always just right!”
Kins Pelletier, Big Nath’s BBQ
“Something special has been created at Ka:Fei by Arrow and his team. Arrow is not just one of the friendliest people in Bristol but one of the kindest too. Buying a coffee is about far more than just getting a drink and Ka:Fei is Bristol’s best example of that.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Kin, Brislington
“Great coffee and great breakfast that’s really, really good.”
Josh Eggleton, The Pony Group
Little Bagel Co, Queen’s Road and Baldwin Street
“They do a cracking salmon lox and an oat flat white but the holy grail is a bag of ‘Yesterday’s bagels’ – six bagels at a knock-down price!”
Janine Alexander, J9kitchen
“The best bagels I’ve tasted in the UK- taste like a proper NYC bagelery!”
Cat O’Shea, Radical Roasters
Little Victories, Wapping Wharf
“I love a cold brew and tonic in the summer. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it – it’s super refreshing. Little Vics is also my go-to for coffee beans – their house espresso is always a winner.”
Elliot Lidstone, Box-E
“Long a favourite of mine since the earliest days of Wapping Wharf and which remains somewhere I will regularly make a detour to visit and more often than not bump into a friendly face or two.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Littleshop & Pantry, Henleaze
“They have all our bases covered. A delicious selection of sweet and savoury treats to pair with a delicious coffee. Everything is carefully sourced and homemade wherever possible.”
Ed Starling, Starlings
Lonely Mouth, Gloucester Road
“Lonely Mouth is such a lovely addition to Gloucester Road. We loved the Teishoku (especially with the spicy crispy tofu). And the matcha drinks are super fun and tasty. We’ll be back to try more of the sweet stuff since the cakes and French toast look amazing too.”
Emma Lyons, Other
Ruby Hue are also known for their scrumptious choice of bean-to-bar chocolates – photo: Karen Johnson
Mercy Mercy Mercy, Clifton Village
“Lovely brunch and coffee spot with lots of interesting choices on the menu. We especially like the Mercy Benny, the fritters and rolls. The style of the place is also really nice and when the sun’s out, eating outside is really pleasant.”
Emma Lyons, Other
“Another day off activity is a solo brunch here; the steak and eggs get me every time. The coffee is also incredible.”
Jessica Penfold, Mark’s Bread
Mrs Potts, Park Street
“One word: mocha. Order it.”
Elliot Lidstone, Box-E
Mark’s Bakery, North Street
“Mark’s Bakery is a North Street staple – their bread and pastries are all delicious. We especially love popping in for a bit of lunch as they always have really interesting specials. They’re also at the Tobacco Factory Market on Sundays so it’s easy to get your fix any day of the week.”
Emma Lyons, Other
New Cut, Museum Street
“I’ve been going to New Cut since they opened and they very quickly captured my vote for my favourite spot to enjoy a coffee in Bristol. When summer hits, I love to sit at their outside tables overlooking the harbour with a coffee and a book.”
Dan O’Regan, Lapin
“A cafe so good that a superyacht recently moored outside to get first dibs on their drinks. I tend to visit by the more humble bicycle for my regular cortado fix from Jack and the team.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Oddshop, Whiteladies Road
“It’s a rare weekend when we get to brunch, but Oddkins is the place to do it. Those hash browns – absolute game changers.”
Kins Pelletier, Big Nath’s
One B Coffee House, Cotham Hill & Gloucester Road
“The team here have created a really special community. It’s somewhere I love occasionally meeting my eldest daughter at after she has visited school.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Penfold’s Kitchen, Upper Maudlin Street
“Working at Penfold’s was the first job I had when I moved to Bristol a few years ago, and I tried to bring many of its warm characteristics to Starlings when I opened later down the line. Simon, the owner, is one of the nicest men you’ll come across and he certainly knows a thing or two about coffee. Penfold’s feels very much part of the community down by the BRI hospital, and it’s easy to see why. Simon does so much for the NHS, even opening on Christmas Day along with his wife and children to ensure the patients and staff at the hospital don’t go without their delicious Penfold’s goodies.”
Ed Starling, Starlings
3ft 6 will soon get a ‘Little Book Stop’ celebrating 90 years of Penguin Books – photo: Martin Booth
Pipp & Co, College Green
“Oh, their doughnuts – can I have one every day, please? Always my go-to spot for working on the weekends.”
Karen Johnson, Bristol24/7
Primrose, Clifton Village
“Not much has changed here for decades and that’s why I love it. A bona fide Bristol institution.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Radical Roasters, Easton
“Cat and the team are doing such wonderful things. The beans coming out of their roastery are super distinctive and a must-try. They have some really unique fermented coffees such as ‘life’s a peach’ & ‘lovely lychee’ which is right up my street! The cafe is super local and community-focused, providing a vital service to the community they are a part of.”
Mikey Farrer, One B
“I love Radical Roasters so much that I have a yellow and pink scarf to proclaim my support (thanks, Cat!).”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
“Best coffee at the best place to hang out.”
Mary Wilson, Wilson’s
RoCo, College Green
“If you want to stay more central to Bristol, Roco is a great spot for your morning brew. The ‘coffee box’, run by the lovely Max and Lottie on College Green, is sure to greet you with a big smile and some beautiful latte art to match.”
Ed Starling, Starlings
“The coffee is perfect, and Lottie and Max are perfect.”
Rapha Persighetti, Gigi’s Pizza
Ruby Hue, Finzels Reach
“Wonderful bean-to-bar chocolate makers. The different types of chocolate have so much natural variety in their flavour. We regularly go for a hot chocolate stop or to pick up chocolate goodies for gifts, and whenever we have friends or family visiting, we bring them along to have the best hot chocolate of their lives.”
Emma Lyons, Other
“Hands-down the best bean to bar you can get your hands on in the South West. Ruth and Tom ooze passion (and chocolate) for what they do which is really inspiring. As well as providing such a great unique product, they really contribute to the amazing hospitality scene we have here in Bristol.”
Mikey Farrer, One B
“Tom and Ru make some super special single-origin chocolates from raw cacao. We serve their hot chocolates and they are second to none! It’s literally my favourite thing at the moment.”
Kit Nisbet, Lost Horizon
St Werburgh’s City Farm Cafe, St Werburgh’s
“This is such a special place. If you haven’t visited before, please borrow my bike. I’ll meet you there.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Small Goods, Temple Quay
“They always seem to have a new and bonkers flavour of doughnut whenever I visit. And of course the coffee is top-notch from the same team behind Small St Espresso and Little Vics.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Small Street Espresso, Small Street
“My favourite coffee is from Small Street Espresso: really consistent, really nice staff and a cozy atmosphere.”
George Roberts, Hart’s Bakery
“If you ever need to find me, I’ll most likely be sat here. I have the upmost respect for manager Tash Ebbs: one of the best people in the business.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Society Cafe, Farr’s Lane & Baldwin Street
“Really friendly staff and nice coffee.”
Cat O’Shea, Radical Roasters
Star Coffee, St Jude’s
“A great Somalian cafe. You should try their sambusas. It is incredible.”
Iman Salat, Jikoni
The Sundial Kitchen, Totterdown
“This is one of my favourite brunch spots.. They do these confit potatoes with your breakfast and I would go for those alone. Everything is vegetarian and super tasty. Everything is really well thought out.”
Cat O’Shea, Radical Roasters
Sweven, North Street
“Truly exceptional coffee made by experts.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Swoon, College Green
“I remember going in the summer and asking what time they close and they said 11pm. A couple of months later, I picked up a friend from the airport and I was like ‘oh my god, we can go and get ice cream’. I was there at around 10.45pm and it was so busy.”
Cat O’Shea, Radical Roasters
Underfall Yard Cafe, Underfall Yard
“We always love to stop here when we go for a stroll around the harbour with the dog. Sitting outside, you can watch the world go by with the view of the water and a coffee or some brunch or lunch – especially nice if it’s a warm sunny day. ”
Emma Lyons, Other
Windmill Hill City Farm Cafe, Bedminster
“I’m a sucker for city farms and this one is a family favourite.”
Martin Booth, Bristol24/7
Wilson’s Breadshop, Chandos Road
“Their stuff is just next level – you can get Michelin-starred bakery items that are not expensive.”
Cat O’Shea, Radical Roasters
Main photo: Karen Johnson
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
