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Bristol’s lesser known culinary gems
While appreciation for some undisputed culinary favourites remains consistent with every edition of the EatDrink24/7 guide, there’s also the joy of discovering new, unknown gems.
Here is a sneak peek of some of the not as well known yet highly regarded places in Bristol, based on recommendations from our panel of 84 food and drink stalwarts for the guide’s 2026 edition.
Ababo’s Cuisine, Easton
Easton Community Centre, Kilburn St, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6AW
Ababo’s cuisine is based inside the Easton Community Centre – photo: Ababo Cuisine
Ababo’s Cuisine is an Ethiopian restaurant inside the Easton Community Centre run by Meriam Ababa, who previously traded from stalls at festivals across Bristol.
A Black Heart And Bad Decisions, various venues
Run by two experienced hospitality duos, A Black Heart and Bad Decisions often host pop-ups across venues in Bristol – photo: A Black Heart And Bad Decisions
A Black Heart And Bad Decisions is a pop-up kitchen run by friends Chris and JP, both of whom have been working within Bristol’s hospitality scene for a while.
Boona Boona, Bedminster
Boona Boona serves cups of coffee made with beans from their own roastery, along with a selection of sweet and savoury treats – photo: Boona Boona
Boona Boona is a roastery and cafe under one roof by Jon Flower, where beans are sourced from across the world.
Cafe Casa, Broadmead
A greasy spoon in the city centre, Cafe Casa has been serving the community for more than a decade – photo: Karen Johnson
Cafe Casa in the city centre is an old-school greasy spoon, serving affordably priced breakfast options for more than a decade.
Cibomatto, St Anne’s House
Mariateresa Lo Iacono and Elisa Bozzarelli run the Italian cafe inside St Anne’s House – photo: Cibomatto
Cibomatto is a cafe inside St Anne’s House run by Mariateresa Lo Iacono and Elisa Bozzarelli, serving a daily changing Italian menu.
Eddie’s Coffee Lounge, East Street
Eddie’s Coffee Lounge opened more than a decade ago on East Street
Coffee is roasted on-site every morning at Eddie’s Coffee Lounge, that also sells freshly-made paninis and homemade cakes.
Guild of Dough, Bishopston
Guild of Dough supplies bread to several popular restaurants in Bristol – photo: Guild of Dough
Guild of Dough is a cafe and bakery based in Bishopston that strives to make the “best, most interesting bread and patisserie” across Bristol. They also supply bread and other baked goods to restaurants across Bristol.
Hat Bistro, Denmark Street
Hat Bistro opened in 2019 and has since become a well-known venue for Greek dishes – photo: Hat Bistro
A family-run restaurant behind the Hippodrome, Hat Bistro is best-known for its Greek classics like moussaka, dolmades and souvlaki.
Jim’s Pizza, various venues
Jim’s Pizza is a pop-up pizza kitchen owned by Jim Stewart’s – photo: Jim’s Pizza
Jim’s Pizza serves Neapolitan-style pizzas inspired by owner Jim Stewart’s combined passion for science and the art of dough.
Prego, Westbury Park
Prego is a family-run Italian restaurant in Westbury Park – photo: Prego
Prego is a family-run Italian restaurant that has been an often under-the-radar neighbourhood favourite since opening in 2010.
Pukka Peacock, Totterdown
Pukka Peacock is run by husband-and-wife team Dhayalan Paul and Saritha Thomas – photo: Pukka Peacock
Indian food is reimagined to create modern decisions at Pukka Peacock from partners Dhayalan Paul and Saritha Thomas.
Spice Bag, various venues
Spice Bag Co. brings the Irish spice bag to Bristol for the first time – photo: Spice Bag Co.
Sice Bag Co. is a food truck run by husband and wife team Georgi Hingley and Andy Barnes, serving Irish classic spice bags across Bristol.
Yaji Republik, Eastville
Yaji Republik is a new West African bar and grill restaurant – photo: Yaji Republik
A bar and grill restaurant, Yaji Republik celebrates West African cuisine with Nigerian classic dishes like suya, jollof rice, pepper soup, and more on its menu.
To read more recommendations from our panellists, look out for the EatDrink24/7 guide’s latest edition, due to be published in July.
Tickets for the guide’s launch party are now live: www.bristol247.com/events/eatdrink-lauch-party-2026/
Main photo: Karen Johnson
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