Bristol boasts an array of brilliant restaurants - you can check out our pick of Bristol's best restaurants right here - but it does also have a reputation as a rather wet city. If you’ve ever lived there, you’ll know - it rains a lot. It’s no wonder then that when summer finally arrives, Bristolians break out in their droves onto the many harboursides, quays and canals of the River Avon to soak up the sun and enjoy some al fresco dining by the waterside.
Fortunately, that means you’re rather spoilt for choice if you’re looking for restaurants with outdoor seating in Bristol. As the Avon winds through the city it hosts all sorts of boats, barges, riverside restaurants and bars, not to mention the rejuvenated Wapping Wharf where some of the best restaurants in the city now lie.
The vast majority of these have capacity for outside seating, where you can enjoy the midday sun or while away an evening with a glass of wine, watching boats drift up and down the river. There are plenty of brilliant harbourside restaurants in Bristol, but not everything is centred around the river - Freddy Bird’s ever-popular bistro Little French has a delightful summer terrace, as does city centre grand cafe Klosterhaus.
You’re not just limited to summer dining either. Sure, there are lots of restaurants that close up their outside spaces during the colder months, but many have a healthy array of patio heaters. Others - like Bambalan - can cover the area with a canopy to protect from any inclement weather.
If we’ve whetted your appetite, read on for our pick of Bristol’s best al fresco dining spots. Just remember to get your bookings in early because, when the sun comes out, the tables start disappearing quickly.
Riverstation
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What: The huge dockside terrace at Riverstation is one of the city’s most popular summer spots, and with good reason - it’s mere minutes walk from Queen Square, with gorgeous views over the Avon and a top-quality affordable menu to suit all comers.
Where: The Grove, Bristol, BS1 4RB
Book now: Riverstation
The Olive Shed
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What: The Olive Shed is another Wapping Wharf highlight, especially thanks to a bustling dockside terrace. The compact menu is well thought out with lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, or you can just sit and contemplate life with a glass of something fizzy.
Where: Princes Wharf, Floating Harbour, Bristol, BS1 4RN
Book now: The Olive Shed
Gambas
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What: The Gambas terrace is one of Bristol’s most in-demand locations in the summer, with beautiful views of the river and perfectly cooked tapas to match. If you love your seafood, there’s nowhere better in the city.
Where: Unit 12, Cargo 2, Museum Street, Bristol, BS1 6ZA
Book now: Gambas
Little French
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What: Freddy Bird’s much-loved Clifton bistro is pure paradise in the summer months, when the large outside patio can be put to good use. If the sun is shining, you could be forgiven for thinking you were on the French riviera, enjoying Provencal classics like moules mariniere and prune and Armagnac tart.
Where: 2B North View, Westbury Park, Bristol, BS6 7QB
Book now: Little French
Grain Barge
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What: A trip to the Grain Barge is worth it for the views alone - you can see down the river on one side, and the masts of the SS Great Britain on the other. That said, they do a cracking (and very popular Sunday roast) as well as some classic pub grub and a wide selection of draught beers.
Where: Mardyke Wharf, Hotwell Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 4RU
Book now: Grain Barge
Bambalan
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What: Bambalan’s ‘Terrace Sessions’ have become wildly popular in Bristol, not just for the celebrity DJs, ping pong tables and general good vibes but also for the excellent burgers and pizzas that come flying out of the kitchen. Bambalan also has an array of canopies and heaters, so you can still enjoy the fresh air even if Bristol’s famous rains catch you by surprise.
Where: Beacon Tower, Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4XE
Book now: Bambalan
The Lido Restaurant
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What: An oasis of calm in the middle of Clifton, The Lido serves a really fantastic modern European menu (with a leaning towards Spain), which you can eat poolside for maximum summer holiday vibes. Fancy a dip? You can do that too, just get the eat and swim package.
Where: Oakfield Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2BJ
Book now: The Lido Restaurant
Paco Tapas
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What: Everything Peter Sanchez-Iglesias touches in Bristol turns to gold, it seems. Not content with Casamia being one of the best restaurants in the country, Paco Tapas is an outstanding, authentic Spanish restaurant with lovely terrace views over Bathurst Basin. A perfect spot to sip a cold sherry.
Where: 3A The General, Lower Guinea Street, Bristol, BS1 6SY
Book now: Paco Tapas
Three Brothers
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What: With heaps of meat and veggie options, Three Brothers has become a fixture for Bristol’s burger fans. The restaurant sits on a moored riverboat just off Welsh Back, close to Queen’s Square. While it’s a perfect place to sit with a burger and a pint in the summer, but there are lots of patio heaters to keep you warm in the colder months too.
Where: Welsh Back, Bristol, BS1 4SB
Book now: Three Brothers
Tare
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What: Another of Bristol’s smart, contemporary, modern European set, Tare was set up by Matt Hampshire in 2017 and has enjoyed a reputation as one of Bristol’s most inventive, exciting restaurants ever since. Take a seat on the rooftop terrace and enjoy one of the few outdoor tasting menus in the city.
Where: Unit 14, Museum Street, Wapping Wharf, Bristol, BS1 6ZA
Book now: Tare
Root
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What: Rob Howell’s veg-centric shipping container restaurant has been a massive hit since it opened on Wapping Wharf. If you’re a vegetarian tired of eating mushroom risotto, or you want some veggie inspiration, Root is the place to go (and there are still a few meat and fish dishes for those who want the variety).
Where: Unit 9 Cargo 1, Gaol Ferry Steps, Bristol, BS1 6WP
Book now: Root
If you're Bristol for life, why not check out some of the best brunch spots in Bristol? Or jump on the train (or the bus) and jet on over to nearby Bath for some similarly excellent food and drink at one of the best boozy brunches in Bath.