Best brunch in Bristol: 18 spots to start your morning

Bristol may be hidden away in the hills, but in this city - often thought of as the cultural hub of the South West - there is plenty to scream and shout about. Effortlessly combining a countryside feel with city living amenities, Bristol is a popular spot for young professionals, families and staycationers, with increasing numbers of people leaving the stresses of London behind and starting a new (and more affordable) life down south.

The appeal of Bristol doesn’t just lie in its local attractions though. Bristol is also home to an exciting, dynamic restaurant scene which can cater to each and every one of your culinary whims. Everybody knows that these days, brunch is considered by many as the most important meal of the weekend. Every Saturday and Sunday, hordes of Bristolians gather their friends and family to head out to a nice brunch in town, whether it be a cute and cosy affair or a rowdy, boozy one setting the stage for a night out down by the harbour.

For the uninitiated, brunch is the name given to a meal that is typically enjoyed between breakfast and lunch, hence why it is so popular on the weekends when people tend to enjoy a lie in. These days though, the definition of brunch has been stretched pretty loosely, with some restaurants offering their brunch menu all day, or including the kind of hearty meals that would be more classically associated with dinnertime dining.

The title of best brunch in Bristol is a hotly contested one, with a whole host of Bristol brunch restaurants making a name for themselves with their weekend offerings (some even serve brunch during the week too). To discover the best brunch Bristol has to offer, check out our top picks below and book a table for the weekend.

Mud Dock Cafe 

What: Mud Dock Cafe is a bike shop and cafe in the heart of Bristol that serves a mean brunch menu until 3pm. Whether you have a hankering for a good old fashioned fry up, eggs royale or shakshuka, or you're after something a bit different like chargrilled mackerel kedgeree, you certainly won't be disappointed. The perfect place to fuel up pre- or post-ride! 
Where: 40 The Grove, BS1 4RB
Book now: Mud Dock Cafe

The Lost & Found

What: Astrology is the theme at the Bristol branch of this small chain eatery. Designed to take diners on a celestial journey, Lost & Found is an enchanting space that aims to be a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Bristol. The weekend bottomless brunch menu promises innovative cocktails and indulgent dishes, such as chargrilled rump steak with eggs and smoked salmon waffles, alongside tasty tipples, for a deliciously boozy time.
Where: 85 Queens Road, BS8 1QS
Book Now: The Lost & Found

Cafe Kino

What: This vegan cafe and community space is a not-for-profit co-op, designed to be a safe space for all. While the brunch menu is compact, what is on offer is home-made, using locally-sourced ingredients, and 100% plant-based. Tuck in to the full (meat-less) breakfast or mushrooms on toast, surrounded by friendly staff and very friendly prices.
Where: 108 Stokes Croft, BS1 3RU
Book Now: Cafe Kino

Aqua

What: Aqua is a contemporary Italian joint with several sites across Bristol. Brunch is served from 9:30am on the weekends. The menu offers classic dishes such as avocado on toast and a full English, as well as those with an Italian twist. Like the sound of eggs pomodoro with spinach and parmesan, so do we. Bottomless brunch is also available, with the chance to pair your meals with free-flowing Champagne, house cocktails, or virgin mocktails.
Where: Welsh Back, BS1 4RR
Book Now: Aqua

Hart's Bakery

What: While it is a bit of a stretch to call this a brunch place, we would be remiss not to mention the loved-by-locals spot, Hart’s Bakery. Serving up freshly baked, hand-made pastries, bread, and cakes, Hart’s is ideal for a casual sit down and lighter brunch. Weekdays boast daily specials, and the single-origin coffee is just as artisan as the fresh-out-the-oven bites, with flavours ranging from classic pork sausage rolls to cheddar, mustard and sesame savoury croissants. 
Where: Arch 35 Lower Approach Road, BS1 6QS
Book Now: Hart’s Bakery

Bakesmiths 

What: This bakery, coffee shop and brunch spot hybrid is a favourite among hipsters and we’re not surprised. The clean lines, wooden touches and mismatched counter makes for a fun and homely feeling – the perfect spot for an early morning breakfast of freshly baked pastries or a late brunch after a weekend lie-in. Sitting in? Why not try their dirty beans on toast with pulled ham hock, chorizo and roast peppers. In a rush? Take one of the butter buns with streaky bacon or herby mushrooms to go. 
Where: 65 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2LY
Book Now: Bakesmiths

Este Kitchen 

What: Serving up all the usual brunch fixtures, with some exciting variations on the classics, Este Kitchen is a family-run cafe bringing the flavours of Latin America to Bristol. The rustic wooden interiors and quirky wall art make for a visually interesting place to enjoy your brunch (and a very Instagrammable backdrop if you’re into that kind of thing). Try the smashed avocado on toast or the ‘Arepa con Perico’, a Colombian take on scrambled eggs. Caramba!
Where: 7 Greenbank Road, BS5 6EZ
Book Now: Este Kitchen

East Village Café

What: Located just outside the centre of Bristol, this pretty cafe is 100% vegan and 100% Instagrammable. The décor is neutral with the odd touch of pink and sparkle thrown in for good measure. You can enjoy granola pots, blueberry dream pancakes, or if you're in the mood for something more savoury, why not try their take on a banh mi? If you want to add a bit of colour to your life, the huge selection of "super" lattes is very impressive. Why not try the red velvet latte with chocolate that uses beetroot to give it its intense red colour. You really don’t want to miss this.
Where: Boyce's Avenue, BS8 4AA
Book Now: East Village Café

The Crafty Egg

What: Located in Bristol’s ‘cultural quarter’, you can expect lots of egg dishes at this aptly named cafe. Try the signature baked ones in a range of different flavours or enjoy one of its totally Instagrammable rainbow lattes to accompany your brunch. If coffee isn’t your thing, the smoothies will set you up for the day. In this bright and airy café you’ll find students and locals alike, but you will always be guaranteed tempting brunch dishes and imaginative coffee creations.
Where: 113 Stokes Croft, BS1 3RW
Book Now: The Crafty Egg

Spicer + Cole

What: Serving up quality coffee and a range of artisanal pastries, Spicer + Cole is a hipster coffee shop you won’t mind spending all day in. Whether you visit with friends for a brunch date, or take your laptop to work remotely for the day, its menu will keep you going. Offering all your usual suspects like avocado on toast and a vegetarian full English, you certainly won't be short of options. Keep an eye on the specials board too for exciting additions to the menu. This is the place to go if you want a fuss-free, filling dish. Spicer + Cole is housed in a super sleek, but still cosy, coffee shop, so you’ll be made to feel right at home.
Where: 1 Queen Square Avenue, BS1 4JA
Book Now: Spicer + Cole

The Second Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols

What: After a morning of retail therapy, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. Head to the Restaurant at Harvey Nichols to enjoy its brunch menu, which features all sorts from smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, to a cooked breakfast. 
Where: 27 Philadelphia Street, BS1 3BZ
Book Now: The Second Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols

The Ivy Clifton Brasserie

What: The Bristol outpost of The Ivy Collection hosts an elegant weekend brunch for guests looking to impress their date or just enjoy an afternoon of luxury with friends. The varied menu includes everything from buttermilk pancakes and avocado on toast, through to lobster linguine and pan-fried sea bass. 
Where: 42-44 Caledonia Place, BS8 4DN
Book Now: The Ivy Clifton Brasserie

Quay Street Diner

What: Serving up a wide range of hearty brunch dishes, Quay Street Diner is the place to go for an all-American diner experience in Bristol. On its brunch menu, you’ll find fried chicken and waffles (a diner staple), huevos rancheros and churros to satisfy your sweet-tooth cravings. We love the look of the restaurant too, decked out to look like a stylish take on the traditional diner; think vintage film posters, rustic wooden tables and retro red seating.
Where: 2 Quay Street, BS1 2JL
Book Now: Quay Street Diner

The Bristolian 

What: Surrounded by greenery, flowers and succulents, get a feel of the countryside while still being in the city at The Bristolian. Tucked down a back street not too far from the main town centre, try one of their signature "Bristolian" breakfasts, or if you fancy something a bit different why not try the tostadas tomato with your choice of halloumi, bacon or aubergine fritters.
Where: 2 Picton Street, BS6 5QA
Book Now: The Bristolian

Souk Kitchen

What: Not in the mood for your usual brunch dishes? Offering up Middle Eastern and North African cuisine here you can enjoy a whole range of dishes, like shakshouka – a traditional dish of poached eggs in tomato sauce and served with flatbread. The modern decor with Middle Eastern touches will make you feel like you’re on an exotic holiday.
Where: 277 North Street, BS3 1JP
Book Now: Souk Kitchen

Primrose Café

What: Open for more than 25 years, the Primrose Café knows what it’s doing when it comes to brunch. The quaint café, located in the Clifton Arcade, is the ideal spot to enjoy brunch after browsing the vintage shops. On the menu, you’ll find everything from bubble and squeak and savoury croissants to Belgian waffles. If it is a nice day, make the most of its outdoor seating area and watch the world go by.
Where: 1 Boyce Avenue, BS8 4AA
Book Now: Primrose Café

Brace & Browns

What: If you’re looking for a slightly more formal brunch, the intimate tapas bar and kitchen, Brace & Browns, offer an all-savoury brunch. Try the wild mushroom mac 'n' cheese balls with truffle aioli, for instance. If it’s boozy brunch you’re after, there's a three-course Prosecco brunch available. We suggest you get there early if you want a table– it gets busy fast. But no matter how long it takes you to get a table, a brunch is worth the wait, right?
Where: 43 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2LS
Book Now: Brace & Browns

The Square Club

What: Served daily, brunch at bourgeois members’ club The Square (non-members can dine here too), is a sophisticated affair. Guests can tuck into the likes of eggs royale and smoked salmon, or opt for something sweet such as french toast with strawberries, berry compote and greek yoghurt. There’s even the option to enjoy a roast - it is a Sunday, after all.
Where: 15 Berkeley Square, BS8 1HB
Book Now: The Square Club

Looking for a laid-back brunch in a city nearby? Check out our roundup of the best brunches in Bath.