Clifton might just be one of the best spots in Bristol for independent food and drink. From burger joints to sushi and cocktail bars to traditional pubs, here we’ve selected just a few of our favourite independent restaurants and pubs from the area. Be sure to keep these in mind when planning your next day-trip up to Clifton!

The best places to eat in Clifton

Kibou

King’s Road, BS8 4AB

Serving a curated menu of both contemporary and classic Japanese dishes, Kibou truly brings a taste of Japan to the heart of Clifton. Whether it’s ramen, bao buns or top-quality sushi you’re looking for, Kibou has got you covered and with their stunning interior, painted with authentic Japanese murals and decor, you’ll never want to leave.

New Moon Tapas

The Mall, BS8 4DP

With a carefully selected menu, with the contents entirely handmade using only the finest ingredients, New Moon might just be a tapas lovers’ paradise. Perhaps most excitingly, the restaurant changes its menu regularly, curating a specials menu that explores a new country’s cuisine on a fortnightly basis. If you’re after tapas in Bristol, you can’t go wrong with New Moon.

Flour & Ash

Whiteladies Road, BS8 2NH

Friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere and simple yet high quality food are to be expected at Flour & Ash. Bringing rustic wood-fired pizzas, a range of small plates and a cleverly crafted cocktail menu to Whiteladies Road, this one isn’t to be missed!

Nutmeg

The Mall, BS8 4DR

Inspired by the diverse cuisines of India, Nutmeg’s menu aims to take you on a journey across the country’s 29 states, from the Northern Himalayan regions, to the tropical south. Sourcing their ingredients from only the best local suppliers, quality comes first in Nutmeg. Be sure to try the changing monthly regional menu, where the restaurant celebrates a new Indian state each month in the form of a carefully-crafted 4 course set-menu. A favourite among locals, if you want to sample some of the best curry in Bristol, head to Nutmeg.

Independent restaurants in Clifton

Bosco

Whiteladies Road, BS8 2QX

Bosco takes its pizzas seriously and it shows. Bringing Neapolitan style pizza to both Whiteladies Road and Regent Street in Clifton Village, Bosco has firmly established itself as one of the city’s prime pizzerias, offering a true taste of Italy at a cost that doesn’t break the bank. For Italian food in Bristol, Bosco is our top pick.

The Clifton Sausage

Portland Street, BS8 4JA

Specialising in traditional British dishes, the Clifton Sausage aims to prove that British food can compete with almost any world cuisine when done correctly and we’re certainly convinced! Serving everything from roast dinners, steaks and, as the name suggests, a wide variety of sausages, The Clifton Sausage has been a Cliftonian icon ever since its opening in 2002.

Milk Bun

The Mall, BS8 4JG

Priding themselves on their ethos of using only the freshest local ingredients, Milk Bun serve up burgers that are to die for. With a cosy interior and modest prices, Milk Bun might just be the perfect spot for any burger enthusiasts. As far as we’re concerned, you’ll find the best burgers in Clifton at Milk Bun.

Noa

Waterloo Street, BS8 4BT

After sushi in Bristol? Look no further. Situated on Waterloo Street, Noa is a Japanese restaurant that puts authenticity first. The restaurant has established itself as one of Bristol’s most reputable sushi spots and with food this good, it’s no surprise. Be sure to explore Noa’s wide range of drink options, offering an impressive selection of authentic sake, shochu or regional beers.

The best places to drink in Clifton

Barrelhouse

Gordon Road, BS8 1AW

With an eccentric interior, Barrelhouse takes its inspiration from the classic dive bars of the Southern U.S. states. But the pub’s drinks are what makes it stand out the most; serving an eclectic mix of cocktails, wines and local beers Barrelhouse is one of the best locations to unwind after a long day. Be sure to say hi to the pub dog, Leo!

Coronation Tap

Sion Place, BS8 4AX

Situated just a stone's throw from the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Coronation Tap has built a legendary reputation. Internationally renowned for its exclusive Exhibition Cider, the Coronation tap is the place to be in Clifton for all cider lovers.

Independent pubs in Clifton

Steam

Clifton Down Station, BS8

Perhaps one of the quirkiest drinks venues in all of Bristol, let alone Clifton, Steam’s unique, steampunk-inspired interior is an impressive sight. However, its outdoor seating is what makes the venue even more special, offering one of the city’s best alfresco drink spots; perfect for drinks in the summer sun. Beer gardens in Bristol don’t get much better than Steam!

Port of Call

York Street, BS8 2YE

A traditional pub situated just off of Whiteladies Road, Port of Call is a haven for all beer and ale lovers. With an impressive beer garden for the summer and log fires burnt throughout the cold winter, Port of Call is the perfect drinking spot to be enjoyed all year round. Be sure to check out their roast dinners too!

Her Majesty’s Secret Service

Whiteladies Road, BS8 2PH

Why not treat yourself at one the most loved cocktail bars in Bristol? Serving both the classics and their own creations, Her Majesty’s Secret Service has forged a reputation as one of the city’s prime cocktail spots. Priding itself on serving unpretentious, yet inventive tipples, the bar is a true celebration of all things cocktails. Be sure to reserve on weekends to avoid disappointment - this place gets busy.

The Hope & Anchor

Jacob Wells Road, BS8 1DR

With a huge, leafy terrace, The Hope & Anchor is a drinks spot that is perfect for the summer. There’s few places in the city better than this pub to kick back and enjoy a few pints of locally-brewed selection of beers and ales in the summer sun.

Clifton is one of our favourite parts of Bristol and with all of the great spots to eat and drink highlighted above, it's easy to see why. Head on over to our Instagram page for more recommendations of Bristol’s best independents.

A guide to Clifton food and drink