Bristol is a city renowned for its hot air balloon festival, iconic suspension bridge, graffiti by local street artist Banksy, and bands like Portishead and Massive Attack. But – did you know how incredible its brunch and breakfast offering is? With dozens of places to head for brunch, from classics like eggs royale and pancakes to brunch dishes with a twist, there’s so much to choose from. It can even be difficult to decide where to go for your ‘gert lush’ brunch. So, without further ado, here’s my handpicked guide to finding the best brunch in Bristol.
Looking for other places to eat in Bristol? Check out my guide to the best roasts in Bristol.
The Bristolian, Montpelier
The Bristolian is a local favourite, dishing up great coffee and honest food alongside some of the best brunch in Bristol. In a spot you simply can’t miss along Montpelier’s Picton Street, it brings a whole lot of cheer. Enjoy a seat out in the terrace when the British weather holds out for us, and get stuck into the brunch menu. There are so many delicious options, although you can’t go wrong with The Bristolian. Tuck into a plate of fried eggs, toast, Cumberland sausages, baked beans, tomatoes, and crispy fried potatoes – the works. Of course, you’ll find the same dish in both veggie and vegan options. The Eggs Royale is faultless, and the Bristolian Fusion is particularly tasty. It’s a blend of eggs, chorizo, yoghurt, salsa, flatbread, and more that will keep you fuelled for the rest of the day.


Bakesmiths, Clifton
Proud of being more than just a coffee shop, Bakesmiths is the only all-in-one artisan bakery, coffee shop, and meeting place in the chic area of Clifton. It’s a gorgeously warm and homely space to meet friends and colleagues alike, with cosy decor throughout. What’s more, you can enjoy watching coffee being roasted, and treats being baked while you feast on some of the best brunch in Bristol. Feast on breakfast dishes which are all served on Bakesmiths’ homemade sourdough bread. Favourites include hot smoked salmon and tenderstem broccoli with dill dijonaise; and pork sausages with black pudding and mushrooms served with poached eggs. Finish off with something sweet and homemade. I recommend the delicious almond brownie with fruits of the forest sorbet, or the dark cherry and marzipan cake. You won’t regret it!


Bambalan, Old City
There’s no hotter spot in Bristol than Bambalan, thanks to its handy rooftop position with incredible views over the city. All of Bambalan’s dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients, and cooked in either a wood fired oven, charcoal grill, or a rotisserie for delicious flavour. Choose from a range of healthy and fruity smoothies and juices, before jumping in to the star attraction. Some of the best brunch in Bristol, check out the Big Bam Breakfast, with bacon, poached eggs, sausage, hash brown, grilled mushroom, tomato, spicy beans, and sourdough. The shakshuka is delicious, with baked eggs in a harissa tomato sauce with yoghurt, so give this a try. Alternatively, you can’t go wrong with avocado on toast done well. Here, it’s served on delicious sourdough toast and topped with poached eggs.


The Crafty Egg, Stokes Croft
Another gem in the heart of Stokes Croft, the Crafty Egg undoubtedly serves some of the best brunch in Bristol. With friendly staff and a calm vibe, there are so many delicious dishes on the menu to choose from. Opt from favourites like their baked Afghan eggs in a rich tomato salsa with mint and cumin. The smoked salmon and potato hash is particularly tasty, with chilli relish, fried egg, and lime creme fraiche. Of course, you can expect all the classics too. The Meaty Crafty is mouthwatering, with bacon, sausage, sautéed potatoes, mushrooms, beans, and all the other trimmings. There’s also a delicious range of fruit smoothies to choose from. Whatever you choose, you’ll leave with a very happy belly.


The Gallimaufry, The Arches
The Gallimaufry is a real hidden gem in Bristol. Full of unique and quirky paraphernalia sourced from second hand shops, and it was decorated in just five days on a low budget. As a result, it has a real magic to it to complement some of the best brunch in Bristol. Located on the heart of the city’s iconic Gloucester Road, it’s the perfect pitstop for a weekend breakfast. Choose from brunch dishes with a difference. Favourites include buttermilk fried chicken, served with roast potatoes and a rocket salad. The Po’Boys are also well worth checking out. They’re served with pickled vegetables, mayo, and fries. What’s even more impressive about The Gallimaufry is that it accepts Bristol Pounds. Ingredients are locally sourced where possible, and there’s always local artwork on display.


Rosemarino, Clifton
Boasting the Best Breakfast award at the Bristol Good Food Awards for three consecutive years, you can expect some of the best brunch in Bristol at Rosemarino. Located in glamorous Clifton, Rosemarino focuses on serving Italian dishes, and there’s a focus on seasonal menus. There’s an all day menu, and the choice for brunch is simply divine. Opt for mushrooms on focaccia – a rich blend of sautéed mushrooms with parmesan and truffle oil. Another recommendation is the Eggs Purgatorio. It’s a spicy tomato and n’duja sauce with sautéed spinach, roasted peppers, eggs, parmesan, and chargrilled focaccia. As well as a delicious menu, there is also a range of specials on offer each day. The coffee is also excellent, and the decor is cosy and comfortable inside.


Brace & Browns, Redland
Brace & Browns has long served some of the best brunch in Bristol. All of their delicious dishes and locally sourced, scrumptions, and of great quality. Each of the brunch dishes truly takes on the idea of breakfast meets lunch. Choose from tasty plates like bubble and squeak with ham hock and poached egg, or house smoked mackerel with smashed avocado and poached eggs. Another favourite recommendation is the halloumi and sweetcorn with spiced courgette and sweetcorn fritters. All of the plates are truly delicious. Did I mention that Brace & Brown also do a bottomless brunch? Choose from two courses with unlimited prosecco to really get your weekend started. If you don’t fancy the hangover the next day, you can always choose a few cocktails, like a Bloody Mary, Aperol Spritz, or a classic Peach Bellini.


That’s my guide to the best brunch in Bristol! Are there any other places you’d add on to my list? Share your thoughts below.