If you desire to explore and make beautiful memories with your family and friends, you should try out the best cafes in Bristol for coffee, pastries and perfect ambience. Bristol is about 120 miles to the west of London. It is a great destination to live, work, and study, and it is the biggest city in the southwest of England.
Bristol has many excellent coffee shops to meet your caffeine needs. Their cafes range from minimalist shops to cosy cafes and even little coffee vans to grab and go. There are several choices to pick from in and around the city to keep you fuelled.
So, if you’re planning a trip with your family and friends, you should check out the best cafes in Bristol. This article is the most helpful guide you need for that.
Check out the Best Cafes in Bristol for Coffee, Pastries, and Perfect Ambiance
Although Bristol is a lovely city and a must-visit for art, culture and action-packed adventure, don’t be in a hurry to catch the next bus or flight going there. Grab a seat with a glass of water in hand as this article is set to expose you to the best cafes in Bristol with perfect ambience.
1. Burra (Redland)
Not only is Burra one of the best cafes for pastries in Bristol, it is also one of the cafes in Bristol with perfect ambiance. Burra is located along Whiteladies Road on the ground floor of a historic townhouse. They have a large brunch menu and serve coffee from Extract. You can choose to sit outside, at the window, at the sharing tables in the main room or on the small patio at the back to enjoy your coffee. It is a perfect location to have premium fun with family and friends.
Read more about them here
2. St George’s Bristol Cafe Bar
This is one of the best cafes for pastries in Bristol. St George’s beautiful grounds with patio seating and serene surroundings makes the perfect place for their alfresco Café Bar. You can decide to take an afternoon coffee with one of their mouth-watering brownies or scrumptious cakes, or enjoy a delicious fresh-out-of-the-oven spinach and cheese baked savoury with Lovely elderflower pressé.
They also have several brands of wine, local beers and soft drinks to suit all tastes. As such, these brands come from great local suppliers like Bristol Beer Factory, Lost and Grounded and Stewart Wines.
Check them out here
3. Fed 303
Fed 303 is one of the hidden gem cafes in Bristol. This café feels like a warm hug for everyone that decides to visit, and it is known for its welcoming atmosphere and top-quality coffee. As an independent café, Fed 303 also serves delicious pastries and wholesome dishes to visitors. If at any point you need a quick caffeine fix or even a slow morning brunch, Fed is the best place to be. Presently, they own three cafes in Bristol and you really need to try them out.
See more here
4. Small street Espresso
This is one of the cafes in Bristol with perfect ambiance. Small St. Espresso is sitted right in the heart of Bristol’s food and drink scene. It is a great example of an artisan espresso bar that you really need to check out. They provide a fantastic selection of food that uses as much produce from Bristol as possible, along with well-made coffee.
The wood and red brick give the room a very New York loft vibe, and for a compact area, it has been thoughtfully planned to provide lots of indoor sitting as well as some outside bench seating. There are several great coffee houses in Bristol but Small St. Espresso is definitely worth a visit.
Read more about them here
5. Bakehouse
Bakehouse is also one of the hidden gem cafes in Bristol for anyone who appreciates top-tier baked goods and specialty coffee. If you’re stopping by for a quick takeaway or settling in for a leisurely brunch, this bakery café never disappoints.
Specialty coffee, buttery pastries, and sourdough bread have all contributed to the cozy artisan bakery and cafe’s exceptional reputation. Handmade breads, pastries, and sweet delicacies are Bakehouse Bristol’s specialty. Fan favorites include their cinnamon buns, pain au chocolat, and croissants, which are freshly prepared every day with premium ingredients.
Check them out here
6. Sweven Coffee (Southville)
This is one of the best cafes in Bristol. With perfect coffee brewing, Sweven’s North Road coffee café is a beautiful sanctuary, and there is no doubt about the fact that the welcoming and knowledgeable baristas at Sweven will take good care of you. Also, you should be sure to leave space for one of the mouthwatering desserts and pastries that are served there.
Read more here
7. 25a Old Market
25a Old Market is one of the best cafes in Bristol situated in a historic building on Old Market Street, east of the city centre. 25a Old Market is a lovely cafe and deli that serves coffee from Yalalh, a Cornish roaster. Old Market Street’s outside tables are generally packed on sunny days, but there are always lots of additional places to sit inside where you can also take in the large assortment of deli items and local artwork. In addition, they serve sandwiches, pastries, and weekend brunch that you would love to try with your family and friends.
Read more about them here
Cafes in Clifton Bristol
Walking through Clifton Village and along Whiteladies Road in Clifton, Bristol, you’ll find an amazing café scene with independent café spots like Anna, Mercy Mercy Mercy, and Catley’s.Enjoy speciality coffee at an espresso bar, savor fresh pastries, croissants, sourdough bread, and sandwiches, or try brunch dishes with vegan options from a plant‑based menu.
These neighbourhood cafés offer both indoor seating and outdoor seating with a relaxed café vibe, creating the perfect café ambiance for a quiet morning or lively afternoon.
Explore Boyce’s Avenue, Regent Street, or near The Downs and Clifton Suspension Bridge for hidden gems like Bake Away, Interlude, Primrose Cafe, Foliage Café, East Village, Divino, Bakesmiths, Odd Shop, The Downs Café, The Colombian Company, and Lido Cafe.
Each café location is ideal for a breakfast menu or lunch menu, where a skilled barista or roaster ensures every cup of coffee is memorable. Use a neighbourhood guide, café map, or café directory to find dog‑friendly spots, read a café review, or check a café listing for a café recommendation in Clifton BS8 and mayor’s village for the ultimate local community hub experience.
Cafes in Easton and Fishponds, Bristol
Easton
In Easton, Bristol (BS5), the high street and St Marks Road are full of charming neighbourhood cafés that reflect the local café culture.
Places like No12 Easton,The Garden of Easton, Baraka Community Café, Poco Café, Beese’s Café, Workhouse Café, Cosy Club, and The Marmalade Café offer speciality coffee made by skilled barista, along with fresh pastries, croissants, sourdough bread, sandwiches, and brunch dishes.
Many cafés feature indoor seating, outdoor seating, vegan options, and plant‑based menu items with local sourcing, creating a welcoming community hub and relaxed café vibe. Using a café directory or café map helps you explore each café location, check café listings, and read café reviews for the best café recommendation.
Fishponds
In Fishponds, Bristol (BS16) along Fishponds Road, the suburb hosts a lively café scene with spots like The Crafty Egg, Porto Lounge, Grounded Fishponds, Coffee#1 Fishponds, FED Cafe,
The White Elephant Coffee Shop & Café, and Grounded Café Bars – Fishponds Branch. These independent cafés serve expertly roasted coffee from a skilled roaster and offer a breakfast menu, lunch menu, baked goods, and tasty brunch dishes.
Many are dog‑friendly, with a warm café ambiance that makes every visit feel like a local neighbourhood guide experience, perfect for discovering hidden gems in Fishponds, Bristol.
Plan your next visit to the best cafes in Bristol
Bristol has a variety of coffee shops that provide delicious cakes and pastries. There are also loads of wonderful options for people who do not drink coffee, like herbal teas and hot chocolates. Also, a variety of sandwiches, soups, and baked goods are available in many of their cafés which can adequately satisfy your hunger if you are searching for something a little more substantial.
On your next visit to Bristol, you should plan to visit any or all of these cafes to have the best time of your life with family and friends.
FAQS
What are the best cafes in Bristol City Centre?
Small Street Espresso, Spicer+Cole, Full Court Press, and Playground Cafe are top-rated city centre options offering specialty coffee, quality pastries, and welcoming atmospheres.
The Cloakroom and Society Café on Baldwin Street also provide excellent coffee with cozy environments.
Which cafes in Bristol have the best views?
Mud Dock Café provides unrivalled harbourside views from its outdoor decks overlooking Bristol’s floating harbour, while 360 Café at Clifton Observatory offers panoramic views of Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge from its rooftop terrace.
Which cafes in Bristol are good for studying?
Boston Tea Party locations provide spacious seating with free WiFi ideal for study sessions, and Cafe Amore on Nelson Street offers free WiFi and student-friendly pricing.
What is the best cafe in Bristol for working?
The Canteen in Stokes Croft features free WiFi and a laid-back atmosphere suitable for laptop work throughout the day, while Burra on Lower Redland Road serves locally sourced coffee with indoor and outdoor seating.
Are there laptop-friendly cafes in Bristol?
Yes, Arnolfini offers free WiFi and power sockets, Watershed provides spacious seating with WiFi, and Cafe Kino features wall sockets specifically for laptop users.
What are the top cafes located in Bristol Harbourside?
Society Café on Farr’s Lane, Narrow Quay operates daily with harbourside views and spacious seating, Mokoko Coffee & Bakery at Wapping Wharf features an open-plan bakery with fresh pastries, and Mud Dock Café offers waterfront dining with harbour views.
