Warmer weather and sunny skies most definitely calls for sharing plates of Mediterranean inspired food with friends. I love that sharing lots of small plates means you get to try so many more dishes! Many of my suggestions have outdoor seating, perfect for watching the world go by and seeing everyone enjoying the summer months.

• Muiño, Cotham – delicious elevated Mediterranean small plates. Particularly lovely on a warm summer evening when the windows are opened onto Cotham Hill. My favourite dishes include the chicken skewers and the peach and whipped feta salad.
• The Olive Shed, Harbourside – a charming spot with a gorgeous view overlooking the harbourside, offering locally sourced tapas. Reservations are for indoor seating only, so outdoor seating is first come, first served.

Muiño

• Souk Kitchen, North Street – Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern market food dishes. Stand-out dishes for me included the flatbread and hummus, the pineapple and halloumi, and the lemon sole, lentil and olive.
• Bravas, Cotham – if you’re lucky enough to get a table then you’re in for a treat. Authentic Spanish tapas cooked excellently. They have some lovely outdoor seating on pedestrianised Cotham Hill, creating a relaxed continental atmosphere.

Souk Kitchen

• Gambas, Wapping Wharf – traditional Spanish tapas overlooking the harbourside.
• Poco Tapas Bar, Stokes Croft – seasonal small plates with locally sourced ingredients.

Gambas

• Under The Stars, Harbourside –serves delicious Spanish tapas in a charming setting, with a lovely outdoor terrace for food and drinks on a sunny day. And it’s on a boat!
• Root, Wapping Wharf – flavourful vegetarian small plates using local ingredients, and easily the best vegetarian restaurant I’ve tried in Bristol. No surprises there as it’s one of the Pony Family restaurants.

Root

Next on my list to try is Cor on North Street, serving Mediterranean small plates from a restaurant led by the previous Executive Chef of Bravas and Gambas.

Which are your favourite Bristol restaurants to dine at during the summer months?

Alexa

P.S. If you enjoyed reading this post, why not take a look at Bristol Neighbourhood Restaurant Guide and my 2025 Bristol Food Highlights.

Header photo: Souk Kitchen