There is something tantalising and tasty for every hungry stomach in Bristol. It’s a city that loves good value and reasonable prices are at the core of every establishment. This is music to our food-filled ears because we sure do love a bargain at Wriggle. So to save you from walking the streets, staring longingly into shop windows, we’ve devised a list of some of the best cheap restaurants in Bristol.
Tuk Tuck
We can’t begin to express how deep our love for the people at Tuk Tuck is. It’s almost as deep as their warming bowls of Thai red curry. As a wriggle regular we might be accused of favouritism but you only have to see the constant stream of punters coming in and out to see how popular it is here. Located on St Stephens St this little restaurant is filled with Asian Street food options ranging from bibimbaps and sushi to banh mi and dumplings. Each dish arrives beautifully presented and is cooked with love – honestly it’s that good. Try the home made chilli sauce with your bibimbaps or go a little leftfield and sample their kimchi fries. The food here is a real bargain and this also a BYO restaurant, making it extremely budget-friendly. Also keep your eager eyes peeled for wriggle offers.
Fishers
There are some excellent seafood restaurants in Bristol and Fishers is definitely one of them. Not only is the food hearty and delectable, they also offer great value for money. Their set menu is a steal and available every lunchtime and early evening, so you won’t need to push the boat out. Upon our last visit the starter of calamari was encased in a perfectly seasoned and crispy batter, shrouding an inner layer of fresh white skin - whilst being served with a soft dip of homemade tartare sauce. The mains were delightfully-moulded fishcakes served with dill potatoes and also whole plaice swimming in a rich butter and lemon sauce. If your appetite stretches then there’s even pud, like rich sticky toffee with butterscotch and ice-cream. With all things considered, you’ll find it hard not to go overboard at this brilliant seafood restaurant.
Mark’s Bread
Bedminster’s North Street is a hub of top boozers and great places to eat, and Mark’s Bread is certainly one of the highlights. As soon as you enter you realise you’ve stepped into a hive of activity. The fully functioning bakery is stocked full of all-baked delights. A recent change has seen the bakery move into one space with the café, so know you’ll have no reason not to purchase one of their amazing loaves, pastries, or cakes. As well as being challah chiefs and sourdough dons, Mark’s Bread also do a mean cooked breakfast and hearty lunches of tarts, pies, and sandwiches.
Khao and Bao
The Asian food scene in Bristol keeps going in strength and there are now lots of places to grab a range of different dishes. One of our favourite lunch destinations in the city centre is Khao and Bao, who offer a brilliant £5 lunch deal. The menu is ever changing but includes dishes like sweet and tangy teriyaki chicken, Chinese roasted pork, Thai-style curries full of spice, and they can all be served with either rice or noodles. Other options include their famously, and perfectly-formed, steamed buns (bao) – filled with a multitude of tempting fillings.
Bagel Boy
These Bristol legends have worked their way into the foodie heart of the city. Having opened various locations they are also super convenient and offer great value for money. When they’re not on wriggle our favourite offer has to be the whole kaboodle, which is any bagel, fries, a side, and a crisp cold brew for a meagre tenner! As great as this deal is we’ve lost many an hour staring lustfully at the menu because there is a ridiculous amount of choice. Recent selections include the ‘Verde Boy’ which is made up of a lamb patty, halloumi, tomato, leaves, and salsa verde, or the ‘Mario’s Boy’ which consists of a beef patty, serrano ham, mozzarella, tomato, leaves, and pesto mayo. And yes, they are as damn tasty as they sound.
Mezze Palace
Sometimes a great deal seems too good to be true, but at Mezze Palace your Lebanese food dreams will become reality, and all at a very good price. Hidden down a flight of stairs this excellent restaurant also has a great interior and is located in one of Bristol’s underground tunnels. The staff here are always very welcoming and you will feel like a lifelong customer from the moment you enter. We advise on loose fitting trousers because the portions here are bulgingly generous. The set meals are ridiculously good value for money and include mixed mezze starters – made up of their heavenly hummus (sic), minty vine leaves, chicken wings amongst much more. Follow this by choosing one of their main dishes like their mixed grill, baked aubergine or grilled seabass. If you have an ounce of room left then you can happily fill it with some Lebanese baklava.
The Townhouse
If there's something we Brits can be proud then it's our world-famous roast dinner. Bristol has more than its fair share of great restaurants that cook up amazing interpretations of the meal, and The Townhouse on Whiteladies road is definitely up there with the best. In the summer you can lounge out the front to enjoy a drink and their interior is just as cosy. On Sundays they cook a range of meats and also represent the vegetarians amongst us. Partnered with a mound of seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, and can what only be described as the biggest Yorkshire pudding we’ve ever seen, this is a great way to spend a Sunday. Not only this, but they also provide a three-course lunch for a bargainous £13 and the options are bountiful. They even cater for gluten-free eaters with ease, unlike many establishments. In fact, there’s not much they don’t do here!
