Aqua Welsh Back: Elegant Harbourside Dining in Bristol
Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
Aqua Welsh Back is a stylish, family-run Italian-inspired restaurant located on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside. Known for its seasonal, locally sourced menu blending British and Italian flavors, Aqua offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner, or special occasions. Its inviting nautical décor, attentive service, and riverside views create a memorable dining experience in the heart of Bristol’s historic waterfront.
A brief summary to Aqua Welshback
- Welsh Back, Bristol, BS1 4RR, GB
- +441179156060
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-11 pm
- Thursday 10 am-11 pm
- Friday 10 am-11 pm
- Saturday 10 am-11 pm
- Sunday 10 am-11 pm
Local tips
- Try the tasting plates to sample a variety of unique Mediterranean-inspired flavors at great value.
- Reserve a table on the heated terrace to enjoy riverside views comfortably year-round.
- Pair your meal with one of their signature Bellinis, available in several fruit flavors.
- Ask staff about daily specials and seasonal dishes for the freshest options.
- Ideal for family gatherings or intimate dinners—special requests are warmly accommodated.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Aqua Welshback location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Aqua Welshback
A Family Legacy of Italian-Inspired Cuisine
Founded in 1998 by Richard Smithson, Aqua Welsh Back remains a proud independent family business, now led by his son Ben. The restaurant’s ethos centers on combining exciting, high-quality flavors with sustainably sourced, seasonal ingredients. This commitment ensures each dish is fresh, balanced, and reflective of the best produce available locally and from Italy. Over the years, Aqua has built a loyal following by consistently delivering a warm, welcoming atmosphere paired with impeccable service.Atmosphere and Setting by the Harbourside
Nestled on the picturesque Welsh Back, the restaurant boasts a sleek yet inviting interior that blends fine dining sophistication with a relaxed informality. Nautical-themed décor and warm lighting create a Mediterranean mood, complemented by the stunning views of Bristol’s historic harbourside. The heated terrace offers an excellent spot to enjoy the river ambiance year-round, making Aqua a prime location for casual brunches, intimate dinners, or celebratory gatherings.Seasonal Menus with British and Italian Influences
Aqua’s menu evolves with the seasons, showcasing dishes such as slow-braised Exmoor lamb shank, Cornish sea bass with celeriac purée, and fire-roasted sourdough pizzas. Starters range from baked mushrooms with garlic cream to king prawns in spicy pepperonata sauce, while mains include risottos, pasta, and grill options. The restaurant also offers a variety of nibbles, small plates, and salads, including moules marinière and beef brisket croquettes. Desserts like vanilla crème brûlée and sticky toffee pudding round out the menu, alongside a curated selection of local cheeses and dessert cocktails.Exceptional Service and Memorable Experiences
Aqua is renowned for its attentive, knowledgeable staff who balance professionalism with friendliness. Guests often highlight the welcoming atmosphere where one can relax without feeling rushed, enjoying expertly crafted cocktails such as Bellinis in various flavors. The restaurant caters well to families, couples, and groups, accommodating special requests with care. Whether hosting large parties or intimate dinners, Aqua’s team ensures a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.Community and Sustainability Commitment
Sourcing locally and seasonally is a cornerstone of Aqua’s philosophy, supporting regional suppliers and reducing environmental impact. The restaurant’s dedication to sustainability is reflected in its menu choices and partnerships, contributing to Bristol’s vibrant food culture. Aqua also engages with the community through pop-ups and events, extending its reach beyond the Welsh Back location.A Destination for All Occasions
Open daily from 10 am to 11 pm, Aqua Welsh Back suits a variety of dining occasions—from leisurely weekend brunches to elegant evening meals. Its blend of casual charm and refined cuisine makes it a versatile choice for solo diners, families, and groups celebrating milestones. The combination of excellent food, scenic waterside location, and warm hospitality secures Aqua’s place as one of Bristol’s premier dining destinations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bristol Bridge
0.2 km
A historic stone bridge spanning Bristol’s Floating Harbour, linking the Old City with Redcliffe and centuries of the city’s story.
Medieval Vaults
0.2 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.2 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
Old Post Office
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
Old City Walls
0.2 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
The Nails
0.2 km
Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
St Mary Le Port Church
0.3 km
Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
Fermentation Buildings
0.3 km
Grade II-listed former brewery warehouses reborn as a creative office and waterfront dining hub on Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Historic England - Bristol Office
0.3 km
Discover Bristol's rich history and heritage at the Historic England office, a key player in preserving the city's architectural treasures.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.3 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Cascade Steps
0.3 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Statue of Edmund Burke
0.3 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Bristol Castle
0.5 km
Discover the historic heart of Bristol at Castle Park, where medieval ruins meet serene urban green space along the scenic Welsh Back waterfront.
Cheese Lane Shot Tower
0.5 km
Bristol's brutalist shot tower—where gravity shaped ammunition and history shaped preservation.
Prince Street Bridge
0.5 km
A working Victorian swing bridge over Bristol’s Floating Harbour, connecting the city centre with the Cumberland Road area and offering quiet views of boats and quays.
Unmissable attractions to see
Floating Harbour
0.0 km
Explore Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour—a vibrant waterfront blending maritime heritage, cultural attractions, and lively harbourside charm.
Welsh Back
0.1 km
Historic waterfront street in Bristol, blending maritime heritage, abolitionist history, and vibrant cultural life along the Floating Harbour.
Bristol Old Vic
0.1 km
Experience the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, where history and innovation meet on Bristol’s King Street.
Bristol city centre
0.2 km
The vibrant heart of Bristol, blending rich history, culture, shopping, and scenic waterfront charm in a lively urban setting.
St Nicholas Market
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market, a lively hub of independent shops, artisan crafts, and global street food in a charming Georgian arcade.
Cosy Club
0.3 km
Historic elegance meets vibrant British dining in a stunning former banking hall at the heart of Bristol’s Old City.
Queen Square
0.3 km
A serene Georgian square in Bristol’s center, blending historic charm with peaceful green space and vibrant cultural life.
The Centre
0.3 km
The Centre, Bristol: where history, transport, and culture converge in a vibrant urban open space.
Castle Wharf
0.4 km
Modern waterside living in Bristol’s Redcliffe district, with views across the Floating Harbour to Castle Park and the city centre.
St Peter's Church
0.4 km
Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of St Peter's Church, a beloved landmark in Castle Park, Bristol, steeped in centuries of heritage.
Alcotraz Bristol: Cell Block Two-Two-Six
0.4 km
Discover the immersive cocktail experience at Alcotraz Bristol, where every drink tells a story in a unique prison-themed setting.
Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
0.4 km
Explore Palestinian heritage and culture at Bristol’s vibrant Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre, a hub for history, art, and community events.
Watershed
0.4 km
A vibrant cultural cinema and creative hub on Bristol’s Harbourside, blending film, food, events, and sustainability in a welcoming setting.
Narrow Quay
0.4 km
Historic Narrow Quay in Bristol blends maritime heritage with vibrant arts and waterside charm in the heart of the Floating Harbour.
Bristol Ferry
0.4 km
Scenic water transport linking Bristol's landmarks with friendly crews and harbour-side charm.
Essential places to dine
Aqua Welshback
0.0 km
Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
Three Brothers Burgers
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Waterfront burgers of genuine quality in Bristol's vibrant harbourside district.
Marmo Restaurant & Wine Bar
0.2 km
Michelin-recognized Italian cooking with organic wines in Bristol's vibrant restaurant quarter.
Mugshot Restaurants Bristol
0.2 km
Experience 1920s vintage glamour and interactive hot stone steak dining in the heart of Bristol’s historic old town.
Pasta Ripiena
0.2 km
A tiny Bristol gem where every bite of handmade stuffed pasta bursts with seasonal Italian flavour.
Adelina Yard
0.2 km
Modern European fine dining on Bristol’s historic Welsh Back, where seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes create an intimate, Michelin-recognized experience.
San Carlo - Bristol
0.2 km
Elegant Italian dining in Bristol with sumptuous seafood, grand interiors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
Four Wise Monkeys
0.2 km
Lively pan-Asian fusion dining with retro Tokyo vibes and bold flavours in Bristol’s city centre.
The Ox
0.3 km
Charcoal-grilled steaks in an atmospheric basement vault with cocktails and old-money elegance.
Harbour Kitchen & Bar
0.3 km
Stylish seafood dining with British seaside soul in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Corn Street.
Turtle Bay Bristol Broad Quay
0.3 km
Experience authentic Caribbean cuisine, tropical cocktails, and lively reggae vibes in Bristol’s vibrant Broad Quay district.
Pieminister
0.3 km
Award-winning British pies, piled high with mash, peas and gravy, in a lively harbourside restaurant with views of Bristol’s fountains and waterfront.
MUSE Brasserie - Bristol
0.3 km
Discover the exquisite blend of French and Indian flavors at MUSE Brasserie, Bristol’s premier fusion dining destination in an elegant bistro setting.
Under the Stars
0.3 km
Discover exquisite tapas and crafted cocktails at Under the Stars in Bristol's scenic waterfront area – where culinary delight meets vibrant ambiance.
Hole In The Wall Bristol
0.3 km
Historic Bristol gastropub offering classic British fare, vibrant atmosphere, and a charming beer garden in the heart of Queen Square.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Over Here
0.1 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
This Feeling
0.1 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
0.2 km
Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
uchi clothing co
0.2 km
Discover stylish, sustainable fashion in Bristol’s historic Corn Exchange at Uchi Clothing Co, where quality meets contemporary design.
Memories
0.2 km
Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
0.2 km
Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Japonicat
0.2 km
Discover unique Japanese gifts and charming collectibles at Japonicat, nestled in Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market.
Urban Fox
0.3 km
Unearth retro gems at Urban Fox, Bristol's vintage clothing nook in vibrant St Nicholas Market—quality finds with 25 years of expertise.
Will's doss pit
0.3 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
my a2space
0.3 km
A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Garmden of Eden
0.6 km
A Bristol vintage clothing gem where retro style meets sustainable fashion in a welcoming, independent shop on Union Street.
Blaze
0.6 km
Unique gifts and artisanal treasures in Bristol's creative heart—perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind souvenirs on Colston Street.
Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)
0.6 km
Bristol's award-winning ethical design hub showcasing 150+ independent makers in a gallery, workshop, and community space.
Everything one pound shop
0.6 km
Discover unbeatable bargains and a vibrant shopping experience at Everything One Pound Shop in Bristol’s The Galleries.
Bristol Shopping Quarter
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant blend of shopping and dining at the Bristol Shopping Quarter, where every visit feels like a delightful adventure.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kongs of King Street
0.1 km
A lively Bristol bar blending arcade games, craft beers, and vibrant music for unforgettable nights on King Street.
Revolution Bristol
0.1 km
Two-storey cocktail bar in Bristol’s Old Fish Market — colourful interiors, mezzanine balcony and cocktails for day and night.
The Mothers' Ruin
0.2 km
Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
The Boardroom
0.2 km
Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
Small Bar
0.2 km
Bristol's compact craft beer gem: sample microbrew masterpieces in rustic intimacy amid King Street's historic buzz.
The Library Bristol
0.2 km
Bristol's enchanting chameleon: vintage tea parlour by day, exclusive cocktail lounge by night—where elegance meets mixology in a hidden urban gem.
Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
0.2 km
Bristol's go-to cocktail haven on St Nicholas Street, blending lush drinks, tasty bites, and vibrant nights in the Old City heart.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
The Clockwork Rose
0.2 km
Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
The Rummer
0.2 km
A cozy, spirit-focused pub in the medieval heart of Bristol—fireside rooms, hundreds of gins and a distilled approach to cocktails.
The Cocktail Club - Corn Street Bristol
0.2 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife with expertly crafted cocktails, galactic-themed interiors, and an unforgettable party atmosphere at The Cocktail Club Corn Street.
Flight Club Bristol
0.2 km
Experience the thrill of Social Darts® and vibrant cocktails in Bristol’s lively, carnival-inspired cocktail bar on historic Corn Street.
Dirty Martini - Bristol
0.3 km
Bristol's dazzling cocktail bar on Corn Street, blending royal elegance, masterful martinis, bottomless brunches, and electric nights in the heart of Old City.
The Gold Bar
0.3 km
Experience Bristol’s ultimate speakeasy-style cocktail bar with opulent décor, masterful mixology, and vibrant weekend entertainment.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Popworld - Bristol
0.2 km
Dance to 90s and 00s pop anthems under neon lights at Bristol's ultimate nostalgic nightclub, where cheesy hits and POPTAIL cocktails fuel epic nights out.
Forró Bristol
0.2 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Thekla
0.4 km
A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
PRYZM
0.5 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
Basement 45
0.6 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
0.6 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
OMG
0.6 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
Antix
0.7 km
Bristol's enduring late-night haven on Park Street: cocktails till 1am, DJ beats till 6am, dancing into dawn with house, R&B, and reggaeton vibes.
Silk Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
0.8 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
The Loco Klub
0.8 km
An atmospheric subterranean arts venue in Brunel’s Temple Meads arches, where tunnels, brick vaults and intimate soundscapes host club nights, theatre and live music.
Lakota
1.0 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
The Pearl NightClub
1.1 km
Bristol's intimate Clifton nightclub where fire DJs ignite weekend dance floors from 10pm till dawn—pure energy in a compact, electric space.
La Rocca
1.1 km
A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
Bristol Lola Lo
1.1 km
An intimate, vintage‑Tiki nightclub in Clifton with neon cocktails, paper lanterns and a compact dancefloor for themed late‑night parties.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Lively
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly