Gambas Tapas Bar, Bristol
A vibrant Spanish tapas bar in a harbourside shipping container, serving excellent seafood and classic small plates with great views over Bristol Harbour.
Perched on Bristol’s vibrant Wapping Wharf in a converted shipping container, Gambas Tapas Bar offers a lively taste of Spain with a strong focus on seafood. The menu bursts with authentic Spanish tapas, from garlic prawns and patatas bravas to octopus and croquetas, all served with chilled sherry and sangria. Large windows and a riverside terrace frame sweeping views of the harbour, making it ideal for a relaxed lunch, a date night, or a long evening with friends. The atmosphere is buzzy and convivial, with an open kitchen where chefs work their magic in full view.
A brief summary to Gambas
- Unit 12, Cargo 2, Museum St, Bristol, Bristol, BS1 6ZA, GB
- +441179349256
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-10 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-10 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-10 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-10 pm
- Friday 12 pm-10 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-10 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Book a table in advance, especially for evenings and weekends, as the restaurant is popular and space is limited.
- Sit outside on the terrace if the weather is good – the harbour views and riverside atmosphere are a big part of the experience.
- Don’t miss the gambas pil pil; it’s a signature dish and a highlight for most visitors.
- Come with a group so you can order a wider selection of tapas and share the experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Gambas location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Gambas
A Spanish Slice on the Docks
Tucked inside a repurposed shipping container at Wapping Wharf, Gambas Tapas Bar brings the spirit of a Spanish harbourfront bar to Bristol. The setting is modern and relaxed, with exposed metalwork, warm lighting, and an open kitchen where chefs prepare dishes with visible care. The space feels intimate yet lively, perfect for sharing small plates and a bottle of wine. From the moment you step in, the air carries the scent of garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh seafood, instantly transporting you to a sun-drenched Mediterranean terrace.Tapas That Shine
Gambas specialises in Spanish tapas with a strong emphasis on seafood, particularly prawns. Signature dishes like gambas pil pil – plump prawns in a rich, garlicky emulsion – are consistently praised for their depth of flavour and freshness. The menu also features classics such as patatas bravas, crispy calamari, Galician octopus, and a variety of croquetas, alongside charcuterie and seasonal vegetables. Many dishes are designed to be shared, encouraging a convivial, family-style meal. The wine and sherry list complements the food well, with options that enhance the bold, umami-rich flavours of the tapas.Harbourside Ambience
The restaurant’s location on the upper floor of Cargo 2 gives it excellent views over Bristol Harbour, especially from the outdoor terrace. On warm days, the terrace is a prime spot to enjoy drinks and tapas while watching boats drift by and the city buzz around the wharf. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and energetic, with music adding to the buzz without overwhelming conversation. The service is generally attentive and knowledgeable, with staff happy to guide diners through the menu and suggest pairings. The combination of great food, good drink, and a scenic setting makes Gambas a popular choice for both locals and visitors.Practical Details
Gambas operates as a mid-range restaurant, with tapas portions priced to suit a shared meal. The menu is primarily in Spanish, though staff are usually able to explain dishes and ingredients. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during peak dining hours, as the space is compact and demand is high. The restaurant is part of a well-regarded local group that also runs other tapas and Mexican concepts in the city, reflecting a commitment to quality and a distinct culinary identity. Whether you’re after a quick lunch, a long dinner, or just a few plates and a glass of sherry by the water, Gambas offers a reliably enjoyable Spanish dining experience in a uniquely Bristol setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Matthew of Bristol
0.1 km
Explore Bristol's maritime heritage aboard The Matthew, a historic ship offering breathtaking views and engaging tours of the city's vibrant harbor.
Prince Street Bridge
0.2 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.
Statue of Cary Grant
0.3 km
Celebrate Hollywood legend Cary Grant with a lifelike bronze statue in Bristol’s vibrant Millennium Square, capturing his timeless charm and local roots.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.6 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Statue of Ram Mohan Roy
0.6 km
A dignified bronze tribute in Bristol honoring Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy as a pioneering Indian reformer and visionary.
Cascade Steps
0.6 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Statue of Edmund Burke
0.8 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Old Post Office
0.9 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
Bristol Bridge
0.9 km
A historic stone bridge spanning Bristol’s Floating Harbour, linking the Old City with Redcliffe and centuries of the city’s story.
The Nails
0.9 km
Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.9 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
The Red Lodge Museum
0.9 km
Explore The Red Lodge Museum, a historical landmark in Bristol, showcasing exquisite period rooms and captivating exhibitions that illuminate the city's rich heritage.
Medieval Vaults
0.9 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
Cabot Tower
0.9 km
Historic 105-foot tower atop Bristol’s oldest park, offering free panoramic city views and a peaceful nature escape.
Old City Walls
1.0 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lloyds Amphitheatre
0.2 km
A landmark postmodern amphitheatre and public space at Bristol’s harbourside, blending architectural heritage with vibrant cultural events.
Bristol Harbour Railway
0.2 km
Step aboard Bristol Harbour Railway’s heritage steam train for a scenic 15-minute journey through the city’s historic waterfront.
Hannover Quay
0.3 km
Discover Hannover Quay, Bristol’s vibrant harbourside district blending historic charm with modern waterfront living and cultural buzz.
Millennium Square
0.3 km
A vibrant urban square by Bristol’s Harbourside, blending modern design, cultural events, and family-friendly fun year-round.
Bristol Ferry
0.3 km
Scenic water transport linking Bristol's landmarks with friendly crews and harbour-side charm.
Pero's Bridge
0.3 km
Discover Pero's Bridge in Bristol, a blend of modern architecture and historic charm, perfect for leisurely strolls and picturesque views of the harbor.
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.
The Bristol Wheel
0.4 km
Soar above Bristol’s iconic landmarks on The Bristol Wheel, a dazzling Ferris ride offering stunning panoramic city views day and night.
We The Curious
0.4 km
Discover Bristol’s vibrant science centre with interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and the UK’s only 3D Planetarium in a playful, inclusive space.
Bristol Aquarium
0.4 km
Explore captivating marine life and conservation stories at Bristol Aquarium, a vibrant underwater world in the heart of Bristol.
Queen Square
0.5 km
A serene Georgian square in Bristol’s center, blending historic charm with peaceful green space and vibrant cultural life.
Watershed
0.5 km
A vibrant cultural cinema and creative hub on Bristol’s Harbourside, blending film, food, events, and sustainability in a welcoming setting.
Redcliffe Caves
0.5 km
Explore Bristol’s mysterious underground network of historic sandstone caves, once vital to glassmaking and now a captivating cultural venue.
Harbourside
0.5 km
Discover Bristol Harbourside, where rich maritime history meets vibrant culture, waterside dining, and lively urban charm.
Bristol Cathedral
0.5 km
Explore Bristol Cathedral’s majestic medieval hall church with soaring vaults, Gothic Revival nave, and centuries of rich history in the city’s heart.
Essential places to dine
Gambas
0.0 km
A vibrant Spanish tapas bar in a harbourside shipping container, serving excellent seafood and classic small plates with great views over Bristol Harbour.
Harbour & Browns
0.0 km
Contemporary fusion dining in stylish shipping containers with harbour views at Bristol’s vibrant Wapping Wharf.
Root
0.0 km
A pioneering vegetable-focused restaurant in Bristol’s waterfront Cargo, blending seasonal flavors with a unique shipping container setting.
BOX-E
0.0 km
A tiny 14-seat restaurant in Bristol’s Wapping Wharf shipping containers, serving inventive Modern British tasting menus and seasonal dishes in an intimate, industrial-chic setting.
Tare Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience vibrant modern European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
The Olive Shed
0.1 km
Mediterranean tapas and seafood with stunning harbour views in a cozy, waterside Bristol setting.
Casa Bristol
0.3 km
Refined Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist in Bristol’s historic Redcliffe harbourside, blending tradition and innovation.
Las Iguanas - Bristol - Harbourside
0.3 km
Lively Latin American dining and cocktails with vibrant vibes by Bristol’s picturesque Harbourside waterfront.
Rick's
0.3 km
Discover Rick's in Bristol - where exceptional cocktails meet delightful brunches in a vibrant waterfront setting.
The River Grille
0.4 km
Elegant Harbourside fine dining with West Country steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic waterfront views.
New MoOn On The Quay
0.4 km
Eclectic tapas and global flavors served in a quirky riverside setting with garden charm and inclusive menus in Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Steak of the Art
0.4 km
A bold Bristol steakhouse where art, design and expertly cooked meat come together in a vibrant Harbourside setting.
MUSE Brasserie - Bristol
0.4 km
Discover the exquisite blend of French and Indian flavors at MUSE Brasserie, Bristol’s premier fusion dining destination in an elegant bistro setting.
Riverstation
0.4 km
Stylish harbourside dining in Bristol with dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic river views from a smart, nautical-inspired restaurant and bar.
Hole In The Wall Bristol
0.5 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
Fig1
0.0 km
Discover Scandinavian-inspired homewares and unique gifts at this independent Bristol gem, where clean lines meet creative curation in the heart of Wapping Wharf.
Something Elsie
0.1 km
Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
Orendo
0.4 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Zhyper
0.4 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
my a2space
0.5 km
A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Will's doss pit
0.5 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop at Windmill Hill City Farm
0.7 km
Discover unique handmade gifts by Bristol artists at the vibrant Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop within Windmill Hill City Farm.
Rhubarb Jumble
0.8 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique home treasures in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Southville neighborhood.
Alices Secret Empourium
0.8 km
Uncover Bristol's quirk-filled gift haven on Park Street, where eclectic treasures and whimsical wonders await every curious explorer.
Independent Design Collective
0.8 km
Discover unique artisan gifts and crafts from Bristol’s vibrant local artists at Independent Design Collective in Southville.
Over Here
0.8 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
This Feeling
0.8 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
0.9 km
Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
Ganesha
0.9 km
Discover unique gifts, clothing, and handicrafts at Ganesha, Bristol's treasure trove of artistic creations and local craftsmanship.
Uncle Sam's Vintage
0.9 km
Bristol's legendary American vintage superstore, curating authentic mid-century treasures since 1984.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Shakespeare Tavern
0.3 km
Waterside Bristol pub pouring cask ales, pub classics, and community cheer in a dog-friendly haven with garden vibes.
The Architect
0.3 km
Art deco café-bar on Bristol's Floating Harbour: coffees by day, cocktails by night, with terrace views of ferries and quayside life.
Steinbeck and Shaw
0.3 km
Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
0.3 km
Bristol harbourside cocktail haven with 2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and waterfront terrace vibes for unforgettable nights out.
Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
0.4 km
Quirky harbourside haven blending pop culture cocktails, local art, and Bristol's playful vibe in a waterfront independent gem.
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
0.4 km
A relaxed, all-day cafe-bar in the W Shed offering casual meals and drinks beside Bristol’s harbourside.
Small Bar
0.6 km
Bristol's compact craft beer gem: sample microbrew masterpieces in rustic intimacy amid King Street's historic buzz.
Kongs of King Street
0.6 km
A lively Bristol bar blending arcade games, craft beers, and vibrant music for unforgettable nights on King Street.
Bag of Nails
0.7 km
A quirky Bristol pub where hand-drawn art, local ales, and friendly cats create an unforgettable and cozy atmosphere.
The Clockwork Rose
0.8 km
Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
0.8 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
0.8 km
Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
Revolution Bristol
0.8 km
Two-storey cocktail bar in Bristol’s Old Fish Market — colourful interiors, mezzanine balcony and cocktails for day and night.
Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
0.8 km
Bristol's go-to cocktail haven on St Nicholas Street, blending lush drinks, tasty bites, and vibrant nights in the Old City heart.
The Boardroom
0.8 km
Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Scenic
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Colorful Backdrops
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Business Friendly