The River Grille
Elegant Harbourside fine dining with West Country steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic waterfront views.
Perched on Bristol's Harbourside, The River Grille is an elegant fine-dining restaurant housed within The Bristol Hotel. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of the waterfront and historic bridges, while the refined interior features lofty ceilings and exquisite wooden floors. The kitchen showcases seasonal British cuisine with emphasis on West Country steaks and fresh seafood from Brixham, complemented by an expertly curated wine list. Live piano entertainment graces Friday and Saturday evenings, plus Sunday lunchtimes, creating an sophisticated atmosphere ideal for special occasions, romantic dinners, or leisurely weekend lunches.
A brief summary to The River Grille
- The Bristol Hotel, Prince St, Bristol, BS1 4QF, GB
- +441179230333
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 6:30 am-10 am
- Tuesday 6:30 am-10 am
- Wednesday 6:30 am-10 am
- Thursday 6:30 am-10 am
- Friday 6:30 am-10 am
- Saturday 7:30 am-11 am
- Sunday 7:30 am-11 am
Local tips
- Book a window table in advance to secure the best Harbourside views, particularly for sunset dining on Friday or Saturday evenings when live piano accompanies your meal.
- Visit on Sunday for the traditional roast lunch experience, which offers exceptional value and the added pleasure of live piano music in a relaxed daytime atmosphere.
- The 28-day aged West Country steaks are the kitchen's signature; order them medium-rare to experience the full tenderness and flavour the Josper grill imparts.
- Arrive early for afternoon tea (Thursday–Saturday, 12:30pm–4:30pm) to avoid queues and enjoy the full experience without time pressure.
- Take advantage of the complimentary parking included with your meal—a rare amenity in Bristol's city centre that adds genuine value to your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The River Grille location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about The River Grille
Waterfront Elegance and Architectural Character
The River Grille occupies a commanding position within The Bristol Hotel, a modernist waterfront property that anchors Bristol's creative quarter. The restaurant's defining feature is its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the dining space with natural light and frame unobstructed views across the Harbourside. The lofty proportions, exquisite wooden flooring, and contemporary design create an atmosphere of understated luxury—refined without pretension. The space feels both intimate and grand, with carefully positioned tables allowing diners to enjoy the waterfront panorama while maintaining privacy. The architectural setting transforms every meal into a visual experience, with the changing light throughout the day and evening casting different moods across the water.Seasonal Menus and West Country Provenance
Head Chef Pawel Mikolajczewski oversees a quarterly-changing à la carte menu built around the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from the South West. The kitchen's reputation rests on two pillars: tender steaks from 28-day aged West Country beef, expertly grilled on the Josper grill, and pristine seafood delivered fresh from the nearby fishing port of Brixham. The menu balances classic British fare with contemporary technique, offering everything from pan-seared scallops and grilled mackerel to roasted cod loin and cider-braised pork belly. Vegetarian and vegan options receive equal attention, with dishes like baked ratatouille skillet and superfood salads featuring prominently. The wine list is thoughtfully curated to complement the food, with particular emphasis on organic and biodynamic selections.Sunday Lunch and Afternoon Tea Traditions
The River Grille has become a destination for Bristol's Sunday lunch ritual, offering traditional roasted meats—beef, lamb, or pork—served with all the proper trimmings: Yorkshire puddings, roasted vegetables, cauliflower cheese, and rich gravy. The plated service allows diners to linger over their meal while absorbing the Harbourside views, a marked departure from the carvery format of previous years. Thursday through Saturday afternoons, the restaurant transforms into an afternoon tea venue, where guests sink into sumptuous armchairs to enjoy freshly-baked scones with Cornish clotted cream, delicate finger sandwiches, and sweet treats, accompanied by herbal teas or barista coffee. The option to add Rathfinny English Sparkling Wine elevates the experience further.Musical Ambience and Dining Occasions
Live piano music on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes adds an extra layer of sophistication to the dining experience. The pianist's repertoire creates an elegant backdrop without overwhelming conversation, enhancing the sense of occasion. This musical element, combined with the waterfront setting and attentive service, makes The River Grille particularly popular for celebrations—anniversaries, milestone birthdays, proposals—as well as business dinners and romantic evenings. The restaurant welcomes families during daytime service, with highchairs available and children's portions accommodated.Practical Hospitality and Accessibility
The Bristol Hotel provides complimentary parking for dining guests, a significant convenience in Bristol's city centre. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and facilities throughout. Pre-theatre menus are available from 4:30pm to 6:30pm daily with advance booking, allowing guests to enjoy a refined meal before evening performances. The dress code is smart casual, striking a balance between formality and comfort. Staff are trained to accommodate dietary requirements—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options are available with advance notice.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.2 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Cascade Steps
0.2 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
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.
The Matthew of Bristol
0.3 km
Explore Bristol's maritime heritage aboard The Matthew, a historic ship offering breathtaking views and engaging tours of the city's vibrant harbor.
Statue of Ram Mohan Roy
0.4 km
A dignified bronze tribute in Bristol honoring Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy as a pioneering Indian reformer and visionary.
Statue of Edmund Burke
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A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Old Post Office
0.5 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
The Nails
0.5 km
Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Bristol Bridge
0.6 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
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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
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Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
St Mary Le Port Church
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Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
Old City Walls
0.6 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
St John's Church
0.7 km
Experience the architectural wonder and serene atmosphere of St John's Church in Bristol, a must-visit tourist attraction rich in history and beauty.
Unmissable attractions to see
Pero's Bridge
0.1 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.
Bristol Ferry
0.1 km
Scenic water transport linking Bristol's landmarks with friendly crews and harbour-side charm.
Bristol Aquarium
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Explore captivating marine life and conservation stories at Bristol Aquarium, a vibrant underwater world in the heart of Bristol.
Watershed
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A vibrant cultural cinema and creative hub on Bristol’s Harbourside, blending film, food, events, and sustainability in a welcoming setting.
The Bristol Wheel
0.2 km
Soar above Bristol’s iconic landmarks on The Bristol Wheel, a dazzling Ferris ride offering stunning panoramic city views day and night.
Queen Square
0.2 km
A serene Georgian square in Bristol’s center, blending historic charm with peaceful green space and vibrant cultural life.
Harbourside
0.2 km
Discover Bristol Harbourside, where rich maritime history meets vibrant culture, waterside dining, and lively urban charm.
We The Curious
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Discover Bristol’s vibrant science centre with interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and the UK’s only 3D Planetarium in a playful, inclusive space.
Millennium Square
0.2 km
A vibrant urban square by Bristol’s Harbourside, blending modern design, cultural events, and family-friendly fun year-round.
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.
Lloyds Amphitheatre
0.3 km
A landmark postmodern amphitheatre and public space at Bristol’s harbourside, blending architectural heritage with vibrant cultural events.
Statue of Queen Victoria
0.3 km
Explore the grandeur of the Statue of Queen Victoria in Bristol, a stunning historical landmark that embodies the city's royal heritage and charm.
Bristol Old Vic
0.3 km
Experience the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, where history and innovation meet on Bristol’s King Street.
Bristol Cathedral
0.3 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.
M Shed
0.3 km
Discover Bristol’s vibrant history and harbour heritage in the dynamic and free M Shed museum on Princes Wharf.
Essential places to dine
The River Grille
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Elegant Harbourside fine dining with West Country steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic waterfront views.
Rick's
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MUSE Brasserie - Bristol
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The Bristol Stable
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Las Iguanas - Bristol - Harbourside
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Under the Stars
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No.1 Harbourside
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Hole In The Wall Bristol
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Riverstation
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Hat Bistro
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Pieminister
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Harbour House - Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
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Ciao Amici Restaurant
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Tare Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
my a2space
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A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Will's doss pit
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Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
Something Elsie
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Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
Fig1
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Discover Scandinavian-inspired homewares and unique gifts at this independent Bristol gem, where clean lines meet creative curation in the heart of Wapping Wharf.
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
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Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
Over Here
0.5 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
This Feeling
0.5 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
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Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
uchi clothing co
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Discover stylish, sustainable fashion in Bristol’s historic Corn Exchange at Uchi Clothing Co, where quality meets contemporary design.
Memories
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Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
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Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Japonicat
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Alices Secret Empourium
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Urban Fox
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Architect
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Shakespeare Tavern
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Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
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Steinbeck and Shaw
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Small Bar
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Kongs of King Street
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A lively Bristol bar blending arcade games, craft beers, and vibrant music for unforgettable nights on King Street.
Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
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Bristol harbourside cocktail haven with 2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and waterfront terrace vibes for unforgettable nights out.
Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
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Quirky harbourside haven blending pop culture cocktails, local art, and Bristol's playful vibe in a waterfront independent gem.
The Clockwork Rose
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Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
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Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
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Revolution Bristol
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Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
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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
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Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
The Cocktail Club - Corn Street Bristol
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Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife with expertly crafted cocktails, galactic-themed interiors, and an unforgettable party atmosphere at The Cocktail Club Corn Street.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Viewpoints
- Waterfront
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
