You might have to book weeks ahead to dine at Pasta Loco, but their silky, firm, freshly made pasta is worth the pre-planning. Brothers Ben and Dominic were inspired by their Italian Nonna Bianchi when opening this pasta paradise, whose seasonal menu also features artisan cheeses, cured meats, fresh fish and the “finest negroni this side of Florence”. They’re spreading la dolce vita even further across Bristol with new ravioli restaurant Pasta Ripiena.

Plant-based meals are easy to come by in this forward-thinking city, said to be the vegan capital of the world. You can dig into a vegan English cooked breakfast in The Bristolian, indulge your sweet tooth in Earth Cake, find some spice in Gopal’s Curry Shack and devour a dirty burger in Oowee Vegan.

Bristol is a cultural melting pot, which makes it a great place to find interesting street food. Temple Quay market, St Nicholas market and Wapping Wharf are crammed with food stalls serving fresh produce from local artisans, whether it’s Jamaican cuisine from Agnes Spencers, Tibetan dumplings from Momo Bar or proper Brit fish and chips from Salt & Malt.

It’s no surprise that Bristol is a leader in the zero waste movement. Feel-good dining comes courtesy of restaurants like Poco, a Tapas bar that offers a slice of Andalucían sunshine in its cosy, Spanish themed restaurant. Harbourside cafe Vegetable Diva serves up colourful, nutritious dishes with a zero-waste philosophy, while Thali’s zero-waste tiffin lunch scheme is inspired by Mumbai, where tiffin wallahs deliver to thousands of office workers every lunchtime with tins of Indian food.

Bristol loves local, and so many of its restaurants source their ingredients locally and even grow things on site. Birch is half restaurant half garden, while pretty restaurant The Ethicurean lets their walled vegetable garden inspire their seasonal menu.

There’s a handful of Michelin star awarded restaurants in Bristol. They include Bulrush, a cosy little restaurant that offers a signature Bristolian warm welcome with its fine dining and bold flavours (they’re fermentation fans), and Casamia, which has just nine tables and serves a 16-course tasting menu of delicate, artful plates.

Yes, Bristol takes care of its vegans, but it also has some spots that work wonders with meat. Cowshed is a carnivore dream, serving steaks sourced from their own butchers next door that are cooked on a lava rock, while Pasture specialises in huge sharing steaks cooked over charcoal and wild cherry wood.

Bristol champions independent businesses, which makes for an array of unique places to eat. Husband and wife owned Wilson’s is a rustic restaurant with a small menu but perfectly formed menu. Talking of small but perfectly formed, Box-E can be found in two shipping containers in Wapping Wharf. It’s also run by a husband and wife team, who celebrate simplicity with a twist – even their crispy fresh bread is served with whipped butter curls that are seasoned with seaweed.

Mini Georgian manors are scattered across Bristol, and some hide restaurants like No. 4 Clifton Village, a pretty space with an open fire and a traditional walled garden. Bistro Du Vin Bristol feels oh so French with its dark wood furniture and mansion setting, the menu is filled with hearty classics such as cassoulet and moules marinières.

Arguably one of the best-placed restaurants in Bristol, Lido looks out over the beautiful Victorian Bristol Lido. The menu is Moorish meets Mediterranean, perfect if you want to go for a swim, dine by the water and sample their delicious sangria.