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The River Grille, Bristol,

The River Grille

4.6
4.6
193 Reviews
£26 to £40
Contemporary European
Prince Street, Narrow Key, Bristol, BS1 4QF

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 p.m.
Booked 1 time today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for brunch
With its lofty dimensions, exquisite wooden floors and floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Harbourside, The River Grille is one of Bristol’s most elegant all day dining venues – famed for its superb steaks, vibrant ambience and unique setting.

And with musical entertainment in the form of live piano on Friday & Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes, it is easy to see why The River Grille is among the best restaurants in Bristol.

The River Grille’s menus showcase the finest seasonal ingredients, locally sourced and simply but deliciously prepared. Highlights include fresh fish and seafood – with specials that include the catch of the day from the nearby fishing port of Brixham – and deliciously tender steaks made from 28 day aged West Country beef, all expertly barbecued on a Josper grill.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary European, British, Afternoon Tea
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Fri 6:30 am–10:00 am Daily 5:30 pm–9:30 pm Daily 12:30 pm–4:30 pm Sat, Sun 7:30 am–11:00 am
  • Phone number
    0117 900 7844
  • Website
    https://www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-bristol-hotel/dining
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Pawel Mikolajczewski
  • Location
    Prince Street, Narrow Key, Bristol, BS1 4QF
  • Neighbourhood
    Bristol
  • Parking details
    The cost of the NCP car park next door to The River Grille is discounted to 50% for our diners, or £5, depending on which is cheaper.
  • Public transit
  • Entertainment
    The River Grille boasts a traditional, modern to classical pianist every Friday night, Saturday we have a Jazz trio or duo and again on Sunday Lunchtimes we have a talented and lively modern pianist.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, High Tea, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Afternoon Tea

    £27.95 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Relax and take in the sights of the Harbourside as you savour our Afternoon Tea in the chic modern setting of The River Grille restaurant. Served on gorgeous crockery, our traditional scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam, miniature cakes, and finger sandwiches are sure to delight.
    Afternoon Tea photo

  • Sunday Lunch

    £29.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    With its lofty dimensions, exquisite wooden floors and floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Harbourside, The River Grille is one of Bristol’s most elegant dining venues – famed for its superb steaks, vibrant ambience and unique setting.
    Sunday Lunch photo

  • Jazz Brunch

    £35.00 per person

    Prepaid

    May 3, 2025 only
    12:30 p.m.
    Indulge in a delicious 3-Course brunch accompanied by a refreshing cocktail on arrival as you enjoy live jazz with Phil King. Arrival begins at 12.30pm, Brunch served at 1pm, Live Jazz form 1pm onwards.

Menu

The River Grille's menu was last updated 2025-04-24.

For the Table

  • Charcuterie£16.00

    Jamón Serrano, salami Milano, chorizo reserve picante, olives, tomato Catalans, focaccia

    • Homemade bread selection£6.00

      • Marinated Nocellara olives£5.00

        • Vegan board£15.00

          Hummus, tomato & pepper salsa, pickles, olives, falafel, focaccia

          Starters

          • Soup of the day£8.00

            house soda bread

            • Classic French onion soup£9.00

              • Pan-seared Kingfisher Brixham scallops£15.00

                pea purée, crisp chorizo

                • Beef carpaccio£15.00

                  rocket, Parmesan, crisp capers

                  • Tiger prawns Al Ajilo£15.00

                    smoked paprika crostini

                    • Sun blushed tomato hummus£9.00

                      pickled crudites, corn tostada

                      • Grilled mackerel£14.00

                        potato salad, basil, Kalamata olive

                        • Pea & vegan feta fritters£10.00

                          red pepper & tomato salsa, crisp rocket

                          Salads

                          • Classic Caesar£15.00

                            rosemary croutons, Parmesan dressing

                            • Grilled goat cheese salad£15.00

                              seasonal leaves, tomato salsa, balsamic glaze

                              • Superfood salad£14.00

                                quinoa, broccoli, vegan feta, pomegranate

                                • marinated grilled chicken£5.00
                                • halloumi£5.00
                                • prawns£6.00

                              Favourites

                              • Kingfisher market catch of the day

                                • Baked whole bream£29.00

                                  salsa verde, turned new potatoes

                                  • Chicken Milanese£27.00

                                    capers, rocket, Parmesan, fries

                                    • Fresh egg tagliatelle£25.00

                                      oak-smoked salmon, asparagus spears, sugar snap peas, capers

                                      • Duo of duck£29.00

                                        confit leg & half breast, spring greens, chive gnocchi

                                        • Cider braised pork belly£27.00

                                          boulangère potatoes, savoy cabbage, sautéed granny smith, jus

                                          • Beer battered Kingfisher fillet of haddock£22.00

                                            crushed peas, triple-cooked chips, tartare sauce

                                            • Roast cod loin£26.00

                                              peperonata, samphire, saffron aioli

                                              • Baked ratatouille skillet£20.00

                                                topped with crisp onion, aioli

                                                From the Josper Grill

                                                • Buxton butchers Black Angus grass fed steaks

                                                  • 10oz ribeye£38.00
                                                  • 6oz fillet£38.00
                                                  • 10oz sirloin steak£33.00

                                                • Classic Hereford cheeseburger£20.00

                                                  house burger sauce, confit onion, pickles, fries, house slaw

                                                  • Add bacon£1.50

                                                • Marinated chicken breast burger£20.00

                                                  avocado, rocket, ketchup, fries, house slaw

                                                  • Add bacon£1.50

                                                Sides

                                                • Fries£6.00

                                                  • Triple cooked chips£6.00

                                                    • New potatoes£6.00

                                                      chive crème fraîche

                                                      • Boulangère potatoes£6.00

                                                        • Steamed tenderstem broccoli£6.00

                                                          Romesco

                                                          • Confit plum tomatoes£6.00

                                                            garlic, rosemary, thyme

                                                            • Garlic Portobello mushrooms£6.00

                                                              • Wilted Spring greens£6.00

                                                                • Garden salad£6.00

                                                                  Last updated: April 24, 2025

                                                                  What 193 people are saying

                                                                  The River Grille reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                                  Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                  Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                  4.6
                                                                  4.6 based on recent ratings
                                                                  • 4.7Food
                                                                  • 4.7Service
                                                                  • 4.6Ambience
                                                                  • 4.5Value

                                                                  Noise • Energetic

                                                                  193 Reviews

                                                                  1. toby

                                                                    London10 reviews

                                                                    5.0

                                                                    Dined on March 30, 2025

                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                    I was quite surprised at how good the food was. Likewise - service was excellent - thanks Justine!

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                                                                  2. David

                                                                    Berkshire1 review

                                                                    5.0

                                                                    Dined on March 30, 2025

                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                    Good food, Good portion size Great staff. Bright airy with great views of busy Bristol

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                                                                  3. John VIP

                                                                    London26 reviews

                                                                    4.0

                                                                    Dined on February 20, 2025

                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                    2. Food 4
                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                    4. Ambience 3
                                                                    very enjoyable lunch, excellent service and good food.

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                                                                  4. Ron

                                                                    Liverpool9 reviews

                                                                    5.0

                                                                    Dined on January 11, 2025

                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                    Lovely restaurant in a great location. Service was outstanding -friendly and helpful yet unobtrusive. Food was really well presented and a high standard, as was the wine. Really nice touch to have a live pianist playing an amazing selection.

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                                                                  5. Petra

                                                                    Devon1 review

                                                                    5.0

                                                                    Dined on December 31, 2024

                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                    Easy booking system, confirmed and followed up. Good and friendly welcome, we’re given a window table and the place was buzzing and attractive. Waiter, Orlaith was attentive and friendly from the get go, she was happy to recommend and we appreciated her style and service very much. The food was tasty and satisfying. Will return and happy to recommend.

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                                                                  6. Kelly

                                                                    Devon1 review

                                                                    4.0

                                                                    Dined on December 7, 2024

                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                    3. Service 4
                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                    Shame about the service, we were well welcomed but never got desert menu and plates were not cleared quickly. Exceptional food and wine selection

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                                                                  7. PennyB

                                                                    Bristol1 review

                                                                    4.0

                                                                    Dined on December 6, 2018

                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                    2. Food 4
                                                                    3. Service 4
                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                    My sister and I love to come here when we meet up in Bristol. The menu is varied and all choices are good. The service is excellent and discreet. Sometimes, if we are lucky, there is a pianist. A lucky find and a good place to sit and watch people outside.

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                                                                  8. BigJohn

                                                                    Cambridge10 reviews

                                                                    4.0

                                                                    Dined on November 10, 2018

                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                    2. Food 3
                                                                    3. Service 4
                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                    Nice setting overlooking riverfront - friendly staff and pleasing atmosphere - good starters, but we had seafood main courses which despite good quality core ingredients could have been better - sauces didn't quite hit the mark. Otherwise very good.

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                                                                  9. CathyB

                                                                    Bristol4 reviews

                                                                    3.0

                                                                    Dined on September 16, 2018

                                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                                    2. Food 2
                                                                    3. Service 2
                                                                    4. Ambience 3
                                                                    Went for a Sunday Carvery, we were first to be served, the plates were cold and good tepid. We did mention this to staff on departure. Very disappointing as always had a good experience in the past.

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                                                                  10. JmhTW1

                                                                    London19 reviews

                                                                    2.0

                                                                    Dined on August 13, 2018

                                                                    1. Overall 2
                                                                    2. Food 2
                                                                    3. Service 3
                                                                    4. Ambience 3
                                                                    Nice location with huge windows to watch the world go by. Sadly a bit of building work outside, but nothing the restaurant could control. Service was mostly good. Unfortunately my fillet steak was rather over cooked and I was given an end piece which was falling apart (stringy and tough), rather than 1 decent piece of meat. If I’m going to pay £25 for 6oz of meat it needs to be a good cut, and cooked to order (medium rare not medium well). Replaced without question, but when the new steak had been cooked my mum had finished her main course. Not ideal, no offer of a coffee etc to compensate. Not likely to return.

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                                                                  FAQs

                                                                  The River Grille is rated 4.6 stars by 193 OpenTable diners.

                                                                  Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

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                                                                  Make a reservation

                                                                  Booked 1 time today
                                                                  Experiences are available.
                                                                  Google Map for The River Grille

                                                                  Prince Street, Narrow Key, Bristol, BS1 4QF

                                                                  Additional information

                                                                  • Neighbourhood
                                                                    Bristol
                                                                  • Hours of Operation
                                                                    Mon–Fri 6:30 am–10:00 am Daily 5:30 pm–9:30 pm Daily 12:30 pm–4:30 pm Sat, Sun 7:30 am–11:00 am
                                                                  • Price
                                                                    £26 to £40
                                                                  • Cuisines
                                                                    Contemporary European, British, Afternoon Tea
                                                                  • Dining style
                                                                    Casual Elegant
                                                                  • Dress code
                                                                    Smart Casual
                                                                  • Parking details
                                                                    The cost of the NCP car park next door to The River Grille is discounted to 50% for our diners, or £5, depending on which is cheaper.
                                                                  • Public transit
                                                                  • Payment Options
                                                                    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                  • Executive Chef
                                                                    Pawel Mikolajczewski
                                                                  • Entertainment
                                                                    The River Grille boasts a traditional, modern to classical pianist every Friday night, Saturday we have a Jazz trio or duo and again on Sunday Lunchtimes we have a talented and lively modern pianist.
                                                                  • Additional
                                                                    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, High Tea, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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