Located on Bristol's iconic harbourside, Riverstation is the perfect place to enjoy lunch or dinner all year round. With it's stunning terrace, balcony and unrivalled views of the river, it can only be described as one of the best alfresco dining restaurants Bristol has to offer.
The seasonally changing restaurant menu offers fresh and inspiring dishes, whilst the bar downstairs creates exceptional brunches alongside a great selection of English classics and small plates to share.With a fine selection of local beers and ciders, wines from around the globe and an expertly crafted cocktail list, Riverstation has everything to offer.
The seasonally changing restaurant menu offers fresh and inspiring dishes, whilst the bar downstairs creates exceptional brunches alongside a great selection of English classics and small plates to share.With a fine selection of local beers and ciders, wines from around the globe and an expertly crafted cocktail list, Riverstation has everything to offer.
Services
With its unrivalled harbourside location and large alfresco terrace, the Pontoon is a friendly and relaxed space for any time of the day or night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and infamous weekend brunches can all be found. Our famous Riverstation savoury tart, delicious sharing boards and great British classics are available on the seasonally changing menu.
The restaurant has stunning views across the harbour and is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday, and for lunch on Sunday. Menus in the restaurant are created from the best local and seasonal ingredients by our Head Chef Anthony Smith. Everything is made in-house, from the sourdough bread to the ice cream.
If you are looking for a meeting room or to celebrate with friends, we can offer the perfect dining experience. For informal get-togethers you can book any one of our spaces in the Pontoon bar for drinks, with a selection canapes or our seasonal sharing boards. If you have something more formal in mind, then our private dining room can be entirely yours and lends itself perfectly to a corporate lunch meeting or a birthday party.
Saturdays at riverstation is the place to be! Brunch kicks off here on the harbour at 10am and is served alongside the best river views in our Pontoon bar until 4pm. Our first floor restaurant boasts commanding views from the balcony and offers a wonderful set lunch menu as well as an a la carte menu from noon.
Reviews (30)
Joanne Ramsey
Jan 21, 2022
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Well, after waiting to meet with friends to enjoy a much needed get together, sadly the service and food did not reach the usual standards of the Riverstation. Really slow service, limited menu choices (we were not a party of 12 so expected to order from a standard evening menu but that's not what we appeared to be offered to us), the soup needed more seasoning, the gnocchi dish was awful, it was more like a game of hunt the roasted courgette piece under the tangle of rocket (cheddar does not replace parmesan well, what restaurant doesn't have parmesan??!), the chilli in the sauce under the Hake
Karen Davies
Dec 27, 2021
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Our first ever experience of dining at Riverstation was Christmas Day Lunch. We were a party of 7 and we all had a lovely time. The food and drinks were excellent and it had a beautiful atmosphere with lovely… views of the harbour side. Also the members of staff were efficient and friendly. Thank you! We will definitely be coming back! A*
Amy C.
Dec 13, 2021
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Booked Riverstation for a Christmas meal for a group of fellow volunteers. Extremely impressed by Riverstation's adaptability to our requests, great communication, easy-to-use pre-order system, and their consideration of covid concerns - thank you especially to Marija for supporting this. Little things such as placecards reminding our guests of their food orders made a huge difference. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent - thank you especially to Gary for his service on the evening. Our guests had a lovely evening, and it was made all the more special by being able to proceed
Bloomsbury Foodie
Nov 17, 2021
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Kaye White
Nov 09, 2021
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We reserved a table online not knowing that there was the Pontoon Bar and a restaurant. we arrived and were seated in The Pontoon Bar where I discovered that the menu I fancied was for the restaurant. No drama… for anyone else as they probably would have ordered from the alternative menu. I suffer from food anxiety, the menu arrived and I really couldn't eat anything from the Pontoon Bar menu. My husband approached the maitre d and explained my issues and he immediately understood and went upstairs to see if they could accommodate us. Huge thumbs up, space upstairs, great service and fantastic
Tony Pitt
Nov 06, 2021
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Gareth Knight
Oct 26, 2021
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Ekaterina Henderson
Sep 20, 2021
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Not sure whether there was a change in the management recently which has affected the level of service but yesterday’s visit has left us extremely disappointed. Having booked a table for six for brunch to… celebrate completing Great Bristol half, one of our friends order was forgotten and she had to wait 10min for her food to be brought to the table whilst our food was getting cold as we waited, another friend ordered muscles and 7 of them were closed.
Having brought it to the waiter’s attention, they have refused to do anything about it nor took some of the money off the bill
Having brought it to the waiter’s attention, they have refused to do anything about it nor took some of the money off the bill
C. Bliss
Aug 29, 2021
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Symon Curnow
Aug 16, 2021
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Heather
Aug 12, 2021
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F. Wilson
Aug 10, 2021
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David Ware
Aug 10, 2021
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Jack Pothecary
Jul 29, 2021
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Hannah Sturman
May 17, 2021
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We held our wedding reception at Riverstation on the weekend. The team were great - especially Cilla who went the extra mile on the day to give us a relaxed and fun afternoon. And Davey who helped us plan the day.
The food was super tasty (with great gluten free options), the table looked fab and the views were great.
We couldn’t have asked for more and we are so glad we picked the riverstation.
Relaxed dining at its best.
Would recommend.
The food was super tasty (with great gluten free options), the table looked fab and the views were great.
We couldn’t have asked for more and we are so glad we picked the riverstation.
Relaxed dining at its best.
Would recommend.
Laurie K.
Mar 30, 2018
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The food is good. Very good. But the music was so loud that it gave us a headache and it was v difficult to hear anyone . Music like that is fine at the bar but not at the restaurant. Also, the toilets stink and have smelt bad for years. We have enjoyed this food for years but just feel v disappointed by how today's dinner was.
Abdullah B.
Aug 03, 2015
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Had the falafel for starters, was a big portion most definitely enough for two however it was a little bland and underwhelming. The Luscombe's Sicilian lemonade however was perfectly refreshing. The sea bream as the main course was solid, accompanied by courgettes and sautéed potatoes on a bed of romesco puree which gave the necessary kick to the dish. Didn't try dessert but some decent options seemed available. Service was pleasant and unobtrusive and was given a table of my choice. The bill came to £16.20 for me, so not too shabby all in all.
Chrissy E.
Dec 03, 2014
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Since moving to Bristol I had wanted to try Riverstation. So when my parents visited I thought it was the opportune moment. The whole experience, service wise, was excellent. They were really accommodating when I asked for a nice table for the occasion, and we got a great one with river views. They honoured this even when I moved the booking forward by half an hour. The staff there were really attentive and helpful. My starter was divine, I had the quail, really well cooked and flavoursome, but it did make me glad I moved the table forward. Starters did take a little time to arrive, then
Lauren B.
Nov 08, 2014
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I am a big fan of the Riverstation and have been 4 or 5 times in the last few years. It is great for family roast on a Sunday or a romantic dinner (if you get a window seat!).
The menu always has some great choices and the desserts stand out. I had a morello cherry chocolate torte a couple of years ago and it was legendary! The food is rich and delicious, not the cheapest but worth it for an occasion.
The reason I haven't given 5 stars is because the last time I went they rushed our mains out after a speedy starter and we were all finished (4 of us) in an hour and a half. This was a shame
The menu always has some great choices and the desserts stand out. I had a morello cherry chocolate torte a couple of years ago and it was legendary! The food is rich and delicious, not the cheapest but worth it for an occasion.
The reason I haven't given 5 stars is because the last time I went they rushed our mains out after a speedy starter and we were all finished (4 of us) in an hour and a half. This was a shame
Lucy G.
Aug 22, 2014
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I went here for Tea and cake with some girlfriends and it was lovely.
We sat next to a HUGE window over looking the river, delish food and coffee's which went down a treat.
Price wise its reasonable with the decor being clean and modern.
Havent yet been for dinner here but its somewhere i'd love to go....i'll be returning :)
We sat next to a HUGE window over looking the river, delish food and coffee's which went down a treat.
Price wise its reasonable with the decor being clean and modern.
Havent yet been for dinner here but its somewhere i'd love to go....i'll be returning :)
Kathleen R.
Mar 16, 2014
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Such a lovely experience.
Due to the lovely early March weather I sat upstairs on the terrace overcoming the harbor. A delicious choice of breads were offered. I had the three course fixed price lunch (£16.95). Salad with crispy bacon, local sausage on lentils and passion fruit cheese cake. All well-presented and delicious.
Would love to return!
Due to the lovely early March weather I sat upstairs on the terrace overcoming the harbor. A delicious choice of breads were offered. I had the three course fixed price lunch (£16.95). Salad with crispy bacon, local sausage on lentils and passion fruit cheese cake. All well-presented and delicious.
Would love to return!
Hootie J.
Jan 13, 2012
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Pete C.
Mar 16, 2011
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Awesome.
Ate upstairs, couldn't fault the service.
Less informal eating situated downstairs.
Starter: Had the wild rabbit ravioli (£8), my partner the baked crotin goats cheese (£7.50)
Mains: pan fried halibut (£19), my partner the risotto with pumpkin (£14.50)
Had a couple of glasses of the house red.
So full we could only share the artisan cheeses between us (£6.50)
Great food and great locale.
Perfect.
Ate upstairs, couldn't fault the service.
Less informal eating situated downstairs.
Starter: Had the wild rabbit ravioli (£8), my partner the baked crotin goats cheese (£7.50)
Mains: pan fried halibut (£19), my partner the risotto with pumpkin (£14.50)
Had a couple of glasses of the house red.
So full we could only share the artisan cheeses between us (£6.50)
Great food and great locale.
Perfect.
Qype User OldHob
Jun 21, 2010
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Our review is about a single diner on a business trip.
Dinner 2 course offer at £14.75 and £3.75 for an additional course.
The meal :
Rosemary bread (gratis) from the basket.
Chicken Terrine
Hake
Tiramisu
Glass of Sauv Blanc at £3.50.
Friendly, efficient service and, despite arriving at busy time, given a decent spot with lovely river view.
Lots of Uni students/parents at this clearly popular venue.
You can also enjoy excellent a la carte food, but a wonderful, highly recommended place for the business visitor or those who want to entertain.
Outside dining terrace, too.
Dinner 2 course offer at £14.75 and £3.75 for an additional course.
The meal :
Rosemary bread (gratis) from the basket.
Chicken Terrine
Hake
Tiramisu
Glass of Sauv Blanc at £3.50.
Friendly, efficient service and, despite arriving at busy time, given a decent spot with lovely river view.
Lots of Uni students/parents at this clearly popular venue.
You can also enjoy excellent a la carte food, but a wonderful, highly recommended place for the business visitor or those who want to entertain.
Outside dining terrace, too.
Qype User Flashr
May 31, 2010
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Briony S.
May 19, 2010
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This place was converted from an old police station hence the 'station' part of the name, which to start with is pretty cool and unusual! Being located on the waterfront is one of the bonuses of Riverstation, especially in the summer when the views across the river are beautiful and very 'holidaylike'. The place is both a restaurant and bar with a relaxing and modern interior, however their indoor seating is nothing special and I would definitely recommend coming down in the summer months when you can enjoy the outdoor seating!
As for the food, on the occasion I visited here
As for the food, on the occasion I visited here
Rebecca B.
May 12, 2010
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The elegant Riverstation has a clean, contemporary design that takes full advantage of its waterside location. Huge, glass windows light up the space and offer great views out over the water, and it feels like you're on a boat.
It's a fairly sophisticated restaurant that's perfect for celebrating a special occasion, but with more space than some of its rivals such as the Glass Boat it's a little less formal, and more suited to groups.
The modern European menu is made up of beautifully presented dishes using quality ingredients, including some lovely fish dishes such as the
It's a fairly sophisticated restaurant that's perfect for celebrating a special occasion, but with more space than some of its rivals such as the Glass Boat it's a little less formal, and more suited to groups.
The modern European menu is made up of beautifully presented dishes using quality ingredients, including some lovely fish dishes such as the
Kathryn C.
Apr 29, 2010
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I'm a big fan of the Riverstation. The food here really is simply beautiful, in both its presentation and quality. Food is fresh and locally sourced where possible.
Its a little bit expensive, but it does lunchtime and 2 and 3 course meal set-menu's so you can come here without worrying about the bill at the end. Its bright and airy but yet has a far more welcoming and cosy ambience than its neighbour The Severnshed.
If you are looking for a special meal by the river, definitely worth booking a table for yourself here.
Its a little bit expensive, but it does lunchtime and 2 and 3 course meal set-menu's so you can come here without worrying about the bill at the end. Its bright and airy but yet has a far more welcoming and cosy ambience than its neighbour The Severnshed.
If you are looking for a special meal by the river, definitely worth booking a table for yourself here.
Mark M.
Dec 09, 2009
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The Riverstation restaurant is perfect for a special occasion meal, particularly one during the summer months as it's location overlooking the harbour side can be quite idyllic when the sun is out.
The food on offer is quite varied and is more in keeping with a traditional British restaurant than a specific world cuisine. This is by no means a negative point, as what they do is take your typical English dishes and use the best locally sourced, seasonal produce available and deliver consistently high standards with a touch of sophistication.
The outside decks can be very popular during
The food on offer is quite varied and is more in keeping with a traditional British restaurant than a specific world cuisine. This is by no means a negative point, as what they do is take your typical English dishes and use the best locally sourced, seasonal produce available and deliver consistently high standards with a touch of sophistication.
The outside decks can be very popular during
David J.
Jul 22, 2009
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I ate here recently with a group of 9 colleagues, and had a very good meal.
The restaurant has a nice harbourside location, close to the equally well-known Severn Shed and to the impressive set-piece architecture of Queen's Square, 5 minutes' walk from the main harbourside area and 10 minutes from Temple Meads station.
We chose from the set evening menu in the upstairs restaurant, at £18 for 2 courses and £21.50 for three. They will swop vegetarian items for the meat or fish set items on request. The menu is modern European, and features items such as ham hock and roast rabbit
The restaurant has a nice harbourside location, close to the equally well-known Severn Shed and to the impressive set-piece architecture of Queen's Square, 5 minutes' walk from the main harbourside area and 10 minutes from Temple Meads station.
We chose from the set evening menu in the upstairs restaurant, at £18 for 2 courses and £21.50 for three. They will swop vegetarian items for the meat or fish set items on request. The menu is modern European, and features items such as ham hock and roast rabbit
