I’m on a mission to find the best vegetarian roast dinner in Bristol, and I’m taking you along with me.
The Sundial is a 100% vegetarian and vegan kitchen tucked near Victoria Park. Inside, it’s basically how I want my house to look: pops of colour, walls covered in art, and wonderful music playing in the background.
But let’s get onto the important stuff, the roast! Usually, Sunday menus offer two or three meats and a token nut roast, but not here. The Sundial offered three veggie options to choose from. I went for the butternut squash and mushroom Wellington, while Mike had the nut roast. The third option was stuffed celeriac.
Both dishes were brilliant — far from the boring veggie roasts we’ve all had before. My Wellington was next-level: packed with flavour, with beautifully flaky pastry clearly made fresh in-house.
The roast came with all the trimmings, and I mean all! No added charge for the side of cauliflower cheese. I had crispy roast potatoes, cumin-spiced carrots, swede mash, and savoy cabbage, plus my absolute favourites: a cauliflower and broccoli cheese gratin and a Yorkshire pudding. Every bite was full of flavour and care.
Since starting this roast quest, everyone has told me to try Cord Kitchen, who run the roasts at all Bristol Beer Factory sites including The Barley Mow, which I’ve heard praised again and again. So, does it live up to the hype? Absolutely.
All the Bristol Beer Factory sites have a relaxed, casual vibe, though I’d still recommend booking for Sunday roasts. The menu is seasonal yet generous, usually offering four meat options and two veggie (one vegan) so there’s something for everyone!
You can choose between a chick’n-style seitan roast or a leek, pearl barley and mature cheddar strudel. I went for the strudel. I’d never had a savoury one before and was intrigued. It was indulgent, especially alongside a helping of cauliflower cheese, but hey, you can never have too much cheese. 🧀
It’s rare to find a roast where every element is cooked perfectly, but Cord Kitchen nailed it. The roast potatoes were crispy, the root vegetables were packed with flavour, the greens were fresh, and the Yorkshire puddings were spot on. It tasted like the best homemade roast not something churned out by the hundreds which says a lot about the care that goes into each plate. Book a table at any of the Bristol Beer Factory Sites here.
For a more refined, harbourside roast experience, Riverstation is a standout destination. Located in a beautiful waterside setting, it offers a relaxed yet elevated dining experience perfect for a slower Sunday lunch.
On our visit, it was clear from the outset how much attention to detail goes into the food. Drinks were accompanied by thoughtfully prepared amuse-bouches, and the starters showcased a confident, classic approach done exceptionally well. A prawn cocktail in particular stood out as a reminder that simple dishes can still feel special when executed properly.
The vegetarian roast option is seasonal, and during our visit, it was a beetroot tarte tatin with walnut purée (£23). All roasts are served with crispy roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, a double-egg Yorkshire pudding and gravy, with cauliflower cheese available as an extra.
While the beetroot tart itself may not suit all tastes (it’s definitely one for beetroot lovers), the quality of the overall plate was excellent. The roast potatoes were perfectly crisp, the Yorkshire pudding tasted freshly made, and the cauliflower cheese was a highlight.
Although the gravy could have been more generous, the overall experience felt polished and considered. Riverstation is a great option if you’re looking for a more elevated vegetarian roast in Bristol, with a focus on quality ingredients and a beautiful setting. Book a table here.
Harbour House sits right on Bristol’s picturesque harbourside (as the name suggests), with gorgeous interiors and stunning waterfront views. I had high expectations as they’ve earned praise from the likes of Jay Rayner, after all — but how do their veggie roasts measure up? Pretty well, actually.
For the meat-free options, you can choose between a mushroom Wellington or a cauliflower steak (the vegan option). Naturally, I went for the Wellington. All roasts are served with roast potatoes, seasonal greens, carrots, pumpkin purée, red cabbage, a Yorkshire pudding, rich gravy, and cauliflower cheese. Yes, you read that right it comes with cauliflower cheese. For me, any roast that includes cauliflower cheese automatically scores extra points!
Overall, the veg really stood out we are talking perfectly sweet carrots, a silky pumpkin purée, and beautifully spiced red cabbage that felt very seasonal. The roasties could have been a touch crispier, and while the mushroom Wellington wasn’t my favourite (a little on the dry side), it was still full of flavour and well-seasoned. But the real star of the show? That cauliflower cheese was hands down, one of the best I’ve had, and possibly the best on this entire list.
Harbour House delivers a really strong roast in one of Bristol’s most iconic locations. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed Sunday with friends or a big group gathering. Book a table at Harbour House here.
Finding a walk-in roast in Bristol’s city centre is near impossible, but The Royal Navy on King Street is one to remember for spontaneous Sundays. This cosy, historic pub offers a range of meat roasts (Mike went for the garlic and harissa chicken) as well as a vegetarian option.
The week we visited, the veggie choice was a sweet potato and mushroom Wellington always a winner for me. I’ll take pastry over a nut roast any day! Each roast comes with roast potatoes, seasonal greens, celeriac purée, roasted roots, gravy, and Yorkshire puddings so big they arrive on their own plate. We did add a side of cauliflower cheese, which was worth it, though I wish it had been included.
The portions were spot on, we cleared our plates and left satisfied but not uncomfortably stuffed. Every element tasted fresh and flavourful. My only complaint? Not enough gravy — it barely covered the Yorkshires! Book here, or try your luck as it’s one of the only places that do walk-ins.
Located (you guessed it) in Old Market, this venue is one of my Bristol favourites. What used to be a bank is now a vibrant bar, restaurant, and performance space home to Assembly Nights and The Wardrobe Theatre.
Their Sunday roasts are beloved across the city, with a seasonal menu that reflects their commitment to sustainability and local produce. You can expect vegan, vegetarian, and meat options, all made with care and creativity.
On my visit, I went for the butternut Wellington (the other veggie option was a nut roast). Each roast comes with roasted vegetables, crispy potatoes, a giant Yorkshire pudding, and lashings of rich gravy. It wasn’t perfect the red cabbage and carrots were a little underdone, and the potatoes were good but not quite the crisp-fluffy dream. But honestly, it didn’t matter. The Wellington was delicious, and the seasonal leeks and celeriac purée tied everything together beautifully.
If, like me, cauliflower cheese is your love language, make sure to order it as a side. I recommend booking as many people attempted to get a table via walk-ins when we were there to no success, book here.
Who’s Roast Dinner Should I Try Next?
So, Bristol, where should I go next?
If you’ve got a favourite veggie roast spot I need to try, drop it in the comments or message me on Instagram. I’m always on the lookout for the next Sunday star.
Until then, happy roast hunting!