The Bear

You'll find The Bear tucked away by the riverside near Swans Nest, which means you're close enough to the theatres but far enough from the tourist crush of Bridge Street. It's the kind of place where locals actually drink—comfortable, unpretentious, with good food that doesn't try too hard. The menu leans bistro (the venue's part of Bistro Pierre), so expect decent steaks, fish, and classic British fare done properly, paired with a solid wine list that won't empty your wallet. The riverside location is genuinely lovely, especially on warmer evenings when you can grab a table outside and watch the Avon drift past.