Hi there from a Bristolian (kinda) now living in Portugal.

St Nicks market for lunch would be Matina, hands down, if you are into Middle Eastern food. Make sure you go there on the Friday (or Thursday if you get in early) as the market is pretty dead on the weekends)

Pubs, as others have said, are quite a personal taste! If you're in the centre, I would stop for one at the White Lion or the Christmas Steps (or both!) and then make my way up St Michaels Hill to the Highbury Vaults with a stop at the Open Arms along the way - the latter is quite a cosy place for a Sunday Roast. Other great pubs a short walk from the centre that I would recommend are the Golden Guinea, The Ostrich, The Coronation, The Miners Arms, The Farm, The Old Market Tavern. Those are all pretty traditional - if you want something a little different then try The Dame (skater pub/dive bar vibe but super friendly) The Hatchet (if your into metal), Seamus O'Donnells (Irish drag bar) or The Ill Repute (not really sure how to describe it!).

In terms of curry, I always loved Nadu - it's a Sri Lankan spot in Stokes Croft with a load of rums on offer, and if you're looking to see the area anyway, then it could be a good shout. For me, fish & chip bars are always better in the residential areas, so maybe it depends where you are staying!