Known for its stunning Roman architecture and Georgian crescents, Bath is full of world-class dining spots; but how can you find the very best restaurants in Bath? The eateries that combine big flavours with a great ambience and innovative touches?
Whether you’re a local seeking inspiration or planning to visit Bath soon, this list of 23 restaurants in Bath will help you plan the perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner. So, let's get started.
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- Find the Best Restaurants in Bath
- 23 Best Places to Eat in Bath
Find the Best Restaurants in Bath
Nestled in hilly Somerset, this city is a real foodie destination, with hundreds of restaurants in Bath catering to every appetite. From sophisticated European-inspired restaurants to pubs serving up pies and pints and global cuisines representing the best flavours from around the world, there are limitless culinary possibilities in the elegant Georgian streets of this city.
Food tours in Bath are a great way to get to know the heart of the city, from the well-known establishments in the city centre to the hidden gems in every neighbourhood. Giving you a local’s eye view, Bath food tours will reveal insights into the best eating spots as well as the city's fascinating past.
23 Best Places to Eat in Bath
1. Sotto Sotto
One of the finest Italian restaurants in Bath, Sotto Sotto has a unique basem*nt setting that makes it ideal for a date night dinner.
The Vibe
Step into the vaulted cellars of Sotto Sotto and you’ll enter a magical subterranean world. The atmosphere is romantic, with soft candle lighting, but the appointments and cutlery are thoroughly modern and stylish.
What to Order
Those in the know about restaurants in Bath rave about Sotto Sotto’s cooked-to-perfection swordfish served with a zesty sauce of olive oil, garlic and oregano. You can't go wrong with the penne alla vodka either, which is served with salt-cured pork belly, fresh tomatoes and cream.
Sotto Sotto | 10 N. Parade, Bath, BA2 4AL | ££
2. Clayton’s Kitchen
Regularly named one of the best restaurants in Bath, Clayton’s Kitchen is a laid-back fine dining establishment that specialises in seasonal British fare whilst drawing on modern Mediterranean and French cuisine.
The Vibe
The interiors at Clayton’s Kitchen have an upscale country farmhouse vibe, creating a luxurious setting that’s also comfortable, inviting and perfect for celebrating a special occasion at one of the finer restaurants in Bath.
What to Order
The white onion soup drizzled with truffle oil is a must-order dish, and you’ve got to leave room for dessert, either salted caramel chocolate mousse or the indulgent sticky toffee pudding.
Clayton’s Kitchen | 15A George St., Bath, BA1 2EN | ££
3. Raphael
A family-owned and run eatery,Raphealhas been one of the top restaurants in Bath for nearly 40 years. It draws inspiration from classic French haute cuisine but adds a few contemporary touches too.
The Vibe
Found just metres from Bath’s Theatre Royal, Raphael is the ideal restaurant in Bath for a pre-theatre dinner. The vibe is warm and friendly, with dark wood flooring, soft lighting and low background music all making sure that your attention can stay fixed on the food.
What to Order
As with many restaurants in Bath, the menu at Raphael changes to reflect variations in available ingredients, but regular favourites include the deliciously tender pig cheek starter and the pan-fried beef fillet served with pommes Anna, leek and onion.
Rapheal | Gascoyne House, Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RN | ££
4. Olive Tree
The only Michelin-starred restaurant in Bath, The Olive Tree has a quirky and fun personality. For example, stated rules politely request that guests don’t shout into mobile phones or bring space hoppers into the bar.
The Vibe
The interiors at The Olive Tree are sophisticated and contemporary, with an emphasis on natural materials, soft pastel colours and comfortable seating. The distinctive layout means that there are lots of tucked-away spaces, perfect if you’re looking for a restaurant in Bath for your next date night.
What to Order
The Olive Tree offers various tasting menus, which change frequently depending on what’s fresh. Sample dishes include starters of veal sweetbread served with celeriac and mains of Isle of Skye langoustine, locally farmed duck and Ryeland lamb served with morel and truffle.
Olive Tree | The Queensberry Hotel, 4-7 Russell St., Bath, BA1 2QF | ££££
Gourmet Cooking Classes Near You Take your culinary skills to new levels with guidance from five-star chefs. Book Now5. Turtle Bay
Transport your taste buds to a Caribbean island getaway with a trip to Turtle Bay, one of the finest Caribbean restaurants in Bath.
The Vibe
Turtle Bay has a chilled-out feel that’s great for a relaxed lunch or dinner with friends, especially if you get there at happy hour.
What to Order
The curry goat hash is a very popular choice for those looking for big flavours and a hint of spice, with other standout dishes including the sweetcorn fritters and jerk salmon.
Turtle Bay | 11 Bridge St., Bath, BA2 4AS | ££
6. The Elder
Consistently voted as one of the top restaurants in Bath, The Elder places a huge emphasis on sustainability and is one of the few UK restaurants to manage its own wild deer herds.
The Vibe
The Elder is divided into several elegant dining rooms which retain plenty of Bath’s Georgian charm. The interiors are upscale but informal, with friendly and knowledgeable staff.
What to Order
Local meat and vegetables are treated simply at The Elder to create sumptuous dishes such as Forest of Dean wild boar pâté en croûte and, perfect for sharing, the slow-roasted duck pie which feed two.
The Elder | 2-8 S. Parade, Bath, BA2 4AB | ££££
7. Noya’s Kitchen
A labour of love by Head Chef Noya, the eponymous Noya’s Kitchen is one of several Vietnamese restaurants in Bath.
The Vibe
In common with lots of restaurants in Bath, Noya’s Kitchen is housed in a Grade II listed building but it’s been sympathetically modernised with light wood tables, retro chairs and Asian artwork.
What to Order
Noya’s is a must-visit restaurant in Bath if you’re looking for Vietnamese and other Asian dishes. Kick things off with a spring roll starter and move on to An’s Vietnamese chicken curry or a steaming dish of classic beef pho.
Noya’s Kitchen | 7 St James's Parade, Bath, BA1 1UL | ££
8. Olè Tapas
If you’re searching for a slice of Spanish sunshine then Olè Tapas is the restaurant in Bath for you, serving a smorgasbord of Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
The Vibe
Olé Tapas has simple interiors that’ll make you feel as though you’re eating in Madrid or Seville. There are plain wooden tables, wicker chairs and authentic stoneware tapas dishes and jugs, adding to the holiday feel.
What to Order
This is one of the greatest restaurants in Bath for meals with family and friends as the tapas menu inspires sharing. Get some jamón Ibérico, patatas fritas and berenjenas (aubergine tempura topped with honey), and let everyone dig in.
Olè Tapas | 1st Floor, 1 John St., Bath, BA1 2JL | ££
Book a Gourmet Cooking Class Now Kick-start your culinary confidence with help from a world-class chef. See what's cooking in your city today. Book Now9. Oak Restaurant
Another mainstay of the city’s dining scene, Oak is one of the best-established vegetarian restaurants in Bath.
The Vibe
Oak has a minimal, light and airy interior characterised by natural furnishings. Scrubbed wooden tables, bunches of dried flowers and pastel stoneware crockery match the simple but flavour-packed food.
What to Order
The entire menu at this Bath restaurant is vegetarian and changes often. Sample dishes you might find include pumpkin pâté with lentils and hazelnuts, and ravioli with spinach and homemade ricotta.
Oak Restaurant | 2 N. Parade, Bath, BA1 1NX | £££
10. Opa
A vibrant and lively Greek meze eatery,Opa is perfect restaurant in Bath for celebratory dinners. The plates here fly out of the kitchen while the atmosphere buzzes.
The Vibe
In common with many restaurants in Bath, Opa is located in a vaulted cellar that’s light and airy and has been decorated with lots of blue and white to remind you of Grecian holidays in the sun.
What to Order
Opa’s signature dishes are moussaka — layers of aubergine and rich meat sauce topped with cheese — and souvlaki grilled meat with pita. There are lots of vegetarian choices, too.
Opa Meze | Basem*nt, 14 N. Parade, Avon, Bath, BA2 4AJ | ££
11. The Oven
When only pizza will do, head to The Oven, one of the top pizza restaurants in Bath, where using your hands is not just allowed, it’s recommended.
The Vibe
Fantastic for lunch with friends, this restaurant in Bath provides a light and open space with two levels of casual table seating. There’s outdoor seating in the summer, too.
What to Order
You’ve got to try the innovative signature pizza topped with cotto ham, nduja, creamed walnuts, fig jam and basil. Regular diners love the tiramisu, too.
The Oven | 3 & 4 Seven Dials, Saw Close, Bath, BA1 1EN | £
12. Pintxo de Bath
Even in a city as full of restaurants as Bath, Pintxo de Bath manages to hold its own as a customer favourite.
The Vibe
This small but perfectly formed tapas bar is one of the top restaurants in Bath for meeting up with friends. The interiors are simple but stylish, with high stool-style seating and themed artwork.
What to Order
Split several dishes between your group for the true tapas experience. Pork belly and patatas bravas are popular savoury options, rounded off by churros with chocolate sauce.
Pintxo de Bath | 31 Barton St., Bath, BA1 1HG | ££
Gourmet Cooking Classes Near You Take your culinary skills to new levels with guidance from five-star chefs. Book Now13. The Herd Steak Restaurant
At The Herd Steak Restaurant you'll find a family-run restaurant in Bath that places sustainability front and centre. Meat and ingredients are locally sourced and simply prepared to create highly shareable dishes.
The Vibe
Enter via Argyle Street and follow your waiter downstairs and along corridors to reach the painted stone dining room where the décor is simple, cosy and friendly.
What to Order
If you’re with pals, the Hero steak-sharing platter is definitely the way to go. It features fillet, rib-eye and sirloin as well as twice-cooked chips and thick-cut onion rings.
The Herd Steak Restaurant | 12A Argyle St., Bathwick, Bath, BA2 4BQ | ££
14. The Raven
No round-up of restaurants in Bath would be complete without The Raven. This isn’t a fine dining eatery but a traditional English pub that serves generously sized pies and real ales.
The Vibe
Look out for a raven in a greatcoat and top hat and you’ll know you’ve come to the right place. Inside, The Raven has a warm and comfortable feel, with regular live music and lots of seating.
What to Order
What else could it be but a classic pie? Fillings include steak and ale and venison, and there are vegetarian options to choose from, too.
The Raven | 7 Queen St., Bath, BA1 1HE | £
15. Yak Yeti Yak
A family-run, Nepalese speciality restaurant in Bath,Yak Yeti Yakserves delicious dishes inspired by the cooks’ homeland.
The Vibe
Yak Yeti Yak is divided into three dining areas, including a dedicated floor cushion area, and is full of interesting Nepalese artwork and objects.
What to Order
If you’re new to Nepalese food then pork bhutuwa (curried pork with ginger, garlic and fresh tomatoes) is a great introduction, as is the Pharsi ra Kalo Channa Ve, which consists of butternut squash stir-fried with turmeric.
Yak Yeti Yak | 12 Pierrepont St., Bath, BA1 1LA | ££
16. The Bathwick Boatman Riverside Restaurant
When the sun’s shining and you want to take advantage of those rays, head to The Bathwick Boatman Riverside Restaurant, one of several riverside restaurants in Bath.
The Vibe
The Bathwick Boatman is a wooden boathouse with smart interiors and fantastic riverside views, making it one of the most scenic restaurants in Bath.
What to Order
The menu focuses on classic European cooking. A roast with lots of beef is perfect for a relaxed Sunday lunch, or opt for the three bean and paprika stew for something lighter.
The Bathwick Boatman Riverside Restuarant | Forester Road, Bath, BA2 6QE | ££
Book a Gourmet Cooking Class Now Kick-start your culinary confidence with help from a world-class chef. See what's cooking in your city today. Book Now17. Sally Lunn’s
No list of the top places to eat in Bath would be complete without Sally Lunn’s. This city institution is one of the oldest restaurants in Bath and is home to the iconic Sally Lunn bun, a brioche-style bread roll.
The Vibe
Once you’re past the queue of tourists you’ll be welcomed into a restaurant spread across three floors in a historic townhouse, complete with narrow corridors and winding staircases for a real feel of Regency era Bath.
What to Order
It has to be a Sally Lunn bun, which is available with sweet and savoury toppings for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The salt beef Sally Lunn makes for an excellent lunch or you can keep it classic with strawberry jam or lemon curd.
Sally Lunn’s | 4 N. Parade Passage, Bath, BA1 1NX | £
18. The Pump Room
If you’ve ever fantasised about being in a Jane Austen novel then this is the place for you. Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, The Pump Room is one of the best places to eat in Bath to experience the city’s Regency history.
The Vibe
You’ll feel as though Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett have just stepped out of the room in the grand Regency-era surroundings, complete with music from a classical pianist.
What to Order
If you’re looking for breakfast in Bath then the Pump Room brunch includes poached eggs with Hollandaise. Or, go for a quintessential afternoon tea for something sweet.
The Pump Room | Searcys at the Pump Room, Stall St., Bath, BA1 1LZ | ££
19. Burgers and Barrels
A compact and friendly neighbourhood burger joint, Burgers and Barrels is one of the top choices of restaurants in Bath for a quick pitstop with friends.
The Vibe
Inside, Burgers and Barrels has a very warm and inviting feel. The walls are filled with pieces of Americana and the sound system sends out feel-good hits from the mid 20th century.
What to Order
Regulars suggest going for the 12 Monkeys burger, which comes with two patties, mature cheddar and a spiced bourbon sauce. Alternatively, the Django comes covered with chilli beef.
Burgers and Barrels | 2 Victoria Buildings, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3EH | £
20. The Gaff
As one of the many fine dining restaurants in Bath, The Gaff is a popular spot with a big character. Aiming to be a home-from-home, it offers a sharing plate menu of elite modern cooking.
The Vibe
Found on Bath’s main shopping street, The Gaff has an upmarket but welcoming vibe that makes it one of the best-rated restaurants in Bath.
What to Order
The tasting menu changes regularly but example choices are pork loin with apple and potato boulangeré and crispy and spicy bang bang cauliflower.
The Gaff | 29 Milsom St., Bath, BA1 1BZ | £££
Gourmet Cooking Classes Near You Take your culinary skills to new levels with guidance from five-star chefs. Book Now21. Chez Dominique
Earning a spot as one of the finest restaurants in Bath isn’t easy, but Chez Dominique has done just that with its blend of traditional European cuisine and modern innovation.
The Vibe
Chez Dominique is a special occasion spot with stunning views over Bath’s iconic Pulteney Bridge.
What to Order
Favourites from the à la carte dinner menu include the monkfish with mussels and curried velouté, and roast cod with squid ink risotto.
Chez Dominique | 15 Argyle St., Bathwick, Bath, BA2 4BQ | ££
22. The Green Rocket
One of, if not the best, restaurant in Bath for vegan dining, The Green Rocket has won multiple awards and even has its own cookbook.
The Vibe
The Green Rocket is an informal spot that’s perfect for brunch, lunch and afternoon cake. It’s only open for dinner on selected days so make sure to check before you head out.
What to Order
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly breakfast in Bath then you can’t miss the Monster veggie, which comes with bubble and squeak, scrambled tofu, mushrooms and homemade baked beans.
The Green Rocket | 1 Pierrepont St., Bath, BA1 1LB | £
23. Cloisters Restaurant
Found on the outskirts of the city at The Bailbrook House Hotel, Cloisters is one of the best fine dining restaurants in Bath.
The Vibe
The ambience at Cloisters is chic, sophisticated and contemporary. Think white linen tablecloths, polished silverware and garden views, all of which create a special setting for date nights and celebrations.
What to Order
Head Chef Michael creates vibrant flavour combinations using local ingredients. Venison is a popular dish, as is the Dingley Dell pork and dulce de leche mousse.
Cloisters Restaurant | Eveleigh Ave., London Road W., Bath, BA1 7JD | £££
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Whether you’re looking for a quick bite with friends or a leisurely dining experience showcasing the finest modern cooking, Bath is a fabulous culinary centre just waiting to be explored. Each of those on our list of restaurants in Bath has something unique to offer but you can guarantee that you’re in for a delicious time wherever you go.
For even more ways to explore your favourite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
