The best restaurants in Bath (2024)

The golden-hued Georgian city is one of the most elegant in the country, with neoclassical Palladian architectureaboundthat draws in tourists year-round. However,it'sthecity'saesthetics thatare also its downfall when it comes toBath'sfood scene, which has long (and rather unfairly) been overshadowed bythetourist hotspots.

The foodie hotspots intheSomerset city can easily rival some of the best restaurants in the country. Andit'sno wonderBath'sbest restaurants are so good, as some of thecountry'smore praised producers are just down the road in Somerset and Wiltshire.It'sthisaccessibility to these bountiful ingredientsthat make way forBath'sindependent restaurants to showcase the best of their local produce.

Bath'swalkable city centre is home to many of these restaurantswhichhave taken up space inside Georgian townhouses, old greenhouses and in some of thecity'stophotels,plusthere'sa handful of restaurants beyond the city centre cooking up dishes that are well worth making a short journey to as well.

Oak

Best for:vegetarian food
Dish to order:Middleground carrots with pine nuts and harissa

Beyond its painted gold lettering on the glass frontage,there'slittle fanfare to thisrestaurant'sexterior. What looks like a tiny, unassuming restaurant opensoutto another larger room with more tables downstairs. Pale yellow panelling, bohemian-patterned cushions, and seventies Formica table tops in blue, red or white topped with posies of dried flowersdon'tsound like they should go together, butit'sa not-so-subtle lesson in how to make clashing interiors work.

The menu is entirely vegetarianwithsimple sharing dishes that encapsulate theflavours of the season. Examples might include smoked pine nut arancini and wild garlicaioli,ornettle and ricotta agnolotti with asparagus, wild garlic and Old Winchester.It'sbeen awardeda Green Michelin star for its sustainable efforts and creativity, using produce from itsowneco garden just outside the city and its list of natural wines. Emma Henderson

Address: Oak, 2 North Parade Passage, Bath BA1 1NX
Website:oakrestaurant.co.uk

Landrace Upstairs

Best for:homemade pasta
Dish to order:Cantabrianboqueroneswith olive oil and gremolata

Sitting on one ofBath'scoolestroads in the artisan quarter, ascend an oldcast iron metal spiral staircaseto find the bistrorestaurantabove the much-loved Landrace Bakery.Owned by Andrew Lowkes and Jules and Rob Sachdev, its name points to their working ethos in following regenerative farming methods – Landrace means"genetically diverse".Thebakery'smill iskeyto everything the team does, and they pride themselves on usingspecialtygrains to create the basis of dishes, from the wonderfully springy sourdough bread to the homemade pasta. Thebistro'slarge chalkboard shows theday'smenu – dishes like lemonoil soakedbutterflied anchovies will quickly transport you to Europe.Don'tmiss the cheddar curd fritters (piled high with copious amounts of shaved cheese). Cider fans will love the locally-sourced selection of ciders on the drinks list. Before leaving, make a beeline for the little pantry shop downstairs, full of goodies from Spanish olives to quality chocolate. Emma Henderson

Address: Landrace Upstairs, 61 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BN
Website:landrace.co.uk

Beckford Canteen

Best for:elevated dinner with friends
Best dish to order:lamb rump with salsa verde and wild garlic

Ifyou'realready familiar with the eminent Beckford Group, responsible for the Beckford Arms (Tisbury) and the Talbot Inn (Mells),you'llfeel right at home here.This restaurant opened in 2022 inside a former Georgian greenhouse.Itsheritage isgiven a nodvia therestaurant'sgreen-hued interiors, from the pea-green booth-style seating and olive green mid-centurychairsto the moss green water glasses and wall tiles, the wall adorned with its emerald and forest green signature plates, and the handful of luscious plants hanging from the ceiling. Of course, the garden is much the same with pastel green metal garden furniture.

Head chef Joe Lacy is a Bath local who has worked atClaridge’sand around the world from Melbourne and the south of France, finally returning home to make the most of the local larder. The concise menu features dishes such as wild mushroom with celeriac and black garlic and asparagus, ricotta, hazelnut. If you visit atlunch time, try to nab a seat in the glass front for primepeople watching. Emma Henderson

Address: Beckford Canteen, 11-12 Bartlett St, Bath BA1 2QZ
Website:beckfordcanteen.com

Montagu's Mews

Best for:high-end dining
Dish to order:roasted halibut with lardo, celeriac and cep veloute

Montagu's Mews resides inside one of thecity'sbest addresses: The Royal Crescent Hotel.It'snamed after the former townhouse owner, Elizabeth Montagu, a writer and advocate forwomen'seducation.It opened in 2023 after a substantialrenovation,and is full of glamour with blush pink velvet sofa seats and pastel pink patterned walls. When the weather allows, dine on the terrace under parasols overlooking thehotel'smanicured gardens. Head Chef Martin Blake, who grew up in the southwest and has spent most of his working life here, is all about fine dining – his creations are classically intricate and designed down to the last detail. Buttherestaurant'scontemporary edge separates it from the stiffness that white tablecloth dining can often bring.Menus include a la carte and a seven-course tasting menu following the seasons. Dishes might include chicory marmalade with confit grape, poached pear,andcandied walnuts or Whaddon Grove Farm lamb with salt-baked beetroot and black garlic. Emma Henderson

Address: Montagu's Mews, 16 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LS
Website:royalcrescent.co.uk

Walcot House

Best for:long lazy lunches
Dish to order:Cornish sole with capers and lemon

Luscious green hanging plants with long leafy tendrils trailing along the walls, light flooding in from the expansive glass ceiling, sandy-coloured leather booth seating, and teal Chesterfield sofas – this place is like a Parisianbistroset inside a rustic greenhouse. Thehugedining space makes it the perfect spot for lazy long lunches, and weekends fill up quicklybecause of it. The menu has something for everyone, split into a standard starter and main format, but they are generously sized dishes socouldbe shared.Order the Cornish sole with capers and lemonwitha side of ratte potatoeswithCafe de Paris butter sauce.The team heads down to Brixham fish market in Devon once a week to get their hands on the bestof thecatch. Emma Henderson

Address: 90B Walcot St, Bath BA1 5BG
Website:walcothousebath.com

Iford Manor

Best for:relaxed lunch in the sun
Dish to order:Tomthefarmer'slamb

Book a table on this deliciously sun-soaked terrace for the perfect lunchtime meal. Much of the food is grown on the estate – the beef and charcuterie meatsare curedonsite, while veg and greens come from the walled gardens. Dishes are plated with pomp and flourish, often decadent and generously sized, so go hungry. A dish titled"Tom thefarmer'slamb"reveals little byname,but is made up of slow-cooked pulled lamb in a little shortcrust pastry casing, with sweetheart cabbage and topped with potato rostis and rosemary lamb sausage. Elsewhere, expect dishes like the towering Iford burger with chunky slices of bacon from theestate,or chalk stream trout and lobster parfait toast.There'saspecialfocus on Bertha grillingandaside from usual service,there'ssupper clubs and monthly pizza nights, too.Walk off lunch around its Grade 1-listed Roman-inspired palatial terraces. It is best visited in spring, as the estate is home to one of thebiggestwisteria displays in the country, which covers the main house and much of the garden. Emma Henderson

Address: Iford Manor, nr. Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 2BA
Website:ifordmanor.co.uk

Elder

Best for:game meat
Dish to order:wild woodpigeon tart with streaky bacon

Five years in the making, Elder was ready to open in 2020and,though it was one of the most challenging times to get going, it managed to flourish.It'sanother hotel restaurant (part of Hotel Indigo Bath) that distinctlydoesn'tfeel like a hotel restaurant, with sage-green panelling, caramel-coloured leather seats, mahogany wooden tables and antlers on the wall.Ifyou'rewondering why it looks so familiar, it might be becauseyou'vebeen toLondon'sMichelin-starred pubTheHarwood Arms in orThe Woodsman in Stratford-Upon-Avonand The Forge in Chester – all run by chef and restaurateur Mike Robinson.He is known for his love of game meat, and the menu reflects that. Expect dishes like a slow-roasted duck pie for two to share or Forest of Dean wild boar pâté en croûte. Emma Henderson

Address: The Elder, 2-8 South Parade, Bath BA2 4AB
Website:theelder.co.uk

Walled Garden Restaurant

Best for:views over an English Garden
Dish to order:day boat fish with charred lemon

With floor to ceiling glass on almost all walls,there'slittle more relaxing than overlooking the pretty English country garden of Lucknam Park Hotel while dining. Open to non-guests, the light drenched space sits behind the grand Georgian main house. Inside the restaurant, tranquillity rules with neutral tones, towering green foliage and pale green mid-century dining chairs.Taking charge of the new restaurant, which opened in April 2024, is head chef Alex Greenwho'smenu of nduja and rocket pizzas, spring vegetable macaroni, grilled pork chop, day boat fish or wood-roasted cauliflower is enough to keep you there for hours.There are nods of decadence, like the toasted soldiers topped with Cornish craband chickenliver parfait with brioche,as well asfunfavouritesscotch egg with brown sauce or the rarebit. Emma Henderson

Address: Lucknam Park, Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8AZ
Website:lucknampark.co.uk

Beckford Bottle Shop

Best for:small plates and wine
Dish to order:Bath chaps

With one of the most extensive wine lists in the city, Beckford Bottle Shop is the little sister of Beckford Canteen, just a hop, skip anda jumpdown the road. Though primarily a wine shop with tables, chairs and sofas to enjoy a glass or two (or the bottleyou'vejust bought)there'salso a small restaurant area.Small plates arethe order of the day here, where chef James Harris excels at artfully bringing together exciting flavour pairings.Amust orderis the Bath chaps,pig cheek croquettes served with a Bramley apple sauce – an indulgent delight.The courgettefrittiwith aioli is another menu stalwart, while other seasonal dishes might include Fowey mussels with cauliflower leaves and velouté. Emma Henderson

Address:Beckford Bottle Shop, 5-8 Saville Row, Bath BA1 2QP
Website:beckfordbottleshop.com

Robun

Best for:Japanese food cooked on the robata
Dish to order:wagyu beef tataki

Finding decent Japanese food outsideofbig cities can behard, especially in the southwest, which is why Robun is so revered.It specialises in Yakiniku cooking – the art of grilling meat, seafood and vegetables over a traditional robata charcoal fire – and the name Robun is an ode to19th centuryJapaneseauthor,Kanagaki Robun, whois largely creditedwith introducing barbecue cooking to Japan.Fill the tables withdishes likeKorean pork bao buns, vegetable gyozas, super fresh sashimi platters and sushi rolls, kimchi fried rice and miso black cod. Wagyu beef is a must – try the lightly seared wagyu beef tataki with yuzudressing,or the wagyu skirt steak smoked over charcoal. Emma Henderson

Address: Robun, 4 Princes Buildings, George St, Bath BA1 2ED
Website:robun.co.uk

Olive Tree

Bestfor:michelin-star dining
Dish to order:Isle of Skye langoustines with asparagus and jalapeno

Bath'sonlyMichelin starredrestaurant needs little introduction–it has held onto the accolade since 2018. Aside from its food triumphs, its history is deeply rooted within sport. The restaurant sits below the Queensbury Hotel, a building where the 9th Marquess of Queensberry owner gave longevity to the family name after creating the"Queensberry rules"used in modern-day boxing in the UK and US.

Head chef Chris Cleghorn,alumniof Michael Caines and Heston Blumenthal, has been at the helm for nearly a decade.He shows off his flair for technical dishes that look like little works of art. Of course,it'shighly seasonal fare, but the team knows to appeal to a wide net.There are three, four, six or nine-course menus– which rangefrom £60 to £170 per person– alongwith pescatarian, dairy free and vegetarian.Diners might feast on innovative creations like fermented carrot ravioli with lovage and lime or indulgent dishessuch asthe intensely zingy Isle of Skye langoustines with asparagus, jalapeno and lime. Emma Henderson

Address: Olive Tree, Queensberry Hotel, 4-7 Russell St, Bath BA1 2QF
Website: ​​olivetreebath.co.uk

Midford Castle

Best for:rustic Asian-inspired dining
Dish to order: Sunday roast

Just outside of Bath, CastleMidford'slowkey sign isaneasyoneto miss.Once found, though,it'sa place to keep coming back to. Since 2018, the menu has been basedaroundthe availability of producenearby.It'sopen over the weekends only, where Asian-inspired Saturday brunch might include Kerala fried chicken or breakfast dhal with fried eggs and paratha. Friday nightsare dedicatedto their famous south Indian and Malaysian currynightswhere dishes might include Malabar fish curry, made with Cornish monkfish with tamarind and fenugreek, while Saturday nights host themed supper clubs.Finishing off the week, Sunday roasts are a speciality. Platters piled high with trimmings are laidouton long tables for diners to help themselves – think honey-roasted parsnips, cheesy leeks with hazelnuts and Castle Farm greens. Emma Henderson

Address: Castle Farm, Midford Rd, Bath BA2 7PU
Website:castlefarmmidford.co.uk

The Scallop Shell

Best for: guilt-free fish and chips
Dish to order: the sharing shellfish plate

Forget greasy fish and chips. Yes, there’s cod, chips and mushy peas here, but they’re all served up on blue-and-white-striped Cornishware pottery and sit alongside a simple line up of fresh grilled and fried seafood on the menu, including Dorset crab and mussels from Devon’s Elberry Bay. Chips are peeled and cut daily from British spuds onsite, and the catch of the day can be found in the Victorian cast iron bath, piled high with ice. Madeleine Silver

Address: The Scallop Shell, 22 Monmouth Place, Bath BA1 2AY
Website: thescallopshell.co.uk

Clayton's Kitchen

Best for: a crowd-pleasing lunch
Dish to order: Godminster Cheddar bonbons with spiced-apple purée

Located on busy George Street, Clayton’s Kitchen is the kind of place where you can order a sandwich (ewes’ curd and heritage tomato; Cheddar with apple chutney) or settle in for three courses of chef Robert Clayton’s creations. Having earned a Michelin star while at Hunstrete House Hotel (now The Pig near Bath) and another when he headed up the kitchen at the Bath Priory, he sets high standards but the setting here is still relaxed, with exposed brick walls and wooden chairs. Scallops come with Jerusalem artichoke purée, roasted hazelnuts and pancetta, and the mushroom risotto is topped with crispy parsnips and truffle oil. Madeleine Silver

Address: Clayton's Kitchen, 15A George St, Bath BA1 2EN
Website: claytonskitchen.com

Noya's Kitchen

Best for: a lunch to remember
Dish to order: bun cha noodles with roast pork belly and pork patties

Having left Vietnam in a boat at the age of seven, Noya Pawlyn’s first cooking memories are of making rice for her four siblings in a Hong Kong refugee camp. Her Vietnamese café comes after four years of running pop-ups in the city, and the lunchtime menu keeps it simple with a choice of three starters and two mains, with no printed menus; expect Vietnamese salads, fresh summer rolls and chicken pho. For a five-course blowout, served as a single sitting to all diners, grab a place on one of Noya’s coveted supper clubs where a roasted pork belly steamed bun is a highlight. Madeleine Silver

Address: Noya’s Kitchen, 7 St James’s Parade, Bath BA1 1UL
Website: noyaskitchen.co.uk

Corkage

Best for: wine buffs
Dish to order: Devon crab with celeriac remoulade

If wine is the priority, make a beeline to pint-sized Corkage on the city’s artisan-lined Walcot Street. Almost 70 wines are available by the glass, and you can match a few of them with a choice of around 16 seasonal small plates, which are written as one or two-word descriptions and then expanded on verbally by staff. For a more refined feel, head to Corkage on Chapel Row which opened in August last year and is a little more spacious. Madeleine Silver

Address: Corkage, 132 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BG and 5 Chapel Row, Bath BA1 1HN
Website: corkagebath.com

The Bath Priory

Best for: old-school charm
Dish to order: beef tartare, nasturtium and caviar

Set in a honey-coloured Georgian house a brisk 20-minute walk from the city centre with four acres of gardens, The Bath Priory has no shame in sticking with its white table cloths, while others banish them out of sight. But there is nothing stuffy about the menu in this smart hotel restaurant – the dishes are all photo-worthy and if you can’t choose between the à la carte menu (confit of sea trout; squab pigeon breast), you can opt for the seven-course tasting menu which makes all the decisions for you. Madeleine Silver

Address: The Bath Priory, Weston Road, Bath BA1 2XT
Website: thebathpriory.co.uk