Best Restaurants In Bath

Bath is a beautiful city. Its elegance and rich heritage has earned it the badge of a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the only city in the UK to hold the title. But you already knew this, right? Which is probably why you’re here. You want to top the day off with a gorgeous meal.

The best restaurants in Bath really are very good. In fact, Bath’s food scene is brilliant in general. You’ve got everything from fancy tasting menus where they treat each plate like a work of art, to noodle bars that don’t cost much and are filled with goodness.

And the best of all, most of the really good places are independents, not chains.

A couple of places even have fancy awards – The Olive Tree has a Michelin star, and The Elder has a Bib Gourmand (basically Michelin saying “this is great food that won’t completely empty your bank account”).

I love visiting this gorgeous city. I’ve explored it from top to bottom, and discovered all the best places to dine. Take a look and see – and taste – for yourself.

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Special Occasions & Fine Dining

Menu Gordon Jones

This place is absolutely brilliant. I was treated to it for my birthday and it was hands down the best meal I’ve had in Bath. Gordon (yes, he’s actually there cooking) doesn’t tell you what you’re eating until after you’ve had it, which sounds a bit pretentious but is actually quite fun.

The food is mind-blowing – one dish looked like a garden with edible soil and all sorts. I still think about the scallop dish with this incredible curry sauce. Just don’t ask what’s in anything if you’re fussy – trust the process.

Book this one months in advance though – I’m not exaggerating. I wanted to go back and tried to get a Saturday night reservation and ended up waiting nearly 3 months. Worth every penny and every day of waiting.

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The Elder

Went here with my husband for our anniversary and we did the tasting menu. We were there from 7 until nearly 11pm! The service is unhurried but attentive – you don’t feel rushed even though they’re bringing course after course.

The venison was incredible – perfectly pink and came with this juniper sauce that I would happily bathe in. They’ve got a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which basically means incredible food that ‘s priced reasonably.

And the sommelier actually gave us wine recommendations that didn’t make us feel like complete idiots. Always a plus.

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The Olive Tree

This is where I like to go for a guaranteed good evening of dining. It’s got a Michelin star but doesn’t have that awkward stuffiness you sometimes get.

I had the vegan tasting menu once (trying to be healthy) and was blown away – not a mushroom risotto in sight! Instead, there was this incredible smoked celeriac dish that I still dream about. The non-vegan options are just as spectacular – my partner had a duck dish that was perfectly cooked.

The desserts here are little works of art – all delicate and pretty but actually taste of something, unlike some places where it’s all style and no substance.

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For Normal Days When You’re Just Hungry

The Scallop Shell

I reckon this is the best ‘fish and chips’ in Bath by a country mile. The batter is so light and crispy, and the fish inside stays perfectly moist. They have these little metal pans of beef dripping on the tables for your chips which feels naughty but oh-so-right.

Went there last month and had the scallops to start – they were massive and perfectly cooked with just the right amount of caramelisation. The seafood platter is worth the splurge if there’s a few of you – my mum and I shared one and couldn’t finish it all. They don’t just do fish and chips, either – other dishes and sides were exquisite.

It gets rammed at weekends so book ahead or be prepared to queue. Even with a booking you might have to wait a bit, but they’ll let you have a drink at the bar.

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The Oven

The best bit about pizzas here is definitely the base – it’s got that perfect chewy-crispy thing going on that’s so hard to get right. I’m a bit of a pizza snob (spent a summer in Naples years ago) and this is the real deal.

Took my niece and nephew here recentlyand even they loved it – they usually only eat pizza from you-know-where with the golden arches. The staff were lovely with them too, bringing them dough to play with while we waited.

Their wild mushroom pizza with truffle oil is usually my go-to, but the simple margherita is probably the best test of a good pizzeria, and theirs is spot on. And they don’t skimp on the wine measures, which is always a plus in my book!

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Yak Yeti Yak

I stumbled across this place years ago and it’s become my favourite for when I’m bored of the usual restaurant fare. The momos (Nepalese dumplings) are to die for – I could happily eat a plateful as a main.

The owner’s often around and will help you navigate the menu if you’re not familiar with Nepalese food. Last time I was there, he recommended this potato dish that wasn’t even on the menu and it was absolutely delicious.

It’s very affordable too – I took my whole family there when they visited and the bill was less than what we’d have paid at a chain Italian. The atmosphere is really chilled – you can sit on cushions on the floor if you want the full experience (though there are normal tables too if your knees aren’t up to it!).

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Secret Places That Not Many Know About (But Should)

Noya’s Kitchen

Went to Noya’s supper club last month and it was insanely good. The 5-course meal was around £60 which seemed steep until the food started arriving. Each dish was better than the last.

The atmosphere is so different from a regular restaurant – it’s all communal tables and Noya comes out to explain each dish. Had this prawn dish with the most intense flavours I’ve ever tasted. By the end of the night, we were all chatting across tables like old friends.

But you have to be organised – I tried to book on a whim and had to wait weeks. Set a reminder in your phone or something because it’s worth planning ahead for.

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Pintxo

This is so, so good – especially with friends. Or even a date night. In fact, any excuse to go. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is spot on. It’s dimly lit with candles everywhere, and they have this amazing Spanish wine list with loads available by the glass.

I always get the patatas bravas (basic, I know, but they do them perfectly) and the gambas al ajillo, which come sizzling in this little terracotta dish with the most amazing garlicky oil for dipping bread in.

It’s the kind of place where you start with “just a couple of plates” and end up ordering half the menu because everything sounds so good. The bill can add up though – those small plates aren’t always as cheap as they seem when you order eight of them!

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Why I Love Bath’s Food Scene

What makes eating out in Bath special is how many independent restaurants they have. There are chains, of course, but the best places are the little one-offs run by passionate people and it will always be my go to if given the choice.

The good news is Bath is tiny – you can walk everywhere. Most of these restaurants are within 10-15 minutes’ walk of the Roman Baths, so you can easily fit in sightseeing and good eating.

Budget-wise, expect to pay:

• £10-20 per person for casual spots like Yak Yeti Yak and The Oven
• £25-40 per person for mid-range places like The Scallop Shell
• £80-120 per person for the fancy spots with wine

To get the best of Bath’s food choice, try to mix it up – maybe one fancy meal and then some casual spots. And don’t just stick to Italian and French – the Nepalese, Vietnamese and Spanish places show how diverse Bath actually is when it comes to dining.

Whatever you choose, make sure you book ahead, come hungry, and prepare to fall in love with Bath’s food as much as its gorgeous buildings.