Best restaurants in Bath

Restaurateur Mike Robinson - owner of the superb Harwood Arms in London - also runs this beautiful gastropub just across the river from the rugby ground. Naturally, it's often packed with Bath Rugby shirts on matchdays, but there's nowhere better if you're looking for seasonal British cooking in Bath.

Run by Noya Pawlyn, this bright, friendly spot offers handmade Vietnamese dishes full of fresh herbs and bold flavours. Here, aromatic flavours are king, with fragrant pho, soulful curries and small plates to choose from. Friday nights bring a 5-course supper club menu, while other evenings focus on the classics.

An independent restaurant with a penchant for incredible modern European dining, The Circus Restaurant comes with a laid-back atmosphere, a sunny terrace, and some truly esceptional old-world wines from lesser known vinyeyards. Casual, focused on locality, and full of Georgian charm, it's great for all occasions.

There’s not much that can go wrong when your offering is expertly sourced bottles of wine accompanied by small sharing plates. Think crisp courgette fritti and aioli, steak tartare or an indulgent mixed charcuterie board. Cosy yet polished, it’s ideal for grazing over wine with friends or dates.

An early adopter of the ‘blind’ tasting menu, chef Gordon Jones has always been keen to excite guests through his cooking. Expect edgy plates, like a ‘cappuccino’ of wild mushroom mousse with smoked milk foam. With just a few tables and no menu, it’s one of Bath’s most memorable dining experiences.

Located in Milsom Place, Bandook offers a vibrant take on Indian street food in a stylish, 1940s Mumbai-inspired setting. Part of the family behind fine-dining Indian restaurant The Mint Room, Bandook blends bold flavours with casual flair. Think pani puri, Grandma’s chicken curry and cocktails served in a lively atmosphere.

An intimate six-seat restaurant, Wilks offers a unique ‘private chef’ dining experience with seasonal four and six-course tasting menus centred around great fish and seafood plates. Chef James Wilkins puts the focus firmly on fine produce, delivering exceptional French-inspired cuisine flecked with international influences in a personal setting.

Taking up residence in a former Georgian greenhouse, Beckford Canteen embodies a clean and natural environment with plus green leather chairs and window countertops, perfect for people watching as you dine. Ideal for any occasion, whether you're there for a quick lunch catchup or a longer dinner.

A stone’s throw from the Royal Crescent, The Chequers is a long-standing gastropub praised for its elevated British fare. Dishes like duck pie, pork belly, or seasonal Sunday roasts are hearty and skilfully made, and the setting is warm and welcoming. Top tip: keep an eye on the specials board.

What started as a supper club in London has morphed into a permanent restaurant in Bath. Despite the change of location, the premise remains the same - quality vegetarian and vegan dishes served simply at a fair price point, all within a rustic minimalist space in the heart of the city centre.

This modern French and European restaurant is a neighbourhood gem well worth its salt, serving up warm and homely interiors, classic, well-executed dishes and a reasonably-priced wine list. What's not to love? It's a dependable choice for lovers of traditional European cooking, and the set lunch menu is a real steal.

This country house hotel just outside the city serves garden-to-table food in cosy, rustic surrounds. With produce sourced from its own grounds and local farms, the menu changes daily. It’s a countryside retreat ideal for long lunches or laid-back dinners with charm and character in abundance.

With a chef patron who comes from a Michelin background, this elegant Bath restaurant offers diners smart, seasonal combinations. Expect thoughtful combinations like crab, asparagus and lemon mayo, alongside a smart drinks list. The setting is relaxed but refined, making it a reliable spot for both casual lunches and special occasions.

You can't beat a cosy independent cafe where the vibes are friendly and the food home-cooked. This firm favourite with locals serves up hearty breakfasts, origin coffee and mega toasted sandwiches. It's perfect for relaxed daytime dining or weekend catch-ups with friends, and is great for gluten-free and vegan eaters, too!

As the name suggests, Upstairs at Landrace sits above Landrace bakery. Presenting a laid-back morning space for cakes and pastries, as well as a daily blackboard menu throughout the rest of the day. The dishes here are rustic and created around seasonal, British ingredients with a strong focus on provenance.

Proudly British and steeped in Nostalgia, The Scallop Shell in Bath serves up incredible seafood platters, fresh oysters and good old fish and chips – complete with homemade tartare sauce. Set over two floors with nautical touches, it’s a cheerful, family-friendly choice for casual dining that doesn’t compromise on quality.

Holding Bath’s only Michelin star, this is the most luxurious dining experience within the city limits. Imaginative and exciting cooking comes by way of set menus and tasting menus. Sitting pretty within the Queensberry Hotel, and armed with warm service and optional wine pairings, it’s a no-brainer for special occasions.

The more casual sibling to Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park, The Walled Garden offers a contemporary dining experience with seasonal menus featuring estate-reared lamb and garden produce. The glass-enclosed brasserie and terrace provide a serene setting ideal for leisurely lunches or elegant dinners.

The Mint Room is an award-winning Indian restaurant complete with modern, refined cuisine and a stylish setting. This isn’t your standard curry house, expect innovative dishes that blend traditional spices and ingredients with more contemporary techniques. With attentive service and a chic atmosphere, it's a top choice for Indian dining with a difference.

Set in a luxury hotel just outside the centre, The Bath Priory delivers fine dining in a classically elegant setting. Expect refined, seasonal British cuisine and picture-perfect plates. With a terrace overlooking lush gardens, it’s especially lovely in warmer months. An ideal choice for celebrating or indulging with a view.

On the hunt for great Italian food in Bath? Sotto Sotto is one of the more quirky entries in this list, being located beneath stone arches in a moody underground location. It's atmospheric as hell, and the food ticks boxes for authenticity and flavour, too - booking ahead is strongly advised.

A trip to Bath isn't complete without a trip to its iconic Pump Rooms, a marvel of Georgian splendour located above the Roman Baths. Overlooked by crystal chandeliers, this grand dining room is open all day for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea, with food by award-winning caterers Searcys.

A short drive from Bath, this Michelin-starred destination offers classic fine dining in a grand country setting. Chef Hywel Jones’s menus showcase technical skill and elegant flavours, with impeccable service and extensive wine pairings. It’s a refined, wonderful space to relax and enjoy all the trappings of fine-dining cookery.

This family-run restaurant is all about authentic cuisine and classic Greek hospitality, bringing a slice of the Mediterranean to the heart of Bath. Expect recipes that have been passed down through generations, alongside meze-style plates that are perfect for sharing, with everything from spanakopita and dolmades to taramosalata and tzatziki. 

Set just a few minutes from the Royal Crescent, for a cosy pub lunch, this is the perfect venue. You’ll find named suppliers on the menu, with hearty ingredient-focused plates like smoked haddock arancini and beurre blanc Cornish sole. With a real fire and outdoor terrace, it’s great year-round.