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Best restaurants in Bath

Famed for its Roman spas and beautiful Georgian architecture, the UNESCO world heritage site of Bath attracts thousands of visitors each year to its picture-perfect streets. While many people plump for a traditionally British afternoon tea while in town, there’s no better way to celebrate the end of a successful day of sightseeing than enjoying a meal at one of the best restaurants in Bath. Hand-picked by our team of professional critics, our selection of Bath’s best restaurants below has something for everyone.

Updated on 15 April 2024

With plenty of great places to eat on practically every corner of this charming city, it can be tricky to narrow things down. Naturally, we’re of the opinion that there is nothing sadder than a disappointing meal, which is why our list of the top places to eat in Bath won’t let you down. From high-flying fine dining to cosy vegan spots, there are plenty of delicious restaurants in Bath that cater for every budget, occasion and diet.

Despite its regal Royal Crescent and beautiful sandy buildings, Bath is still a student city and caters in large part to a young, cash-strapped demographic. For that reason, you’ll find plenty of cute cafes, relaxed lunch spots and casual places to go for dinner in Bath that don’t break the bank. In fact, many of the best restaurants in Bath town centre are relatively affordable. That said, the city also has plenty of choice when it comes to those splash-out celebration means, including one excellent Michelin-starred spot. 

Venture outside of the city and you'll find lots of charming village pubs in the surrounding Somerset countryside, lots of which serve up excellent pub grub and elevated modern British food at reasonable prices. Plus, you're never far away from nearby Bristol, which has its own thriving restaurant scene to explore - check out our guide to the best restaurants in Bristol for more on that. 

Planning a celebration in Bath? Whether it’s a big birthday or hen do, lots of our favourite restaurants in Bath can accommodate large groups and offer impressive set menus at a reasonable price point. Ready to start your search? Check out our pick of Bath’s best restaurants right now, then click through to the full listing page to discover opening hours, reviews, photos and more.

The Bath Townhouse Coppa Club

The Bath Townhouse Coppa Club

18-19 Old Bond Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 1BP

Housed behind a classic Georgian facade, Coppa Club brings its all-day menus, beautiful interiors and friendly service to Bath city centre. Drop by during the day for a quick bite in its ground floor cafe, or head upstairs to its Art Deco lounge for a cocktail at the bar.

£30 - £49
Modern European
British
The Pig Bath

The Pig Bath

Hunstrete House, Pensford, Radstock, Bath, Somerset, BS39 4NS

The Pig hotels are quirky and creative, with the restaurants following suit. While this is a little way outside the city, it makes a lovely place to retreat to following a busy day of sight-seeing.

£30 - £49
British
Oak

Oak

2 North Parade Passage, Bath, Somerset, BA1 1NX

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 ingredients served simply at a fair price point.

Under £30
British
Scallop Shell

Scallop Shell

22 Monmouth Place, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2AY

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. This is perfect for family dining.

£30 - £49
Mediterranean
British
Fish
Sotto Sotto

Sotto Sotto

10 North Parade, Bath, Somerset, BA2 4AL

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.

Under £30
Bars
Italian
The Beckford Canteen

The Beckford Canteen

11-12 Bartlett Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2QZ

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.

£50 - £79
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Clayton

Clayton's Kitchen

15a George Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2EN

With a chef patron who comes from a Michelin background, this elegant Bath restaurant offers diners smart, seasonal combinations. Make time for pre-dinner cocktails before tucking into dishes like crab with asparagus and lemon mayonnaise.

£50 - £79
Modern European
French
Beckford Bottle Shop Bath

Beckford Bottle Shop Bath

5-8 Saville Row, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2QP

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.

£30 - £49
British
International
Wine Bars
Menu Gordon Jones

Menu Gordon Jones

2 Wellsway, Bath, Somerset, BA2 3AQ

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.

Over £80
Modern European
Noya

Noya's Kitchen

7 St James's Parade, Bath, Somerset, BA1 1UL

Vibrant and fresh, the plates at Noya’s Kitchen are handmade to order. Here aromatic flavours are king, with pho, curries and small plates to choose from, while Friday nights bring a 5-course supper club menu.

£30 - £49
Vietnamese
The Marlborough Tavern

The Marlborough Tavern

35 Marlborough Buildings, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2LY

For a cosy pub lunch, this is the perfect venue. You’ll find named suppliers on the menu, with plates of hearty ingredient focused fare like chargrilled pigeon or Cornish mackerel with salsa verde on offer.

£30 - £49
British
Gastropub
The Elder

The Elder

2-8 South Parade, Bath, Somerset, BA2 4AB

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.

Over £80
Modern European
British
Henry’s Restaurant

Henry’s Restaurant

4 Saville Row, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2QP

Henry’s serves plates of modern European fare in stripped back surrounds for a meal that is in equal parts laid back and luxurious. A dedicated vegetarian menu allows enjoyable dining for all in mixed groups.

£50 - £79
Modern European
Restaurant Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park

Restaurant Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8AZ

This is another slightly outside of Bath, but if you’re ready for a change of scene this opulent dining room makes a wonderful space to relax in, to enjoy all the trappings of fine-dining cookery.

Over £80
British
One Michelin star
The Bath Priory Restaurant

The Bath Priory Restaurant

Weston Road, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2XT

Just a mile from the city centre, this restaurant is worth the walk (and dare we say working up an appetite is no bad thing). Plates are pretty as a picture, while interiors are classic.

Over £80
British
Afternoon tea
Dough Pizza Bath

Dough Pizza Bath

14-16 The Corridor, Bath, Somerset, BA1 5AP

There are some situations where only a pizza will do, and the best place for that in Bath is at Dough. These handmade, artisan pizzas are topped with premium ingredients like Neapolitan yellow tomato sauce.

Under £30
Pizza
Italian
Upstairs at Landrace

Upstairs at Landrace

61 Walcot Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 5BN

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.

£50 - £79
Modern European
Mediterranean
Vegetarian
Cheese
British
Italian
French
Fish
Wine Bars
Bistro
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Pump Room

The Pump Room

Searcys at the Roman Baths and Pump Room, Bath, Somerset, BA1 1LZ

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.

£30 - £49
British
Afternoon tea
Same Same But Different

Same Same But Different

7a Princes Buildings, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2ED

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 great for gluten-free and vegan eaters, too!

Under £30
British
Chez Dominique

Chez Dominique

15 Argyle Street, Bath, Somerset, BA2 4BQ

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? The set lunch menu is a steal, as well.

£30 - £49
Modern European
French
Olive Tree Bath

Olive Tree Bath

Queensberry Hotel, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2QF

Holding Bath’s only Michelin star, this is the most luxurious dining experience in the city. Imaginative and exciting cooking comes by way of a five- or seven-course tasting menu, and wine pairings are also available.

Over £80
Modern European
Vegetarian
Vegan
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100

Hungry for more? Delve a little deeper into this city's fantastic dining scene and discover the best brunches in Bath to kick start your morning, including a wealth of interesting independent joints. Prefer your pancakes with a side of Prosecco? We’ve also compiled a list of the best bottomless brunches in Bath for those who prefer to make this mid-morning ritual boozy (we’re not here to judge).

For many, Bath provides the perfect backdrop for a special occasion, and what better way to celebrate than with tea and cake? Check out the best afternoon teas in Bath where you and a loved one can indulge in this sweet British tradition.

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