When I travel I like to try the local food and specialities. Food can be a fun and interesting part of the holiday experience. If you are travelling to the UK for the first time you should try and make room for the famous English breakfast, the traditional Sunday Roast and of course the famous Fish and Chips! There are many other dishes to try and snacks such as the Cornish Pasty and treats such as the famous Cream Tea and Afternoon Tea. Remember: the diet word is forbidden when you are on holiday!
In Bath we are lucky to have many great restaurants offering a wide range of cuisine. These include British, European, Thai, Indian, Italian, Seafood, Steak-houses, Vietnamese, Greek, Spanish, Vegetarian, Vegan and more! Many of the restaurants are small so it is always best to make a dinner reservation in advance - particularly on weekends and holidays. Some restaurants book up months in advance.
I have listed some of the restaurants I like to recommend to guests below. None of these restaurants have paid me or given me an incentive to list them. It is simply based on my own experiences or feedback from my guests. I hope you find this useful. Please feel free to send me your own feedback after dining in Bath.
Fine Dining:
Olive Tree - This is Bath's only Michelin star restaurant offering British dishes that use locally sourced ingredients. It is located at the top of the city centre, near the famous Circus. I have not eaten here but I have received glowing feedback from guests who have. Advance reservations essential. www.olivetreebath.co.uk
Menu Gordon Jones - Not necessarily fine dining but a great option for foodies. It is a tiny restaurant, popular with locals for special occasions (aka it is not cheap!), located outside of the city centre so taxis are recommended unless you fancy walking up a large hill! The Scottish chef offers a surprise tasting menu which can be paired with wine. Features in the Michelin Guide. Advance reservations essential. https://menugordonjones.co.uk/
Seafood:
The Scallop Shell - This is my favourite seafood restaurant in Bath, located on the edge of the city centre. It has previously received a national award for its fish and chips! At the time of writing it is closed on Sunday evenings. www.thescallopshell.co.uk
Steak:
The Herd - my favourites steakhouse in Bath. Small simple restaurant located in the cellars near the famous Pulteney Bridge. www.theherdrestaurant.co.uk
British/European:
Circus - Award-winning cosy restaurant serving modern European food. Located just outside the city centre next to the famous Circus. At the time of writing it is closed on Sundays. www.thecircusrestaurant.co.uk
Corkage - Independent wine restaurant offering small plates and a broad range of wines from around the world, great choice for wine lovers! At the time of writing it is closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. https://www.corkagebath.com
Raphael - Modern British food, close to the main theatre in Bath. At the time of writing it is closed on Sunday evenings. https://www.raphaelrestaurant.co.uk/
The Architect - Regal setting on the ground floor of the former Empire Hotel - a grand hotel that was built at the beginning of the 20th Century. Located close to the Bath Abbey. Classic British dishes with modern twists. https://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/architectbath/
Pub:
Chequers - Gastro-pub which gets rave reviews for its Sunday roasts! Features in the Michelin Guide. Located just outside the city centre, close to the Circus and the Royal Crescent. Reservations recommended. https://chequersbath.net/
The Raven - Traditional pub famous for its ales and pies (note: limited options if you do not want a pie!) Located in the city centre. The pub does not take advance reservations. https://www.theravenofbath.co.uk/
Afternoon Tea:
Pump Room - This is my favourite place to have afternoon tea in Bath! Located in a historic building next to the Roman Baths museum this is where people used to go and drink the hot spring water and was the place to be seen in (Jane Austen refers to it!) Today you can ask to try the water whilst dining there (this is not possible when the water has its routine check). The Pump Room offers timed sittings and they also offer a combined ticket which includes entrance into the Roman Baths museum. Advance reservations are recommended. https://thepumproombath.co.uk/
Italian:
Sotto Sotto - Italian restaurant located in cellars close to the Bath Abbey. Glowing reviews on TripAdvisor and is often booked out so advance reservations are essential. At the time of writing it is closed Sundays and Mondays. www.sottosotto.co.uk
The Oven - possibly the best pizzas in Bath! Located in the city centre, close to the main theatre. http://www.theovenpizzeria.co.uk
Vegetarian/Vegan:
Note: most restaurants in Bath will have options for Vegetarians and Vegans but the below restaurants specialise in this cuisine.
Oak - A small bistro serving vegetarian and vegan dishes. Located close to the Bath Abbey. Features in the Michelin Guide. www.oakrestaurant.co.uk
The Green Rocket - Simple small cafe offering plant-based dishes. Located in the city centre, close to the Bath Abbey. https://thegreenrocket.co.uk/
Indian Temptation - Indian restaurant opposite the Bath Abbey offering vegetarian and vegan (and gluten-free) options. I have received great feedback from guests who dined here. http://www.indiantemptation.com/
Spanish Tapas:
Pintxo - Great little tapas restaurant located close to the main theatre. You are not able to make reservations so just turn up and try your luck. At the time of writing it was closed on Sunday evenings. https://pintxobath.co.uk
Other:
The Hive - Are you wanting to try the famous Sunday Roast on a day that is not a Sunday – then this is a great option as they specialise in roasts! Located just off the famous Pulteney Bridge. Ask for a table overlooking the river. Closed Mondays and Sunday evenings at the time of writing. https://thehive.kitchen/
Walcot House - A bit off the beaten trail but still within walking distance of the city centre. Not on the tourist radar. The restaurant prides itself on their meat (they butcher their own meat). Not cheap, features in the Michelin Guide. Closed Sunday evenings at the time of writing. https://www.walcothousebath.com/menus
If none of the above wet your appetite then you can check reviews on TripAdvisor by clicking here.
Bon appetit!