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 10 December 2020

With places to eat on every corner of this charming city, it can be tricky to narrow things down. As we’re very much of the opinion that there is truly nothing sadder than a disappointing meal, we wanted to take the guess work out of things, with our succinct round up of the top restaurants in Bath. For high flying fine dining there is The Olive Tree (which holds Bath’s only much-coveted Michelin star), while elsewhere there are plenty of delicious spots that won’t break the bank but provide a cosy spot to enjoy a bite to eat with friends or family. If you’re lucky, you’ll be in town for a few days – or call this pretty place home - so you don’t have to limit yourself to just one choice.

As you may know, Bath has become synonymous with hen parties in recent years, so if you’re looking for somewhere nice to host a group for the evening, lots of our favourite restaurants in bath put on great set menus for larger tables, so make sure to ask if you’re planning a party and there’s one that takes your fancy.

Each of the summaries below click through to a full review where you can read in more depth about your favourites before booking a table.

Beckford Bottle Shop Bath

Beckford Bottle Shop Bath

5-8 Saville Row, Bath, 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.

British
International
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.

£30 - £49
Modern European
SquareMeal UK Top 100
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
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
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
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.

Pizza
Italian
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
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.

British
Olive Tree Bath

Olive Tree Bath

Queensberry Hotel, 4-7 Russell Street, 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.

£50 - £79
Modern European
One Michelin star
The Circus Café and Restaurant

The Circus Café and Restaurant

34 Brock Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2LN

Recognised by Michelin, this sweet local spot is a favourite of visitors and residents alike. During the day the space offers bargain lunches and afternoon tea, while in the evening it has a bistro vibe.

£30 - £49
Modern European
British
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
The Ivy Bath Brasserie

The Ivy Bath Brasserie

39 Milsom Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 1DS

The Ivy Brasseries are synonymous with glitz and glamour, and the Bath outpost is no different. Crowd-pleasing international favourites are served in a high-ceilinged traditional dining room filled with botanical prints and plush velvet furnishings.

£30 - £49
British
Brasserie
French
Restaurant Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park

Restaurant Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park

Lucknam Park, Colerne, 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
SquareMeal UK Top 100
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
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

Feeling fancy? Why not try one of Bath's best afternoon teas


More restaurant recommendations

Join SquareMeal Rewards

Collect points, worth at least £1, every time you book online and dine at a participating restaurant.

Start Collecting Points

Already a member? Sign in