From Michelin-starred menus to the perfect afternoon tea, Bath has made its name as a foodie destination
The ever-charming Bath is one of the most beautiful places in England, full of cobbled streets, old-school cafés and yes, baths. Obviously. But don’t sleep on it as a certified foodie destination too.
Bath is home to all-veggie spots, rustic Italians and some seriously good afternoon tea, and you’re allowed to spend your time drinking, eating and chilling the weekend away. Oh, and there's a café from ‘Bridgerton’. What could be better? Here are the best restaurants in Bath right now.
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This piece was last updated by Meehika Barua. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
Why go? Fine dining on the 2023 Michelin guide, deeply rooted in the local area.
Nestling in the basement of the Queensberry Hotel, the Olive Tree Restaurant takes the best of west country produce and transforms it into properly posh grub. They do a good line in trendy taster menus (including vegan, veggie and dairy-free options) but with a traditional, British heart. Robust flavours abound (trout, game, beetroot), making it a wintertime winner. High-end.
Why go? Mediterranean cuisine in a countryside hotel
Fancy a mean fresh Cornish lobster inside a dining dome in a manicured lawn after a day of Spa? Olio restaurant inside the beautiful Homewood Hotel and Spa is known for its sustainable vegetable garden – great British favourites all with a Mediterranean influence. The Somerset cheese board is heavenly. The indoor restaurant displays a large selection of twinkling chandeliers and fun artwork collections and sculptures – don’t be surprised to find a giant teddy bear. High end
Why go? Iconic restaurant in the heart of Bath that’s perfect for Austen-inspired daydreaming.
No trip to Bath is worth its salt if it doesn’t include a visit to The Pump Rooms. Crumbly scones, luscious clotted cream and sweet, fruity jams: this is the go-to location for Afternoon Tea. But wait! It also does lunch! And breakfast! Chomp down on hearty English dishes, then wallow contentedly in the nearby Baths. Mid/high-end.
Why go? The cafe serves as the Modiste's Dress Shop in ‘Bridgerton’. Need we say more?
Bridgerton characters frequently come here to get their clothes fitted by Madame Delacroix in the first series, but it’s also just a really cute cafe which serves breakfast and lunch in Abbey Green, a pretty square in the heart of Bath. Obviously this spot has ended up becoming a serious tourist destination (there might be queues) – but it's a bit of a right of passage when you’re in Bath. People from all over the world come to the Abbey Deli for actually great salads, sandwiches and afternoon tea.
Why go? Popular pizzeria offering awesome artisan versions of the cheese-topped staple.
Sometimes only a pizza will do, and The Oven is the Bath restaurant to provide it. This welcoming Neapolitan joint wood-fires its creations, perfecting their superior, springy dough in the process. Never stingy on the toppings and quick to serve, The Oven is ideal for a quick lunch or post-work indulgence. It's also very close to the Theatre Royal Bath and Ustinov Studio. Mid-end.
Why go? This meaty haven is famous for its sustainable hunting practices.
Want to feel like an old hunter-gatherer, tearing meat apart with your bare hands? You’ll love The Elder. Found at the Hotel Indigo Bath, this stylish hunting lodge of a place is decked out with all the trimmings; leather banquettes, wooden tables and floors, and sage green walls adorned with stuffed deer and paintings of wildlife. Try the roast pavé of fallow deer and the Sunday Roast (and don’t worry, there's plenty of fish and veggie options too if you're bringing a non-meatie). High end.
Why go? This Italian restaurant is underground, we tell you. And it’s a favourite with locals.
When in Rome… ok, you’re actually in Bath, but with the historic Roman Baths just around the corner, an evening’s meal in Sotto Sotto makes total sense. It’s traditional Italian accentuated by superior modern updates. Feast like an Emperor on homemade pasta washed down with a glass from their Italian wine menu. Definitely make sure to book in advance. Mid/high-end.
Why go? Classic Indian grub in classy surrounds.
From the outside, The Grand Eastern (formerly The Eastern Eye) looks more like Bath Tourist Information. But venture through the narrow entrance, and you'll be rewarded with irresistible smells, authentic Indian carvings and beautiful Georgian architecture. A lovely setting to spend a leisurely dinner. Mid-end with budget lunch options.
Why go? Vibrant Nepalese restaurant serving mouthwatering, spicy dishes.
Located a stone’s throw from the station, Yak Yeti Yak is a long-standing hit with Bath clientele. Bringing tangy, super-tasty Asian recipes to the West Country, this semi-hidden gem is well suited to vegetarians. Finish dinner with some sweetly spiced Nepalese tea, or stay up all night with the help of a Mustang coffee. Mid-end.
Why go? Bath isn't exactly short of watering holes, but The Raven serves up good ol' hearty pub grub and real ale.
Ever had a Pieminster pie? If not, you can tuck into one at The Raven. They used to have a permanent spot, but now you can enjoy the award-winning pies in this authentic British boozer. Wash it down with a pint of their own Raven dark ale. But don’t forget to make reservations because the spaces are very tight and it's always extremely busy. Mid-end.
Why go? Modern French restaurant with a stunning view across Pulteney Weir.
Delicious food is best served with a view. And whilst you won’t be able to gaze longingly on the Eiffel Tower, Chez Dominique’s dining room does come with more than a sneak peek across Bath’s iconic weir. Unfussy European dishes are remixed with a few local twists. Mid/high end.
Why go? Informal vegan and vegetarian cafe that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch and coffee.
If you prefer beetroot to beef, you’ll love The Green Rocket’s inventive menu of delicious and healthy dishes. On Wed, Thurs, Fri, and Sat, they also stay open for dinner, but if you can’t stick around that long, pop in during the afternoon for a generous helping of their homemade cakes and a chat with their lovely, friendly staff. Budget/mid-end.
Why go? Relaxed Moroccan restaurant that’s great for a quick bite with friends.
Tagine Zhor is Bath’s only Moroccan restaurant but, frankly, why would you want another? Centrally located, it’s a good one for pre-theatre dining. Their mezze is a must-try and cries out for sharing with a loud and hungry group of friends. Pipe down after dinner on their shisha terrace. Mid-end.
Why go? Historic restaurant in one of the oldest houses in the city, famous for its Bath bunns.
Pretty much all of Bath is old, but Sally Lunn’s is older still. Punters have been getting their sticky bunn (yes, double ‘n’) fix here for centuries. Much like the Pump Room, Sally Lunn’s is a big hitter on the Afternoon Tea circuit. But it also serves hearty, traditional meals from morning until evening. Oh, and those bunns aren’t what you expect them to be – but they are delicious. Mid-end.
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