Sotto Sotto — Best Italian Restaurant in Bath

Sotto Sotto has become Bath’s best Italian restaurant and won the Bath Good Food Awards. You’ll find this hidden gem just a few steps from the Roman Baths. The restaurant’s charm comes from its location in a converted cellar that breathes authentic Italian atmosphere.

Sotto Sotto Ambiance & Location

Bare stone walls and barrel-vaulted ceilings give this place its intimate feel. The historic cellar’s candlelit tables and soft lighting create a perfect romantic setting. The restaurant’s underground space at 10 North Parade shows off clean white walls and elegant furniture that add to its special character.

Sotto Sotto Menu Highlights

Simple dishes and quality ingredients are the foundations of their cooking philosophy. The kitchen brings in the best products from Italy and uses local vegetables, seafood, and meats. Their best dishes include:

• Pine nut-crusted sea bass
• Homemade fettuccini with lamb ragout
• Pistachio-crusted rack of lamb
• Grilled swordfish with seasonal accompaniments

Wine prices here are substantially lower than London restaurants. Their Dom Pérignon at £125 is an exceptional deal.

Sotto Sotto Pricing & Reservations

Main dishes start at £18.50, and starters cost about half that. A complete three-course meal runs about £20-25 per person. The restaurant welcomes guests Tuesday through Saturday, serving lunch from 12pm to 2pm and dinner from 5pm to 10pm. You should book well in advance since tables fill up weeks ahead.

The Olive Tree — Bath’s Only Michelin-Starred Restaurant

The Olive Tree, nestled in the elegant Queensberry Hotel, proudly stands as Somerset’s only 4 AA Rosette restaurant and Bath’s exclusive Michelin-starred venue. Executive Chef Chris Cleghorn brings innovative precision to this fine dining destination, drawing from his experience at The Fat Duck in Bray and his time with Michael Caines.

The Olive Tree Michelin Experience

Below the hotel lies the restaurant’s modern dining space that seamlessly blends classic flavours with contemporary techniques. The restaurant has managed to keep its Michelin star since 2018, which speaks volumes about Cleghorn’s steadfast dedication to exceptional standards and local sourcing.

The Olive Tree Signature Dishes

Seasonal British ingredients take centre stage in meticulously crafted dishes. The kitchen’s standout creations include Walter Rose’s calf sweetbreads from Devizes, perfectly complemented by salted lemon and ricotta. The venison sourced from Cornbury Park Estate pairs beautifully with celeriac and winter truffles, showcasing the kitchen’s commitment to premium ingredients.

The Olive Tree Wine Pairings

Guests can choose from three distinctive wine pairing options:

• 3 individually paired wines (125ml) at £38
• 6 individually paired wines at £60
• 9 individually paired wines at £78

The wine collection features bottles from diverse regions including France, England, South Africa, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, and Canada. Diners can experience this culinary journey through various price points: the signature tasting menu at £190, a five-course selection at £160, or a three-course option at £90.

Menu Gordon Jones — Best Tasting Menu in Bath

Menu Gordon Jones sits at Bath’s southern edge and delivers an unconventional dining concept where each meal turns into a culinary adventure. Chef Gordon Jones, with his Anglo-Scottish roots, runs this intimate restaurant that is a chance to experience fine dining differently through its surprise tasting menu format.

Menu Gordon Jones Tasting Experience

The restaurant’s magic comes from its single tasting menu, where dishes remain secret until they reach your table. Guests can watch Chef Gordon create complex dishes from the open kitchen that dominates the space while a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere fills the room. The kitchen team personally introduces each course and explains its components with enthusiasm.

Menu Gordon Jones Seasonal Specialties

The kitchen masterfully combines English, Indian, and Asian influences that create contrasting flavours, textures, and temperatures. Local suppliers’ seasonal produce are the foundations of each service. The menu highlights:

• Fresh seafood preparations, such as ceviche of sea bream with popcorn
• Meat specialities featuring rose veal and lamb preparations
• Innovative desserts including raspberry parfait with mascarpone snow

Menu Gordon Jones Pricing

A tasting menu costs £102 per person, and wine enthusiasts can add a flight at £187 that includes perfect pairings for each course. The restaurant books up two months ahead, so early reservations are crucial. Doors open Wednesday through Saturday for both lunch and dinner. The premium price tag delivers exceptional value according to regular patrons.

The Elder — Best for Wild Game and Seasonal British Food

The Elder sits in a Grade 1 listed Georgian terrace on South Parade, showing Bath’s dedication to environmentally responsible fine dining. Mike Robinson, the acclaimed chef, leads the restaurant with a focus on wild British ingredients and game cookery.

The Elder Restaurant Atmosphere

Several elegant rooms make up the dining space, following the original Georgian architecture. The intimate setting features deep-sea green panelled walls with hunting prints. Tan leather banquettes and antique artworks give the space a sophisticated country house feel.

The Elder Game Specialties

British wild food excellence shines through the kitchen’s seven-course tasting menu. Fresh fish arrives daily from Cornwall’s Flying Fish suppliers. The restaurant’s signature dishes include the following:

• Venison from estates within an hour of Bath
• Wild sustainable fish selections
• Locally sourced organic dairy and vegetables

The restaurant shows its environmental responsibility through minimal waste. They use reusable boxes and recyclable packaging for deliveries.

The Elder Pricing & Booking

A seven-course tasting menu costs £85 per person and comes with a bespoke cocktail. Tables are yours for the whole evening, so you can enjoy each course at your own pace. You can book through their website or call +44 (0) 1225 530 616. The restaurant is available to everyone with street-level entry and accessible facilities.

The Bath Priory — Best for Fine Dining in a Country House Setting

Away from the busy city centre, The Bath Priory stands as an elegant retreat with its prestigious 3 AA Rosette restaurant. This charming country house delivers refined dining surrounded by four acres of award-winning gardens.

The Bath Priory Fine Dining Experience

The restaurant crafts a modern European menu that celebrates seasonal British ingredients. Guests can choose from several dining options:

• Five-course tasting menu at £125
• Seasonal à la carte selections
• Vegetarian and vegan dedicated menus
• Wine pairings from an extensive cellar

The Bath Priory Garden Views

Stunning garden views stretch out from the dining room windows. The terrace becomes a favourite spot for outdoor dining in summer, with beautiful wisteria-clad walls adding to its charm. Many guests start their evening with champagne on the terrace, making the garden setting perfect for pre-dinner drinks.

The Bath Priory Special Occasions

Two connecting private dining spaces, The Terrace and The Pavilion, welcome special events. The Pavilion features its own balcony and seats up to 54 guests, while The Terrace creates an intimate space for up to 27 diners. Both south-facing rooms showcase beautiful garden views. The restaurant welcomes children until 8:00pm yet manages to keep its sophisticated atmosphere throughout service hours. The kitchen team creates custom menus to celebrate special occasions, ensuring every detail matches the event’s importance.

Beckford Canteen — Best for Modern British Cooking

Beckford Canteen brings modern British dining to Bath’s culinary scene from its location in a former Georgian greenhouse on Bartlett Street. The restaurant’s light-filled space features pitched-roofed architecture and olive green tiles that create an inviting atmosphere for lunch and dinner service.

Beckford Canteen Local Ingredients

The kitchen has built strategic collaborations with regional suppliers. They source meat from Walter Rose & Son, a multi-award-winning butcher known for green practices. The restaurant partners with The Community Farm for organic vegetables and seasonal produce instead of using mass-produced ingredients. Their dedication to local sourcing includes working with John Julian, a Wiltshire-based pottery studio that crafts their distinctive tableware.

Beckford Canteen Menu Highlights

The concise menu expresses seasonal British classics with European influences. Standout dishes include:

• Smoked eel with leek and egg yolk
• Monkfish served with curried butter
• Confit pork belly with celeriac
• Chocolate mousse with jerusalem artichoke shavings

The restaurant’s sister establishment, Beckford Bottle Shop, supplies one of Bath’s most extensive wine lists at reasonable prices.

Beckford Canteen Pricing

Diners typically spend around £55 per person, not including drinks and service. The restaurant welcomes guests Wednesday through Sunday, with lunch from noon until 4:30pm and dinner from 6pm until 11pm. The portions may be modest, but the refined cooking and quality ingredients make the pricing worthwhile.

The Circus Restaurant — Best Family-Run Restaurant in Bath

The Circus Restaurant has been a family-run gem in Bath for over 15 years, nestled between the city’s iconic architectural landmarks. Former Head Chef Matthew Lisanti took over the reins in 2021, and the independent restaurant continues to shine. It ranks fourth in The Times’ “Twenty secret restaurants that foodies love”.

The Circus Restaurant Location

This fine Georgian building sits on Brock Street, right between The Circus and Royal Crescent. Guests can enjoy the restaurant’s elegant yet welcoming atmosphere across two floors. The space features high ceilings and wooden parquet flooring that add character without pretence.

The Circus Restaurant: British Cuisine

The kitchen creates modern European dishes that change with the seasons. The menu’s highlights include these delightful options:

• Mackerel tartare with green apple and shiso
• Ribeye steak with Cafe de Paris butter
• Duck à l’orange in spiced orange reduction
• Bramley apple crème brûlée with cinnamon crumble

The restaurant’s wine list stands out with selections from small-batch, artisan producers. Each bottle reflects its grower’s expertise and integrity.

The Circus Restaurant Pricing

Diners can enjoy main courses from £18 to £22, while starters cost between £7 and £8. The restaurant welcomes guests Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. A pre-theatre set menu becomes available from 5pm. The stylish basement makes a perfect spot for groups up to 30 people. Smart casual dress works best, and booking ahead helps secure your table.

The Herd — Best Steak Restaurant in Bath

The Herd is a hidden gem in Bath’s city centre, just steps away from Pulteney Bridge. This family-run steakhouse has made its name with amazing locally sourced steaks and earned a spot among TripAdvisor‘s best hidden gems in the UK.

The Herd Steak Selections

The restaurant gets its beef from a local herd of Aberdeen Angus and Hereford crosses raised in Coulston between Devizes and Trowbridge. Each cut gets better with 21-28 days of ageing and daily checks to ensure perfect flavour. You’ll find these premium cuts on the menu:

• 8oz prime fillet at £33.95
• 16oz t-bone or porterhouse at £33.95
• 10oz sirloin at £26.95

The Herd Restaurant Atmosphere

You’ll find the restaurant through a doorway near the weir. The intimate basement space features white-washed walls that create a cosy cave-like feel. Getting in is easy with two options, the main entrance has steep stairs, while a side entrance helps with accessibility.

The Herd Restaurant Pricing

Diners can enjoy a three-course meal for £20-£25 per person. The kitchen stays open daily until the last orders at 22:00. You’ll definitely want to book ahead since tables fill up fast. The restaurant’s no-service-charge policy lets guests tip based on their experience.

Opa — Best Greek Restaurant in Bath

Opa brings authentic Greek dining to Bath’s culinary scene from its location beneath the historic North Parade. This underground gem blends traditional flavours with modern flair and creates a distinctive dining experience in the city’s heart.

Opa Greek Atmosphere

Stone vaulted ceilings and ambient lighting create an intimate dining space for up to 70 guests. A steep staircase leads to this hidden venue, which features a charming waterside terrace next to the River Avon. The classical décor combines stone and marble elements that celebrate both Bath’s Roman heritage and Greek aesthetics.

Opa Meze Specialties

Greek sharing traditions come alive through an extensive meze selection. Signature platters include:

• Feast of the Titans at £54.50 – features chicken, pork, lamb skewers, and Santorini pork
• Mykonos Medley at £57.50 – showcases mussels, fried calamari, and octopus carpaccio
• Vegetarian Feast at £52.50 – includes Greek-style baked aubergine and vegetarian moussaka

Individual dishes shine equally bright, with the Traditional Kleftiko at £28.75 and the Moussaka at £19.95.

Opa Restaurant Pricing

Great value early dinner deals run Monday through Friday between 4 pm and 6 pm, with five meze dishes for two people at £36. The Silver Package costs £49.99 per person, while the Gold Package is £59.99. Last bookings are taken at 10:30pm, after which the space becomes a lively bar venue.

Hudson Steakhouse — Best for a Special Occasion Steak Dinner

Hudson Steakhouse sits at Bath’s eastern city edge, where it has managed to keep its reputation for culinary excellence over twenty years. Owner Richard Fenton transformed a Victorian pub into this award-winning destination restaurant that continues to receive recognition from multiple publications.

Hudson Steakhouse Premium Cuts

A farm-assured cooperative in Staffordshire exclusively supplies the premium Angus and Limousin beef steaks. Local butchers carefully supervise each cut’s maturation process for at least 35 days. The menu’s impressive selection features the following:

• Prime fillet (6oz at £30, 8oz at £38, 10oz at £48)
• Rib eye super marbling (10oz at £32)
• New York double cut (16oz at £38)
• Tuscan Butterfly fillet (6 oz at £27)

Hudson Steakhouse Atmosphere

The restaurant spans two floors with a ground-floor cocktail bar that sparkles under chandeliers. The first-floor grill room features an open kitchen and overlooks Hedgemead Park. Victorian fireplaces blend with modern touches to create a sophisticated setting that’s perfect for special occasions.

Hudson Steakhouse Pricing

The restaurant’s early evening special offers flat iron steak, fries, and béarnaise sauce paired with wine for £18.50. Their wine list features an organic Argentinian Malbec that pairs beautifully with their premium cuts. The core team’s steadfast dedication shows in their detailed menu guidance and wine pairing suggestions.

The Scallop Shell — Best Fish and Chips in Bath

The Scallop Shell, a celebrated seafood establishment, got multiple accolades and earned the UK’s Independent Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year at the National Fish & Chip Awards. This family-run venture champions eco-friendly British seafood from its location on Monmouth Street in Bath’s city centre.

The Scallop Shell Fresh Seafood

Each day brings a new menu based on the early morning coastal market catches. A unique roll-top bath filled with ice displays the fresh catches that include:

• Prawns and scallops from Tarbert
• Mussels from Elberry Bay
• Oysters from River Camel
• Line-caught fish from UK waters

The restaurant’s kitchen team prepares chips daily using potatoes from family farms. Customers can watch this process through a dedicated potato room window. The kitchen also provides gluten-free batter when asked.

The Scallop Shell Atmosphere

Two floors make up this restaurant, complete with an indoor/outdoor Upper Deck. An industrial-meets-nautical theme creates a relaxed seaside feeling throughout the space. The restaurant welcomes guests Monday through Saturday from 12:00-14:30 and 16:30-21:30, while Sunday service runs from 12:00-15:00.

The Scallop Shell Pricing

Weekday diners can enjoy the Fisherman’s Lunch special between 12:00-14:30. This includes a main course with mushy peas, tartare sauce, and Yorkshire tea at £12.50. The main menu stays competitive with prime cod loin and haddock fillet, both priced at £13.95. Groups celebrating special occasions can share the shellfish plate at £50.00, perfect as a main for two or a starter for four.

 Clayton’s Kitchen — Best for Lunch in Bath

Chef Rob Clayton brings his expertise from London’s legendary Chez Nico to create one of Bath’s most loved dining spots on George Street. This 10-year-old elegant corner restaurant came to life after Clayton spent seven successful years as head chef at the Bath Priory Hotel.

Clayton’s Kitchen Modern British Menu

The kitchen blends Mediterranean influences with modern British cuisine to create seasonal dishes. The menu celebrates fresh, local produce with standout dishes like the following:

• Crispy goats cheese with roasted beetroot at £16
• Pan-roasted Devon scallops with pork belly at £24
• Honey roasted duck breast with dauphinoise at £37
• Salt caramel chocolate mousse with pistachio ice cream at £11

Clayton’s Kitchen Atmosphere

The restaurant sits in a beautiful Georgian townhouse where soft colours mix with exposed brick and wooden furnishings. The bright dining room buzzes with energy and creates a cosy setting that guests love for its warm welcome. This space works perfectly for both casual lunches and special celebrations.

Clayton’s Kitchen Pricing

Guests can enjoy a three-course dinner for £101, while the set lunch menu is a great value at £30 for two courses or £35 for three. The carefully selected wine list starts from £30 and adds the perfect touch to every meal. You’ll find the restaurant open Wednesday through Sunday, serving lunch from 12:00-14:30 and dinner from 17:30-22:00.

Robun — Best Japanese Restaurant in Bath

This George Street establishment draws inspiration from 19th-century chef Kanagaki Robun and brings authentic Japanese cuisine to Bath’s dining scene. Jon Claro leads the kitchen as Head Chef, bringing his expertise from The Ivy Asia and Sticks’n’Sushi to create innovative dishes that celebrate traditional Japanese cooking methods.

Robun Japanese Experience

The restaurant features two unique dining spaces that create different atmospheres, a moody, intimate section and a bright, elegant area. The robata grill stands as the restaurant’s centrepiece, where chefs create Yakiniku dishes by grilling meat, seafood, and vegetables over charcoal fire. Japanese fishermen from the north started this cooking tradition as they gathered around communal sunken fires called ‘Irori’.

Robun Signature Dishes

Japanese delicacies fill the menu with these standout options:

• Bluefin tuna tartare with truffle oil and fish roe
• Korean-style fried chicken with sweet-spicy sauce
• Miso-glazed barbecue aubergine
• Soft shell crab sushi rolls with kimchi mayo

Groups of 6-8 guests can enjoy special occasions at the Chef’s Table, which serves a seven-course tasting menu paired with sake.

Robun Restaurant Pricing

The menu prices range from £16.50 for chicken kushiyaki skewers to £33 for wagyu skirt steak. Most diners spend around £30 per person. The restaurant’s Japanese afternoon tea adds a unique twist by replacing traditional scones with bao buns, served alongside mochi ice cream and Japanese teas.

Noya’s Kitchen — Best Vietnamese Restaurant in Bath

Noya Pawlyn’s authentic Vietnamese home cooking graces a Grade II listed building on St James’s Parade in Bath. She moved from Vietnam to England at a young age and opened this cherished establishment in December 2017.

Noya’s Kitchen Vietnamese Flavours

The menu celebrates Vietnam’s culinary heritage through well-crafted dishes. We focused on traditional recipes that showcase aromatic pho, a deeply savoury, warmly spiced broth with slippery rice noodles. Signature dishes include the following:

• An’s Chicken Curry – crafted from Noya’s mother’s recipe
• Bun Chicken Noodle Salad with warm pouring sauce
• Aubergine Batons with Lemongrass peanut sauce
• Fresh summer rolls with prawns, mango, and Vietnamese herbs

Noya’s Kitchen Atmosphere

The dining space sits in what was once the main part of a Georgian residence, showcasing elegant proportions and contemporary touches. Noya ended up personalising the space with sepia family photographs, homegrown purple hebe flowers, and coconut milk cans that serve as chopstick holders.

Noya’s Kitchen Pricing

The restaurant features distinct dining formats at different price points. The five-course supper club menu costs £45 per person. Lunch service runs Tuesday through Saturday and offers a thali-style menu that presents a clockwise experience of small dishes. Guests can bring their own drinks under the BYOB policy and are encouraged to purchase wine from nearby Corkage, a local independent wine merchant.

The Mint Room — Best Indian Restaurant in Bath

The Mint Room lifts Indian cuisine to new heights on Lower Bristol Road by blending traditional recipes with state-of-the-art techniques. The Michelin Guide features this award-winning establishment that has become an urbane, subtly glamorous dining destination.

The Mint Room Indian Fine Dining

The restaurant’s main dining room provides a perfect setting for intimate meals and grand celebrations. A unique 50-seat rooftop terrace comes with its own bar and offers stunning city views that match any uptown dining experience. The space boasts a custom-built stretch tent and outdoor heaters where guests can enjoy Laurent Perrier champagne and premium cocktails.

The Mint Room Signature Dishes

Guest chef Saurav Nath from London’s Michelin-starred Benares and Gymkhana leads the kitchen team in crafting impressive contemporary Indian dishes. Standout creations include:

• Tandoori Dill Salmon with honey and dill at £14
• Lamb Rarrah Ghost with rogan josh at £22
• Nalli Gosht (slow-braised lamb shank) at £24
• Seafood Moilee with tiger prawns and scallops at £25

The Mint Room Pricing

Guests can experience the Tour of India tasting menu at £45 per person. Main courses range from £16 to £25, and diners can expect to spend around £35 per person. The restaurant welcomes guests daily, serving lunch from 12:00-14:30 and dinner from 18:00-23:00. The kitchen’s steadfast dedication to excellence shows in its extensive vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

Conclusion

Bath shines as a food lover’s paradise with restaurants that rival its beautiful architecture. Local eateries showcase their personality through creative menus and unique settings. You’ll find everything from hidden cellar venues to stunning Georgian townhouses. The Olive Tree, Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, guides an impressive collection of establishments that celebrate local ingredients and seasonal dishes. Historic buildings have found new life as modern restaurants like Sotto Sotto and Menu Gordon Jones. The Herd and The Scallop Shell have mastered their specific cuisines. These 15 restaurants show how Bath caters to different tastes and budgets. Each place maintains excellent standards while creating its own unique atmosphere. The Elder serves speciality wild game dishes, while Noya’s Kitchen brings authentic Vietnamese flavours. The Mint Room elevates Indian cuisine to new heights. Great food in Bath doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag. The Bath Priory offers luxury tasting menus for special occasions, but you’ll find equally memorable meals at reasonable prices throughout the city’s diverse dining spots.