Where to Eat in Bath – a food and dining guide

As a World Heritage Site with a thriving tourist industry, Bath has an array of eateries to cater for the legions of visitors it receives each year. From gastropubs in terracotta Victorian buildings, to up-market restaurants in 18th century townhouses, the food is as elegant as the surroundings. Bath also has gourmet vegetarian restaurants, and a whole host of chic pubs and wine bars where you can carry the night on in style.Typical dishes

 

 

From classic British fare such as roast beef with mustard, to simple French Bistro staples like confit de canard, Bath is dense with eating spots reflecting the traditional charm of the city.

City Centre

 

The city centre has more places to eat than you can shake a fork at. One is the Eastern Eye, set in the splendour of an original Georgian meeting hall now canvassed with intricate Indian murals. Some say it has the best curry in the city – check out unique house specials like the buttery meat nowabdar. Meanwhile, the Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen serves gourmet meat-free food - think fennel and apricot tagine and white onion tart tatin. It's enough to convert even hardcore carnivores.

 

• The Eastern Eye, 8a Quiet Street, Bath BA1 2JS; • Acorn Vegetarian Restaurant, 2 North Parade Passage, Bath BA1 1NX;  

The Circus

 

The Circus is a Georgian circle of prestigious flats and houses just a short walk from the Royal Crescent. In the surrounding streets you can find the Olive Tree - the on-site restaurant of the Queensbury Hotel. With typical dishes including scallops with shellfish reduction and lamb loin with parsley puree, it's a treat for foodies. Restaurant Eleven is on the other side of The Circus and is another premium destination offering elegant dishes like duck breast with dauphinoise potato and smoked haddock with poached hen’s egg.

 

• The Olive Tree, 4 – 7 Russel Street, Bath BA1 2QF; • Restaurant Eleven, 11 Margaret’s Buildings BA1 2LP;  

Royal Victoria Park

 

Royal Victoria Park is resplendent with emerald green spaces, quaint lakes, and tempting gastropubs circling its perimeter. The Hop Pole overlooks the park and serves a range of high-quality pub classics, from gammon and eggs to pan-fried hake, as well as hearty Sunday lunches at weekends. With a roaring open fire in winter, The Marlborough Tavern is another gastropub – here you can tuck into the likes of roast pork with celeriac puree and trio of Brixham crab.

 

• The Hop Pole, 7 Albion Buildings, Upper Bristol Rd, Bath BA1 3AR; • The Marlborough Tavern, 35 Marlborough Buildings, Bath BA1 2LY;  

London Street

 

London Street runs adjacent to the River Avon and the area has a small selection of English eateries. The King William has over 30 craft ales to quench your thirst, along with simple, tasty dishes like sea trout with crushed new potatoes. Just down the road is the Hudson Steakhouse, with soft fillets, succulent sirloins, and an array of freshly prepared side dishes. With dry-age meat and chic design, the Hudson Steakhouse is well worth a visit when hunger strikes in the early evening.

 

• King William, 36 Thomas Street, Bath BA1 5NN; • Hudson Steakhouse, 14 London Street, Bath BA1 5BU; Tel: +44 (0) 122 533 2323