The Best Places to Eat in Bath (2025 Edition)
From long, relaxed breakfasts to proper jacket-and-dress dinners, these are our favourite places to eat in Bath right now.
Bath is one of those cities that rewards repeat visits. Every time we return, we find another place worth trying—or an old favourite holding its own. Whether you’re in for a quick day trip or settling in for a long weekend, food plays a big part in the Bath experience.
From relaxed breakfasts to memorable dinners, these are the best places to eat in Bath right now. We’ve eaten at all of them—some many times—and each brings something different to the table.
Breakfast & Brunch
Café Lucca
Our go-to spot in Bath. We’ve been coming here for over ten years, and in that time the breakfast menu has only changed a couple of times—which is exactly what you want in a place like this. Consistent, high-quality, and always busy. They’re clearly doing something right.
The light-filled room is always buzzing with couples, families, dogs, and the occasional business breakfast. It’s an open kitchen, airy space kind of vibe that’s a great start to the day.
Our go-to orders? The breakfast panini (for me), and the boiled eggs and toast with a side of marmalade—some of the best marmalade we’ve ever tasted. Add a cappuccino, a tea, and a fresh orange juice and you’ve got our perfect Bath breakfast.
Beautiful Boiled Eggs in Bath
https://www.cafelucca.co.uk/ 1 Bartlett Street, Bath
Boston Tea Party
Just above Café Lucca, Boston Tea Party deserves a shout-out for being open early. It’s always popular with young families and students, and a good fallback for an early bite.
https://bostonteaparty.co.uk 8 Alfred Street, Bath
Adventure Café
On Prince’s Buildings, this place is a pub by night but transforms into a very decent breakfast stop by day. Sit in the window and watch the city come alive, or head out back to the garden if the sun’s shining. The food is heartier, with a proper cooked breakfast that hits the spot when needed.
https://www.adventurecafebar.co.uk 5 Princes Buildings, Bath
Picnic Coffee
Located on Saracen Street, this small independent café is great for a quick coffee and a croissant. There are a few tables outside when the weather’s nice, or perch inside by the window and enjoy the people-watching.
https://picniccoffee.co.uk Saracen Street, Bath
Gail’s Bakery
A recent addition to the Bath food scene, Gail’s isn’t for everyone but we like the bread, the fresh pastries, and the clean, modern decor. It’s open earlier and later than some of the independents, which makes it useful. You can grab a quick breakfast and watch the city get going—particularly the stallholders setting up for the day.
Gails.com 12 - 13 Union Street, Bath
Bertinet Bakery
A Bath institution and still going strong. It doesn’t have seating, so it’s more of a takeaway spot, but it’s worth it for the croissants and quality coffee on the go.
https://bertinetbakery.com 1 New Bond Place, Bath
Lunch
Pan e Vino
Tucked behind the Royal Crescent, this small Italian is run by Darix Cinesi—once the co-owner of Rustico in St Margaret’s Buildings, which was our favourite-ever Bath restaurant. Now solo, Darix serves fresh meats, good breads, and simple Italian lunches from a cosy space with great music and better conversation. If you’re into food and music, you’ll enjoy a chat with him—he’s seen and cooked around the world.
5-6 St James's St, Bath
Jaq at The Provenist
Next to Neptune’s showroom in an old tram shed, this is a light-filled, seasonal café led by chef Jaq Brewer. Trained under Antonio Carluccio, Jaq brings a personal, confident touch to this tiny but inspired kitchen. There are just a few tables indoors, but the patio outside is perfect in summer. The food is fresh and seasonal, the atmosphere welcoming. It feels like her place—and it shows.
One Tram Yard, Walcot St, Bath
Côte Brasserie (Milsom Place)
Sometimes a chain gets it right. Côte in Milsom Place is consistent, spacious, and has one of the best sunny terraces in town. If you can get a table outside in summer, it’s a sheltered spot with a calm vibe and satisfying food—salads, frites, bread, and a decent wine list.
https://www.cote.co.uk 7 Milsom St, Bath
Dinner
Clayton’s Kitchen
On George Street, this has been a Bath staple since 2012. Expect a British, seasonal menu with dishes like Pembrokeshire crab, hot smoked salmon, scallops, fillet of beef, chicken breast, and mushroom risotto. Vegetarian options are there, and the wine list is strong. We alternate between this and Beckford’s—both are great for a smart night out with reliable service and good food.
https://www.claytonskitchen.com 15A George Street, Bath
Flute
One of Bath’s newer spot, and it seems to be going. We’ve kept Flute in the list for what comes next. Flute offers a seafood-focused menu in a setting of brass and rusted gold. It’s cooler than it needs to be, but the food holds up—and the service is friendly and attentive. The online reviews don’t reflect our experience: we’ve had some excellent meals here. If you go, ask to see the octopus in the back room.
https://flute-bath.com 9 Edgar Buildings, George St, Bath
Beckford’s Canteen
Taking over the old Yen Sushi location, this long narrow space has been cleverly reimagined. It’s high-end without being pretentious, with a modern British menu and excellent wine. Like Clayton’s, it’s a place to dress up, sit back, and enjoy.
A short walk from their sister wine bar, Beckford Bottle Shop, which makes a perfect pre- or post-dinner stop.
https://www.beckfordcanteen.com 11 Bartlett St, Bath
The Scallop Shell
So much more than just fish and chips. This place is a celebration of British seafood with tiled interiors, metal tables, and a buzzing open kitchen. The menu ranges from oysters and prawns to classic cod and chips, chickpea fritters, and the occasional pork dish. Champagne and beer both work here. You don’t have to dress up, but we often do—and we’ve never felt out of place.
Fresh seafood greets you at the Scallop Shell restaurant in Bath
https://www.thescallopshell.co.uk 22 Monmouth Place, Bath
The Ivy Bath Brasserie
Consistently strong, always lively, and perfect for a celebratory meal—even if you lose signal at the back of the room. Expect well-made cocktails, a classic Ivy menu, and dependable service. There’s a small roof terrace in summer (though it can stretch the team a bit). It’s our regular go-to for Sunday night dinner in Bath when other spots have closed their kitchens.
The Marlborough Tavern
If you’re after something quieter and more relaxed, this gastropub near the Royal Crescent is a great option. It serves quality pub food—steak, fish, chips, Sunday roasts—and has a strong wine list. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t shout about itself but always delivers.
https://www.marlborough-tavern.com 35 Marlborough Building, Bath
Afternoon Tea
Searcys at the Pump Room
Run by the champagne house and restaurateur Searcys, afternoon tea at the Pump Room is a Bath classic—and well worth booking in advance. It’s not cheap, but it’s an experience to savour at least once. You’ll be seated in the glorious, light-filled Georgian hall, usually accompanied by a small orchestral quartet as you enjoy a traditional tiered tea service—delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones, and elegant pastries. A glass of champagne is practically mandatory.
For a unique touch, ask to try the famous Bath water. There’s a fountain in the corner where they’ll now pour it for you. It’s rich, a little grainy, and distinctly iron in taste—a quirky but memorable palate cleanser between bites.
https://searcys.co.uk The Pump Rooms, Bath
The Royal Crescent Hotel
Afternoon tea at The Royal Crescent Hotel is a little more serene, a little more refined. Served in the restaurant at the back of the hotel, you pass through reception and the garden before arriving in a soft-hued room with large windows overlooking the formal lawn.
Everything here is beautifully presented, from the china to the dainty cakes, and of course a glass of champagne feels right. If you can’t quite finish everything, they’ll box it up in the prettiest pink takeaway box—ideal for wafting around the city like a Regency character with a sweet tooth.
Possibly the most beautiful doggy bag we have seen!
https://www.royalcrescent.co.uk The Royal Crescent, Bath
Wine & Light Bites
Beckford Bottle Shop
If you’re after a lighter bite or a perfectly chosen glass of wine, Beckford Bottle Shop is the place. Open throughout the day, it’s part wine merchant, part bar, and wholly excellent.
You can browse the bottles or ask one of the team to help you choose something for later. As the day turns to evening, take a seat—either out front with a glass of rosé in the sun, or tucked into one of the comfy chairs at the back. It’s grown-up, relaxed, and always buzzing with good conversation.
There’s always something interesting open to taste, and you can pair your glass with a plate of charcuterie, olives, or a few bar snacks. It’s an ideal stop before or after dinner—or a low-key indulgence on its own.
https://www.beckfordbottleshop.com 5-8 Saville Row, Bath
Out of Town
The Hare & Hounds
A few minutes up the hill from the Royal Crescent, heading toward Bath Racecourse, The Hare & Hounds feels wonderfully rural despite being so close to the city. A large pub with generous portions, good service, and sweeping views—it’s great for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner. Come hungry.
https://hareandhoundsbath.com Lansdown Rd, Bath
Tolly’s (near Dyrham Park)
Just north of Dyrham Park on the way toward the M4, Tolly’s (formerly The Toll House)has undergone a major renovation in recent years. It’s now a stylish, well-run spot with a relaxed vibe and a cool soundtrack.
Breakfasts here range from pastries to cooked options, lunch is light and seasonal, and while we can’t quite confirm if it’s open for dinner, it’s definitely worth a stop. In summer, the back terrace offers a view that stretches all the way toward the Severn Bridges—ideal if you’re heading out of town.
https://tollys.co.uk Oldfield Gatehouse, Dyrham
Final Foodie Thoughts
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it reflects the places we’ve returned to—or would recommend to friends visiting Bath for the first time. As with everything on Wine Travel & Song, these are first-hand notes: a snapshot of what we loved, when we visited.
Cheers!
We’ll keep updating this list as we find more. And if you’ve got a favourite of your own, we’re always open to suggestions, let us know in the comments.
If you need a place to stay in Bath, we can recommend the Gainsborough Bath Spa, read our review here. For record lovers visiting the city, do check out our list of the best record shopping in Bath.