Restaurants in Bath

We’ve rounded up an insider’s guide to the best restaurants in Bath which also offer excellent value set lunch and dinner menus, turning a shopping trip in the city into something rather special

Robun

For oriental inspiration, head to Robun. The George Street gem is named after Kangaki Robun, a Japanese author whose book introduced the concept of yakiniku – the art of grilling meat, seafood and vegetables over traditional charcoal fire – to Japan in 1872. At this well-loved Bath restaurant, Robun’s head chef Kasae Fraser has picked up the yakiniku baton and accompanied it with other Japanese staples such as sushi and sashimi, plus a drinks list headlined by sake, Japanese whiskies and cocktails.

Perched between lunchtime bento boxes, ramen and katsu, and an extensive dinner menu (including a set menu of three courses for £26.50), is Robun’s unusual take on afternoon tea. Scones and sandwiches are switched for sushi and bao buns, served with beautifully crafted sweet treats and traditional Japanese teas. Visitors can up the ante by plumping for an accompanying glass of sparkling wine.

Corkage

Corkage puts wine centre stage via monthly wine-tasting events and a choice of 140 wines (over 60 by the glass) but its accompanying food menus are more than just a supporting cast list. The multi-award-winning restaurant, bar and bottle shop on Chapel Row has attracted attention for its diverse and inventive small-plates offering, as well as for its passion for wine. Visit to savour both in the restaurant or outdoors on the covered, all-weather terrace.

Lunch and dinner menus list creative seasonal plates infused with flavours from around the world and crafted from British produce such as day-boat fish from the south coast, game and locally grown vegetables. Swing by on a Friday for the excellent value set lunch which includes a glass of house wine, and two courses for £20 or three for £25.

Clayton’s Kitchen

Diners hunting out Michelin-style magic should make a beeline to Bath’s Clayton’s Kitchen. Its chef patron Robert Clayton received his first star at Hunstrete House (now THE PIG near Bath) and was one of the youngest chefs to do so, which he followed by achieving a star at The Bath Priory, which he held during his seven-year run at the establishment.

At Clayton’s Kitchen, Robert brings his star-quality cooking to seasonal menus inspired by Mediterranean and modern French cuisine. Uncomplicated, flawlessly prepared and impeccably presented dishes explore and showcase the freshest and finest ingredients. Exquisite à la carte lunch and dinner menus are joined by a dedicated Sunday lunch menu and a set-lunch offering (two courses for £30, three courses for £35), as well as specially crafted menus for vegan diners and children.

Henry’s

The distinctive blue façade of Henry’s in Saville Row marks the humble haunt of chef patron Henry Scott, who effortlessly pairs a rustic and relaxed bistro ambience with imaginative fine dining and inspirational tasting menus. A West Country boy, Henry travelled the world amassing the cultural and culinary experiences (which included stints at several Michelin-starred establishments) which now influence his local and seasonally sourced dishes.

The five- and seven-course tasting menus deliver the ultimate indulgence but the eagle eyed will also spot a superb two-course à la carte lunch menu for £26 – everything showcasing the finest ingredients from land and sea. Refreshingly creative vegetarian options also feature. Henry operates a zero-waste kitchen, so guests are requested to speak to the restaurant about special dietary requirements before booking.

Chez Dominique

Across the river in Argyle Street is the cosy family-run enclave Chez Dominique. Owners Chris Tabbitt and Sarah Olivier named their modern French and European restaurant after their first-born child, and their family focus and joy in entertaining is evident in the relaxed ambience and the welcome given to four-legged friends at lunchtime.

Hospitality pros Chris and Sarah head-up a gifted team of gastronomic talent, which includes head chef Sam Lewis. Sam shares the pair’s passion for fresh, seasonal and local produce and together, the team are racking up accolades, including featuring in The Good Food Guide for several years. Chez Dominique is a favourite with locals, who gather to graze on perfectly executed choices from the à la carte menu (including award-winning steaks) and a set lunch menu of two courses for £25 or three for £28.

Like 5 of the best restaurants in Bath? Check out our roundup of foodie hotels in Bath.

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