During our trip to Bath, England, we admired the grandiose architecture, routed our way through Roman ruins and stretched our legs on the picturesque hillsides.
Then, when our stomachs grumbled and we worked up a thirst, we angled toward the Best Bath Restaurants and Pubs!
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Rather than stumbling into the first place we could find with open seats, we sought out eateries offering regional dishes, local takes on old classics and pubs pouring pints of English craft beer.
Must-Eat Bath Restaurants
Based on our personal experiences, we created a list of the top bars and restaurants in Bath, UK – and are now sharing it with you!
Later in the article, you will find a map of Bath restaurants and pubs that pinpoints each recommended location. For sightseeing tips, use our guide to the Best Things To Do in Bath.
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House
Sally Lunn’s tearoom tops our list of best places to dine in Bath – not just for the food, but for the rich history, too.
This Bath restaurant is situated inside the city’s oldest house; it dates to 1483 and has a past that can be traced to Roman times.
Visitors can even descend into the basement to see the original kitchen and unearthed relics on display. The restaurant is also where Sally Lunn created the famous Bath Bunn in 1680.
The slightly sweet bun is the star of the menu, but it’s the toppings that truly elevate their status to one of the top things to eat in Bath.
What To Order: Welsh Rarebit Special Bunn
The Hot Savory Half Bunns are perfect for a light lunch – and the Welsh Rarebit Special is, far and away, our favorite.
Topped with a traditional cheese sauce, sauteed mushrooms, smoked bacon and homemade chutney, this dish packs a flavorful punch.
The Pump Room Restaurant at the Roman Baths
A high society gathering place established in the Georgian era, the Pump Room is an iconic eatery in the very heart of the city.
Located on the same grounds at the UNESCO Roman Baths, it has evolved from a place to ‘take the waters’ to an elegant restaurant.
With a notable history and a slew of famous patrons (Jane Austen and Charles Dickens among them), it was high on our list of places to eat in Bath.
However, we failed to make an advance reservation and missed the opportunity. Still, we wanted to keep it on the list for our next trip!
What To Order: Afternoon Tea
We can’t think of a more atmospheric place to enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea than in the sophisticated Pump Room.
Patrons dine on a selection of sweet and savory bites under sparkling chandeliers while listening to a soundtrack provided by resident musicians.
Guests are also offered the opportunity to taste the spring water from the King’s Fountain.
The Raven
The Raven is, unquestionably, one of the best places in Bath for a pub meal. The long-standing tavern is well-known for savory pies, succulent sausages and superb pints.
Although only called The Raven since the early 2000s, the location has been a licensed pub since 1864.
With creaking floors and cozy corners, we liked The Raven so much that we have visited it on multiple occasions!.
What To Order: Raven Ale Pie
Pies are the best thing to order at The Raven – and the Steak and Ale Pie is the star of the show!
The pies themselves are the creation of Pieminister– a company from nearby Bristol that has elevated the humble British pie to something truly magnificent.
The award-winning pies are oh-so-delicious…and even better when paired with The Raven’s Buttery Mustard Mash and Red Wine and Thyme Gravy.
Note that there is an actual Pieminister restaurant in Bath, but we prefer the ambiance at The Raven.
The Beefy Boys
Relatively new on the scene, The Beefy Boys started racking up culinary awards before they even opened their first restaurant in 2015. After bite, we understood why.
Their smash burgers – made from locally sourced ingredients – are absolutely phenomenal. As in, next level burger deliciousness.
Although we would normally hesitate to include a burger joint on a list of Best Restaurants Bath, it would be remiss not to mention the much-loved Cotswold restaurant. Just be sure to make reservations!
What To Order: Oklahoma
Of the two of us, Kris is the burger aficionado – and he won’t stop raving about The Beefy Boys Oklahoma Onion Boy.
That said, I was equally enthralled with my classic American Boy. For something unique, try the PBJ Burger (yes, with peanut butter) and let us know how it is!
Guildhall Market in Bath
The history of this marketplace stretches back to the 13th century. A mishmash of vendors are found under the domed hall – and we feel the ones selling food are the most intriguing.
Pop by the cheese shop to pick up items for a picnic at the adjacent Parade Gardens – and be sure to grab a few Scotch Eggs from the Guildhall Deli.
Also stop by the family-run Gillards (established in 1888) for specialty teas that you can take home as souvenirs!
However, if you are really feeling hungry, sit down to a hearty Full English Breakfast at the greasy spoon, Guildhall Market Café.
Fun Pubs in Bath
For great times in Bath at night (or late afternoon; we won’t judge!), hoist a pint of beer in a quaint pub. Although there are many, many to choose from, we are sharing a few of our favorites.
The Bath Brew House
With a festive beer garden and free live music, The Bath Brew House is one of the best places for a pint.
Brewing their own beers on site, plus pouring a range from other regional brewers, it’s a top spot for sampling local craft beer.
The Sam Weller’s
Welcoming and warm, The Sam Weller’s pub invites guests into their humble space for a good pint, light conversation and delicious food.
The Grapes
Dating to 1792, The Grapes quickly became one of our favorite haunts for a post-sightseeing pint. The jovial bar offers a range of ales, ciders and craft beer.
The Crystal Palace
With idyllic pub ambiance, Crystal Palace offers patrons a place to rest their weary feet – either inside the cozy space or in the fabulous beer garden. Their Sunday Roast is also said to be top notch!
The Black Fox
Serving up ales, craft beers and gin specialties, The Black Fox is a fun spot for a drink after a long day of touring Bath. They offer seating on two levels and outside when the weather is nice.
Coeur De Lion
An atmospheric and old school pub in the heart of the city – but hidden down a quiet lane – Coeur de Lion ranks as the smallest pub in Bath.
Kingsmead Street Bottle
A tap room serving local craft beer, wine and small platters, Kingsmead Street Bottle is a fun little place that is tucked away from the crowds.
Electric Bear Brewing Co
Brewing creative beers in an industrial park on the edge of the city, Electric Bear Brewing beckons beer lovers who like to drink straight from the source.
We haven’t made it to the taproom yet – but it’s on our itinerary for our next Bath trip!
Map of Restaurants in Bath
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Bath Food and Drink map below.
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Foodie Travel Tips & Craft Beer Spots
- Famous London Food to Eat on Your Vacation
- Historic London Pubs on River Thames
- Bermondsey Beer Mile Craft Beer Crawl in London
- What and Where to Eat in Edinburgh
- The Best Food in Belfast
- Incredibly Fun Pubs in Dublin
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