Bandook is a contemporary Indian restaurant located in Milsom Place, Bath, offering a modern take on classic Indian street food. The restaurant's interior is inspired by colonial-era Hindustani cafés, featuring emerald banquette seating, stained-glass panels, and simple wooden furniture. The menu includes small plates like Bombay prawns and vegetable pakoras, as well as larger dishes such as Grandma's curry and masala fish and chips. Bandook also offers a Tiffin-Wala's Lunch on weekdays and a Bottomless Brunch on weekends. The restaurant has received recognition, winning the 'Best Restaurant' category at the Bath Life Awards 2024.
What each source says
- Google 4.5 912
- Tripadvisor 4.5 458
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Accommodating to Dietary Needs Bandook offers options for various dietary needs including vegan and halal, making it a great option for people with diet restrictions.
- Delicious and Flavorful Food Bandook offers a diverse menu of expertly cooked Indian dishes bursting with fresh, authentic flavors, providing a satisfying treat for the taste buds.
- Exceptional and Friendly Service The staff are consistently praised for being welcoming, attentive, and genuinely caring, creating a warm and enjoyable dining experience from start to finish.
- Great Atmosphere The restaurant boasts a beautiful and vibrant ambiance, often described as modern and cozy, making it suitable for various occasions.
- Unique Menu Bandook provides a refreshing departure from standard Indian fare with its innovative menu featuring street food-inspired dishes, small plates, and regional specialties.
Criticised
- Can be Noisy The restaurant can get very loud due to the close proximity of tables, which can detract from the dining experience.
- Inconsistent Service While often praised, service can be inconsistent, with some diners reporting slow service, difficulty getting attention, and feeling rushed.
- Limited Vegetarian Main Course Options While there are many vegetarian starter options, there could be more variety in vegetarian main course choices.
- Potential Wait Times Without a booking, some reviewers experienced being asked to wait despite there being empty tables, leading to initial feelings of being unwelcome.
- Price Increases Some customers have noted recent price increases, which may make the restaurant less appealing for budget-conscious diners.
The longer read
Bandook - Indian Restaurant in Bath receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with many customers praising the delicious and authentic Indian cuisine that goes beyond the typical curry house fare. Several reviewers highlight the unique menu featuring Indian street food with a modern twist, offering a variety of small plates, curry bowls, and larger biryani dishes, providing a diverse culinary experience. The restaurant is noted for its flavorful and fresh dishes, with the pani puri, Bandook chaat, chicken 65, tandoori chicken, lamb railway curry, and butter chicken being frequently mentioned as standouts. Vegetarian diners appreciate the ample and flavorful vegetarian options available. Many reviewers emphasize the quality of the ingredients and the expert cooking. Diners also appreciate the option to customize the spice level of their food.
Beyond the food, the service at Bandook is consistently lauded as exceptional. Numerous reviewers commend the staff for being friendly, welcoming, attentive, and accommodating. Several reviewers specifically mention staff members by name, highlighting their attentiveness and helpfulness in guiding menu choices. The staff's attentiveness contributes significantly to a smooth and enjoyable dining experience. Many reviewers also appreciate the warm hospitality they received, making them feel well-cared for throughout their visit.
The restaurant's ambiance is also a highlight for many. Reviewers describe the atmosphere as lovely, vibrant, modern, and cozy, with a chilled vibe. The decor, which pays homage to Indian figures and names, adds to the restaurant's unique character. The restaurant is noted for being clean and well-decorated. Some reviewers also mention the presence of live jazz music on certain nights, enhancing the dining experience. Bandook is considered a popular spot, especially on weekends and during the Christmas market, so booking in advance is recommended. While some reviewers note that the restaurant can get busy and noisy, the overall atmosphere is generally perceived as positive and conducive to a great meal. The reasonable pricing is also mentioned as a positive aspect, particularly considering the quality of the food and service. Bandook is described as a hidden gem and a must-visit for those seeking authentic and flavorful Indian cuisine in Bath.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 1225 300600
- Website
- bandookkitchen.com
| Mon | 12:00 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Sun | 10:00 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.6 across the 39 places to eat we hold for Bath, where the most-reviewed is The Ivy Bath Brasserie & Garden.
Still deciding?
- What are the most recommended dishes for first-time visitors at Bandook, such as the Bombay prawns or Grandma's curry?
- What does the Tiffin‑Wala's Lunch include on weekdays and how does it compare in price and variety to the regular menu?
- How would you describe the atmosphere and décor of Bandook, including the emerald banquette seating and stained‑glass panels, for someone seeking a unique dining experience?
- Do you need a reservation at Bandook during peak dinner hours, and what are typical wait times for walk‑in guests?
- Is Bandook accessible for guests with mobility needs, and what nearby parking options are available in Bath's city centre?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.