Woods Restaurant occupies the ground floor of five Georgian townhouses in a quiet cul-de-sac opposite the Assembly Rooms. Established in 1979 by David and Claude Price, it has built a reputation as one of Bath's best independent restaurants. The menu features British cooking with a French accent, offering a range of fresh, creative dishes. The restaurant also includes a wine shop and deli, providing an extensive selection of wines for both dining in and takeaway. Woods is known for its warm, informal atmosphere and personal service, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.5 514
- Google 4.8 293
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 Woods Restaurant is noted for its ability to accommodate various dietary restrictions, including gluten-free options. This flexibility makes it a great choice for diners with specific needs.
- Excellent Service The staff are consistently described as friendly, attentive, and welcoming, creating a warm and pleasant dining experience. Many reviewers specifically mention the owners, noting their personal touch and dedication to customer satisfaction.
- High-Quality Food The food is frequently praised for its excellent preparation, flavor, and presentation, with particular emphasis on seafood and steak dishes. Many reviewers mention specific dishes they enjoyed and compliment the quality of the ingredients.
- Long-standing Reputation With over 40 years of operation, Woods has established itself as a Bath institution, known for its consistent quality and dedication to providing a memorable dining experience. This history suggests a reliable and well-regarded establishment.
- Lovely Atmosphere The restaurant boasts a charming and inviting atmosphere, often described as elegant, cozy, and relaxed. The ambiance is suitable for both special occasions and casual meals.
Criticised
- Can Be Noisy Due to its popularity, the restaurant can be quite noisy, particularly during peak hours. This might make it difficult to have conversations, especially for those with hearing difficulties.
- Location can be slightly off the beaten path While still accessible, the restaurant is not in the heart of the city. Some may find it a little difficult to find, slightly away from the main tourist area.
- Menu May Lack Excitement While the food is generally well-prepared, some found the menu to be somewhat dated or lacking in originality. Diners seeking innovative or cutting-edge cuisine may be underwhelmed by the more traditional offerings.
- Price can be High Some reviewers felt the prices were high relative to the portion sizes and overall value. While they appreciated the quality of the food and service, they suggested it might not be the best option for budget-conscious diners.
- Vegetarian Options Limited The vegetarian options may not be as imaginative or appealing as the meat and fish dishes. Vegetarians may find the choices limited or uninspired.
The longer read
Woods Restaurant garners consistently positive feedback, with many reviewers highlighting its long-standing presence in Bath (over 40 years) and family-run atmosphere. Numerous patrons express that Woods is their first choice when visiting Bath, citing the consistently excellent food, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service. Several reviewers celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries, at Woods, emphasizing the restaurant's ability to create memorable experiences. The owners, David and Claude, are frequently mentioned for their personal touch, hospitality, and hands-on involvement in the restaurant's operations. Many reviewers appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, often describing the service as exceptional and noting the staff's ability to make them feel welcome and valued. Multiple reviews note the attentive service, with staff ensuring glasses are full and needs are promptly met. The food quality is consistently praised, with several reviewers specifically highlighting the seafood dishes, such as Hake, with the fish described as fresh and well-prepared. The steaks, especially the fillet steak with peppercorn sauce, also receive frequent positive mentions, with many reviewers describing them as cooked to perfection. While the menu may not be overly innovative, reviewers appreciate the well-executed classic dishes and the use of high-quality ingredients. The dessert menu, particularly the creme brûlée, gets special attention as well. The restaurant's ambiance is often described as elegant, comfortable, and relaxing, making it suitable for both casual lunches and special occasion dinners. The presence of fresh flowers and spacious table arrangements contribute to the pleasant dining environment. Some reviewers mention that the restaurant can be noisy when full but that staff copes admirably. Some mention the value for money, particularly the set lunch menu, while others find the prices to be high but justified by the food quality and service. A few reviewers note that the vegetarian options could be more imaginative. Many reviewers appreciate the restaurant's ability to accommodate dietary restrictions, including gluten-free options. Several reviewers reminisce about past visits to Woods, often spanning many years, and express their intention to return. The restaurant's location, near the Assembly Rooms, is considered convenient for exploring Bath's attractions. Reviewers describe Woods as a Bath institution and a hidden gem, recommending it to friends and family. The restaurant also receives praise for its ability to cater to large groups, including private dining options, making it suitable for celebrations and gatherings.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 1225 314812
- Website
- woodsrestaurant.com
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 20:30 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 20:30 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 20:30 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 20:30 |
| Sun | Closed |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 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 some signature dishes or specialties at Woods Restaurant?
- How would you describe the atmosphere and overall dining experience at Woods Restaurant?
- Does Woods Restaurant cater to special dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options?
- Is it recommended to book a table in advance at Woods Restaurant, especially on weekends?
- How easy is it to find Woods Restaurant in Bath, and is there nearby parking or public transport?
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.