5 of the Best Cheap Eats in Bath

Bath is best known for its legendary baths and the Georgian architectural marvel of Royal Crescent. However, Bath also has an outstanding foodie reputation in the south west of England. Not only does the city have a vibrant independent food scene, many eating stops are creative and affordable with menus to suit all dietary preferences. From the city that brought us Bath Gin, Bath Chaps and of course, Sally Lunn’s 17th century buns, here are the best cheap (but absolutely delicious) places to eat. 

Chilli Family Noodles

If you’re in the mood to be well fed for under a tenner, Chilli Family Noodles is your place. Located in the city’s Dorchester Street bus station, the Chinese and Sichuan restaurant has a reputation for offering excellent healthy fast food at an excellent price. If you’d really like to keep the cost low, plump for the veggie options. The  veggie sweet potato soup (£8) and the deliciously addictive Chongqing Xiaomian (£9) are two of the best budget options. If you’re sharing, you may wish to go for the 15 dumplings for £9 deal (£10 for the meat option). The restaurant’s simple and casual interior is a great setting for a work lunch or catch-up with friends that does not have to break the bank. 

1 Dorchester Street, Bath Bus Station, Bath BA1 1SS 

The Coconut Tree

The multi award-winning chain Coconut Tree has a great reputation in the south west for delicious, healthy, tummy-filling food. The Sri Lankan chain’s Bath restaurant is no different. If you’d like to avid a grab-and-go you can select the Express Lunch, which promises you’ll be in and out within 30 minutes. This offer, which is available weekday lunchtimes only, includes a hopper, a curry (we recommend the creamy pumpkin of the Fat Sister), a sambol or condiment, roti or rice and a soft or hot drink. Service is always excellent and attentive, and the tasty, wholesome and happy food will keep you coming back for more. By the way, in case you’re wondering, a hopper is a bowl shaped pancake made from coconut milk. 

36 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LP

Chaiwalla

Not to be confused with the UK-wide tea room chain, Chaiwalla is a hole in the wall independent Indian street food stop known for its wallet-friendly prices, generous portions, and thick and crispy samosas. For starters, you can grab two of these with chutney for a bargain £3.50. For £7-8, you’ll be able to enjoy a freshly made, sizeable main wrap (our favourite is the falafel) complete with a samosa on the side. £9 gets you a wonderful chickpea curry or an ‘all in box’ with a bit of everything: samosa, bhaji, crispy deep-fried falafel, hummus and all the condiments. Just for those who want to sample it all. Cheap, cheerful and delicious. 

42 Monmouth St, Bath BA1 2AN

Juno Bar Kitchen

Bath’s Juno Bar Kitchen is famous for their penny-saving midweek lunch deals. From 12-4pm on Monday to Friday, Juno offers a £6 burger or pizza option on the lunch menu. Choose from a margherita pizza or one of the delicious Juno Burgers, which are sourced from Bristol’s Buxton Butchers. There is a vegan choice too, with the option to add fries for £2. For something a little lighter, Juno’s famed Toasties come with a fist of fries. Simple is best with the grilled cheese for £6.95, or for £1 more you can get a healthy portion of cheesy pulled pork with their BBQ Beef toastie. Happy hour runs between 5-7pm from Sunday to Thursday: £4.50 for a pint of house lager or 2 cocktails for £10. Even better, Juno’s cocktails are usually priced from £8 upwards, so it’s worth taking advantage of.

4 Philip Street, Bath BA1 1AU

Bath Pizza Co

Bath Pizza Co is an experience that should be mandatory in every city. Located in Bath’s former railway station, this walk-up window pizzeria is one of the stars of the city’s leading independent food scene. For £12.50 you can grab yourself a slice of the action with a pizza and a pint or glass of prosecco. How’s that for a lunch deal? Not only is the pizza outstanding (they came 2nd at the National Pizza Awards 2021), there’s also free live music events on the alfresco terrace. If you’ve a few coins to spare, also grab a dip of truffle & black pepper or pesto aioli. Then stop yourself from coming back for more. 

Green Park Station, 2-3 Westmoreland Station Rd, Bath BA1 1JB

By Richard Gilbert Cross