Bouvardia Restaurant Bath — Restaurant in Bath

An Elegant Evening of Fine Dining at Bouvardia – A Must-Visit in Bath

Nestled within the stunning Bathen House, Bouvardia offers an elegant yet relaxed dining experience that truly embodies sophistication. From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we were captivated by its chic and modern decor. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with an understated elegance that complemented the exquisite culinary journey we were about to embark on. The service was equally exceptional; the waitstaff were attentive, friendly, and accommodating, ensuring our evening was nothing short of perfect.

Our dining experience began with still water and a glass of the house red wine as we perused the menu. While we deliberated, we were treated to a complimentary piece of warm sourdough served with honey butter. This seemingly simple offering was a delight—the sourdough was fresh, soft, and perfectly paired with the subtly sweet and creamy butter.

Starters

I began with the Beef Brisket & Smoked Mozzarella Ravioli, served in a smoked paprika and tomato sauce with crispy onions. The ravioli was a revelation—the brisket was tender and packed with flavor, while the sauce was rich and perfectly seasoned. Every bite was a burst of indulgent flavors, balanced with the crunch of the crispy onions. My partner chose the Smoked Duck Breast, accompanied by blue cheese crème, blackberries, and candied walnuts. Although the duck was served cold, it was wonderfully tender, and the creamy blue cheese provided a decadent contrast to the tartness of the blackberries. The dish’s presentation was impeccable, a true testament to the attention to detail at Bouvardia.

Mains

For the main course, I opted for the Pan-Fried Monkfish served with octopus, confit garlic purée, and white wine velouté. As a seafood lover, I was thrilled with this dish. The monkfish was cooked to perfection—succulent and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The white wine velouté elevated the flavors, and the octopus added a unique touch to the dish. My partner chose the Hazelnut Crusted Loin of Venison, accompanied by mushroom dust, beetroot cream, and venison jus. This dish was a masterpiece of rich, earthy flavors, with the venison cooked flawlessly. The presentation, again, was stunning, showcasing the chef’s artistry and creativity.

Sides

We shared the Maple Roasted Parsnips and Heritage Carrots alongside Truffle and Parmesan Fries. Both sides were delightful accompaniments to our mains. The roasted vegetables were caramelized to perfection, while the truffle fries had just the right amount of truffle to enhance their flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Desserts

To end the meal, I opted for the Selection of Local Cheeses, featuring Bath Blue, Merry Wyfe of Bath, Bath Soft, and Mature Wyfe of Bath cheeses. While the cheeses were delightful—particularly the Bath Blue and Brie-style varieties—the presentation fell slightly short. A rustic wooden board would have elevated the aesthetic and complemented the cheeses better and the layout of crackers and grapes felt over done. My partner chose the Honey Tuile, served with spiced fruit pastille, yogurt foam, and almond praline. He found the dish refreshing, with the spiced fruit adding a unique twist to the overall flavor profile.

Overall Experience

Bouvardia is a restaurant that delivers on all fronts—exceptional food, outstanding service, and a sophisticated atmosphere. The attention to detail in each dish, from flavor to presentation, was impressive, though there is room for minor improvements, particularly with the cheeseboard presentation. If you are looking for a fine dining experience in Bath that combines bold, well-executed flavors with an elegant setting, Bouvardia should be at the top of your list. This restaurant is a hidden gem, and I highly recommend it for an unforgettable...

We had a truly wonderful dining experience at Bouvardia on a recent Friday evening. From the moment we stepped inside, we were struck by the calm and luxurious atmosphere. The décor was elegant yet inviting, creating a warm and intimate setting that made the evening feel special. The view of the beautifully lit fountain outside added a serene and sophisticated touch to the overall ambience. The soft lighting and gentle background music further enhanced the relaxing environment, making it an ideal spot for a special occasion or an indulgent meal.

The service was impeccable from start to finish. The waitstaff were not only attentive but also genuinely friendly and welcoming. They struck the perfect balance between being professional and personable, ensuring we felt well looked after without ever feeling rushed. They were also incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, offering helpful recommendations and guiding us through the different dishes with enthusiasm. It was clear that they were passionate about the food, which made our dining experience all the more enjoyable.

To start, we opted for two very different but equally delicious appetizers. One of us had the duck breast served with a rich and creamy blue cheese sauce. The cheese had a strong, punchy flavor that complemented the perfectly cooked, tender duck beautifully. The combination was indulgent yet well-balanced, offering a wonderful depth of taste. The other starter was a salmon tartare, which was incredibly fresh and expertly seasoned. The delicate texture of the salmon, paired with an avocado cream made for a light yet flavorful dish that was a perfect way to begin the meal.

For our main courses, one of us chose the monkfish, which was served alongside octopus, confit garlic purée, and a white wine velouté. The fish was perfectly cooked, with a firm yet tender texture, and the velouté added a beautifully smooth and velvety richness. The octopus was also expertly prepared, tender rather than chewy, and the combination of flavors worked really well to create a dish that was thoroughly enjoyed.

The other main course was a venison dish that featured a crunchy hazelnut crust. This dish was a real highlight—the venison was cooked to perfection, beautifully tender, and full of deep, rich flavors. The hazelnut crust added a nice different texture and a nuttiness that paired well with the gamey notes of the meat.

To round off our meal, we opted for two desserts that perfectly suited the winter evening. The cheese board featured a selection of local cheeses. The other dessert was a poached pear with cinnamon ice cream, and it was simply delightful. The pear was tender and infused with a gentle spiced sweetness, while the cinnamon ice cream added a warming, seasonal touch. It was the perfect way to finish the meal, especially on a chilly January evening.

Situated on the edge of Bath, Bouvardia is easy to get to and benefits from free parking both at the front and back, making it a convenient choice for those driving in. The setting, paired with the high-quality food and welcoming atmosphere, made for a truly...

Me and my partner tried Bouvardia, which is a fine dining restaurant located in Bath. We went for a 3 course meal a 2 sides. Looking at the menu I was a bit sceptical, as it is quite condensed it was still incredible. The restaurant itself is quite small but quiet and quite intimate. I wouldn’t say it’s somewhere you’d bring a family and it’s a very relaxing environment. There were only 9 tables in the actual restaurant itself but still didn’t have a cramped feeling.

I went for the Beef Brisket & Smoked Mozzarella Ravioli to start, followed by the Chicken Supreme with a side of Dauphinoise Potatoes. Finishing off with a Chocolate Fondant. We started with some sourdough bread which was perfectly cooked and warm, complimented by some honey butter which melted so well and was actually some of the best butter I think I have ever tasted! The meal definitely started off on a high!

Beef Brisket Ravioli - The brisket was super tender and the Tomato sauce was surprisingly sweet so it complimented it really well. Topped off with some crispy onions which were nice and light to finish off.

Duck Breast - The duck breast was tender, refreshing. The freshness from the blue cheese crème was set off by the blackberries and walnuts.

Chicken Supreme & Dauphinoise potatoes - the chicken was so juicy and tender. I didn’t massively the caponata as it was a bit sweet for my liking but everything else was delicious. The dauphinoise potatoes had a lush crispy top which was nice and crunchy against the soft peppery potatoes.

Pork & crushed garlic potatoes - The red wine sauce with the pork was a a perfect amount of sweetness mixed with the apple coulis. The Pork itself was very tender and flavourful.

Chocolate fondant - The level of chocolate in the fondant was perfect. Not overpowering and not lacking flavour. There was a nice crisp to the outside which made the centre even more gooey. The cherry ice cream was homemade but I wasn’t overly blown away. This was nice but I would have loved a bit more ooomph of cherry but still nice!

Poached pear - This pudding was lovely but the rum sauce was quite a lot. Everything went well together and gave us a winterry sort of vibe.

We also stayed at Batten House (the hotel attached to the restaurant) and had breakfast the next morning which is served between 8am - 10am. The breakfast had a choice of Continental and Cooked breakfasts. There was a great selection at the continental stand such as Pastries, cereals, fresh fruit, juices and the choice of tea and coffees. For a hot breakfast you have lots of choices. I had the Breakfast waffle and berries and the waffle was amazing and the berries were super fresh. My partner had the eggs Benedict and our server accepted our requests for changes to our breakfast no problem!

You can tell all the food is fresh and cooked so well. The staff themselves were wonderful and super lovely! You can also tell the staff enjoy working here and take pride in working at Bouvardia which is lovely to see. Overall the food was incredible and if I’m ever coming through Bath I will be making a pitstop...