Noya's Kitchen — Restaurant in Bath

Noya’s Kitchen, Bath offers a truly remarkable Vietnamese culinary experience, where each dish not only excites the taste buds but also envelops the senses with tantalizing aromas. The moment you enter, you’re greeted by the intoxicating scents of fresh herbs, garlic, and toasted spices, all of which hint at the vibrant flavors to come.

A standout dish is the tofu noodles, which perfectly embody the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. The tofu, crispy on the outside yet soft and velvety inside, offers a delightful contrast to the smooth, delicate noodles that slide effortlessly on the tongue. The broth, aromatic with umami notes of soy and a refreshing touch of lime, is infused with the bright flavors of lemongrass and ginger. Each bite is a delicate balance of salty, sweet, and sour—seasoned with just the right amount of heat that lingers gently without overwhelming the palate. The fragrance of the broth alone is enough to transport you to the heart of Vietnam, making each bite a journey in itself.

To cleanse the palate and refresh between courses, Noya’s offers a delicate green tea, a perfect counterpoint to the rich flavors of the meal. Light yet subtly aromatic, the tea’s vegetal notes and gentle sweetness cleanse the palate, leaving you ready for the next course. It’s the ideal way to reset your senses and fully appreciate the complexity of each dish.

The ambiance at Noya’s enhances the experience, with aromas of simmering broths and fresh herbs filling the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes each meal feel special. Whether it’s the comforting tofu noodles or the soothing green tea, Noya’s Kitchen, Bath offers an exquisite fusion of flavors and fragrances that will linger in your memory long after you’ve left. For anyone seeking a Vietnamese dining experience that delights both the senses and the soul, this is a must-visit...

A chance encounter on the train to Bath led to an absolutely marvellous gastronomic experience at Noya's Kitchen. A complete stranger, also on her first trip to Bath, recommended this gem of a restaurant as a must-do, and I couldn't agree more. Firstly, the staff are attentive and helpful, delivering some of the best restaurant service I've received from an eatery in England. The young crew really seemed to enjoy their work and made us and the other diners feel at home in the garden as we dined alfresco. But the food, though! It's so good; I could eat it for the rest of my life and die very, very happy. We had lunch at Noya's today, and I recommend everything we ate. Beginning with the starter-trio of fried pork dumplings, fresh summer rolls, and crispy aubergine batons for a very affordable £8, the flavours were so delicious, I honestly had to fight the urge not to order another serving. For our mains, we had An's Vietnamese chicken curry and the crispy tofu with vermicelli dishes. My descriptions won't do these creations justice but suffice it to say that the rich, balanced favours had us raving. Noya truly knows how to make your tastebuds sing. There were mmm's and oooh's and more mmmm's with every bite. With everything going so well, dessert was an easy sell. The homemade mango and coconut ice creams were rich and creamy. I highly recommend trying the peanut butter and chocolate brownie with coconut ice cream. It's gluten-free, and you won't be disappointed! Then again, there's nothing that wasn't absolutely delicious and made to perfection. I might eat lunch and dinner at Noya's on every subsequent visit to Bath. The trip is worth it for Noya's...

What a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful restaurant. I have to start there because, honestly, I haven’t a single negative thing to say.

As someone who’s lived in Thailand and Vietnam, finding proper, traditional Vietnamese food in the UK always feels a bit like chasing a ghost. But this place… this felt real. From the second I walked in to the second I left, it was like being welcomed into Noi’s family.

The whole place has been put together with such care and nostalgia. The family photos are a lovely touch too. One of them even had a hand-drawn frame instead of a real one. Maybe most people didn’t notice, but I did, and it properly warmed my 6’5” soul.

The staff were just as brilliant: chatty, funny, properly warm. They somehow knew exactly when to top up water or clear plates without ever hovering. Friendly, but not fake-friendly. The kind of service that just feels right.

And the food… unreal. The curry and pulled pork noodles were spot on: generous portions (none of that two-bits-of-meat nonsense you usually get), perfectly cooked, and full of proper Vietnamese flavour. I genuinely felt like I was back in Southeast Asia for a bit.

I’d actually gone in planning to try the banh mi but didn’t get that far, which just means I’ll have to go back. Gutted I didn’t get to meet Noi herself, as I’d have loved to thank her in person for creating such a special place.

Five stars. Ten if I could. Easily one of the best...