Esan Thai restaurant

You'll find Esan tucked away on Westgate Street, in that stretch where Bath starts feeling less postcard-perfect and more like an actual neighbourhood. It's the kind of place locals keep coming back to because the kitchen takes genuine care with their curries and stir-fries, rather than dumbing things down for tourist taste buds. The room itself is straightforward—no fussy décor or Instagram theatrics—which somehow makes the food taste better. Order the som tam if it's on, trust their spice recommendations, and don't expect fine dining theatre; expect proper, flavourful Thai food cooked with actual technique.