Upstairs At Landrace

Tucked away on the first floor of 59 Walcot Street, Upstairs At Landrace is the kind of spot that feels like Bath’s best-kept culinary secret. It’s got that effortless charm - the kind that makes you want to cancel the rest of your day and linger over a second glass of wine. Despite the absence of a wheelchair-accessible car park, once you’re inside, everything about the space encourages you to slow down and savour.

The menu here doesn’t shout; it whispers sophistication. If you’ve ever doubted the power of a well-executed small plate, Upstairs At Landrace will change your mind - quickly. One of the most talked-about items is their lamb ragu, slow-cooked and folded into handmade ravioli that melts like butter on the tongue. It’s earthy, tender, and deeply satisfying. Then there’s the pesto, vibrant and nutty, clinging to delicate strands of pasta like it was born to be there. The tortellini comes in just the right portion to make you wish you'd ordered two.

For seafood lovers, red halibut and scampi are prepared with respect and subtlety. They never overdo it - instead, they let the ingredients speak. A dish like gambas a la plancha brings that Mediterranean kiss of the grill, while morcilla, Spain’s take on blood sausage, delivers bold, warming depth.

The starters alone deserve a mention. The arancini is golden, crisped perfection on the outside, with molten, creamy risotto within. There’s also an occasional playful detour like the banana bread, elevated far beyond café territory, paired with inventive twists that surprise the palate.

Don’t skip dessert. The ricotta and olive oil cake walks the fine line between comforting and refined - light yet indulgent, especially when paired with seasonal strawberries or asparagus during spring and early summer. For something more savoury to finish, the Comté, pear ale chutney, and sourdough crackers platter is a standout. Salty, sweet, sharp, and smooth - it’s an experience in balance.

The drinks list deserves a love letter of its own. With a carefully curated wine list that leans towards organic and biodynamic selections, it’s clear the folks behind the bar know their grapes. Pair a glass of crisp white with your fish course or sip on something full-bodied with the lamb - either way, you’re in for a good time. And if you’re not in the mood for wine? They’ve got you covered with quality beer, refined spirits, and perhaps the best coffee and tea selection in the area. This place knows how to please from aperitivo to digestivo.

While they don’t offer takeaway or delivery, this is very much a sit-down-and-savour kind of place anyway. It’s not about convenience - it’s about craft. The focus is on seasonal produce, treated with reverence, and served in a warm, almost familial atmosphere. It’s especially popular for both lunch and dinner, and solo diners often find it a comforting spot to unwind without fuss or formality.

What makes Upstairs At Landrace different from other dining spots in Bath isn’t just the food - it’s the philosophy. This isn’t a kitchen that cuts corners. It’s where flavour meets thoughtfulness, where ingredients are championed, and the experience feels curated but never pretentious. Whether you’re popping in for a midday escape or settling into a long evening meal, there’s a quiet assurance in every dish, every glass, and every moment spent upstairs.