How a French tyre company became the world’s most prestigious restaurant reviewers remains baffling. Everyone in the culinary world is desperate to appear in the Michelin Guideand even grab a star or three in the process. But its influence doesn’t end at restaurants. Last year, the Michelin Guide branched out to include hotels, and has now, for the first time, picked the world’s most “exciting foodie destinations” for 2025.
Just a few of its picks include Thailand’s Koh Samuiwhere the third season of The White Lotus was filmed), along with Bangkok and Phuket; while USA’s Austin and its iconic Texan barbecue also featured, as did the ‘ambitious chefs’ of Vienna’s Austro-Hungarian food scene; plus, it recommends Osaka’s hundreds of MICHELIN-approved restaurants.
Very few could have predicted that Bath would also be one of only 10 foodie destinations featured. With only one Michelin-star (Olive Tree) and a couple of handfuls of Guide-approved restaurants, the picturesque UNESCO heritage spa town may seem like an odd choice. But a quick walk around its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture will convince anyone it belongs here.
MICHELIN Guide calls it “England’s prettiest town”but you should know before you visit, despite its small size, Bath is a city. But names are trivial when you look this gorgeous – having inspired the greatest romance novelist, Jane Austen, and been used as a filming location for Regency-era Netflix series, Bridgerton.
What should I do when I visit Bath?
Home to 13 Michelin Guide restaurantsincluding two Bib Gourmands and one One-Star restaurant, there’s more than enough choice for a weekend getaway. But the Guide particularly highlights the plant-based MICHELIN Green Star bistro, OAK“where the chefs plate up plant-led food prepared with ingredients plucked right from the owners’ garden.”
It also suggests two places where you can stay. First, there’s the Two-Key (Keys are like Stars but for hotels) Royal Crescent Hotel & Spaa collection of 18th-century houses. While, for a smaller budget, check out The Birdwhich is inside a converted Victorian mansion.
When you decide to visit Bath could make the difference, however, in 2025. Bath is hosting several decadent balls this year, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birthalthough the Jane Austen Festival in September is an annual event. Other city-musts include soaking up history from the Roman Baths, a refreshing dip at the Thermae Bath Spa, and tasting the legendary Sally Lunn bun.
How do I get there from London?
You can get to Bath quite easily from London, with a direct train leaving from London Paddington to Bath Spa every 30 minutes (or so). The train journey only takes an hour and a half too. Alternatively, it’ll take two hours and a half hours to drive via the M4. Before you set off, make sure to check out a whole host of activities – from Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein to a Mystery Picnic – you can book in Bath by heading here.
Michelin Guide’s 10 Exciting Foodie Destinations of 2025:
Americas
- Austin, Texas, United States
- Miami, Florida, USA
- Mexico City, Mexico
Asia
- Seet, Kohorok, Sama and dade, Thailand?
- Osaka, Japan
- Fujian, China
- Da na, Vietnam
Europe
- Vienna, Austria
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Bath, England
You can learn more about Michelin Guide’s exciting foodie destinations here.
