Robun

Creative Japanese cooking

This smart restaurant in the heart of Bath offers a refreshing alternative to the city’s many brasseries and brunch spots. Crafting a modern take on Japanese yakiniku (the art of grilling meat, seafood and vegetables over a traditional robata charcoal fire), Robun has made a name for itself as one of the region’s most exciting dining spots.

New head chef Kasae Fraser worked in restaurants around the world, including Michelin-starred Operakällaren in Stockholm, before taking up the role at Robun in 2023.

Cult Japanese classics like sushi and tempura feature on his menus, but it’s the more creative dishes (think wagyu beef tataki with yuzu ponzu dressing, and black cod with den miso marinade) that excite the ambitious chef.

Make an evening reservation to get stuck into his à la carte menu of small plates, signature ensembles and robata dishes, or take a lunchtime trip to work your way through a bento box of delicious bites – meat, veg and seafood varieties are available.

Whenever you visit, it’s worth taking public transport in order to make the most of the unique drinks menu. The cocktail list is extremely good and features intriguing concoctions, including the Doki Doki of pisco, strawberry syrup, elderflower cordial, Yuzushu, cold brew jasmine tea and egg white.

Trencherman’s tip: The sake menu is one of the most extensive in the South West and includes fine examples of rice wine, from the fresh and fruity to the unfiltered and rice-centric.