Sarthi, Bath – A Flavourful Vegetarian Feast on Walcot Street

Located along the charming stretch of Walcot Street in Bath, Sarthi offers a refreshing take on Indian cuisine with a 100% vegetarian menu that’s as comforting as it is creative. With a strong emphasis on flavour, presentation and hospitality, this meat-free Indian restaurant is a must-visit for vegetarians, vegans, and even devoted carnivores looking to explore plant-based options done right.

Barely a few months old, Sarthi is the brainchild of a couple from London with extensive experience in the food and beverage industry. After years of managing eateries and restaurants in previous roles, they’ve now embarked on an exciting new chapter, running their own establishment and finally calling the shots.

We visited shortly after their inauguration puja, a traditional Hindu ritual held to bless and celebrate the opening of the restaurant. Flower garlands and offerings from well-wishers were still dotted all around the restaurant and behind the bar.

Location and Building

One of the most distinctive features of Sarthi is its stunning location, 88 Walcot Street, formerly the site of St Michael’s Church in Bath. This historic building, with its high vaulted ceilings and ecclesiastical architecture, provides a truly unique dining atmosphere. While the church was long deconsecrated and repurposed, traces of its spiritual past still echo through the space, giving the restaurant an airy, peaceful ambience that’s both grand and welcoming.

Prior to Sarthi, the building was home to an Italian and Mediterranean restaurant, where we had the pleasure of dining a few times. Interestingly, the interior hasn’t changed much since then, and that’s not a bad thing. The layout works beautifully in its current incarnation.

At the heart of the main dining area, round tables comfortably seat two to three, even four guests. Along the far right, you’ll find booth seating suitable for slightly larger groups of four to six, offering a bit more privacy. On the far left, a row of fixed seating with rectangular tables adds a casual, communal touch. At the far top of the space, you’ll find the bar, subtly lit and well-placed within the open-plan room.

The reception area, just past the entrance, has a lower ceiling due to a mezzanine floor above, but as you step further in, the space opens up dramatically into the vaulted main dining hall. Natural light filters through tall windows, and even without the air conditioning on, the interior remains remarkably cool and airy.

With the main doors open, even during the warmer months, the restaurant maintains a comfortable and breathable atmosphere, likely thanks to the building’s original stone construction and smart layout.

Dining at Sarthi allows the reverence of experience, of being in a space that blends historic architecture and modern hospitality. Together, they form a whole experience on its own, whether for a casual lunch or settling down for a full dinner, the setting enhances every bite with a sense of place and presence.

The Food

We dropped in for a casual lunch and were pleasantly surprised by the variety and depth of flavour in every dish we tried. Our meal began with the Desi Chaat Platter, a vibrant and visually exciting starter featuring Masala Puri and Papdi Chaat.

Masala Puri

The Masala Puri consisted of six crisp, fried puff up bread balls (puri), each expertly filled with a spiced mixture of potatoes, chickpeas, bell peppers, house chutney, magic masala and topped with sev. We tried Pani Puri before at another restaurant but time was different, no assembly necessary. What stood out was their impressive crispiness—despite being served fully assembled, the puris retained their crunch. The only way to truly enjoy them is whole—in the mouth—resulting in a delightful explosion of flavours and textures.

Royal Papdi Chaat

The Papdi Chaat, also called Royal Papdi Chaat, was a new experience for us. Thick, crispy Indian crackers served with spiced mashed potato, yoghurt, chutneys, sev and masala, it felt like the Indian version of crisps with dips—messy, flavour-packed and fun to eat. While we found the crackers a bit hard for our liking, the mix of textures and balance of sweet, spicy and tangy notes made it an excellent sharing plate.

Plain Paper Dosa

Next came the Plain Paper Dosa, an ultra-thin and crispy Indian crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter. With its delicate sour tang and brittle texture, the dosa was served with a traditional duo of Sambhar (a mildly spiced lentil soup) and coconut chutney.

Authentic in taste and light on the stomach, it’s a perfect midday option, especially for those looking for something gluten-free and satisfying. Ordinarily, we would order this and have it for breakfast. But as it is lunch time, and to satisfy our craving for Dosa, we ordered this as part of our main for lunch.

Paneer Chatpata

The other main we ordered and shared is the Paneer Chatpata, a rich, creamy curry made with a tomato and cashew base, seasoned with house-ground spices. You can choose your protein from paneer, chicken substitute, or vegetables. We opted for paneer, and it worked beautifully with the sauce—soft, slightly chewy cubes of cheese soaking up the luxurious curry. The dish packed a bit of heat, which might be slightly strong for mild palates, but we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Peshwari Naan

To accompany the curry, we had the Peshwari Naan, a soft tandoor-baked bread with a slightly sweet twist. It was laced with sultanas and desiccated coconut, adding a subtle richness that paired wonderfully with the spicier Chatpata curry. It was a medium-sized naan—just enough for one, but since we shared our dosa earlier, it balanced out the meal nicely.

Sarthi’s appeal goes beyond its food. It’s proudly meat-free, with no animal products used in any of their dishes, making it a haven for ethical eaters and eco-conscious diners. The interior is clean and modest, keeping the focus on the food.

The Service

Service throughout was friendly and attentive, and dishes came out promptly. We especially appreciated how the chaat platter was served on two separate plates instead of a single large one—it made sharing much easier and more enjoyable.

Value for Money

Price-wise, expect to pay around £20 per person (excluding drinks), with a standard 10% service charge added. Considering the quality, portion size and attentive service, it’s well worth the price.

Our Verdict

Sarthi delivers a memorable and satisfying Indian dining experience in the heart of Bath—bold in flavour, ethical in philosophy, and generous in hospitality. This is a must-visit for anyone from lifelong vegetarians to those exploring meat-free Indian cuisine for the first time.