Demuth's restaurant in Bath confounds any expectation that eating vegetarian food might be healthy and worthy but not, ultimately, an indulgence.

Banish any preconceptions that a vegetarian or vegan meal means dutifully chomping on salads the diner at this tiny but stylish eaterie is in for a treat.

Tucked away in North Parade Passage, just two minutes away from the Abbey, Demuth's is an ideal venue for a delicious family lunch.

Come nightfall, the lights are dimmed, and a whole new menu of intriguing and delicious dishes is opened.

The restaurant is a brightly coloured jewellery box, with the oddly shaped old Bath stone walls painted in contrasting colours.

Tables fill the ground floor and a lower cellar.

Although the ground floor is definitely the more attractive dining area the cellar is cosy and secluded.

The starters cost around £4.75 and include Egyptian falafels, roast pepper, tofu and basil pate, and squash pumpkin seed and feta scrunchies.

We chose to share a helping of this third option, and received three crispy pouches of filo pastry, bursting with flavour and contrasting textures, served on a mixed salad with a tangy dressing.

Main courses cost £11.75, and the dishes on offer included the traditional veggie sausages and mash as well as more exotic dishes.

The tri-coloured blinis with garlic mushrooms and green beans, served with tiny roasted carrots, were tender and tasty.

The blinis, Russian pancakes, were stacked three high with plentiful mushrooms and beans layered between.

My partner tried the Mexican three-bean chilli plate, which included a range of tantalising extras, such as

polenta wedges, a guacamole singing with garlic and halloumi kebabs strung on skewers with tomatoes and vegetables.

Desserts included a vegan chocolate fudge cake, the Indonesian black rice pudding and apple and pear crumble, ranging in cost from £4.25 to £4.75.

We decided to share the tiramisu, a rich and indulgent confection of coffee mousse, chocolate and cream with an enriching hint of something alcoholic in the bottom.

As well as the range of dishes and desserts Demuth's offers plenty of interesting drinks and extras to accompany the meal, with the emphasis on organic food.

My partner drank an organic beer and I enjoyed a traditional Victorian lemonade with mine finishing off with organic coffee in the cappuchinos.

Despite the focus on organic, vegetarian or vegan food there is no sense of fussiness or restriction.

The dishes are rich, tasty and generous, the staff busy but friendly and the entire dining experience a pleasure and highly recommended.

By Sarah Singleton

Demuth's Restaurant

2, North Parade Passage, Bath

(01225) 446059

Website: www.demuths.co.uk

Factfile

Open: 10am-10pm Monday to Friday, 9am-11pm Saturday

Children's menu offered at lunchtime

Booking recommended

Major credit cards accepted

No disabled access