We've got you covered with our insider's guide to the top places to eat in Harrogate.
If you’re looking for places to eat, drink, spend time with friends, and even take in a little culture, then the elegant Victorian spa town of Harrogate is an easy choice. A quick train, journey from surrounding Yorkshire cities such as Leeds and York, Harrogate boasts some of the best restaurants in the North. Its quaint streets host a plethora of shops, bars, history and green spaces, but we know you’re here for the food. Whether it’s a quick lunch, a luxurious tasting menu or afternoon tea, we have you covered. Read on for our hand-picked list of the best restaurants in Harrogate.
Browse by location: Best Restaurants in Harrogate Centre | Best places to eat in the Harrogate Area
When to go: When the sun shines to take full advantage of THAT roof terrace.
What to have: The sheer amount of choice here means it’s a tough decision, but you can’t go wrong with the lobster tacos or one of their Yorkshire Wagyu burgers.
From renowned hospitality company Shoot The Bull comes to Solita Food Hall, an easy choice for one of the best restaurants in Harrogate. Located slap bang in the town centre, this firm foodie favourite offers a wide range of menus from its various kitchens, including Solita (home of their infamous Wagyu burger), Slice Me Nicely Pizza, Cure & Pour (for cured meats, wines and rare spirits) and Rupert’s Coffee House to name but a few.
Guests can choose to dine and drink from any of the kitchens – open from 9 am, 7 days a week – and enjoy their fare whilst soaking up the rays (we hope), on the huge outdoor roof terrace.
33-35 Parliament Street, HG1 2RE
When to go: After an appetite-whetting stroll around the stunning Stray
What to have: Grab a few small plates and share – the crispy sweetbreads (trust us) with jalapeno mayo, the burrata and the Korean chicken are hard to beat.
Head towards the beautiful open green expanse of the Stray parkland, just on the edge of the town centre and you might just stumble upon Threes a Crowd. This thoughtfully decorated modern gastropub serves up high-quality British dishes with a twist, in a relaxed informal setting.
Think braised pork cheeks with a sweet and sour glaze, or Korean fried chicken with sesame and spring onion. The menu changes regularly, so there is always something new to try, plus their Sunday roasts are pretty epic too. The bar stocks local and craft beers, handpicked wines, and deliciously inventive cocktails. We’ll take a copper mug (that’s Finlandia vodka, rise water, lime, ginger beer & coconut sorbet to you and me). Cheers!
11 West Park, Harrogate HG1 1BL – 01423 391459
When to go: For a special occasion. Book a room and make a romantic weekend of it.
What to have: Any of their 21-day aged beef dishes really hit the spot. Finish with a Cryer & Stott locally sourced cheese plate.
The AA Rosette awarded West Park Restaurant is the place to head for those eco-conscious diners, and certainly one of the best restaurants in Harrogate. With a big focus on local, seasonal produce and sustainability, The West Park sources much of its ingredients from its own kitchen garden, or from Yorkshire-based suppliers to help keep those food miles low.
Offering seasonal, Sunday lunch, breakfast & children’s menus, there really is something for everyone. Expect dishes such as English asparagus & parmesan tart, or Yorkshire Wold’s chicken breast with sprouting broccoli & garlic saffron aioli. With that said, why not make a weekend of it, and stay in one of their modern and tastefully decorated rooms.
19 West Park, Harrogate HG1 1BJ – 01423 524 471
When to go: When you can’t decide what type of food you fancy.
What to have: Try one of their mouthwatering roast dinners, served Sundays from midday.
One of Harrogate’s newest restaurants, The Pickled Sprout is the place to head for fine food and solid service. The modern European menu has an emphasis on creativity, with the inclusion of a mix of hearty dishes, plenty of vegan and lighter ‘superfood’ options. So whether it’s a classic Shepard’s Pie or a virtuous superfood salad with harissa baked salmon, all diners are well catered for.
The restaurant itself has a sumptuous botanical feel, with bespoke art, a suspended floral ceiling, and a private dining room with views over The Stray.
1 John St, Harrogate HG1 1JZ – 01423 706700
When to go: When you want uncomplicated pub food from a classic boozer.
What to have: They make divine goats cheese, spinach & toasted hazelnut mac and cheese. Wash it down with a pint of ever-changing local ale.
If you bring to your mind’s eye an image of a good classic British gastropub, chances are you’re thinking of something along the lines of The Fat Badger. With all polished brass hand pulls, shiny wood bar and leather decked booths, this AA Rosette awarded restaurant knows a thing or two about good hospitality.
Easily one of the best restaurants in Harrogate, The Fat Badger serves unfussy British pub grub such as burgers and steaks, plus belly-busting Sunday roasts. There really are few places better suited to whiling away an afternoon in Harrogate.
Cold Bath Rd, Harrogate HG2 0NF – 01423 505681
When to go: When you want a little trip into the past.
What to have: The afternoon tea, duh. (We’d go for the champagne option, it’s 5 o clock somewhere, right?)
Famous the world over – and for good reason – Bettys is one of the best restaurants in Harrogate, and is the place to head for pristine old school service, and a delectable afternoon tea. With no less than two locations in Harrogate town centre, Bettys have been serving up their perfect sweet treats for over 100 years.
Try the much-loved Yorkshire classic, the Fat Rascal – a citrussy spiced fruit scone, adorned with an adorable smiling face! For those with more of a savoury tooth, Bettys offers all-day dining in their Parliament Street branch, with dishes such as smoked haddock kedgeree, or a classic full English breakfast. Yum!
1 Parliament Street, Harrogate, HG1 2QU – 01423 814070
When to go: With friends. Split a bottle of fizz and let the wonderful staff look after you.
What to have: Try the decadent chicken Milanese – brioche-crumbled chicken, fried egg, parmesan and a truffle cream sauce.
Standing proud on the iconic Parliament Street is The Ivy. Decked out in bright colours, bespoke art and seasonal décor, The Ivy offers all-day casual dining in a sumptuously sophisticated setting, indeed. This modern British restaurant prides itself on an eclectic mix of both comfort food & international dishes. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or brunch, the sheer choice of dishes means The Ivy takes a firm spot as one of the best restaurants in Harrogate.
You can even book their beautiful private dining room for any event, or enjoy the sunshine on their outdoor terrace. Let the bartenders whip you up a cocktail from the specially curated drinks menu, and prepare for a very special meal.
7-9 Parliament St, Harrogate HG1 2QU – 01423 787100
When to go: When you want a little slice of holiday without the air miles!
What to have: Look out for the mind-blowing beef shin pappardelle.
Opening first in Harrogate and then Leeds, Stuzzi (short for stuzzichini – little plates), is the place to head for lovers of Italian cuisine done a little differently. Offering up a serving of Italian tapas-style small plates, this quirky restaurant blends traditional dishes with more modern and inventive ones. Think handmade pasta tossed with fresh seafood or an ‘insalata’ of the finest Italian meats and cheeses. Expect to see lesser-used cuts of meat and interesting flavour combinations.
Alongside their menu, Stuzzi offers carefully selected imported drinks, sweets and deli items, stacked high on each wall and easy to peruse whilst you eat.
46B King’s Rd, Harrogate HG1 5JW – 01423 705852
When to go: When only a taste of the orient will do.
What to have: Try the Weeping Tiger – chargrilled sirloin steak, spicy Thai sauce, chilli and coriander – be warned, this one is for the chilli heads!
A firm favourite amongst foodies of Harrogate and further afield, The Orchid – located in the Studley Hotel – has been serving up its fresh, locally sourced pan Asian dishes since 2001. Owner Bokmun Chan has designed and opened restaurants all over the world, and together with Michelin Starred head chef Kenneth Poon, the two continue to delight diners with their inventive take on Asian fusion food.
Guests can expect dishes such as bang bang chicken, tom yum soup, or crispy lemon chicken, expertly paired with wine, beers or spirits from their extensive list. In a rush? The restaurant offers set and express menus alongside its a la carte.
When to go: In the warmer months – guests are invited to take a walk around the historic gardens and take a closer look at the kitchen garden to see the produce and edible flowers being grown.
What to have: Take the pressure off deciding and trust the chefs with a thoughtfully curated tasting menu.
The stunning stately home of Goldsborough Hall in Knaresborough is well known as a wedding venue and luxury accommodation, but in addition, their 3 Rosette restaurant offers award-winning fine dining to all who visit. Head Chef Chris O’ Callaghan puts the spotlight on local, seasonal and sustainable produce, to create mouth-watering modern British dishes, with much of the produce used grown in the restaurants own kitchen garden.
It’s easy to see why Goldsborough Hall is one of the best restaurants in Harrogate. Opt for the 2 or 3 course set lunch menu, or enjoy a leisurely evening with drinks in the Jacobean Library or terrace, before moving inside to enjoy a seasonal tasting menu with paired wines.
Church St, Goldsborough, Knaresborough HG5 8NR – 01423 867321
DON’T MISS – Our exclusive Goldsborough Hall afternoon tea offer. Save 50%.
Located in the heart of the rolling Yorkshire countryside with its own English Heritage-listed Japanese garden, the historic property is a distinctly different luxury hotel and wellness retreat, featuring 47 exquisite rooms and suites.
Choose from three distinctively different restaurants. The Michelin Starred Shaun Rankin restaurant, who’s menus centre around locally grown ingredients including those from the hotel’s very own Kitchen Garden, and raw ingredients sourced within a 30-mile radius. Fletchers Restaurant serving a casual all-day dining menu of British and European cuisine. Or Restaurant & Bar EightyEight showcasing a vibrant Pan Asian menu and innovative cocktails. Let’s not forget their epic Afternoon Tea too.
Grantley Hall, Ripon North Yorkshire HG4 3ET – 01765 620070
When to go: There isn’t ever a bad time, but head over in Spring, to sample the best of the bountiful seasons freshly grown produce.
What to have: Share the seafood platter for two, and enjoy lobster & caviar cocktail, oysters, crispy prawns & more. (Washed down with an ice-cold glass of bubbly, of course).
As winner of numerous awards including two AA rosettes, and ‘Best Restaurant in Yorkshire & the North East’, guests of The Clocktower at Rudding Park can rest assured they are in safe hands. Chefs use produce grown on site to create inventive, flavourful and quality modern British dishes.
Whether its lunch on the terrace, or a luxurious afternoon tea in the conservatory, diners can expect seasonal dishes such as sea trout with crab and Jersey royals, or aubergine satay with peanuts and jasmine rice. If lunch isn’t enough, book into one of the many rooms, where guests can enjoy access to the spa and golf course, for a bit of well-deserved R&R.
Rudding Park, Harrogate HG3 1JH – 01423 871350
When to go: When you’re feeling indecisive. Take a few friends and order one of everything on the menu – you won’t regret it.
What to have: It deserves repeating. One. Of. Everything.
Another Rudding Park stalwart, Horto (Latin for kitchen garden, don’t you know) takes gastronomy a little further with its take on relaxed contemporary fine dining. The 3 AA Rosette awarded restaurant uses seasonal ingredients grown in its kitchen garden, to build playful and surprising dishes dictated by nature. Head Chef Callum Bowmer and his team have also been awarded the Michelin Green Initiative, which recognises a respect for seasonality, origin of produce, & sustainability.
There are no courses here, instead, guests are invited to choose from a selection of small plates to enjoy – think hispi cabbage, brown shrimp and cod roe, or sweet and sour duck, katsu carrots and black garlic. Plenty of vegan and gluten free options round out the menu, which is a fun and inventive experience.
Rudding Park, Harrogate HG3 1JH – 01423 871350
Harrogate Food and Drink Festival returns with a brand new second location. Showcasing the region’s best talent in food, drink, chef demo’s, performing arts and music.
Looking for the best things to do in Harrogate? Often referred to as one of the happiest places to live in England, Harrogate is a beautiful and cultivated spa town located in the heart of Yorkshire. Famous for its unique Turkish baths and classic cream tea rooms, a serene spa town filled with historic houses, landscaped gardens, quaint streets and so much more.
One sure thing about Yorkshire and its people is that we love a good beer garden on a sunny afternoon, and the spa town of Harrogate has them sprinkled all over its pretty cobbled streets. Whether you fancy cocktails on a rooftop or a beer in a brewery, Harrogate is sure to tick your box.
An exciting food destination Solita Food Hall in Harrogate, opens on 12th April at 33-35 Parliament Street. Launched by the Hull-based company Shoot The Bull, showcasing all of its restaurant brands under one roof.
The Harrogate Food and Drink Festival 2021 arrives on The Stray 26-27 June and returns to Ripley Castle 28th-30th August, with it’s biggest selection of food, drink, independent traders and family entertainment.
Following a £500K refurbishment, the previously know Scran restaurant has been transformed. A welcome addition to Harrogate’s dining scene.
Why not leave the dirty dishes at home and treat yourself to brunch in the quaint spa town of Harrogate. We’ve got you covered with our tried and tested guide, the hardest thing is choosing which one to visit!
Located in the North of Yorkshire, the Victorian spa town of Harrogate promises an abundance of carefully crafted finger sandwiches, dainty sweet treats, freshly brewed teas – and of course some bubbles if you wish!
Expect stately home opulence with the informality and warmth of staying at a close friend’s swanky country retreat.
Read our review as we visited the 4-Star West Park Hotel, complete with AA-Rosette awarded restaurant and views across 200-acres of parkland.
