Best Restaurants in Ilkley
We've got you covered with our insider's guide to the top places to eat in Ilkley
Despite its small size, Ilkley is punching well above its weight when it comes to restaurants in Ilkley. Situated just half an hour outside Leeds, this pretty Yorkshire town has recently been voted ‘best place to live’.
Ilkley became popular as a spa town in the 19th century, and the whole town sits just below the stunning, rugged Ilkley Moor. By walking on the moor up to the famous Cow and Calf rocks, you’ll be able to look across the valley into the Yorkshire Dales National Park. After hiking up the hill, you’re likely to have worked up quite an appetite, so head back into the centre to find a treasure trove of different eateries.
The shopping in Ilkley is famed for being of particularly good quality, and Ilkley restaurants are no different. Once you’d had your fill, you’ll also find beautifully kept flower beds and parks in Ilkley, theatres, cinema, sports and leisure… there certainly is no shortage of activities.
We hope you’ll find this tried and tested list of Ilkley restaurants helpful as you plan your visit!
The Box Tree
When to go: For a celebratory meal
What to have: Try their tasting menu for a night to remember
Well-known and multi-award-winning, this renowned Ilkley restaurant has been part of the town’s fine dining scene since 1962. Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Ilkley, The Box Tree is cosy, atmospheric and luxurious. Whether you’re looking for a restaurant worthy of your celebration or just after an indulgent treat, The Box Tree is the place to eat.
Only the very best ingredients are selected to make it into their luxurious dishes, so you can expect quality produce and exquisite presentation. Dishes at The Box Tree are updated regularly to allow for the best each season can offer, as well as displaying the creativity and passion of the chef. So sit back and relax, knowing The Box Tree will take the very best care of you as you enjoy an evening to remember.
35-37 Church Street, Ilkley, LS29 9DR – 01943 608 484
Friends of Ham
When to go: Post-work drinks with friends
What to have: Order the whole hog and a full charcuterie board
Friends of Ham is THE place to be, the consistently full tables are proof of that. This is the place to go if you enjoy mouth-wateringly delicious meats, cheeses and produce; all selected to create a truly tasty experience. Charcuterie boards, toasted sandwiches, fine produce… all served to a high standard, alongside a wine and drinks list which ensures you’ll enjoy your tipple of choice.
Friends of Ham arrived in Ilkley in 2015, serving up amazing continental flare. Since then it has been the hub of the town as people come together to enjoy simple, high-quality food and drink. Although there’s no shortage of Ilkley restaurants, Friends of Ham is a firm favourite. So next time it’s your turn to suggest your jaunt, Friends of Ham is certain to get top marks!
8 Wells Road, Ilkley, LS29 9JD – 01943 604344
Emporio Italia
When to go: Perfect for a romantic date
What to have: Whatever the chef recommends
Ilkley’s hidden treasure, Emporio Italia, is romantic, authentic and locals can’t get enough. This cosy hideaway serves up an ever-changing menu of high-quality Italian dishes. The enthusiastic and knowledgeable owners fell in love with the amazing flavours Italy offers, so they bought a slice home to Ilkley.
Dining at Emporio Italia lets you escape into an Italian village for an evening, to enjoy the fresh, natural ingredients and the centuries of passion behind Italian food. Expect to be blown away by the flavour packed into each and every dish. Sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy this truly fantastic dining experience at a fine Ilkley restaurant.
7 Railway Rd, Ilkley LS29 8HQ – 01943 608797
Bettys
When to go: Take your family out for a treat
What to have: Swiss breakfast or fondant fancies!
Bettys is one of Ilkley’s most treasured places to eat. A true Yorkshire success, Bettys has been serving delicate sweet treats, teas and speciality dishes since 1919. It’s gained quite the reputation over the past 100 years, due largely to the impeccably high standard of everything in both the cafe tea-rooms and shop. It’s clear that Bettys is a place of high quality long before you’ve got through the door. The window displays, smartly dressed staff and well-kept premises speak of traditional good taste and luxuries.
Expect to be amazed by everything you try at this Ilkley restaurant, from the artfully decorated patisserie, delicate macarons and masterful chocolates, to the afternoon tea, full English breakfast and Swiss-inspired dishes. Your tastebuds will do a little dance!
32 The Grove, Ilkley, LS29 9EE – 01943 608029
Hamiltons by the river
When to go: A sunny evening for the best riverside views
What to have: A homemade beef burger
Need to unwind from the week? Hamiltons by the river is just the place for some you-time, situated on the banks of the river wharf and home to excellent food. This lunch location firmly prides itself on creativity, with a frequently changing menu that makes each visit different.
Some hints at what food to expect are on their sample menu, which includes a smoked haddock, salmon, and sun-blushed tomato fishcake. Of course, you can always pop in for a familiar Yorkshire tea and a wedge of cake.
Arguably, there’s no better destination to recharge after exploring the neighbouring Yorkshire Dales.
8 High Mill Ln, Addingham, Ilkley LS29 0RE – 01943 830500
Pranzo
When to go: A meal out and drinks with friends
What to have: Sauteed garlic chili prawns, deep-fried calamari, or creamy lobster ravioli.
Pranzo first opened its flagship restaurant in Ilkley, in 2018, but the success of this authentic Southern Italian spot has now led to two more sites being opened in Yorkshire. Inspired by owner Marco’s Italian heritage, the traditional restaurant presents nibbles, starters, and seriously good homemade pasta dishes at a reasonable price.
With plenty of natural light and outdoor seating, you can even devour a pre-dinner appertivio in the sun too.
– 01943 600084
The Ilkley Cow
When to go: Date night!
What to have: Try rib eye with chunky chips & a glass of reds
Just steps from the centre of the town of Ilkley, The Ilkley Cow is a thriving steak house, serving perfectly cooked burgers, sirloin, ribeye, and fillet steak on their grill. Expect decent portions in this welcoming, family-run restaurant. There’s a reason it’s a favourite with locals.
If you are a true steak lover, their steak nights aren’t one to miss. Choose your preferred steak, moreish side, sauce, and house red or white wine for an ultimate feast.
Plus, if you aren’t a meat eater, they have a range of vegetarian choices too.
– 01943 602030
The Fleece Inn
When to go: After a countryside walk
What to have: Try a speciality cocktail on the terrace or go for Chippy Tea Tuesday
The Fleece Inn sits comfortably in the picturesque village of Addingham, acting as both a traditional Yorkshire inn and gastropub.
This bustling venue has everything you’d want in a welcoming pub from open fires and low ceilings to a Gin and Champagne Bar – it is evident why it is so popular. The menu has pub classics, plenty of light bites, and desserts like a vanilla creme brulee and a tempting Bakewell tart.
Great after a long day of walking (or otherwise) we suggest you give it a try.
The Cow and Calf
When to go: When you need a proper filling lunch
What to have: An apple and blackberry crumble or sticky toffee pudding – yum!
The Cow and Calf offers a modern twist on the typical pub grub, but still seeks to champion British cooking. In a prime countryside location, beautiful sunsets can be seen from the rooms of the hotel and restaurant, as guests can sit back and sip a chilled glass of white wine.
The menu has ‘sharers and graziers’ to pair with drinks while you decide on one of their hearty main dishes, and a decadent pud if you have any room left.
For a quicker stop, you can grab a coffee or a pint and a light bite – enjoy them sitting in their outdoor seating area and taking in the view.
Hangingstone Rd, Ilkley LS29 8BT – 01943 607335
