Harrogate has long been one of the most charming places in Yorkshire, famous for its Turkish baths, iconic tea rooms, and expansive stretch of grassland often adorned with seasonal festoon lighting. Over the years, the town has seen remarkable regeneration when it comes to bars and eateries that puts it almost at war with nearby cities such as Leeds.
The area shines for its variety of cuisines and independent restaurants, appealing to all audiences, whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Southeast Asian, or Mediterranean food. In this guide, we take a look at some of the best restaurants in Harrogate this year for your next trip.
La Feria
The first of many on this list to be found along the iconic Cold Bath Road, which you can liken to a smaller Notting Hill, La Feria is an Andalusian tapas bar and restaurant. The interior is rustic, with cosy lighting and tiles imported from Cadiz, with options to sit outside too during the summer.
On the menu, you’ll find traditional Spanish dishes such as Albóndigas, Patatas Bravas, Chorizo, and Croquetas, as well as unique twists such as black pudding with quail’s egg and a tangy green chilli salad. Alternatively, opt for their rotisserie-style chicken in a unique blend of herbs and spices with a side portion of chips and alioli. And don’t forget to pair your meal with their choices of Galicia, Priorat, and Rioja.
Pranzo
Also found along Cold Bath Road, you’ll find Pranzo, a family-run Italian restaurant. The franchise originated in Ilkley but later expanded to Harrogate, offering locals and visitors the chance to sample their fresh pasta dishes.
The menu is refined, making it much easier to choose something to your taste. Top choices include the Ragú di Manzo, a slow-cooked dish of beef shin, the Nduja é Salsiccia picante, a spicy and meaty paccheri pasta with cream, and the Lasagne al Forno, which is arguably the best in town.
You’ll also find classics like bruschetta and arancino, as well as a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. There’s also an all-day set menu where you’re able to choose between one and three dishes depending on how hungry you are.
It’s recommended you book in advance as reservations can soon fill up, particularly on the weekends or on special occasions.
The Orchid
One of Harrogate’s most opulent fine-dining experiences, The Orchid is a Pan-Asian restaurant found on Swan Road, inside The Studley Hotel. Tables here are sought after and for good reason. The menu consists of a mix of flavourful dishes from regions like Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and China.
Stand-out dishes include Duck Spring Rolls, Ga Nuong Ngu Vi, Crispy Lemon Chicken, Chicken with Black Bean Sauce, and Beef Tagalog – the latter being the standout dish in our opinion. Pair with a pint of Asahi, a glass of Chenin Blanc, or one of the many cocktails or mocktails, like the Lychee Martini or Orchid Iced Tea.
It’s the perfect place for a romantic meal for two, a momentous occasion with family and friends, or a business lunch with clients. They’re also incredibly accommodating when it comes to special dietary requirements, including allergies and intolerances.
Papa’s Authentic
If you love home-made Mediterranean dishes with the atmosphere to match, Papa’s Authentic is the perfect spot. Hidden beneath a set of stairs on Princes Square, you might miss it during the day; however, the evening is where the establishment comes alive, with its bright light and traditional music.
The menu is saturated with a range of Greek dishes consisting of locally sourced meat and vegetables. Start things off with pita bread and their signature selection of dips, including hummus, tzatziki, fava, and tirokafteri. After, take your pick from their list of mains – ideally, you want around three per person. If you’re after some inspiration, you can’t go wrong with their Tiropitakia, Dolmadakia, Keftedakia, Souvlaki, Stifado, and Moussaka – it’s hard not to just include them all here.
The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful when it comes to ordering, particularly for those with allergies. And if you’re lucky and time it right, you might even get the opportunity to partake in some Greek dancing.
The Pickled Sprout
The Yorkshire Hotel has seen its fair share of restaurants, including Scran and The Yorkshire Brasserie, but there’s a reason that The Pickled Sprout has stood the test of time. The botanical-themed restaurant and bar is positioned directly in the middle of town and offers a modern European and British menu.
Hearty dishes are the focus here, with standouts like sea bass, haddock and chips, brisket and dark ale pie, and a selection of steaks. They’ve even got a selection of gourmet burgers, stonebaked sourdough pizzas, and indulgent desserts, including the British staple sticky toffee pudding.
Consider visiting on Sundays after a long walk around the Valley Gardens and order what we consider to be the best Sunday roast in Harrogate, which consists of either beef, chicken, pork, or blue cheese macaroni served alongside Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a rich gravy. They also have a range of cocktails, wines, craft beers, and ales to suit all tastes.
There are plenty of seating options available, too, including the main dining room, a dog-friendly bar, hallway tables, a garden room, and a private dining room. In the summer, they open up the balcony seating and have tables situated on the cobbled street and garden outside.
Pine Marten Harrogate
Harrogate isn’t short of pubs, but the Pine Marten blends the country with the stylish, offering gastro food but with beautiful scenery. Located in Beckwithshaw, just a short drive from the town centre, they offer a menu that matches the season, with specials changing daily.
Indulge in their starters menu, consisting of scallops, chicken skewers, and king prawns, before moving on to mains such as lamb rump, chicken, leek, and cheddar pie, and half a rotisserie chicken. Even if you just fancy a drink, there is a selection of bar snacks ranging from courgette fritters to halloumi fries.
They also have a Sunday menu with a trio of roasts, perfect to fill you up after a long Sunday exploring the area. For the kids, they offer plenty for even the pickiest of eaters, including sausage and mash, pizza, and a cheeseburger.
Major Tom’s Social
Major Tom’s is one of Harrogate’s hidden gems, nestled in the centre of town close to the likes of Wetherspoons and Katie O’Brien’s. It’s an independent bar worth supporting, specialising in craft beer and real ale from local breweries in the area.
Head upstairs and grab one of the many games from the side to spend a Saturday afternoon before ordering from their stonebaked pizza menu. It’s one of those places the locals go, especially when there is live music. It’s also the perfect place to host a milestone birthday or celebration.
Yorkshire Tapas @ The Blues Bar
Hidden upstairs within popular music venue Blues Bar, on Montpellier Parade, you’ll find intimate booths along with a unique twist on traditional tapas. While there are Spanish influences, you will also be presented with small plates inspired by British and Yorkshire cuisine.
On the menu, you can choose between grazing dishes such as Dales Breaded Brie and Tatties Bravas, or ‘proper scran’ like Glazed Pork Belly & Crackling, Yorkshire Parmo, and Jerk Ribs. However, the star of the show has to be their Yorkshire Pudding, which is served with your meat of choice, shoestring fries, mash, and mulled wine gravy – we recommend the 36-hour slow beef brisket.
Afterwards, head downstairs for some live music and a selection of real ales, which typically feature local brews like Theakston’s Quencher and Rooster’s Brewing Co.
North Slice Pizza
From the team behind Hoxton North, North Slice is one of Harrogate’s newest establishments, also located on Cold Bath Road. The Neapolitan pizza bar is one to rival some of the most popular chains throughout the UK, with incredibly thin, yet crispy, bases and creative flavours.
While you can choose from classics like Margherita and Capricciosa, you can try something a little different, such as their Bresaola, Quello Caldo, and Il Giardino. Our go-to, though, has to be La Maialina; a spicy blend of Calabrian nduja and pepperoni with Fior di Latte. It’s the perfect place to grab a late-night pizza after a day at work since they are open until 9 pm Tuesday to Saturday and until 7 pm on Sundays.
Tilly Peppers
A popular spot for brunch in Harrogate, Tilly Peppers is a strong choice for both freshly roasted coffee and high-quality food. While it may be on the smaller side, this works in your favour, providing a cosier environment where the staff are highly attentive.
Choose from a selection of freshly baked cakes and bakes or tuck into a breakfast sandwich alongside their signature coffee and fresh juice. Or indulge in their hearty lunch dishes, including the chorizo hash, Columbian eggs and shakshuka. If you need something to fill you up for the day, their farmers’ breakfast will surely do the trick.
Better still, it’s one of Harrogate’s top dog-friendly cafés, meaning you can bring your furry friends along with you.
Jinnah
Jinnah is another of Harrogate’s top independent restaurants, found on Cheltenham Parade in the middle of town. The family-run Kashmiri restaurant has been serving traditional Pakistani food for more than 20 years now, including dishes like Desi Karahi, Palak Gosht, Keema Aloo, and Tikka Masala.
They also offer a range of curries from other regions, with special mention to their Afghani curry and tajine. Pair these with your usual sundries, including pilau rice, garlic naans, chapatis, and rotis. It’s the ideal spot to host a huge family get-together thanks to their large tables and array of seating, and the service is impressively fast.