Ilkley Restaurant Guide

“They always go the extra mile” according to fans of this city-centre outpost of Yorkshire’s nine-strong chain of well-regarded curry houses – a family-run business established in 1977.

The Hairy Bikers and Gordon Ramsay number amongst the fans of Bobby and Minal Patel’s West Yorkshire legend (est 1992 in Bradford before the move here in 2012) and “it continues to maintain a high standard” of “delicious vegetarian cuisine”.

Award-winning Master Chef Finalist, Great British Menu-famed chef Bobby Geetha and Team provides a stunning contemporary British cuisine inspired by world flavours.Fléur Restaurant was the finalist for best Brunch in Leeds. Reviewed as Top 3 best Bottomless...

“Don’t be put off by the outside!” – this “very popular” Keralan (a favourite, it is claimed, of India cricket ace Virat Kohli) wins a hymn of praise for its “authentic” cuisine and is “a must for fish and seafood fans”: “the meen koottan (fish curry) was a standout dish, bursting with flavour and expertly prepared. The mango lassi is also delicious. Highly recommended!”

In business for nearly four decades now (est. 1985), this stalwart operation occupies a cosy cellar space in the lower ground of a solid Victorian mansion in the city centre (with a small outside seating area for warmer days). The well-rated, traditional-ish cuisine has something of a meat and steak bias; despite the name, the wine list is not huge, but offers quality vintages from a range of countries up to a little over £100 per bottle.

“The original gastropub” – this North Yorks inn has been famous for decades for cuisine that’s unusually accomplished for a pub (featuring, for example, in The Trip, in 2010) and was purchased in 2018 by current owner Michael Wignall, who swept aside its former old-fashioned looks in favour of a stylish, if perhaps “clinical” new interior (“I’ve lost an old friend, but found a bright, young thing!”). All reports agree that he has successfully re-established the place on the UK’s foodie map: the “really interesting and unusual cooking features some unusual pairings and over three hours engaging staff popped up everywhere and are willing to discuss the food, its preparation and its great presentation, all at a very reasonable price”. At dinner, choose from a three-course menu for £110 per person, or there’s a nine-course tasting option for £165 per person.

2022 Review: Feedback remains limited but remains very positive for this Chapel Allerton Thai (part of a local group), which hits twenty years old in 2022.

Leeds entrepreneur, Ban Kaewkraikhot’s local outpost is a large, modern and fairly glam venue that wins praise as a “busy restaurant with very consistent cooking”. “Don’t publicise the fact that it’s your birthday!” if you don’t want a fair amount of fuss…

Ban Kaewkraikhot’s small group of Thai restaurants started in Chapel Allerton and is now over 20 years old. She has invested in the lavish styling of this city-centre spin-off. A popular venue locally for celebrating an occasion, it wins upbeat (if limited) feedback for results from its very large (200+ dishes) menu.

“Amazing decor, complete with cherry blossom” sets a glossy scene at this outpost of the national chain, where the pan-Asian selection adds Thai dishes and sushi to a menu backbone of Chinese dishes. Feedback was relatively limited this year, but all upbeat.

Leafy views over glorious Dales countryside and the river Wharfe add to the occasion at this attractive hotel, convenient for Bolton Abbey. The cooking – Hardwick lamb, market fish, steaks – is not particularly ‘gastro’ in style but contributes to a comfortable and affordable experience, and one that comes at a reasonable price.