by admin10 best restaurants in Harrogate
Renowned for its healing mineral springs and charming Victorian architecture, Harrogate offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern sophistication. It’s known for being a refined and elegant market town, and while its culinary scene is a little less flashy than the dozens of five-star restaurants in York [EP1] or Leeds, there are plenty of excellent restaurants in Harrogate to recommend.
With a healthy focus on local and sustainable ingredients combined with plenty of international dining options, amongst the restaurants in Harrogate you’ll find everything from Swedish sandwiches for lunch to French-inspired seafood. Here are our recommendations for the best restaurants in Harrogate for lunch, fine dining, or a special occasion.
1. Horto
Located within the elegant Rudding Park Hotel, Horto is a contemporary British classic, showcasing the best of Yorkshire’s local ingredients and innovative flavours. With three AA Rosettes under their belt, chef Callum Bowner’s approach seems to be paying off, and Horto has recently been awarded with a Michelin Green Initiative, rewarding their focus on sustainability and seasonality.
That focus is reflected in the menu at Horto – inspired by the kitchen garden, the tasting menu changes often, making each visit a unique experience. Expect fine cuts of local salt-aged lamb, lobster from the Yorkshire coast, and vegetarian options fresh from the kitchen garden, all expertly prepared by a talented team of chefs.
Horto: Rudding Park Hotel, Follifoot, North Yorkshire, Rudding Lane, Harrogate HG3 1JH
2. Paradise
It’s probably not often that a café in a garden centre makes it into the Michelin guide, but that’s how you know that Paradise must be something special. This hidden gem is tucked away behind Daleside Nurseries, with a terrace overlooking the lake. Offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed meal with friends – or for a special occasion, book the Chef’s Table, where you can watch Michelin-starred chefs Frances Atkins and Roger Olive at their work, and chat about their approach as they cook.
The menu features a delightful mix of British classics and international flavours, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in delicious dishes like the seared scallops with lime and ginger seared scallops, rare breed belly pork, or wild mushroom, pecan and leek strudel.
Don’t forget to save room for their delectable homemade desserts from the cake counter, like Bakewell tarts, apricot and almond cake, chocolate and raspberry cake and more.
Paradise Cafe: Daleside Nurseries, Killinghall, Harrogate HG3 2AY
3. The Drum & Monkey
Harrogate might not be on the coast, but the Drum and Monkey has been showcasing the town’s love for exceptional seafood for over 50 years. With a warm and inviting ambience and great service, it’s a great spot for date night or dinner with family and friends.
Drum and Monkey sources the freshest seafood from local suppliers, and their menu changes daily according to what’s seasonal, local, and fresh. You can expect Lindisfarne oysters, fresh native lobster, and whole trout caught in Nidderdale. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for something different like the char siu monkfish, or try a British classic at its very best with the Drum fish pie. The Drum & Monkey also boasts an impressive wine list, and if you’re celebrating, then oysters and champagne are always on the menu.
The Drum & Monkey: 5 Montpellier Gardens, Harrogate HG1 2TF
4. The Orchid
Within the Studley Hotel, you’ll find the Orchid Restaurant – an elegant pan-Asian restaurant inspired by South-East Asian flavours from China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Led by head chef Jim Hao, the impressive menu guides you on which country’s cuisine inspired the dish, and there’s a very good cocktail and wine list too. The taster menu and set menus are carefully selected and offer a great variety for larger groups, so it’s perfect for a special occasion.
The Orchid: Studley Hotel, 28 Swan Rd, Harrogate HG1 2SE
5. The Fat Badger
For a taste of Yorkshire hospitality and comforting pub fare done to the highest standards, look no further than The Fat Badger. This lively gastropub captures the essence of Harrogate’s vibrant dining scene.
With its cosy interior, friendly staff, and a menu that celebrates local ingredients, The Fat Badger offers a perfect Yorkshire dining experience. Try their legendary Sunday roast with all the trimmings, pub classics like the beer battered haddock, or indulge in something a bit unusual like their Nduja and fennel stuffed pork belly. And, of course, don’t forget to sample some of their real ales and craft beers alongside classic cocktails – best enjoyed while lounging in the sun in the beer garden.
The Fat Badger: Cold Bath Rd, Harrogate HG2 0NF
6. Baltzersen’s
Bringing a taste of Scandinavia to Harrogate, Baltzersen’s is a must-visit for food lovers seeking a cosy gourmet experience. This family-run café combines the best of Nordic and Yorkshire culinary traditions to create a menu that is both comforting and exciting.
Start your day with their Pyttipane hash, heart-shaped waffles with gjetost brown cheese, or savour their smørbrød with mackerel. Complete your meal with a cup of their specialty coffee or treat yourself to one of their famous freshly baked cinnamon buns.
Baltzersen’s: 22A Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1PU
7. Stuzzi
Stuzzi is all about bringing a little taste of Italy – and we mean ‘little’ quite literally, as ‘stuzzi’ is short for ‘stuzzichini’ – traditional Italian small plates, similar to Spanish tapas, made for sharing and nibbling between a few people.
The mood at Stuzzi is modern and welcoming, boasting authentic flavours across the menu that changes daily. Expect crostiniwith chicken liver and pancetta, fresh focaccia made in-house, and delicious arancini alongside small plates. Stuzzi has since spread its wings and expanded to a second location in Leeds, but the original in Harrogate remains the gold standard with a relaxed, homey atmosphere.
Stuzzi: 46B King’s Road, Harrogate, HG1 5JW
8. Saranda
Situated on Station Bridge, Saranda is proud to showcase the vibrant flavours of Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on Greek and Albanian cuisine. The restaurant is named for a town on the Albanian Riviera, where owner Leonardo was born.
Saranda is warm and welcoming with cosy decor and friendly service. Their main courses show off everything that’s delightful about Mediterranean cuisine, like their mouthwatering lamb kleftiko (the chef’s speciality!) or their vegetarian-friendly halloumi souvlaki and spanakopita. With its emphasis on quality ingredients and bold flavours, Saranda is a tried-and-true Harrogate classic.
Saranda: 7 Station Bridge, Harrogate HG1 1SS
9. Three’s a Crowd
Serving elevated versions of gastropub classics, Three’s a Crowd has a focus on top-quality ingredients and genuinely warm, friendly service. The menu is varied and eclectic but not too vast, letting the chefs focus on quality over quantity. The smoked salmon and ricotta ravioli is a solid pick that plenty of reviews cite as a highlight, but there’s plenty to pick from and enough to keep even picky eaters happy.
Their small plates like truffle arancini or Korean cauliflower are ideal for sharing between a group of friends while you catch up over a cocktail. And speaking of cocktails, Three’s a Crowd has a good list of their own house cocktails, including ‘The Elvis’ and a Matcha Colada.
Three’s a Crowd: 11 West Park, Harrogate HG1 1BL
10. The Tannin Level
Rounding up our list of the best restaurants in Harrogate, we’d be remiss not to mention The Tannin Level. Proudly independent since 1895, it’s a genuine Harrogate institution, focusing on great, local Yorkshire ingredients and a very extensive wine list. Set in the ground floor of a Victorian mansion with three dining rooms, The Tannin Level is a good pick for a cosy romantic date or a special dinner.
There’s plenty of choice on the menu, from pan-roasted duck breast to asparagus risotto or vegetable bonbons. The Tannin Level is also famed for its midweek menu, a favourite with locals, offering 3 courses for £24.95 and a solid range of options.
The Tannin Level:5 Raglan St, Harrogate HG1 1LE
Harrogate’s culinary scene boasts plenty of hidden gems and diverse experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience, a cosy pub meal, or a taste of international cuisine, our top restaurants in Harrogate offer an array of options to suit every taste.
Harrogate is a brilliant place to spend a long weekend and makes a great base for exploring more of Yorkshire to enjoy the sights, sounds (and food!). Check out our Harrogate holiday lettings if you want to start planning your visit, or for more staycation inspiration, check out our guide to the best things to do in Harrogate, and family days out in North Yorkshire.
