Harrogate Restaurant Guide

“The most civilised hour or two you’ll ever spend” could well be at this archetypal and epic English team room “institution” – “a legend that always lives up to its reputation”, with “exquisite” cakes, teas and light bites that are “a fabulous treat” (“can be pricier than most, but not to be missed”). It’s “always busy”, though, and “the queues are not so good”.

A Montpelier institution for almost 50 years, this “old-fashioned and totally charming” family-owned seafood restaurant “just keeps on going – unchanging, and all the better for that”. “Whatever fish you choose it is always fresh and well-served”.

This “wonderful”, “un-failing” Pan-Asian in the Studley Hotel was one of the first UK restaurants to combine East and Southeast Asian dishes on the same menu when it opened in 2001. “Year after year it continues to be the best all-round dining experience”, with “super staff who greet you like old friends and the most sublime dishes”. “Excellent value for money”, too (always important in these parts…)

“The best of the Bettys tea rooms” according to fans, “this gorgeous café in the grounds of the exceptional RHS Harlow Carr gardens never disappoints, however crowded it gets”. It’s “a modern building with a palm-court-style ambience” and food-wise, it’s a “proper treat” (Welsh rarebit “stopped us talking for a while”, and “why can’t cups of tea always be as good as this?!”).

“Ahead of its time! In tune with the community and the world!” – Paul Rawlinson may have closed Norse (RIP) but his ‘other’ Harrogate spot sails on with its “fabulous coffee, incredible hot chocolate, outstanding baking and a tasty real food menu too”. “The Scandi-based menu is a great thing to have on a dank morning (we’re in North Yorks, it’s not unheard of!)”.

This “fantastic family-run Italian” makes for a “civilised place to meet in the business part of town”. Now in its twenty first year, its “consistently varied food” takes its inspiration from Emilia Romagna, home region of chef and owner Stefano Lancellotti.

“Delicious and authentic Italian food” is “served with enthusiasm and knowledge in unfussy surroundings” at this hotel-brasserie. “Don’t be fooled by the ‘Italian tapas’ idea…the servings are full-size – maybe that’s the Yorkshire effect!”