Hardens Guide to the Best Restaurants in Ilkley
Hardens guides have spent 30 years compiling reviews of the best Ilkley restaurants. On Hardens.com you'll find details and reviews of 11 restaurants in Ilkley and our unique survey based approach to rating and reviewing Ilkley restaurants gives you the best insight into the top restaurants in every area and of every type of cuisine.
Featured Ilkley Restaurants
1. The Box Tree
French restaurant in Ilkley
35-37 Church St - LS29
“Why it lost its Michelin star I do not know, it was as good as ever”, so it’s hard to avoid the conclusion that this Yorkshire institution has been unfairly cursed by the tyre company. Established in 1962, this “intimate and opulent” venue is Yorkshire’s answer to Le Gavroche: “a proper classical restaurant, with all the standards of service, napery, glassware, etc that we're always being told aren't important for the dining public these days”. But since the October 2018 demotion by Michelin, change has been been nearly non-stop. The star loss led to the immediate departure of head chef Kieran Smith and appointment of Samira Effa in his stead. Then in April 2019 Michael Carr joined because Samira didn’t last. All the while “despite the upheavals, the Box Tree has sailed serenely on: the chintz still looks out over the hushed rooms, Didier da Costa still presides over a great wine list, and there is still soufflé for dessert”. And practically all reports still attest to its “impeccable”, somewhat classical cuisine and “gentle, low-key hospitality that treats you beautifully”. In September 2019 – more change – as Simon and Rena Gueller announced they are selling up, despite significant investment in the property these last two years. Hopefully the next owners will just forget Michelin, and continue to do what the place has been doing so well (and it’s rated on that basis).
2. Bettys
Sandwiches, cakes, etc restaurant in Ilkley
32 The Grove - LS29
This “bright and welcoming” branch of the legendary Yorkshire tearoom empire, which has just celebrated its centenary, has a real sense of style. Breakfast is almost as popular as afternoon tea, and “to have their full English with Swiss rosti (a nod to Swiss founder Frederick Belmont) is a very special treat”.
3. Host
British, Modern restaurant in Ilkley
58-60 The Grove - LS29
Joel Monkman’s “fusion-esque flavours” from a selection of ‘eclectic, British seasonal plates’ win consistently high approval ratings for this stylishly decorated, December 2018 two-year-old.
4. Quinta
Mediterranean restaurant in Ilkley
10 Wells Rd - LS29
2019 Review: “In a street just off the town-centre”, this Mediterranean venue provides “enjoyable” cooking and “particularly great value in the Portuguese section of the wine list”. “There is perhaps nothing hugely original on the menu, but it’s none the worse for that when the food is well cooked as it is here”.
5. Bistro Saigon
restaurant in Ilkley
1A, Railway Rd - LS29
2017 Review: Near the railway, this tiny Vietnamese bistro has built up quite the local fanbase, with weekend tables snapped up far in advance; the reason? – “excellent food, well prepared and served”.
7. Moss & Moor
British, Modern restaurant in Ilkley
A garden centre with a difference; not least a 230-cover restaurant from London restaurateur Zak Jones; more details as we know them.
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