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Best restaurants in Ilkley

This small corner of West Yorkshire punches above its weight when it comes to eating out. As famous for its pretty tree-lined streets as its atmospheric moors, Ilkley is a pretty spa town in West Yorkshire that attracts hordes of tourists throughout the year. This influx of out-of-towners coupled with the demands of the well-heeled locals has resulted in a whole host of great restaurants popping up in a relatively small space. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Ilkley, look no further, we’ve gathered together the tastiest places for fancy dinners, casual lunches and brilliant breakfasts below.

Updated on 16 December 2019

Those in search of global cuisines might have overlooked Ilkley in the past, but as the town has grown in popularity over the past couple of decades, its offerings have also grown. With something to satisfy every craving, Ilkley’s dynamic British restaurant scene now boasts Vietnamese, American, Italian and Spanish restaurants amongst others.

Despite the far-reaching restaurant scene, you might in fact be looking for something traditional, a taste of classic English cooking. Happily, this can also be found in this Leeds commuter town, in the form of Betty’s. This famous bakery serves up some of the region’s best local fare – from pikelets (somewhere between a Scotch pancake and a crumpet) to Fat Rascals (an old-fashioned fruit scone), the counters are always bursting with treats to eat in or takeaway. If you plump for the former, you’ll also have the choice of an extensive menu that covers soups, salads and sandwiches as well as full breakfasts, afternoon teas and ice cream sundaes.

For special occasions Ilkley’s best restaurants also deliver with The Box Tree. Having held a Michelin star for some years this fine dining eatery serves up tasting menus that make the most of local, seasonal produce. The talented team use modern equipment with restrained fervour to ensure the results are not style over substance; rather delicious tasting food that has been handled with a light touch to make the most of every ingredient.

Whatever it is you’re looking for, we’re pretty sure the best restaurants in Ilkley will be able to provide. Each review below clicks through to a full listing which includes pictures, prices and our critics’ professional opinions, as well as readers’ feedback.

Le Bistrot Pierre Ilkley

Le Bistrot Pierre Ilkley

The Crescent Brook Street , Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8DG

There’s something immediately charming about the Parisian interiors of Bistrot Pierre, which are tied together with traditional bentwood chairs. Starters might bring French onion soup while mains could include a riff on Boeuf bourguignon.
Under £30
French
Bistro
Book now
The Olive Branch

The Olive Branch

1 Crescent Terrace, Ilkley , LS29 8DE

Warm interiors set the scene for relaxed family dining at The Olive Branch. Friendly staff will help you choose plates of hot and cold mezze as well as larger grills, kebabs and traditional pide-like pizzas.
Under £30
Turkish
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The Wheatley Arms

The Wheatley Arms

Wheatley Lane, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8PP

The Wheatley serves up good home-cooked pub grub with special events running regularly. Get a free meal with your pub quiz entry on a Sunday or tuck into £5 fish and chips during Tuesday lunch times.
Under £30
Pubs
British
Book now
Filmore and Union Ilkley

Filmore and Union Ilkley

39 The Grove , Ilkley, LS29 9NJ

Eating out can be an indulgent affair but Filmore and Union have tackled the usual post-prandial bloat with their healthy yet inventive, imaginative food. Weekend breakfasts are a strong-suit, with everything homemade – even the ketchup.
Under £30
British
Afternoon tea
Book now
Piccolino - Ilkley

Piccolino - Ilkley

31 & 33 Brook Street, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8AE

This buzzy Italian restaurant is part of a popular local mini chain. Book a table to enjoy generous plates of homemade pizza, pasta, seafood and steaks – and don’t miss a drink on the rooftop terrace.
£30 - £49
Italian
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The Vine Ilkley

The Vine Ilkley

7 The Grove Promenade, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8AF

The duo of chefs behind The Vine worked at Carluccio’s and Jamie’s Italian before moving north to open their own venture. Expect rich seafood risottos, punchy garlic and mushroom pastas and a solid pizza selection.
Under £30
Italian
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Friends of Ham Ilkley

Friends of Ham Ilkley

8 Wells Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9JD

Friends of ham serve up a winning combination of carefully chosen wines and beers alongside a stellar line-up of charcuterie. For those not in the mood to share there is also a selection of mains.
£30 - £49
Tapas
Wine Bars
Book now
Host

Host

60 The Grove, Ilkley , LS29 9PA

Headed up by local lad, chef Joel Monkman, Host delivers creative plates of modern British food. The menu is made up of sharing plates, and on Sundays the team here delivers a cracking Sunday roast.
£30 - £49
British
Book now
La Casita

La Casita

The Victorian Arcade, Ilkley, LS29 9DY

Rustic interiors and candlelight set the scene at La Casita, where friendly staff serve a comprehensive tapas menu. Patatas bravas and gambas sit alongside duck bon bons and roasted pumpkin with goat’s cheese and walnuts.  

Under £30
Tapas
Spanish
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Quinta Restaurant

Quinta Restaurant

Quinta Restaurant 10 Wells Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9JD

With a menu inspired by French, Spanish and Italian Flavours, Quinta Bar and Grill presents a well-rounded Mediterranean offering. Mains bring butternut and sage risotto with truffle, while puddings sees a quad of chocolate classics.
£30 - £49
Mediterranean
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The Box Tree

The Box Tree

35-37 Church Street, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9DR

For special occasions there’s nowhere better in Ilkley than the Box Tree. This experience comes with all the trappings of fine dining and you’ll be treated to carefully crafted tasting menus of local, seasonal produce.
Over £80
French
Book now
Broadleys

Broadleys

1 The Moors Centre , Ilkley , West Yorkshire, LS29 9LB

Chef Matthew Broadley has headed up a handful of Ilkley’s best restaurants before opening this latest venture independently. The menu is a classic melange of French dishes, and on Sundays traditional roasts take centre stage.
£30 - £49
French
Book now
The Cow & Calf

The Cow & Calf

Hangingstone Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8BT

This rustic pub might not win any awards for its straightforward fare, but its close proximity to the moors and The Cow and Calf rocks makes it an ideal place to recuperate after sight-seeing.
Under £30
Pubs
British
Book now
Betty’s Ilkley

Betty’s Ilkley

32 The Grove, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9EE

Not strictly a restaurant, we still think Betty’s deserves a spot on the list. This charming old-fashioned tea shop serves up beautiful bakes, a traditional afternoon tea and a menu crammed with classic main dishes.
Under £30
British
Afternoon tea
Book now
The Ilkley Cow

The Ilkley Cow

1-2 New Brook Street, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8DQ

Formerly The Moody Cow, this rebranded Ilkley restaurant serves up a hearty steakhouse menu. Pick between things like burgers or brisket or go all in on steak which comes with mushrooms, tomatoes and rustic chips.
£30 - £49
Steak
Burgers
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Bistro Saigon

Bistro Saigon

1A Railway Road, Ilkley , LS29 8HQ

Those in search of far-flung flavours will find what they’re looking for in Bistro Saigon. A Vietnamese menu throws up classics like yellow vegetable curries, lemongrass chicken, crisp spring rolls and aromatic roasted belly pork.
£30 - £49
Vietnamese
Book now

Looking for something a little more cosmopolitan? Check out our round up of the best restaurants in Leeds

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