The best food and drink in Harrogate

In Victorian times, sickly members of high society would come to Harrogate to "take the waters". Its spa water, rich in sulphur and iron, was considered by doctors to be just the ticket.

While it's no longer a destination for poorly aristocrats – well, not exclusively – Harrogate is still quite the tonic.

The town itself is like a picture book, all boulevards, landscaped gardens, boutique shops, museums and galleries. It's not for nothing that it was voted "happiest place to live in Britain" for three years running.

It's so pretty, in fact, that in the Second World War it was considered fit for the Royal Family. Newby Hall was earmarked as a possible bolthole should they need to seek safety outside London.

Take a trip out of town and you're in jaw-dropping countryside before you can say "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". The North Yorkshire Dales are beautifully bleak – and at night the skies are obsidian-black and spangled with stars.

Here at Stump Cross Caverns, we feel blessed to be situated in such an idyllic spot, and at the same time so close to great places to eat, drink and see the sights.

So if you're planning to pay us a visit, why not round off the day with a family meal at one of these spots?

Portofino, Harrogate

Portofino on the Italian Riviera is all colourful harbourside buildings and the tinkling laughter of the jet set.

While Albert Street in Harrogate can't quite compare, the owners of Portofino have brought the authentic taste of Italy to town.

Just a stone's throw from the train station, this independent restaurant is the ideal spot for any kind of eater – whether it's a family outing, date night or work do.

On a summer's day, outdoor seating will give you a glimpse of Mediterranean life, while the cosy interior is good for all seasons.

The restaurant serves breakfasts, light lunches (including paninis and toasties), antipasti, steak, pasta and pizza, with gluten-free pasta and pizza available. There's a range of non-alcoholic beverages too, as well as Italian beers on tap.

Imperial Palace, Harrogate

In the centre of Harrogate is Imperial Palace, a Chinese all-you-can-eat buffet that's known in the area for its excellent cuisine.

But unlike your average buffet, this one is cooked to order – meaning you can get exactly what you want from the extensive menu.

Imperial Palace also offers 20% off takeaway prices. Recommended!

The Two Brothers, Knaresborough

As much as we love rhapsodising about Harrogate, we should save some words of praise for neighbouring Knaresborough.

The town perches above the River Nidd. Now and then, a stream train puffs across the viaduct. Rowboats splash along the river. There's an air of a Mediterranean coastal town even though you're 60 miles from the North Sea.

It's in these idyllic surroundings that Two Brothers independent grill and pizzeria puts on a spread. Its huge menu encompasses everything from foot-long pizzas to towering burgers, with veggies and vegans well catered for. The portions are as hearty as the welcome.

If you ask one TripAdvisor reviewer, it's home of The Best Calzone in Yorkshire – and given that Yorkshire is God's own country, we can only assume that it's the best in the world.

The Starbeck Tandoori, Starbeck

North Yorkshire is a melting pot. Nowhere proves that better than Starbeck – home to both the Yorkshire Tea factory and an award-winning curry house.

Since 1999, Starbeck Tandoori has served up classic Indian and Bangladeshi dishes. It specialises in comforting, well-cooked dishes, making the ordinary extraordinary.

In 2022, they caught the eye of the Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA).

The restaurant won an award that celebrated its high standards in innovation, customer service and hygiene, as well as its contribution to the local economy. The panel included Greg Wallace from Masterchef.

This was a great boon to the restaurant. Its owner is quoted as saying: "Times have been tough. Times are still tough, but this award makes a big difference."

Mama Doreen's Emporium, Harrogate

If you've paid a visit to Yorkshire before, you've probably heard of afternoon tea at Bettys. And while it's a well-known chain for a reason, why not shop local at Mama Doreen's instead?

Mama Doreen's specialises in afternoon teas and cupcakes. Afternoon tea is a feast of sandwiches, savouries and freshly baked cakes. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are available if you book in advance.

Doreen's also knows how to put on an event – from its "singalong brunches" to Jubilee celebrations. Perhaps one will be happening when you visit?

All in all, it's the perfect way to enjoy an elegant afternoon tea while supporting a local business.

Time Cafe, Stump Cross Caverns

This is us! We know that once you've emerged from the caverns all agog, you'll probably want to quench your thirst and sate your appetites. And there's nothing worse than rounding off an adventure with disappointing grub.

That's why we've made sure our caff offers high-quality food in a cosy, attractive environment. We're so lucky to have the Dales on our doorstep – and you can soak up the views when you stop here for lunch.

We promise friendly staff, scrumptious snacks and filling lunches – plus something sweet for the kids. People with dietary requirements are in safe hands.

Oh, and we also have a range of Stump Cross beers. Our Stump Cross Ale includes limestone-filtered cave water for a real taste of the landscape.

Ready for dinner?

So there you have it – some of our favourite spots in and around Harrogate for food and drink. Why not make a day of it? Kick things off at the Caverns, have a spot of lunch at our Time Cafe, explore the area in the afternoon and then get some world-class grub in town.

Whatever itinerary you choose, we look forward to seeing you! 

Looking for fun things to do near Harrogate? Step back into the Stone Age with a trip to Stump Cross Caverns' magical underground chambers and passageways. It's quick and easy to book online.