Eating out in Harrogate

I can’t remember the last time I ate dinner out alone (must have been for work, and I probably ordered in room service). But I went away for a long weekend to Harrogate on my own, so solo dining it was. There are plenty of places for eating out in Harrogate, all mentioned on Trip Advisor and google rankings. Here’s some of the places I ate at, and how I found them.

Before going I had done some research on restaurants. Some that had great reviews, were really too posh foodwise for me, either in price, or just over the top swanky food that I’d never choose. But there were plenty of restaurants to choose from in Harrogate, from pubs to nice a la carte restaurants in hotels.

I’d asked my hotel on check in where was a good area for restaurant choices. While there are places spread around the town, Cheltenham Crescent had a good choice of places to eat at, so was where I headed as it was only a short walk back to my hotel.

Cattlemens Grill, Cheltenham Crescent

On my first night, Friday, I was hungry early as I’d just had a snack at lunchtime. I do like a bit of Mexican food, so decided on Cattlemens Grill and their early bird 2 course deal for £19.

With a nice relaxed decor and vibe, there were a few other tables taken. There was no issue pre-5pm getting a table, and the waitress was prompt taking my drink and food order.

The menu isn’t just grilled meat. Yes there are a good choice of steaks, burgers, some mexican dishes, but there’s also other options like salads which I’d have happily chosen.

The deal menu had 4-5 starters, and the same for mains (and desserts if you wanted 3 courses, or that instead of starters). I’m quite picky but there were a couple of options in each I could choose.

I had small nachos to start which were really good and piled on the small plate. Plenty of cheese and a touch of a kick salsa. Really tasty to start my meal.

I didn’t have to wait too long for my large quesadilla. There’s a choice of meat you can pick, I chose the texan chicken as I didn’t want to risk too spicy. I did ask for no jalapenos, but they were inside, so I just picked those out. It came topped with a really nice chunky guacamole, more salsa, and a side salad. A decent plateful, and I just managed to finish it.

A really nice meal, with a waitress who was aware without being overpowering and i didn’t feel awkward eating alone. I did take my Kindle with me so had chance to read that before and while eating.

It was a shame there were no mocktails on the drinks menu. I don’t mind a cocktail, but as I don’t really drink, I’d prefer a mocktail or some different types of drinks to try. But for soft drinks it was just the usual fizzy drinks. Oh plus some nice sounding milkshakes – I do love a milkshake, but not something I’d drink with a full meal. Most likely with a sandwich at lunch. It’s not often you see Dr Pepper in a restaurant though – that took me back to my 2nd job and the only ‘cola’ that was available in the canteen.

A tasty and good value meal, definitely recommended if you’re keen meat eaters. They do have veg options, but being a grill restaurant it’s mainly about the meat!

Buon Gusto, Cheltenham Crescent

The reviews for Buon Gusto are great, saying it’s laid back, friendly Italian, and this was certainly the vibe I got in general. But also, as a solo diner, I felt like I was an inconvenience to them. And certainly rushed which I would usually expect with the bill being forced immediately on after I was finished eating but still had my drink to finish.

If you’re eating at a popular time, or with a group, then do book in advance. On a Saturday night they were fully booked indoors. But luckily they had a few tables outside that were available to walk-ins. I was put around the corner which was fine with me, and it was certainly busy with people coming and going.

I’d planned to have a salad, but there weren’t any on the menu. There were lots of other options though with a large pasta and pizza selection, as well as classic Italian dishes. It was quite hard to choose as it had been a warm day and I’d had a late lunch. I ended up choosing spaghetti carbonara, along with a beautiful glass to drink my San Pellegrino from.

The dish came out with a spoon, but no fork, which was then brought out afterwards. I had no napkin so digging my fork in meant sauce splashed everywhere. I realised afterwards when the table next to me was prepared for the next people that my table hadn’t been set up at all compared to theirs. Disappointing.

The food was really nice though and I had no issue demolishing it all. It was just the right portion size for my appetite that day. Although if I was eating out with others I’m sure we’d have had at least starters too.

I did see a sign by the side of the restaurant saying early bird offer before 5.30pm. You could have 2 courses for £19.99. I only wanted a main course really, but this wasn’t even mentioned to me despite it being 5pm when I arrived, and I was out by not long after 5.35pm. They might have got more money out of me by offering it to me.

Other than the good food (everyone else’s round me looked really nice), the service was pretty good. It was attentive and prompt, with some friendly banter going on. A proper family restaurant. It was just a bit disappointing how I felt eating there alone compared with the restaurant the night. (Admittedly that was quieter).

I didn’t get a chance to see inside, but the outside seating area was nice to sit and eat out in the sun. Worth checking Buon Gusto out if you’re in the area and fancy Italian.

Taverna, Cheltenham Crescent

Sunday dinner is usually hard when on holiday in the UK with lots of places not serving. But Harrogate seems to be the opposite with everything open.

I was tossing up between Indian, Thai or Greek, but as I was walking up, my legs were super tired from walking all day, and it was starting to feel like rain. It was a little before 5pm which was opening time for the other restaurants. So I decided to go for Greek and eat at Taverna Restaurant which had all afternoon opening.

The reviews are good, and it’s always looked busy when I passed. The restaurant is prettily decorated

No single diner shaming here. I was welcomed in, and could choose where I wanted to sit.

The service was really good, the choice on offer was plentiful.

I decided on chicken souvlaki which came with chips and salad, and a nice refreshing sauce/dip. The chicken was chargrilled nicely, but the chips were the star of the show, being seasoned nicely. I found the chicken a bit bland, even with a squeeze of lemon over. Maybe in future I should opt for something more adventurous. The chips portion size was huge, so I couldn’t finish my meal.

Overall eating at Taverna was a good experience, and with the welcome and service, I’d eat there again.

Jenny’s Tea Rooms

Tucked away in the Montpellier area of Harrogate, amongst the antiques shops, I came across Jenny’s Tea Rooms and decided to eat there for lunch.

Jenny’s Tea Rooms is a beautifully decorated tea room, with lovely vintage type decor. It’s a fun little place to enjoy a bite to eat. With the weather being nice there were also seats outside. I decided to sit inside as it was a bit later than normal lunch time so there were plenty of seats available.

The service was good from the young waitresses. The menu is typical cafe fare – ploughmans, jacket potatoes, toasties and paninis. You can also have afternoon tea which would be a nice treat if you were with a friend.

I chose a brie, grape and cranberry panini which was really nice, coming with coleslaw and salad on the side. It was grilled just right, and oozing with brie.

I enjoyed a few minutes after my meal reading, before paying and heading off.