Restaurants in and around Harrogate to dine in over the festive period

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There are so many dining options in and around Harrogate; think Italian cuisine, casual all-day dining, a Mediterranean-style feast and pub grub. The Stray Ferret spotlights four to try this season...

Buon Gusto

Buon Gusto is an authentic Italian restaurant that opened on Cheltenham Crescent, Harrogate in 2017.

The restaurant serves fresh and organic dishes, with the food prepared in a simple manner from its kitchen.

The team is led by head chef Salvatore who grew up in Sicily and started working in kitchens from the age of 13. He worked his way up in various positions including becoming head chef for a renowned Italian restaurant in London, and has been at the helm of Buon Gusto since 2020.

Bringing traditional Italian food to Harrogate in its classy dining room, the menu is extensive with options including focaccia, steak, pizza, pasta and risotto. 

Furthermore, this year it was awarded a TripAdvisor’s Travellers' Choice, thanks to its consistently excellent and very good ratings from customers. 

Did you know...? The restaurant will be open on Christmas Day if you don't fancy cooking.

15 Cheltenham Cresent, Harrogate, HG1 1DH, 01423 541855, visit the website.

The West Park Hotel

This year The West Park Hotel is celebrating 10 years since it first opened.

The one AA Rosette restaurant and bar is part of the Provenance Collection, a group of gastro country inns and boutique hotels.

Overlooking the Stray, a 200-acre parkland in the centre of the historic spa town, it’s hard to believe the glamourous bar and brasserie was once a Victorian coach house.

Serving everything from an extensive breakfast menu, all-day dining menu, afternoon tea, and an à la carte for more formal dining occasions, its chefs cook from field to fork with many of the ingredients grown locally from its own kitchen garden.

Did you know...? It has a whole host of events for its 'Countdown to Christmas' itinerary including a 'Festive Sip and Paint' event, a wreath making workshop, and a Christmas Cracker Ball.

The West Park Hotel, 19 West Park, Harrogate, HG1 1BJ, 01423 524471, visit the website.

Papa's Authentic Mediterranean Restaurant

A beloved spot among locals and visitors alike, Papa’s Authentic Mediterranean Restaurant is a family-run restaurant with many of its dishes cooked from recipes that have been handed down from previous generations.

Focusing on the abundant and rich flavours from the Mediterranean, diners can pick from its mezze menus including fish, meat, cheese and vegetarian and share them among friends and family. There are also chef's specials with platters to dine from.

The décor also reflects the vibrant cultures of the Mediterranean, while management pride themselves on their attentive and friendly service.

Did you know...? Can't get a babysitter or fancy a night in? You can still enjoy its menu as it offers a take out service.

11A Princes Square, Harrogate, HG1 1ND, 01423 506444, visit the website.

Carriages

Located on Knaresborough High Street in a property that dates back some 400 years, Carriages is an independent, family-run restaurant. Its menu options include classic gastro-pub food with a modern twist, Sunday lunch and roasts, tapas and a small plates menu. The chef cooks using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create its tasty and well-presented dishes.

In addition to its restaurant, it also has a bar that features a wide selection of drinks including craft beers, small batch spirits, cocktails, and more than 25 wines, many available by the glass.

Furthermore, the restaurant has great views of Knaresborough’s iconic railway station, is dog friendly, and has a heated and partly covered patio. And that’s not all – every Thursday there's a jazz and blues club too.

Did you know...? Its festive menu will be available from November 15, and there will be a speakeasy-themed evening on New Year's Eve too.

87/89 High Street, Knaresborough, HG5 0HL, 01423 800040, visit the website.

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