A quaint place nestled away at the bottom of the Yorkshire Dales boundary, known for being a busy and bustling market town, Skipton is full of fantastic restaurants, with tasty dishes to get stuck into after a busy day.
Known as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, thousands pass through and visit the humble town on the Leeds-Liverpool canal – and it’s easy to see why. From the canal-side walks, its fantastic market and historic castle, there’s a lot to explore, so we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Skipton.
1. Alexander’s
Skipton’s award-winning grand café, bar and terrace is located at the top of the main street, a stone’s throw from Skipton Castle. Boasting gorgeous European vibes from the outside in, Alexander’s serves up modern British dishes with an Asian twist, alongside stunning craft cocktails in a stylish setting.
Think beautiful small plates including Korean chicken and Wensleydale croquettes, alongside large plates including sirloin steak with Cafè de Paris butter, udon noodles and proper fish and chips – all with an upmarket, but absolutely heavenly twist.
Alexander’s, 4-6 High St, Skipton, BD23 1JZ.
2. Le Caveau
Situated in a 16th-century cellar with wood beams and a vaulted ceiling, the building, which was once a prison for Craven District’s felons and sheep rustlers, is now a French restaurant serving up delicious local produce.
Le Caveau is well-loved by locals, thanks to its romantic setting and classic French cuisine (with a very welcome Yorkshire twist). Think creamy garlic chicken with Wensleydale and cranberries, alongside French-style Nidderdale lamb and a daily-changing creme brulee for dessert.
Le Caveau, 86 High St, Skipton, BD23 1JJ.
3. Calico Jack Restaurant & Bar
Arrrgh me hearties. If you’re looking for a family-friendly place, this pirate-themed bar offering up crowd-pleasing grub is one for the list.
The fun restaurant in Skipton serves up an American & Tex Mex menu, with colourful and exciting cocktails against a nautical backdrop. We are talking quesadillas, huge burgers, pizza, and baby back ribs, to name a few, with pure holiday vibes thanks to their classic cocktail menu. Located by the canal, it’s a popular spot during the summer months.
Calico Jack, 36 Water St, Skipton, BD23 1PB.
4. Le Bistro des Amis
There must be something in the air up in Skipton as they have not one, but two French restaurants. Le Bistro Des Amis serves up a mixture of the best of both France and Yorkshire, plus regular themed evenings.
Using high-quality ingredients that are locally sourced, along with special ingredients sourced from French markets, guests can expect classics such as Parisian-style cottage pie, steak frites, their famous seafood money bag and much more.
In true Yorkshire style, expect a number of dishes boasting Yorkshire puddings.
Le Bistro Des Amis, 1 Jerry Croft, Skipton, BD23 1DT.
5. The Curious Fox
Take a trip around the world at The Curious Fox, Skipton. The menu consists of everything from traditional Yorkshire dishes and a selection of dishes from an array of countries – including Belgium, Thailand, Canada and Australia.
If globetrotting isn’t your thing, the restaurant also serves up a selection of burgers and steaks, keeping things a little more classic so there’s a choice for everyone.
On Sundays, The Curious Fox hones in on British tradition, rustling up a gorgeous Sunday roast on a weekly basis.
The Curious Fox, Chapel Hill, Skipton, BD23 1NL.
6. The Tempest Arms
There is nothing better than a country pub. Especially when you’re looking for some proper food to get stuck into.
A 17th-century inn located on the edge of Skipton, The Tempest Arms is set within rolling picturesque countryside, offering classic, decor bringing cosy vibes by the bucket load.
Guests can snuggle up by the fire with a pint, or enjoy a proper pub classic in the warming dining room – with favourites such as beer-battered fish and chips, pie, and, of course, weekly Sunday roasts on offer. Save room for a homely pudding, too.
The Tempest Arms, Elslack Ln, Elslack, Skipton, BD23 3AY.
8. Woolly Sheep Inn
Located in the centre of the popular market town, the award-winning Woolly Sheep Inn is not only home to a full range of award-winning Timothy Taylor cask ales, but, it also serves up some mouth-watering home-cooked classics with a modern twist.
Think pies, burgers, Wensleydale gammon and more. Additionally, the cosy pub also boasts a fantastic beer garden with a retractable roof, so you can soak up the sun with a pint and a bit of fodder.
Woolly Sheep Inn, 38 Sheep St, Skipton, BD23 1HY.
9. Efendy
A beloved Mediterranean restaurant on the High Street, Efendy serves up traditional Turkish cuisine, including chicken Beyti, proper lamb chops, pide, meze and more.
The beautiful restaurant is bright, airy and modern with Turkish finishings, and in just a couple of years, has garnered a strong fanbase. A must-visit if you’d like to try something new. Top tip: order a feast of hot and cold meze, before tucking into some of the mains.
Efendy, 8 High St, Skipton, BD23 1JZ.
10. Phoebe’s
A fresh, Scandi-feeling restaurant in the town centre, Phoebe’s brings fantastic modern dining to Skipton, transforming throughout the day from vibrant brunch dishes to stylish evening dishes taking inspiration from the Med with dishes such as Onglet steak, crispy herb-stuffed chicken and crispy pork belly.
It’s a bright, airy uber-cool venue, with fantastic cocktails and perfect food – no matter what time of day you visit.
Phoebe’s, 18 Coach St, Skipton, BD23 1LH.
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