When it comes to eating out in the Yorkshire Dales, despite the National Park’s ruralness, the options are endless – making it a pretty tricky decision to choose where to dine when visiting. Which is why we’ve taken it upon ourselves as a team to try as many as we possibly can. All in the name of helping you guys out. From some of the country’s best fine dining to proper pub grub, here are the best restaurants in the Yorkshire Dales.
1. Angel at Hetton
One of the most famous places to eat in the Yorkshire Dales thanks to its long-standing Michelin Star, The Angel at Hetton is a culinary treat – acclaimed for its unique approach to food and ‘wow factor’ dishes.
Each and every plate looks almost too good to eat, that is, until the scents take over and have you tucking in before you get a chance to think about it.
Michael Wignall and his team take pride in infusing tons of flavour in each and every dish, and guests can expect evolving menus, seasonal ingredients sourced from close by, and tons of photo opportunities.
This is the place to visit if you fancy a proper treat.
The Angel at Hetton, Back Ln, Hetton, Skipton, BD23 6LT.
2. Beck Hall
A hotel that’s had us returning year after year with our pooch in toe, Beck Hall has a lot of fantastic qualities (its uber dog-friendly nature being one of them), including its beautifully decorated waterside restaurant.
A relaxing spot where guests can park up by the stream or look out onto the beautiful gardens via the bi-fold doors, Beck Hall serves up a delicious British menu, with seasonally changing dishes to keep it constantly fresh.
Whether it’s a bit of Yorkshire tapas after a walk around Malham Cove or a three-course feast, there’s plenty to dig into.
Think slow-cooked Dales short ribs, flavourful chicken supremes, and proper nostalgic desserts such as treacle pudding and even a delectable chocolate mousse served in a teacup.
Beck Hall, Cove Rd, Malham, Skipton, BD23 4DJ.
3. The Wensleydale Heifer
Another of our favourite ‘treat’ spots, The Wensleydale Heifer is famed as one of the best restaurants in the Yorkshire Dales for its delicious seafood – and has even often been cited as James Herriot’s favourite restaurant.
Offering a cosy pub feel inside and out, guests can expect exceptional service when visiting The Wensleydale Heifer, whether you’re a human or a dog – as our happy pooch discovered upon a recent visit (she left full of treats, let’s just say!).
Whether it’s a passing lunch or a special dinner you’re after, the Heifer provides the perfect backdrop for all dining occasions, with a fantastic value lunch deal on offer in addition to their huge a la carte menu packed full of fish.
The award-winning restaurant prides itself on its locally-sourced ingredients (which make for the freshest dishes) and offers luxury in every single dish. Even the famous fish and chips.
The Wensleydale Heifer, Main St, West Witton, Leyburn, DL8 4LS.
4. The Sandpiper Inn
Found in gorgeous Dales market town Leyburn, The Sandpiper Inn is a stunning ivy-clad country pub, with that warming, traditional interior you’d expect from a quintessential Yorkshire Dales pub.
It’s pretty unassuming, but inside, you can expect some of the tastiest food in the East side of the Dales – using plenty of Yorkshire produce within their menu.
Receiving a number of accolades over the years, the pub has been going strong as a restaurant for more than two decades, so you know you’re in good hands with the pub’s fabulous chef.
Think slow-cooked Dales lamb, tender fillet steaks, and crispy duck legs, with seasonally changing menus with plenty of daily specials to try.
The Sandpiper Inn, Railway St, Market Place, Leyburn, DL8 5AT.
5. Yorebridge House
A beautiful country house found in Bainbridge, between Hawes and Aysgarth, Yorebridge House is not only a lovely hotel, but a calming place to enjoy fantastic food in the Dales.
Think fine dining in a calming, beautifully decorated atmosphere, with perfectly presented dishes (hello, Instagram), and tasting menus packed full of the very best British flavours – from Yorkshire venison to Exmoor caviar.
In addition to the fantastic tasting menu, guests can also opt for the a la carte menu, afternoon tea or light bites, with key dishes including Nidderdale chicken, Wensleydale lamb and more.
Yorebridge House, Park House, Bainbridge, Leyburn, DL8 3EE.
6. The Blue Lion, East Witton
A pub with traditional decor always gets plus points in our book, which is just one of the reasons that The Blue Lion makes the cut today.
The 18th-century inn offers both a cosy place to stay and dine, with bedrooms just as beautiful as the traditional pub downstairs.
The restaurant is unassuming but serves up truly beautiful plates made up of seasonal grub, with plenty of hearty pub dishes to enjoy by the log fire such as Yorkshire lamb, pork and Wagyu wellington, chicken supreme, and much more.
The Blue Lion, Main Road, East Witton, Leyburn, DL8 4SN.
7. The Game Cock Inn, Austwick
Commonly referred to as one of the best restaurants in the Yorkshire Dales, The Game Cock Inn is well-loved for its versatile menu, which boasts a number of crowd-pleasers such as classic fish and chips, fisherman’s pie, steak, and an array of beefy burgers.
While the pub is on the Lancashire side of the National Park, we’ll let it off, because its classic pub interior and large beer garden are absolutely lovely.
The food is pretty tasty, too!
The Game Cock Inn, The Green, Austwick, Lancaster, LA2 8BB.
8. The Wheatsheaf
Well-known for its history as real-life James Herriott and wife Helen’s honeymoon spot, The Wheatsheaf is the perfect country pub – with a variety of rooms to enjoy depending on what dining experience you’re after.
Dine in their stunning dining room complete with plush royal blue velvets, or opt for a more casual meal in the traditional bar complete with stained glass and comfy bench seating.
It’s regularly booked up, so we recommend a reservation for evening meals, but if you do visit, we’re big fans of the double beef burger smothered in melted Wensleydale cheese and the delicious 12″ Wensleydale sausage, complete with the most addictive gravy.
The Wheatsheaf, Main Street, Carperby, Leyburn, DL8 4DF.
9. Queens Arms, Litton
Tucked away in Litton, just a short drive away from the famous Malham Cove, The Queens Arms is a proper quintessential British boozer, complete with stone walls, a roaring fireplace, and low ceilings.
A charming little find all year round, the gorgeous pub is the perfect spot for a bit of proper pub grub, with tons of homely dishes to tuck into including a selection of pies, classic fish and chips and ‘steak of the week’.
The pub proudly stocks local beers behind its bar and uses locally sourced produce in each of its dishes, and is the perfect spot to visit if it’s a proper hearty meal you’re after.
The Queens Arms, Litton, Skipton, BD23 5QJ.
10. The Saddle Room
The Saddle Room is conveniently next door to popular tourist attraction The Forbidden Corner, offering a proper barn style in a stunning location.
The gorgeous structure was formerly a racehorse stable, and now serves up delicious grub for the whole family to enjoy after a day out in the Dales.
Guests can enjoy both indoor and alfresco dining, with a range of sandwiches, charcoal grilled steaks, and classics such as beer-battered cod, Yorkshire gammon, and local mutton, alongside other crowd-pleasing pub favourites.
While each and every dish is created beautifully with locally-sourced produce at its heart, the menu is suitable for all of the family to enjoy, with those beloved, familiar and homely flavours at the core of it all.
The Saddle Room, Tupgill Park Stables, Coverham, Leyburn, DL8 4TJ.
11. The Black Horse, Grassington
Probably our favourite, rather unassuming spot in Grassington, The Black Horse sits just off the main square in the town made famous by All Creatures Great and Small.
Despite its towering demeanor, when guests step inside, they’re welcomed by the cosiest classic pub vibe, with comfy upholstered seating, original beams, and those typical low ceilings that are kind of like getting a big hug from the room.
Food-wise, expect beautifully curated dishes with a little bit of an elevated pub grub edge, with meals including pan-roasted duck breast, lamb ‘two ways’, an ever-changing pie of the day, and even a ‘build your own’ burger menu.
The Black Horse, 4 Garrs Ln, Grassington, Skipton, BD23 5AT.
12. The Tan Hill Inn
The famous Tan Hill Inn is well-known as the highest inn in Britain (sitting at a whopping 1732 feet above sea level), but in addition to that, it’s also one of the best places to eat in the Yorkshire Dales (thankfully, since people have been known to get snowed in there!).
Walk in at the right time and you’ll be able to smell rich gravy being cooked up in the kitchen, which really amplifies the experience in the 17th-century pub.
Expect the old beams on show, stone-flagged floors, a grand roaring fire taking centre stage, and a general classic pub vibe, alongside probably one of Swaledale’s best beer gardens overlooking the vast countryside that surrounds.
Food-wise, the pub keeps it classic, with favourite menu items including an array of artisan pies, Whitby scampi, hot pot, and chef steaks.
The Tan Hill Inn, Long Causeway, Richmond, DL11 6ED.
Read more: 13 Incredibly Cosy Cottages To Rent In The Yorkshire Dales
[Featured image: The Wensleydale Heifer]
