The Best Places for Lunch in Harrogate
Whether you’re in Harrogate for a day trip or looking for some inspiration for lunch at work, places for lunch in Harrogate are abundant in their offerings.
From well-known local businesses to little hidden treasures, at Zelst, we’re so lucky to be surrounded by many independent and delightful lunch spots.
So, we thought we’d update our list of the best places for lunch in Harrogate to include all the details about what’s on offer, whether you can sit out or take away, and how to get there. We hope you’re not reading on an empty stomach…
Baltzersens
For a Scandi Lunch in Harrogate
22A Oxford St, Harrogate HG1 1PU
Baltzersen’s is a well-known name in the Harrogate café scene and now offers a restaurant and a standalone coffee shop just next door. With Yorkshire produce and a Scandinavian touch, everything on their menu is tempting and delicious.
Of course, you can sit and eat in the outside eating area if you’ve got time, but they have also created a lunch option designed for those on the go! They have lovely options every day, whether that’s their famously delicious salad, local halloumi or delicious houmous; anything off Baltzersen’s menu will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to tackle the rest of the afternoon.
Their chocolate brownies are pretty spectacular too– in fact, their sweet treats are so popular around town that they’ve opened up their own Bakeri too, also on Oxford street!
See why it’s one of the best places for lunch in Harrogate on their Instagram.
Hustle & Co.
For the perfect blend of fresh food and familiarity
71 Station Parade, Harrogate, HS1 1ST
Hustle & Co. are among the newest places to eat in Harrogate centre, offering natural, wholesome and healthy food to cater to all dietary requirements and needs.
This fantastic little café changes its menu every week, offering a range of unique brunch options, lunch items and hot food to suit appetites of all sizes. For a quick pick-me-up, their fresh homemade bakes are a sight to behold. If sweets aren’t your thing, you’ll find a fantastic range of fresh juices and healthy smoothies too. There is truly something for everyone!
Visit Hustle & Co. for a takeaway lunch or enjoy an alfresco bite to eat in the centre of town after a busy morning exploring the sites of Harrogate.
Red Kite Coffee Roasters
For amazing coffee and that reclaimed wood vibe
2 Westmoreland St, Harrogate HG1 5AT
Another independent Harrogate café, this lovely coffee house is just a minute away from the Zelst HQ and has plenty of charm and delicious homemade goodness. The Red Kite Coffee Roasters are a micro-roaster based in Harrogate, creating their speciality coffee blend just around the corner from the café.
Situated on Westmoreland street, this café is a 10-minute walk from the town centre, but it is worth stretching those legs for as you can beat the lunchtime crowds!
Once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, the café offers plenty of indoor seating surrounded by a handsome, cosy wooded décor. Pick up a warming coffee or refreshing smoothie alongside your sandwich to go, or stay for a delicious brunch from their latest menu.
No.35
For excellent coffee and cake
35 Cheltenham Cres, Harrogate HG1 1DH
No35 is a lovely little coffee escape in central Harrogate. This independent café takes their coffee seriously and serves delightful bagels and sweet treats to suit all dietary requirements.
While only open for takeaway currently, No.35 is a great spot for a working lunch in non-Covid times. Until then, a takeaway coffee from this fantastic little café will set the tone right for an afternoon at the office.
If you’re lucky, you might even meet the famous resident cockapoo, Walter, aka No.35’s Head of Customer Service!
Deli Bar
For a proper Yorkshire lunch
23 Regent Parade, Harrogate HG1 5AW
This little deli is perfect for getting a sandwich, wrap, panini, or salad box to go. You can even ring them in advance with your order, and it will be ready and waiting for when you arrive. Perfect for those pushed for time!
With a salad bar full of fresh foods, you can mix and match your sandwich filling or salad combination. Or, for a proper Yorkshire snack, dig into a pie. If you have a sweet tooth, you can even treat yourself to one of their sweet goodies.
You can find the Deli Bar on Regent Parade, just down the road from our office.
Betty's
For the full Harrogate experience
1 Parliament St, Harrogate HG1 2QU
Our list of the best places for lunch in Harrogate wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Betty’s – that is, the Betty’s of Harrogate. This lunch spot outdates so many on this list, having started in Harrogate over 100 years ago.
Betty’s is famous for its traditional afternoon tea selection, tasty sandwiches and cakes galore, served in the beautiful Imperial Room. Betty’s afternoon tea is currently available for takeaway, or you can book online here and treat yourself once Covid restrictions ease.
To get the full experience of Harrogate, we would highly recommend a trip to Betty’s if you’re spending the day here!
Manna Bakery
For the bread lover's dream come true
Manna Bakery, 34 Cold Bath Rd, Harrogate HG2 0NA
If you have a soft spot for an artisan bakery, you will love this bakery on Cold Bath Road. Famous for its delicious artisan bread, you can get a sandwich to go or sit in for lunch. This place is carb-heaven with various bread specialities and so much more!
Try the onion bhaji scotch egg, a sausage roll or one of the homemade pies for a carbtastic lunch in Harrogate. Or, give in to your sweet tooth and grab one of their brownies or to die for donuts. It’s a one-stop-shop to heaven!
This bakery really sets a high bread standard that can’t be beaten. Warning: you won’t be able to settle for shop-bought bread again.
Thug Sandwich Co
For the pigs in duvets
2A Albert St, Harrogate HG1 1JG
Not as scary as it sounds, Thug Sandwich Co is a hidden gem and is one of our team’s favourite places to eat in Harrogate centre. Choose a sandwich or salad box with amazing combos, such as curried chicken and mango, pulled pork, or KFCaesar.
If you’re after something lighter, the pig in a duvet, lamb belly fingers or scotch bhaji aren’t to be missed! To sample a selection of Thug’s delights, why not order one of the sandwich platters for your next working lunch?
Bean & Bud
For an affordable and delightful treat
14 Commercial St, Harrogate HG1 1TY
Bean & Bud are one of the most affordable places to eat out in Harrogate centre. We love their speciality coffee blends and how they pledge to help out local communities at home and abroad.
Pop in for a tea or coffee, pair it with a sandwich, soup or seasonal salad and finish with a delightful sweet treat from their range of homemade bakes.
The café are currently offering a takeaway service for food and drink, as well as outdoor seating on a first-come-first-served basis, so there’s no need to book in advance.
The Starling Independent Bar Café Kitchen
For a super chilled atmosphere
47 Oxford St, Harrogate HG1 1PW
The Starling Independent is one of the most relaxed places for lunch in Harrogate, catering from coffee and granola in the morning to beer and poutine in the evening, to everything in between.
Their selection of homemade and locally sourced food is simply delicious. Set across two floors, The Starling has an amazing interior décor with a mural taking pride of place, listed as one of the most Instagrammable places in Harrogate.
You can stop by The Starling for some al fresco dining at their new Starling Nest or grab a walk-in table at the front of the shop.
There you have it, our top ten best places for lunch in Harrogate. We love supporting local independent places to grab a coffee or a bite for lunch in Harrogate, often featuring our favourites over on our Instagram. Let us know if you tried any on our list this weekend!
What are your favourite places to eat in Harrogate centre?
Images sourced by Baltzersens, Red Kite Coffee Roasters, Deli Bar, Manna Bakery, Thug Sandwich Co, Bean & Bud & Harrogate Holidays