Otley offers a tantalizing culinary adventure, featuring standout restaurants like Buon Apps, known for its whole roasted sea bass, and Nam Jai Thai, celebrated for its vibrant Gaeng Ped Phed Yang red duck curry. Whether indulging in Italian delights, savoring Turkish mixed grills at Efes, or relishing vegetarian treats at Mistal Kitchen, there’s a dish to delight every palate in this charming West Yorkshire town.
What are the must-try dishes at the best restaurants in Otley?
- Buon Apps: Italian Sunday roast, particularly the whole roasted sea bass.
- Mistal Kitchen: Chaat masala fries.
- Il Vicoletto: Pecora alla cottora (when available).
- Nam Jai Thai: Gaeng Ped Phed Yang (red duck curry).
- Mondo: Canadian chicken pancake stack.
- Westbourne Spice: Massaledar chicken for those who like it hot.
- Thomas’ Taverna: Portokalopita (Greek orange cake).
- Fare: Baron Bigod brie, fennel salami and chilli jam toasty.
- Tapas & Tunes: Sharing steak with Jerez brandy sauce.
- Efes: Mixed grill showcasing Turkish cuisine.
Buon Apps: A Riverside Italian Delight
Otley’s culinary landscape boasts an Italian gem in Buon Apps. Situated by the riverside, this restaurant offers an idyllic dining experience, especially on sun-kissed days. “Perhaps kick things off with a fritto misto,” a splendid introduction to their array of dishes. Their porchetta is a masterclass in flavor, with fennel seeds and orange zest elevating the pork belly to new heights. The pasta dishes are crafted to perfection, and for those with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu does not disappoint. The apple and plum crumble is a heartwarming choice for chillier weather. As a must-try, the Italian Sunday roast is heralded as a triumph, with the whole roasted sea bass standing out as a prime selection.
- Must-try: The Italian Sunday roast, especially the whole roasted sea bass
- Find it: Buon Apps, Hartley House, 50 Mill Way, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 1FE
Mistal Kitchen: Vegetarian and Vegan Haven
In the quaint setting near the Chilli Barn lies Mistal Kitchen, a cozy establishment that champions vegetarian and vegan cuisine. With cafe hours and occasional three-course supper clubs, this establishment caters to both the casual brunch-goer and the evening diner seeking an elaborate meal. The menu is a testament to their ingenuity and commitment to flavor, offering dishes like sweetcorn fritter tacos and a halloumi burger that promise to satisfy. For those interested in their supper clubs, details can be found online, promising an inventive vegan journey priced at £40 per head. The chaat masala fries are particularly noteworthy, offering “a gargantuan serving of skin-on fries with mint yoghurt, mango chutney and more,” making them an irresistible side dish.
- Must-try: The chaat masala fries
- Find it: Mistal Kitchen, Farm York Gate, East Chevin Road, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3DD
Il Vicoletto: Roman Flavors in a Friendly Space
At Il Vicoletto, two Romans have transformed Otley’s dining scene with their heartfelt Italian cuisine. The menu adapts with the seasons, enriched by specials that beckon diners into this intimate and welcoming space. “The irresistible uovo croccante – a soft boiled egg coated in bread crumbs and then fried,” is just one of the many innovations to grace the menu. Whether it’s a trio of meats for the carnivores or a sumptuously sauced vegetarian pasta, guests will find their cravings well attended to. A standout special, when available, is the pecora alla cottora, which features leg of lamb cooked with juniper berries and black olives.
- Must-try: The pecora alla cottora when available
- Find it: Il Vicoletto, 9 Mercury Row, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3HE
Nam Jai Thai: Authentic Thai in an Unassuming Setting
Nam Jai Thai may not have an online presence, but its reputation for delicious Thai cuisine precedes it. The simplicity of its setting is overshadowed by the flavors and aromas that fill the restaurant. “Take your own wine or beer,” and indulge in a menu that includes salmon chu chi curry and a range of spicy salads, offering a refreshing treat to the senses. Vegetarian options are plentiful, ensuring that every guest finds a dish tailored to their palate. The Gaeng Ped Phed Yang, a vibrant red duck curry, comes highly recommended for those seeking a taste of Thailand’s culinary richness.
- Must-try: The Gaeng Ped Phed Yang
- Find it: Nam Jai Thai, 13 Manor Square, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AP
Mondo: A New Life to Otley’s Culinary Scene
At the former Otta’s Leah site now stands Mondo, a cafe-cum-kitchen that has rejuvenated the local food landscape. “This is where you’ll find treats such as honey and apple cider-glazed belly pork,” a delight for those looking to indulge in savory excellence. The chorizo hash and the specials like chicken gnocchi showcase the kitchen’s versatility and flair. For a twist on comfort food, the Canadian chicken pancake stack, complete with candied bacon jam, is a tantalizing option that should not be passed up.
- Must-try: The Canadian chicken pancake stack
- Find it: Mondo, 13 Boroughgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AG
Westbourne Spice: A Decade of Curry Excellence
Westbourne Spice has stood as Otley’s premier curry destination for over ten years. Nestled on the road to Menston, this former pub offers a menu where “old school specials” and “zingingly-fresh vegetable karahis” coexist with a splendid array of grilled options. The Tandoori Raja mixed grill is a mélange of succulent meats that one may reluctantly share due to its sheer deliciousness. Their biryanis are fragrant with saffron and amply filled with choice cuts. For those with a penchant for heat, the Massaledar chicken comes with naga pickle and bullet chillies, offering a fiery adventure.
- Must-try: The Massaledar chicken for those who enjoy it hot
- Find it: Westbourne Spice, Bradford Road, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3LS
Thomas’ Taverna: A Slice of Greece in Otley
Hidden in plain sight is Thomas’ Taverna, an unassuming family-run establishment that dazzles with authentic Greek cuisine. Lunchtime calls for gyros, with marinated meats nestled in a pitta or served in the Merida without the wrap. “At night, set the tone with some timeless classics,” such as dolmades and hummus, followed by a dive into a luscious moussaka. The dessert menu features traditional sweets, with the Portokalopita – a syrupy Greek orange cake – as a standout finish.
- Must-try: The Portokalopita
- Find it: Thomas’ Taverna, 1 Orchard Gate, 23 Market Street, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AF
Fare: Wine and Charcuterie Artistry
Fare is more than just an Otley restaurant; it’s a Leeds sensation that excels in the art of wine and charcuterie. With an ever-changing drink-in list and over 200 wines to take home, connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike will find solace here. “Superior cheeseboards” and toasties made with sourdough from Underground Bakery exemplify their commitment to quality. Even the simplest plate of anchovies, gildas, and gordal olives is transformed into a delicacy with the right glass of wine. The Baron Bigod brie, fennel salami, and chilli jam toasty is a creation that encapsulates the essence of their menu.
- Must-try: The Baron Bigod brie, fennel salami and chilli jam toasty
- Find it: Fare, Unit 13, Orchard Gate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3NX
Tapas & Tunes: A Harmonious Blend of Food and Music
Otley’s demand for a laid-back tapas spot was met with the arrival of Tapas & Tunes. It doubles as an event venue, offering a space for performances that complement the dining experience. The menu is a treasure trove of Iberian favorites, from croquetas to tortilla and patatas bravas. “Order some cava and tuck in,” to enjoy a meal that perfectly encapsulates the casual yet sophisticated essence of tapas culture. The sharing steak, a highlight on the menu, is pan-fried and served with a Jerez brandy sauce that is sure to impress.
- Must-try: The sharing steak with Jerez brandy sauce
- Find it: Tapas and Tunes, 50 Kirkgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3HJ
Efes: Turkish Delights and Mediterranean Breezes
The Turkish eatery Efes has quickly become a cherished part of Otley’s dining scene. Starting the day with eggs royale and transitioning to a more extensive evening menu, Efes caters to a diverse appetite. A mixed hot and cold meze is the perfect communal dish, while “they do lovely things with lamb,” such as chops and skewers. The lamb moussaka offers a warm embrace, and lighter options like fish platters ensure there’s something for everyone. With its straightforward charm, Efes transports diners to the Mediterranean with every bite.
- Must-try: The mixed grill, a testament to the quality of their Turkish cuisine
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Find it: Efes, 29 Kirkgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3HN
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Otley is home to a diverse range of restaurants, each offering unique culinary experiences, from Italian at Buon Apps to Thai at Nam Jai Thai.
- Buon Apps is particularly known for its Italian Sunday roast and whole roasted sea bass, making it a must-visit for Italian cuisine enthusiasts.
- Mistal Kitchen stands out as a vegetarian and vegan haven, with its chaat masala fries being a popular highlight.
- Nam Jai Thai is renowned for its authentic Thai dishes, with the Gaeng Ped Phed Yang (red duck curry) receiving high praise from diners.
- Efes specializes in Turkish cuisine, featuring a mixed grill that showcases the quality and flavors of their dishes, making it a favorite among locals.