word on the str-eat
We raise a glass to five of our favourite places to dine in Ilkley and where you’re most likely to find us hiding out over the coming months.
LA STAZIONE
One of Ilkley’s best-loved and friendliest café bars, La Stazione has been providing customers with a welcoming smile and the best coffee in town since 2008 when Enzo Piscielli first brought a little bit of Italian magic to the town’s station parade.
Now 17 years on, co-owners and long-time employees Colin Hambleton and Max Crane are keeping the dream alive as they continue to deliver food, drinks and quality service that have always been the hallmark of this popular spot.
Providing panini, pasta and fresh sandwiches alongside the perfect coffee of your choice, La Stazione is also fully licensed with a great range of beers and wines.
The ideal place to pick up a drink on the go, sit in the sun and switch off or catch up with friends for lunch,
La Stazione always delivers with a smile and we love you!
ILKLEY TAP
One of the new kids on the block having just celebrated its first birthday, The Ilkley Tap has proved a welcome arrival with its extensive range of beers and partnership with food gurus Stuzzi who serve up a delicious menu of small plates and a Sunday Roast to die for. After so long in the wilderness, this perfect venue on The Grove has finally come to life under Kris and his team.
FORDE
It’s nearly a year since Matt Healy brought his award-winning Forde restaurant to Ilkley and shook up the dining scene with his fresh and vibrant menu and stylish re-fit that transformed a former fish n chip shop into something much more palatable.
Whether you want to sit at the bar and chill with a cocktail or tuck into a range of cleverly constructed dishes that are high on taste and pleasing to the eye, this is the place to head.
Enjoy small plates, wines, beers & cocktails from 12 noon until 11pm Wednesday to Saturday or drop in on a Sunday where they rip up the script and serve up their mind-blowing Sunday Lunch.
FRIENDS OF HAM
A favourite haunt of ours, whether we’re dining or simply wining, Friends of Ham in Ilkley has that perfect laid-back charm that says ‘Come on in, pass the pigs and enjoy a large glass of red by the fire.’
No wonder we love it and with a menu bursting with favourites like their famous toasted sandwiches; chorizo stew and padron peppers alongside a monster ham and cheese selection, there’s few reasons not to move in here permanently.
Throw in regular art and jazz music nights and FoH ticks all the boxes for great food, drinks and relaxing entertainment.
EMPORIO
Since 2004 the name Emporio Italia has been synonymous with some of the finest and most authentic Italian food available in Yorkshire and here in Ilkley we’re lucky to have it right on our doorstep.
One of our all-time favourites, this family-run restaurant in the heart of Ilkley celebrated its 20th birthday late last year and owner and head chef Luigi Pignanelli is still making the magic happen in the kitchen. Open from 10.30am – 3pm Tuesday to Saturday and for special evening events, the food is always delicious, and booking is essential due to its popularity.
Make sure you check out Luigi’s famous lasagna and save room for his hand-made mouth-watering Italian desserts.
Follow @emporioitaliailkley
