Food and Drink in West Yorkshire

Polly Checkland Harding

This guide to the best food and drink in West Yorkshire begins with New York-style pizza in Hebden Bridge and a Victorian craft beer cafe in Halifax. Not a bad way to start an online tour of some of the top bars and restaurants in the county: this list also includes a smokehouse in Wakefield that’s perfected the flavours of the American grill and a brewery voted the second best in the world in Huddersfield. There’s no shortage of big-hitters here, from grilled cheese masters to top teppanyaki and expert Abyssinian cuisine. Read on to discover more.

Our top picks

Woody’s Pizza

Woody’s Pizza, 27 Crown Street, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8EH - Visit now

Woody’s Pizza offer artisan NY style 12″ & 14” dough, skin on fries, killer garlic breads, locally made donuts, ice-cream and more.

Woody's Pizza
Woodys Pizza

The Victorian Craft Beer Cafe

The Victorian Craft Beer Cafe, 18-22 Powell St, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1LN - Visit now

The Victorian Craft Beer Cafe is a beautifully independent pub that stocks beer from some of the most progressive breweries in the UK.

The Victorian Craft Beer Cafe
The Victorian Craft Beer Cafe

Qubana

Qubana, 1-3 Wood Street, Wakefield, WF1 2EL - Visit now

Located in a former bank, Qubana is a tapas and grill restaurant blending the Latin flair of Cuba with the flavours of Spain.

Qubana
Image © Andy Matheson. andmath@hotmail.co.uk

The Bionic Chef

The Bionic Chef, Barncliffe Mills, Near Bank, Shelley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD8 8LU - Visit now

Serving up some of the tastiest breakfasts and brunches in Huddersfield, The Bionic Chef is for anyone who likes their mornings served with serious flavour.

Bionic Chef

Smokehouse BBQ & Grill

Smokehouse BBQ & Grill, 18 Wood Street, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 2ED - Visit now

Smokehouse is a modern American restaurant in Wakefield boasting trademark BBQ dishes and its own top-secret spice and herb mix.

Courtesy of Smokehouse

Hi Sushi

Hi Sushi, 113-115 Kirkgate, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 1JG - Visit now

Located at the site of the former Hokkaido Teppanyaki restaurant, Hi Sushi serves up some of the best sushi, Japanese and seafood cuisine in Wakefield.

Magic Rock Brewery

Magic Rock Brewery, Willow Park Business Centre, Willow Lane,, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 5EB - Visit now

Voted the second best new brewery in the world in 2012, Magic Rock Brewery in Huddersfield was inspired by local brewing traditions.

Magic Rock Tap

Halifax Borough Market

Halifax Borough Market, 31-32 Market Stall,, Halifax, HX1 1DZ - Visit now

Halifax Borough Market was opened by the Duke and Duchess of York in 1896 and has been at the heart of Halifax life ever since.

Halifax Borough market
Bruce Fitzgerald

Vocation & Co

Vocation & Co, 10 New Rd, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8AD - Visit now

Vocation & Co is a much loved independent bar and kitchen from local Hebden Bridge brewery offering a selection of cask and keg beers.

Vocation & Co
Vocation & Co

Marmalade on the Square

Marmalade on the Square, 21 Bull Ring, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 1HB - Visit now

Situated in Wakefield, Marmalade on the Square is a homely tea room selling award-winning preserves alongside gifts and vintage homeware.

Marmalade on the Square
Courtesy of Marmalade on the Square

Thai Sakon Restaurant

Thai Sakon Restaurant, 5 SAINT JOHN'S ROAD,, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 5AY - Visit now

A hidden gem in the heart of Huddersfield town centre, Thai Sakon provides authentic Thai cuisine in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Thai Sakon

Coffeevolution

Coffeevolution, 8 Church St,, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 1DD - Visit now

Hailed as the first independent, speciality coffee shop in the heart of Huddersfield, Coffeevolution is a hangout for locals of all ages.

Coffeevolution

Drink?

Drink?, 15 Market Street, Hebden, HX7 6EU - Visit now

Drink? is an indie bottle shop offering a wide selection of craft beer, spirits and natural wine with a new bar out-back.

Drink?
Drink?

Meandering Bear

Meandering Bear, 21-23 Union Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1PR - Visit now

Owned by the folks who run the award-winning Grayston Unity, the Meandering Bear is a great little independent bar and eatery in Halifax.

Meandering Bear
Meandering Bear

Corarima

Corarima, 10 Cross Street, Wakefield, WF1 3BW - Visit now

Corarima is a gluten-free, vegetarian restaurant specialising in authentic Abyssinia cuisine, lovingly prepared by Ethiopian and Eritrean chefs.

Corarima

Rustico

Rustico, 29 Northgate, Wakefield, WF1 3BJ - Visit now

Offering simple, authentic an delicious Italian food, Rustico has been serving in Wakefield city centre for over 11 years.

Rustico

Om Is Where The Heart Is

Om Is Where The Heart Is, 23A Carr Lane, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD7 5AG - Visit now

Promoting health and balance in body and mind, Om Is Where The Heart Is is a brunch house, neighbourhood bar and yoga studio all rolled into one.

OM IS WHERE THE HEART IS

The Fox and Goose

The Fox and Goose, 7 Heptonstall Road, Hebden Bridge, HX7 6AZ - Visit now

The Fox and Goose is a co-operative, community run pub with local popularity that was Calderdale Pub of the Year 2019.

The Fox and Goose
Fox and Goose

Estábulo Rodizio Bar and Grill

Estábulo Rodizio Bar and Grill, 1 Burgage Square, Merchant Gate, Wakefield, WF1 2TS - Visit now

The popular Estábulo Rodizio Bar and Grill offers a traditional method of cooking, and an all-you-can-eat style of service.

Estabulo Rodizio Bar & Grill
Image courtesy of Estábulo Rodizio Bar and Grill.

Create Café

Create Café, Wakefield One, Burton Street,, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 2EB - Visit now

A welcoming local café serving high-quality, freshly-prepared food, Create provides opportunities for people in the wider community too.

Create Café
Wakefield Council

The Priory Wakefield

The Priory Wakefield, 1 Back Lane, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 2TJ - Visit now

In a central Wakefield location, The Priory serves the finest wines, cocktails and spirits, as well as bottomless afternoon tea and mixology masterclasses.

The Priory Wakefield
Courtesy of The Priory Wakefield

Where to go in West Yorkshire

Huddersfield Art Gallery courtesy of Kirklees Council
Huddersfield
Gallery
Huddersfield Art Gallery

Based in the town centre and easily accessible, Huddersfield Art Gallery is home to an extensive and stunning collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures.

West Yorkshire
Museum
Bankfield Museum

Situated in the beautiful gardens of Akroyd Park, Bankfield Museum is a grand Victorian villa with permanent exhibitions of textiles and costume, as well as varying temporary exhibitions also.

West Yorkshire
Gallery
Open Gallery

A beautiful and varied collection of contemporary art from across the UK. Their regular exhibitions are both seasonal and thematic and always worth visiting…

Huddersfield
Gallery
AC Gallery

What was once, in the 1950s, a family ran art shop, has since evolved through the generations into a successful series of galleries across the north.

Wakefield
Music venue
Jock’s Cavern

High quality cocktails and vibrant live music is what makes Jocks Cavern so popular. This underground bar offers an intimate and effervescent atmosphere to indulge in their well-stocked bar.

Wakefield
Bar or Pub
Now Serving

In the heart of Wakefield this basement bar, ‘high end, low brow’ by their own description, remains a popular watering hole.

West Yorkshire Visitor Guides

Hebden Bridge
Walks in Hebden Bridge

A round-up of the best walks in Hebden Bridge, including the town centre, official tours and the surrounding area by Creative Tourist.

Stately Homes in the North

The North of England is blessed with countless stunning stately homes, many dating back decades and even centuries. Here are some of the very best.

Waterton Park Hotel
Hotels in West Yorkshire

Here’s our guide to the best hotels in the North East of England, including Hedben Bridge, Halifax, Huddersfield and Wakefield.

Shot down Huddersfield Narrow Canal
Walks in Huddersfield

Surrounded by the Yorkshire countryside, Huddersfield is steeped in history and holds its own when it comes to arts and culture. Our Walks in Huddersfield Guide takes in many of the sites plus some glorious green spaces and parks.

Walks in Wakefield

A round-up of the best walks in Wakefield, including the town centre, official tours and the surrounding area by Creative Tourist.

Walks in Halifax.
Walks in Halifax

A round-up of the best walks in Halifax – including the cultural sites, parks and surrounding countryside by Creative Tourist.

Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

Fancy a festive day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.

Tilly and the bear
Family things to do in the North

As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.

A man is dressed as an Elf in a decorated department store.
Cinema in the North

Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

Poet Maria Sledmere.
Literature Events in the North

Bookish goings-on are perfect for picking up presents for others and treats to get yourself through the cold, dark days ahead.

Walker & Bromwich, Love Cannon, 2006, lambda print Photo:
Exhibitions inthe North

Before the festive season completely takes over, we've rounded up some of the best exhibitions to see right now.