Are you looking for restaurants in Bradford to try during your next visit?
Voted “Curry Capital of Britain” for six consecutive years, it goes without saying that Bradford is home to a superb array of curry houses. However, this vibrant West Yorkshire city’s hospitality scene is far more diverse than you may think. There are numerous restaurants scattered around the city offering a variety of cuisines. From a long-established family-run Italian serving perfect pizza and pasta to a brand new all-you-can-eat Japanese-Brazillian fusion restaurant with awe-inspiring interiors, there’s something to suit most tastes and budgets in Bradford city centre.
To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular and frequently recommended restaurants in Bradford
10 Brilliant Restaurants in Bradford…
Shimlas
121-125 Great Horton Road, Bradford BD7 1PS
Shimlas is a firm favourite with locals. One of a handful of Shimla restaurants scattered across the North, this contemporary curry house on Great Horton Road serves authentic Kashmiri and Punjabi dishes to eat in or take away. On the menu, you’ll a delicious array of aromatic curries, succulent grilled meats and some of the best donner kebabs in the area. To help wash down their fiery feasts, Shimlas also serves a fantastic selection of fruity and refreshing mocktails.
Classic Persian
368 Little Horton Lane, Bradford BD5 0NB
There are few foodies in Bradford who haven’t visited Classic Persian Restaurant. The restaurant is found in the centre of Bradford and has won the hearts of many a local over the years.
As the name might suggest, they specialise in Persian cuisine. It’s a family-run restaurant with tonnes of character and they’re well known for their welcoming service. On the menu, you’ll find a vast range of dishes and the portions are more than generous. They split their menu into Hot and Cold Starters, Stew Specials and Charcoal Grill Mains.
The Charcoal Grill is the main event here and although their dishes may sound adventurous to those unfamiliar with Middle Eastern cuisine, it’s comforting to know that very few diners leave Classic Persian Restaurant disappointed.
Mamma Mia
3 Upper Piccadilly, Bradford BD1 3PE
One of the longest-serving restaurants in Bradford City Centre, Mamma Mia is a traditional, family-run Italian restaurant that has been serving Pizza, Pasta and all manner of Italian dishes to the people of Bradford for years.
Generations of Bradfordians will have fond memories of visiting Mama Mia’s for special occasions and being met warmly by the wonderful Massimo family, who brought their authentic take on Italian food to Bradford over 30 years ago. In 2023, their popularity continues, and we always look forward to a meal out at Mamma Mia’s, a true Bradford institution!
The pizzas are the star of the show at Mamma Mia’s but we certainly can’t fault their calzones either. Perfect for those with a larger appetite!
MyLahore
52 Great Horton Road, Bradford BD7 1AL
South Asian Cafe Bar chain, MyLahore, has its flagship venue on Great Horton Road in Bradford. Set across four beautifully styled floors, this city centre favourite offers an eclectic assortment of South Asian dishes in addition to burgers, stir-fries and pasta. The diversity of the menu at MyLahore makes this one ideal for large parties and celebratory meals as there’s something to suit everyone. There are some excellent vegan and vegetarian options too, and kids can eat for just £5.95.
The food and service here are consistently good, hence why MyLahore’s flagship restaurant in Bradford is the second highest-rated restaurant in Bradford on TripAdvisor.
The International
40-42 Mannville Terrace, Morley Street, Bradford BD7 1BA
International first opened its doors on Morely Street in 1976 and has been impressing diners with its authentic Indian dishes ever since. The restaurant has recently been refurbished and the transformation is really quite incredible. Now, a stylish eatery frequented by local influencers, International continues to thrive.
On the rather extensive menu, you’ll find a vast number of appetisers, a handful of special grill dishes, all the most popular Indian curries and countless authentic karahis made with meat, poultry, fish or vegetables. It’s quite reasonably priced too, with the main dishes averaging at around £12 each.
My Thai
200 Keighley Road, Bradford BD9 4JZ
My Thai on Keighley Road is a cosy, family-friendly restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine. Homely and inviting, this laidback eatery is ideal for date nights and intimate family meals. The menu features all the Thai favourites such as Thai Green Curry, Pad Thai and Chicken Satay as well as a few signature dishes such as the Sizzling Platter which comprises wok-fried meat with My Thai’s own special sauce.
There are a couple of set menus available too which enable diners to sample a variety of the restaurant’s most popular dishes plus a main course of their choosing for a set price per head.
SakkuSamba
The Broadway Shopping Centre, Hall Ings, Bradford BD1 1JR
Japanese-Brazillian fusion restaurant, SakkuSamba opened at The Broadway earlier this year and it’s a superb addition to Bradford’s foodie scene. Owned by the man behind the ever-popular Sakku restaurants and the unbelievably good Brazillian rodizio-style chain, Estabulo, it offers the very best of both during one unique dining experience.
We visited SakkuSamba in June to try out their all-you-can-eat offering and were blown away by the ambience, service and food quality. You pay a fixed price per head and can order dishes via tablets. Initially, each guest can order four small plates each and then another four every twelve minutes. The portions are far larger than we expected but we thoroughly enjoyed feasting upon plate after plate of sushi, tempura and steak. A definite must-visit and one of our favourite restaurants in Bradford.
Porter House Bros
72 Thornton Road, Bradford BD1 2DG
Did you know that Bradford has its very own steakhouse? Porter House Bros on Thornton Road serves prime cuts of steak and a mouthwatering selection of seafood dishes for the ultimate surf and turf experience!
The alcohol-free Bradford restaurant opened in 2015 and the menu is simply glorious! The selection of seafood starters alone is packed with treasures of the sea transformed into mouthwatering small plates that are almost impossible to choose between. Pan-Seared Scallops, Bang Bang Prawns, Fresh Oysters and Salt & Pepper Calamari? We’ll have it all, please! Other starters include Blooming Onion, Grilled Lamb Chops, BBQ Beef Short Ribs and Buffalo Chicken Ribs.
When it comes to main courses, diners are equally spoiled for choice with numerous meat and seafood mains. Various cuts of Wagyu are on the menu for serious steak lovers and all the steaks can be given a delicious upgrade by adding scallops, prawns or lobster tails.
Napoleon’s
37 Bolton Road, Bradford BD1 4DR
Napoleon’s Casino on Bolton Road has an in-house restaurant that is open to both players and non-players. The 120-seat restaurant serves a plethora of internationally inspired dishes and provides a stylish setting for an evening of drinking and dining. The menus change with the seasons as the chefs at Napoleon’s source only the finest of produce but expect a tantalising array of scrumptious starters and hearty mains.
There’s always something to suit everyone, with meat, fish and vegetarian dishes available on every menu. The current menu for Summer 2023 features classic starters such as Prawn Cocktail, Thai Spiced Fish Cakes and fluffy bao buns stuffed with sticky mushrooms and tofu. Main courses include Tandoori Spiced Rump Steak, Pan Fried Pork Medallions, Roasted Butternut Squash & Pimento Tart and a fillet of hake served upon a crab & leek risotto.
Restaurant 1914
Morley Street, Bradford BD7 1AJ
In the very heart of Bradford, you’ll find the wonderful Restaurant 1914. With a superb menu featuring a variety of cuisines, you’ll find tasty offerings like Honey & Soy Glazed Loin of Pork, Breaded Parmesan Spring Chicken and Luxury Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake.
The restaurant opened in 2012 and can be found on the Upper Circle level of the famous Alhambra Theatre – just minutes from City Park and various other restaurants and bars. This restaurant in Bradford offers a relaxed atmosphere, honest, well-prepared food and an extensive drinks list.
If you’re in the region for a show – and fancy a bite to eat beforehand, it’s definitely one to keep in mind. Get yourself a table near the window and you can enjoy fantastic views across the city whilst you tuck into some British classics and enjoy those all-important pre-show drinks!
As with all our articles of this nature, we’ll be adding to this list as and when we discover or are introduced to new businesses. To recommend your favourite restaurants in Bradford or to discuss advertising opportunities, please email business@theyorkshirepress.co.uk
