28 Swan Road
Harrogate
HG1 2SE
http://www.orchidrestaurant.co.uk/
Good place to take a date:
10/10
Elegant dining in the beautiful spa town of Harrogate, The Orchid has been a firm favourite for dates in Yorkshire for many years. Serving flavoursome and fresh oriental cuisine in a modern and stylish setting, the welcoming staff know how to make an evening special. Sip champagne at the sleek black bar before being shown through to the small but intimate restaurant for a show-stopping meal. If visiting Harrogate for the weekend or the Tour de Yorkshire this summer, a meal at The Orchid is the perfect way to top off a stay at the Studley Hotel, underneath which this gem of a restaurant is situated.
Good place to meet for a first date:
7/10
As one of the most popular places to eat in Harrogate, you might struggle to get a table for two unless you book in advance. Nevertheless, as soon as you tuck into the delicious Asian dishes you’ll understand what makes it a top spot in this spa town. Be sure that you’ll have plenty of conversation for your visit to The Orchid; surrounded by families and couples celebrating anniversaries and special occasion, each table is an intimate space where you’ll find little relief for those shifty silences if they do happen to settle. If you’re not sure quite what the evening will hold, you might want to save this one for a second or third date in Yorkshire when you want to spice things up a little.
The Orchid, Harrogate
Average age:
With its contemporary bar and cutting edge menu, The Orchid has modelled itself with a young and modern brand that makes it a hit with all ages and groups looking for top notch food in Harrogate. You’ll find families, couples and friends all clinking glasses on an evening, giving it a fun and friendly atmosphere that the small dining area only adds to.
Time of review:
Whether visiting on a week night or weekend, The Orchid is often booked up around the clock, so reserve a table to avoid disappointment. On the cusp of the town centre, it’s a great spot for a Yorkshire date on a Friday or Saturday night, with plenty of bars down the road if you fancy moving on for more drinks after your meal.
Average cost of a meal and a drink:
Quality comes at a price, and The Orchid is certainly at the higher end of the price range for Yorkshire restaurants. But when you can taste the freshness in the food and sample some of the finest culinary creations from all over Asia, it’s worth the money. Mains range between £12-£20 with a baffling array of choice for each course. Easier decisions and more affordable prices are on offer during the day, with three courses for £15.95 making the express lunch a tempting offer.
Type of cuisine:
A charming touch at The Orchid is the fact that they state the country from which each dish is drawn on the menu. Sample Korean dumplings, Thai green curry, and spicy Sichuan belly pork during a visit to the restaurant. Begin your date with a selection of starters to break down the boundaries as you share your nibbles, before turning up the heat with the Weeping Tiger steak. There’s plenty of choice for even the fussiest of eaters at The Orchid.
Final word:
The Orchid is more than just your average Chinese (although they do offer takeout if you prefer a cosy night in with a bottle of wine…). A distinct spot for special occasions with faultless food and service, it’s a great place to talk the evening away as you tuck into a feast of oriental delights on a romantic date.