Looking for the best food places in Bradford? You're in the right place, I've just spent a weekend exploring the city's rich foodie scene and had the pleasure of dining at some of the best restaurants in Bradford. From the best curry in the "Curry Capital of Britain", to the best breakfast and where to find a sweet treat – here's my honest guide to some of the best ones you won't want to miss.
Bradford is such an underrated city, even after being named City of Culture 2025, and food is entwined with the city’s heritage. You can’t visit without checking out some of the best places to eat in Bradford - including some iconic eats and underrated gems you won’t want to miss. As a big foodie (yes I basically follow my stomach around the globe!), it was such a privilege to experience such a vibrant and diverse food scene.
I know that the first thing I search when I’m visiting a destination is what restaurants I need to visit. So if you’re doing the same, here’s your Bradford Food Guide with the inside scoop on everywhere I ate during a weekend in Bradford and which eats I really recommend (plus what to order!) As a Mauritian girl, food will always be at the love, family and community – so I loved seeing these values reflected in the warm, welcoming foodie hotspots I’m sharing in this gastronomy guide to the city.
This blog post is a press trip partnership with Visit Bradford [AD] but I only ever share my honest reviews & travel experiences.
Best Bradford Food Places? Here's where you'll find:
- What to expect from food in Bradford?
- The Best Places to Eat in Bradford
- Best Breakfast in Bradford
- Best Curry in Bradford
- Best Food Market in Bradford
- Best Sweet Treats in Bradford
- First Class Dining with LNER
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What to expect from food in Bradford?
Whether you live in the UK, or you're just visiting and want to explore beyond just London, Bradford is a great city to visit. Did you know that Bradford is the sixth largest UK city? It's also one of the most diverse communities in the UK, which is one of the best things about the Bradford food scene. From award-winning fine dining to boasting over 200 authentic Asian restaurants across the area, you'll be spoiled for choice for the best restaurants in Bradford.
The "Curry Capital of Britain" is famed for it's spice, but what I loved was the diversity of Asian cuisine available – with many restaurants specialising in Kashmiri, Pakistani and Indian food. From the more authentic options we know and love, to the more unique options, there's a curry (and spice) for everyone. One thing I loved, as a Mauritian girl who loves her spice, was that I was able to experience a really authentic spice level which isn't always an option in the UK.
While I'm sharing my favourite foodie experiences from my visit to Bradford, I know there are so many more. From traditional pub grub, to delicious Greek food and even a vibrant real ale and craft brewery scene for the beer drinkers among us. If you'd like to try a local brew, you should check out the unique Saltaire Brewery and Bingley Brewery among others. If you're looking for my top recommendations of the four best food places in Bradford – with top tips for the best things to order from the menu – keep reading!
The Best Places to Eat in Bradford
If you're visiting Bradford for a weekend (or longer), here are four top Bradford food places and restaurants that you won't want to miss. Their delicious cuisine is entwined in their local culture and fascinatingly diverse heritage so be sure to take the time to learn about the history of these places as well. Keep reading for the best curry in Bradford, the best breakfast in Bradford, tips for where to find sweet treats and food markets – plus a hot tip for extending your dining experience.
1. Best Breakfast in Bradford – Sweet Centre Restaurant
If you’re looking for the best Sunday brunch in Bradford, look no further! You need to visit Sweet Centre Restaurant for their Desi Breakfast, an iconic Bradford eat which has drawn crowds from across the UK. Founded by the late Haji M Bashir and brothers in 1964, the restaurant was originally famed for selling Indian sweets and confectionary, but these days it is known for serving authentic Kashmiri and Pakistani Asian cuisine.
The restaurant unites their rich history of family, food and Pakistani and Indian Culture, giving the warmest welcome to anyone who walks in their door. From the moment I walked in, I felt like I had stepped into the kitchen of my own Mauritian family, where love is communicated through food and the chef delights in creating an experience, not just a meal. It's clear to see why so many of their customers have supported the restaurant since the doors first opened, and why it has been named one of the Top 10 Best Restaurants in Britain by the Independent.
Sweet Centre Restaurant has been owned by family for generations and the current owner and award-winning chef, Waqar Mughal, has grown up with those very walls. Walking me through decades of history, with special guests including Ainsley Harriott and Len Goodman, the restaurant has also been popular with artists, film stars and dignitaries from around the globe. What I loved was that visitors can experience the history adorning the walls, see photos from across the years and really feel that they have become part of a Bradford legend.
Don’t go here for fast food – Sweet Centre is the epitome of slow, mindful dining and authentic cultural connection with generations of Bradford’s own. No matter what you eat when visiting this UK city, this is the meal you won’t want to miss, it was by far the most delicious and the best dining experience I had in the city.
What should I order?
Get the Desi Breakfast and try the freshly fried puri that melt in your mouth (I was lucky enough to stand with the chef as he prepared these) then scoop mouth-watering Cholay Aloo, with a drizzle of raita. Don’t miss ordering the Samosa Chaat served with their special tamarind sauce, even the waiter said this was his favourite dish on the menu. Even typing this my mouth is watering – the food is genuinely that good, but it is the hospitality of the owners and chefs that really stood out and made me want to spend the day there just eating and sharing stories.
2. Best Curry in Bradford – Akbar's Restaurant "King of Curry"
If you're looking for the best curry in Bradford, you can't leave without trying Akbar's Restaurant on the famous Leed's Road. Bradford has been named the "Curry Capital of Britain" for six years in a row and Akbar's flagship restaurant in Bradford is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. The brand, which has now expanded to 10 restaurants, offers modern South Asian cuisine and won the title of "King of Curry" at The English Curry Awards 2025, honouring the legacy of founder, Shabir Hussain.
I couldn’t leave Bradford without a night on the famous Leeds Road, and I had high expectations after hearing the buzz around Akbar's, this Mauritian girl can never say no to a curry! The restaurant is already popular with the likes of boxer Amir Khan, singer Kimberley Walsh and snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan, so it was time to see what all the fuss was about.
From the second I walked in the door the vibes were high and the fragrant smell of curry wafted from the kitchen. Customers flocked to the doors of the popular restaurant and I was lucky to score a table when I arrived early on what was set to be a busy Saturday night and I recommend pre-booking, especially if you're travelling with a group. The menu is huge with so much variety, it's difficult to choose what to order, so if you're struggling – check below to copy my exact order. The service is super attentive and the staff are so friendly and welcoming, they're also on hand with recommendations for what to order. This is a great spot for travelling with a group of friends so you can really make the most of ordering several dishes to try, or even sharing plates.
What should I order?
If you're stuck and can't decide what to order at Akbar's Restaurant in Bradford, I recommend the fish pakora and the onion and potato bhajis to start. They're delicious, light and great for sharing. For a main, I chose the mouth-wateringly good King Prawn Special with a Garlic Naan which was an incredible combination. What I loved is that they offered different spice levels to suit those seeking an authentic curry and those who have a more delicate palate, so I was thrilled to get some real spice.
3. Best Food Market in Bradford – Darley Street Kitchen
Everyone loves a food market and if you're visiting a new area, they're a great way to try different local food options under one roof. If you're visiting Bradford, I recommend making a stop at one of the newest additions to the city's diverse food scene. Darley Street Market is a state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Bradford and brings together a selection of popular local vendors in one location.
The multi-level building boasts a lifestyle hall with lots of shops to browse, a fresh food hall with access to butchers, groceries and fresh fish, and even an outdoor courtyard where you'll find a big screen for live sports, special events throughout the year and a florist. But, it's the top floor, where Darley Street Kitchen is located, where you will find a food and drink offering that changes with the seasons.
For those looking for a fun dining experience that’s perfect for a group, solo dining or even a date night, Darley Street Kitchen offers everything from burgers and noodles, to pizza, tacos and craft beer from Bradford-born brewers Northern Monk.. There’s something about a food market that just gives this sense of community, a chance to eat ‘family-style’ at long tables and to connect with others. The venue also has an outdoor terrace giving you amazing views over the city, and a stage with an exciting programme of live music, plus screens for films or the latest live sport.
What should I order?
If you want to steal my order – I headed to Mr T's for the Gypsy King Burger which includes two smashed Angus patties, American cheese, caramelised onions and gypsy king sauce, served in
potato buns, served with fries and I also ordered Mozzarella Sticks. The meal was delicious and served super quick which was great as I arrived shortly before last ordered at 7pm on a Sunday evening. I also really recommend the wood-fired pizza at Pizzeria Il Forno – this had been my first choice but sadly they were already shut.
4. Best Sweet Treats in Bradford – Cake'Ole
Fancying a sweet treat? Cake’Ole is the place to go and trust me you won’t be able to resist their delicious sugary delights. But don't worry if you don’t have a sweet tooth, they also have a great selection of toast, paninis and soups either homemade or using locally-sources produce. Located at the centre of Bradford’s Centenery Square, it’s the perfect place to stop for a morning coffee and something to satisfy your sugar cravings.
As you walk in the door, you’re met with a wall of huge cakes bursting at the seams with buttercream and matching their vibrant decorations. I loved the creative and colourful Mad Hatter-esque decor and I think it would be a great place to take both children and adults for a fun experience. Their signature dishes are everything from Mars cakes, Nutella and Caramel to extravagant Victoria sponges unlike ones you've seen anywhere else. They also have dairy free, gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options.
What should I order?
For me, it was the traybake slices that made my eyes light up. I plumped for Sticky Toffee Pudding, Malteser and Biscoff for a taste test. The rich, creamy slices melt in your mouth for a sugar rush you won’t forget. A box of their slices would also make the perfect gift, I took them home to share (a welcome surprise for my partner!)
5. First Class Dining with LNER
If you have a long journey to or from Bradford, a great way to extend your dining experience is by travelling First Class with LNER. On board their Azuma trains, you'll find roomier carriages with lots of space to relax or work while you travel, with the added bonuses of their fastest ever Wi-Fi and a complimentary food and drink service. It was my first time travelling First Class on a train and it was a wonderful experience which allowed me to work while I travelled and enjoy a comfortable experience while travelling solo with luggage.
I was travelling from Peterborough to Bradford, and then on to London, so with longer journey times I had the chance to make the most of the food and drink offer which uses lots of local produce sourced along LNER routes. I really loved that LNER have handpicked these local producers not just for the quality of their produce but for their ethos, and have chosen family-run, small batch, hand-crafted, using prime and locally sourced ingredients.
I was also very impressed that they had such a range of options which included some much healthier options for those who prefer to eat lighter, and they have vegan , vegetarian and gluten free options. They have a breakfast/brunch option and then a lunch/evening option so depending on the time you travel you can explore the different menus, and there's a great selection of hot and cold drinks, including alcohol. The service is super friendly and welcoming, I had a coffee within minutes of sitting down in the carriage.
What should I order?
For breakfast, I ordered the lemon curd and raspberry overnight oats which was delicious washed down with a coffee. While for lunch I chose the parsnip fritter salad, which was accompanied by a dessert mango and passionfruit pot, and a cute chocolate coin to celebrate LNER's support for Bradford's City of Culture 2025 which was a lovely touch.
