Realitea in Harrogate

Realitea would tempt in anyone passing by that loves the smell of beautiful Indian food. The warm welcome and spotless presentation of this unassuming tea room and restaurant is a standard many aspire to. The food was delicious and the photos show how much attention to detail there is to make all the food served. Also the most comprehensive tea menu I’ve ever seen. They don’t have a licence so bring a bottle.

Opted for the “high tea” from family recommendation. Did not disappoint! Great flavours with the Indian savoury component and fortunately there was a take away box for the cake selection (which was more than we could cope with at the time) - as it would have been a shame to have to leave any.

If there is one place I have to visit for lunch when in Ripon it has to Realitea. It has never disappointed me and offers some of the best Indian street food I have come across. On top of this the welcome is always superb and the service excellent When I arrived the room was full but I was prepared to sit outside. I was not forgotten and had a lovely light lunch whilst stopping on a long journey

Visited for a birthday afternoon tea with the girls. Super selection of both savoury and sweet treats. Very different from the usual afternoon tea and such a great selection of individually designed teas for you to try. Sarita came out to explain what all the dishes were and she is truly passionate about her cooking. The curries were so flavourful and the cakes were all a bit different. We even had some to take home which was an added bonus. All the staff were kind and helpful and service was swift. We have booked to go back to try the Friday curry evenings. It was certainly a memorable treat, thank you to all the staff

Had lunch at Realitea last week after passing by and spotting the menu, and I'm so glad we did. An incredible selection of interesting teas, a vast array of beautiful cakes, and some seriously delicious curries. The service was prompt and friendly. The food came quickly and was freshly cooked, pretty much perfect in every way, and all reasonably priced! Highly recommend this place for full meals or just for tea and cake.

We have been to Sarita’s wonderful cafe-restaurant a number of times now, and it is always fab! The food, service and ambience are just great. This was the first time we had tried the ‘Raj afternoon tea’, which Sarita and her colleague very kindly prepared for us, even though usually you have to order it 24 hrs ahead. It was sooo delicious, and especially nice to have some really good Indian savouries as well as the sweet treats. Sarita talked us through all the different items she had made, and we thoroughly enjoyed everything. We even had some cakes left to take home with us. How she manages to make so many lovely things every day will always remain a mystery - this lady must never sleep! Thanks Sarita - you are amazing!

If I could give this more stars I would. Exceptional food I had chana chawal and my husband had murgh brunch. Amazing flavours. We finished off with a slice of orange and saffron cake. Wish I lived locally as I would be a frequent visitor.

Popped into Realitea for lunch as an impromptu visit as it had been on my radar for ages. The food was tasty and we had a lovely seat in the courtyard at the back. Another bonus for me was the cafe being dog friendly! Will definitely be back- thank you! :)

Beautiful food and lovely service. We had the murgh brunch, the samosa chaat, the mango and cardamom cake and the Indian summer cake. Really glad we made the time to visit.

Very modest and humble establishment where staff are very nice. Quality interior with a nice cool area out the back which is great for privacy. The tea choice is truly amazing with the flavours that are heavenly I really mean that. Toilet is immaculate with the lovely M & S soap 🫧 Well done to all that work there

Well I could write so much about this diamond in Ripon. Been meaning to go for ages and finally had lunch...just magnificent. Staff amazing, food out of this world.

Wanted something a bit different my husband never drinks tea but he had a big tea pot full and brought some home the food was outstanding the most delicious curry I’ve ever had went last sat now booked the tapas evening with my son for his birthday next week can’t wait

Having visited India and loving their food, spicy and tasty without the heat we sometimes get here, we were delighted with the subtle flavours of this food . A set meal of Poppadums , Samosa Chatt in a delicious sauce followed by Chicken curry and all the accompaniments . Vegetarian option available. A set price with the ability to take your own wine and beer . A great find . Booking is essential . I forgot the cakes as desert . Don’t know how as there was a great selection . Perfect for their afternoon teas .

Best Indian food in a long time with superb atmosphere.. Superb staff and delicious cakes ! Will definitely become a regular here ..

Just the BEST. Amazing food. Amazing lovely welcoming staff. We had the samosa chaat, Bombay burger and chicken bemissal. None of which were spicy, so don’t be put off expecting it to be like your regular Indian. This is really proper! All absolutely to die for. And the cakes are even BETTER!! Would 1000% recommend to anyone visiting Ripon and after a bite to eat. Just fantastic! Will absolutely be visiting again!

Went for the first and certainly not the last time yesterday evening for the Dhaba event. Absolutely full of guests enjoying superbly cooked Indian food - tasty and plentiful. Proper authentic homemade food! So pleased to have found this little gem of a place 😍

Afternoon tea so different and full of flavour. Beautiful Indian food with a perfect scone and the lightest cakes ever. You don’t leave feeling sick with sugar, as in most afternoon teas. All high quality food and full of delicious and different tastes. Choice of teas overwhelming. Service so friendly and excellent. Thank you.

We had a fabulous meal, thank you Sarita and team, beautifully cooked and presented. Perfect balance of flavours and spice. Thank you.

What a Great experience ! Hosted by the brilliant Sarita, this is so different ! The food is amazing, beautifully presented and balanced 3 of us enjoyed some wonderful freshly made Indian dishes washed down with a so different spicy chai

A wonderful lunchtime treat we fancied a little something different and found you on tripadvisor we parked up popped in and we’re seated immediately the aromas of the freshly baked cakes and vast array of delicious food and teas to choose from was terrific. I had the burger and my partner had the samosa chaat we shared a pot of the masala chai tea which was a taste sensation served without milk sweetened with honey and ginger. What a wonderful little spot of sweetness! Thank you for your wonderful service and perfect food.

The afternoon tea was superb from start to finish. We appreciated the very warm and personal welcome we received and the detailed overview of all the dishes - this was a lovely touch. The choice of teas was brilliant and the two we opted for tasted lovely. We actually could not finish our third tier of treats, so the cakes were kindly boxed up for us to take away! Thoroughly delicious and a very relaxing lunchtime treat. We did not feel rushed and the whole experience was great. With many thanks - we will be back!

We discovered this amazing place as part of the new tour from Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours. What a great find- the food was absolutely delicious, lovely service and an interesting menu. I will definitely be returning, maybe for the afternoon tea!

Beautiful Raj High Tea with delicious Ripon HornBlower tea, chicken curry and exquisite cakes. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended!!

Have been a few times to Realitea and the food is always amazing..all home made,fresh ingredients and beautifully spiced Indian food. Lovely clean restaurant and ideal if you just fancy a cuppa and slice of cake which are delicious! Friendly staff and Sarita is always willing to give her time and explain the different dishes to you . Tonight we thoroughly enjoyed the Indian Dhaba Dining Experience, which they offer on a Tuesday evening..a 4 course meal… reasonably priced and absolute taste sensation..I cannot recommend enough! Ripon is so lucky to have this little treasure on our doorstep!

2nd visit for a set evening meal and just fabulous! I cannot recommend Realtea enough....wholesome freshly prepared food that is worth savouring in a pleasant and unpretentious environment. Food quality - excellent Service - excellent Taste - excellent Friendliness - excellent Just excellent!

What a find! I wish I'd known about this place long since. Just my kind of food! I will be back very soon with more friends.

Wow wow wow!! AMAZING.. never have I tasted anything like it. Service amazing food amazing atmosphere amazing. I’m lost for words really the flavours the quality the portions everything was PERFECT.

Really great little find in Ripon. Fantastic choice of tea and the homemade Indian food and cakes were delicious. Would highly recommend.

We attended Sarita’s famous Saturday night Indian Tapas evening. It was as expected utterly delicious. Fantastic service and great to try some news things too. Such a wonderful atmosphere can’t wait to go back!

The tea is unique and delicious! The cakes are delicious too! Next time we’ll try the afternoon tea.

We have been for brunch a couple of times and last night came for one of their famed tapas evenings - so very very good. All the food is so delicious and so lovingly prepared - the parathas are unforgettable and the the cheesecake for dessert was so so good. Everything we had was so tasty. I also love the ambience - relaxed and calm and everything feels like it is done with such love and care. During the day there are cakes with a nod to an Indian theme eg including cardamon and they are so pretty. I love the brunch - a curry with paratha with sides in a thali tray.

We came here for lunch today, as we were looking to try something different, I’m so glad we did! It was a great choice and a lovely surprise. It is located in North Street Ripon, so it’s off the main town centre but it’s worth...

Absolutely delicious tasting lunch. Friendly service. Not over priced. We will definitely be back.

The intention was to sample some of the teas on offer and see what the cakes were like. Well, that was the intention.... My wife heard what was on offer as a vegetarian "breakfast" and succumbed, I was sorely tempted but my sweet tooth won...

Wonderful hospitality. I went twice in 8 weeks. We had the high tea for lunch. You get a number of small, tasty dishes on your platter, followed by a variety of cakes, and a selection of teas to drink (other drinks also available). The cakes...

Another amazing lunch at Realitea, it really is unbeatable - authentic, fresh, home cooked, beautiful flavours, amazing combinations. The owner Sarita is so concerned to know that you enjoy your meal and experience - just shows how much care they take! Lovely staff, all round...

Realitea is our favourite place to eat in Ripon and never disappoints. We regularly visit for lunch and particularly recommend the samosa chaat which is amazing! This weekend Sarita provided take away thali boxes for my brothers 40th birthday meal. Our family don’t live locally...

The Raj High tea had such an amazing balance of flavours. Every dish was delicious and the combination of flavours was out of this world! Our combination had butter chicken curry, rice, salads, dips, breads, a samosa I think, delicate spiced cakes, melt in the...

We visited Realitea yesterday , our favourite coffee shop inRipon after a traumatic morning and again were not disappointed. It was the usual high standard,attention to detail and fantastic customer service. SARITA even did us a complimentary meal for later that day. What can I...

Four of us went to savour the excellent British Raj High Tea. It was wonderful. The moment we walked in and were guided to our table, by the lovely team, we could see plates of cakes arranged beautifully. Then we had the difficult choice of...

Been in the restaurant quite a few times and always had great food so thought we would book the afternoon tea. The service was great and the food absolutely delicious. We will certainly be back for your superb food next time we are in ripon.

I was so looking forward to an evening of wonderful Indian tapas dishes and Sarita and the team didn't disappoint. It was fantastic food from start to finish. I eat here a lot and thought I had sampled everything but there were some hidden gems...

We visited Realitea on Thursday afternoon and had a wonderful experience. The staff were very welcoming and the afternoon tea was delicious. Can't wait to go back again 😊

What a beautiful cafe. Visited for afternoon tea with my mum and absolutely loved it. The staff were great and the food was delicious. We can’t wait to return. Thankyou !

Fabulous lunch...I had aloo tikki chaat and it was totally delicious. Just the right heat level, fragrant spices and a variety of textures. My husband had bombay burger which he also loved. It's worth coming to Ripon just for this little gem.

This is something special and different in a world of chain cafes, even then amongst the independent offerings, Realitea stands out with great food and drinks. Then add to that quality of service. A Cafe I will be only to pleased to revisit.

This is the second time we have visited, the curry is amazing, well presented and there is a good variety. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and the selection of teas is vast. I had the chai which was lovely served with honey and...

We visited here with family for lunch on a Saturday afteroon. The service was second to none and the food and cakes were absolutely amazing. We aslo tried a few differnt teas to drink which were gorgeous. Great value for money and lots to choose...

We called in here looking for a light lunch; perhaps a nice cake and a brew etc but instead we discovered a wonderful cafe that offers a huge array of different teas, fantastic looking home made cakes and amazing light Indian food perfect for lunch....

Absolutely Outstanding. A melting pot of cultures that really works! Attentive friendly service helps navigate the menu which starts with a truly awesome list of speciality teas, expertly explained, with fantastic recommendations. We were lucky enough to be able to get one of the house...

Visit with the in-laws and young son . Fresh, tasty food.Amazing samosa chaat and the best cakes. Staff very friendly and great experience .

We were regulars here before the lockdowns, we loved the amazing soups along with delicious toasties. Called in recently and discovered they are only doing the Indian menu now along with the amazing cakes. Tried a couple of the dishes on offer and thoroughly enjoyed...

Excellent all round.Very tasty food all homemade and beautifully served. Great selection of teas to accompany the food.Pleasant, helpful staff. 5*. Will definitely be back.

Visited for lunch on sunny Wednesday. Sat at one of the outside courtyard tables. Lovely veggie lunchtime mains - aloo tikki chaat and vegetable samosa chaat. Beautiful home cooked food full of flavour. Friendly, helpful service and a genuine interest in whether you enjoyed the...

This small café on North Street is absolutely unique. There were fantastic choices of unusual and delicious cakes that had all been home baked. Knowledge of the different teas available was very good but not over informative so it was helpful in making a choice....

Another return visit for the tapas evening. One of our favourite treats that never fails to delight. Super tasty food, good variety and friendly service. We just wish we could come more often.

Another great tapas evening. Relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, but most importantly good tasty fresh food. Love the different small plates so we can try different dishes. Hope to return soon

Recommended to us by the lovely lady in Ladies World Shoeshop (sadly we can't leave them a review here as well). We sat out in the tiny courtyard garden expecting to have no more than a coffee and a slice of cake but having seen...

We went for lunch and were impressed with the range of food and drinks on the menu. We had an excellent omelette (with an India twist) and salad and Samosa Chaat together with a great pot of tea. The cakes were so tempting we couldn't...

Lovely Tapas evening in a very relaxed atmosphere. Food and service excellent. Every dish explained in detail. Highly recommend you visit.

The tapas evening was an amazing experience. The food was delicious, authentic and the service was fantastic - with each dish being described. My favourite dish of the night is the signature dish, which is apparently served at lunchtime too, so we will definitely will...

Jubilee weekend Afternoon Tea. 5/5. The food was outstanding, the choice of teas was exceptional, and the service was warm and friendly. I honestly cannot recommend this enough. We will be back.

To celebrate my Mum and Dad's 80th birthdays, Sarita provided a most delicious afternoon tea for 5 of us to enjoy in the comfort of our own home. Chana masala, chicken cafki, salad, Ripon rowels plus a selection of cakes and teas. Delicious and very...

My daughter booked for my husband and I to go for an Indian afternoon tea, I was so excited my husband wasn't, we arrived and loved the brightly painted room, old fashioned cake stands with glass domes showing an array of home made cakes, we...

My husband and I had a fabulous lunch yesterday. I had the channa brunch and my husband had the murgh brunch. Both were delicious. The parathas were crispy on the outside and soft inside with a lovely, toasty flavour. Both curries were beautifully spiced. It's...

Fantastic food, really great selection even for vegan and gluten free diners. Freshly made and lovely atmosphere, highly recommended!

This has become my favorite place for drinks and food in Ripon. It is amazing. A lovely selection of food and drinks. All home made all delicious. The cakes are incredible. The service is second to none and Sarita has become a local hero and...

To celebrate my 40 years as a nurse in the NHS the lovely Sarita hosted the best ever leaving do. Realitea is our 'go to' for a tasty breakfast, lunch and/or afternoon tea. We have also enjoyed partaking in several of her tapas evenings. We...

Walked passed this place didn’t realise it was there in all the years we have been having days out. Tried the Curry Brunch, probably one of the nicest meals I’ve ever had, absolutely beautiful

We visited Realitea for our first Tapas experience and it didn't disappoint. The food was plentiful and so tasty. The hosts were very welcoming and explained a little about each dish which made the experience even more enjoyable, feeling like you were being transported to...

Quite possibly the sponge cake I’ve ever had! Six of us popped in for tea and cake and it was was wonderful to have a big choice of unusual cakes to choose from. We had several teas and cakes between us and each was delicious....

We had been to Realitea a couple of times prior to Covid, drawn in by the amazing Indian brunch cooked by the lovely owner, Sarita. Even though we are not particularly local to Ripon, we returned again this weekend - twice! Yesterday we had a...

I love going to Realitea. The lady owner is a very friendly, lovely person who takes time to speak with her clients and ensure that all is ok with the food. I had both her fabulous cakes and the Indian dishes. All food is delicious,...

I saw this place online and felt that I had to make this my lunch stop. Well, I was glad that I did. Great service and stunning food. I just want to come back!

Visited based upon TripAdvisor reviews, unusual Indian menu and we weren't disappointed. Lovely staff, great atmosphere and clearly a local lunch spot. We shared Samosa Chaat & Chicken Kathi Roll (photo) - both cooked fresh - and sooo flavoursome. Will definitely visit again when next...

Called in here after passing by the window and seeing a lovely plate of food. The brunch plates were excellent. We bad the chicken and the chickpea option. Good value. Smal, outdoor area decorated was a welcome relief in late summer heat. Lovely attentive service...

Chose this because it sounded different and reminiscent of a visit made to India. We had mixed afternoon tea, which included amazing home made Indian savouries, cheese and fennel scones. Amazing delicious cakes (you are given a choice) which we had with chai. Wonderful.We ate out in a small courtyard which was lovely.

Went for the tapas evening, the food was very good and certainly different to your usual curry house, this was much more authentic Indian food and you get to have a try of alot of the dishes on the menu. Will certainly be returning

So good I went twice in one day! Lunch was a traditional home-made Indian dish. It’s v different from what you’d get in a curry house with lots of fresh salad ingredients. Then back again for afternoon tea and cake. It was like an afternoon tea experience but at a fraction of the price! I’m a real loose leaf tea fan/snob but they still had blends I’d never heard of. All served in china cups and saucers. You can feel the passion here. The owner occasionally pops out from the kitchen to chat to customers and see if they enjoyed their meal. She’s an absolute angel and will brighten you day guaranteed!

Had a wonderful night last night with the family enjoying a delicious taster menu of assorted Indian foods. The service and welcoming atmosphere was a real tonic and the food was absolutely lovely. We will definitely be back, not had such a great time in ages.

We had the most wonderful evening with Surita, Paul and their lovely staff. The food was amazing as usual. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Such a friendly welcoming atmosphere. We will be back very soon. 👏👏👏👏

We just had a fantastic evening at the Indian tapas night. The food was varied delicious all home cooked by Sarita. It was a very relaxing, informative and friendly. We will definitely be going again.

Our last minute table for this popular eatery was a real treat. The food was glorious and, on a rainy Saturday evening, we were all but transported to the streets of India, enjoying Indian home cooking the traditional way. The ambiance was calm and welcoming. The owners took time throughout to check in with all customers and spend a little time in conversation. Each of the different but equally tempting offerings were well presented, and just so good it’s difficult to single out any one course. Will we be back? Without a doubt - providing we are lucky enough to get a table!

What a find! We were visiting Ripon for the day and this place was recommended to us by a lady working in the Workhouse Museum. I didn’t think we’d go there as our 9yr old isn’t a fan of Indian food but they do sandwiches and paninis too so everyone was catered for. I had the murgh brunch and it was perfect - the chicken curry was so good as were the sides it came with. There was chicken and lamb on the menu but also some fabulous vegetarian dishes, one of which my other half had. We finished with delicious homemade cake. The seating area outside at the back reopened today so that’s where we sat. A perfect oasis in which to have a perfect meal. I definitely recommend this place.

I love Realitea! The food is amazing, particularly the Indian brunches and my favourite - Lamb Kathi. Don’t miss out on cake, the Indian Summer and Mango and Cardamom are fabulous. Add in the massive variety of teas and it is a perfect place for lunch or just tea and cake

Brilliant lunch. We both had the Bombay burger which was delicious and up there with the best burgers I have ever had. Highly recommend it.

What an amazing find , lovely food and tea to follow the flavour where simply amazing , the best tasting Indian food I have ever had , I would highly recommend visiting if your in Rippon, we will certainly be back !

Dropped on for a cup of tea and amazed at the choice of teas. The brunch looked lovely. The cakes look the best. I will definitely be back

Looking in our local area for a good takeout I happened on Realitea in Ripon - takeout Thali boxes on a Saturday evening limited amount book in advance with a time slot to pick up. Oh my goodness this wonderful carrier bag of goodies arrived samosas to start with, Thali for main - vegetarian or chicken , and then a choice of cakes Indian summer being a firm hit. Our supper was absolutely delicious , a real treat. Thank you

During lockdown Sarita has been doing takeouts on Saturdays (have to book non advance) and these have been going through the regions of India. Really excellent three course meals and a variety of Indian dishes. Can't give her to much praise for her cooking and different tastes every week,

This review is based on many visits and a lot of weekend takeaways. The same Sarita magic goes into every dish, whether in the café or in a Thali box. With weekend offerings based on different regions of the Indian sub-continent, the only element that doesn't vary is the quality. My favourite in-café meal - samosa chaat, with a pot of masala chai. My favourite Thali box (so far) - the Goa inspired meal, where the starter was particularly delicious with a multi-layered richness of flavours.

There simply are not enough superlatives to describe the quality of food that Sarita and her team produce. A joy to taste a wide variety of Indian cuisines which made Saturday evening a time to look forward to. A starter, mains with rice and, where applicable, a flat bread and a generous slice of homemade cake or tart for only £13.50. Whats not to like? With Paul at front of house to organise the online ordering and collection of their food makes it an efficient and trouble free process. Congratulations to all at Realitea xx

My husband and I called in for a bite to eat when visiting Ripon. He had the lamb Kathi and I had the chicken murgh from the brunch menu. Both meals were a good size and extremely tasty at a very good price. The cakes are a must, the mango and cardamom is the best cake I've ever tried. Staff are very friendly and accommodating. Worth coming to Ripon just to visit here!

We had lunch here for the third time. It won't be the last far from it. The highlight was trying the cake for the first time - Mango and Cardamom - wow that lady can bake.

A top of range ‘take away’ with a take it or leave it menu. Delicious starters, main and dessert. Wonderful

Judt had a wonderful afternoon tea with an Indian Twist..The British Raj, beautiful, all freshly prepared and really good value.

Popped in for a cup of tea and had so many different types and blends to chose from. Ordered food after seeing someone else's scrumptious looking meal. lt did not disappoint. Excellent service as well. Would thoroughly recommend a visit if you are in or near Ripon

Visited twice to celebrate the reopening after refurbishment during lockdown and the Chancellor paying something towards our food ! Well done Sarita and team. The place looks even nicer than before. Love the Indian dresser displaying the delicious cakes. The elephants and the greenery. The lovely window table with wicker chairs A tasteful reminder of India As usual a warm friendly welcome. It was lovely to return Loved my Lamb Kathi The afternoon tea was beautiful And oooh the delicious cakes Think my favourites are Indian summer. And the mango cake. But the chocolate brownies are scrumptious too So how’s you are open again But also still occasionally doing the Friday night takeaway service (pre ordered only) Noticed the careful cleaning of tables between guests. Thankyou. Your carefulness in these strange times. Very much appreciated

It was so nice to try something different for lunch. We had the Chicken Bemissal and Samosa Chaat with Himalayan tea and Oolong with orange blossom tea. This was followed by salted caramel cake and Indian Summer cake (pistachio and cardamom - Nana's recipe). Everything was super delicious. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. We were even able to benefit from dishy Rishi's Eat out to Help out scheme making it even better value but we will happily return and pay full price £30.20 - this includes an extra slice of Victoria cake for tomorrow. It was a bonus today at £15.10. Very good value at the usual prices, excellent food. All in all we thoroughly enjoyed our lunch. Portions are generous too.

Visited with my wife and two kids today, and had the best meal of our holiday. Superb lunch, each dish was really fresh and distinctive, and the cakes were all amazing. Wonderful to find such exciting food in Ripon