The Spice Merchant in Harrogate

Brought a mate here last week(Sept 2023)for a meal on a Friday night and it was Delicious we had a sizzler starter to share, a main course and rice each,and one naan bread,My Chicken Madras was Amazing! Used to eat here many years ago when it was The Spice Merchant.Nice decor and lighting too.

We made an impromptu visit to our favourite restaurant in Knaresborough and had a fantastic meal. Very tasty, just the right amount of food with lovely authentic spices and flavours.

My wife &I visited after recently experienced a poor curry at another well known curry house in Knaresborough. The food was fantastic. Good portion and expertly cooked. The staff were friendly & extremely attentive throughout. Restaurant was very clean with freshly laundered table cloths. I would say that this is now the best Curry House in Knaresborough. We are locals so we will be back. I highly recommend a visit!

We had a take away last night.chicken passandra was delicious as was the chicken tikka bhuna. Can thoroughly recommend.

Food was excellent, service was brilliant, Staff went above and beyond, we will definitely be back. My 6 year old son cant wait to go back they made him feel very special, he loved the food and even more so he got to feed the fish when we left.

The initial impression food wise was poor. The starters were miserable! Two tiny tasteless samosas with a pile of lettuce and two tasteless, undercooked and miserable onion bhajis again with a pile of lettuce, not a good start. The mains were excellent . Some of the nicest curries we have eaten however the veggie selection is limited. What a shame our meal started so badly, although I didn’t eat much of my starter but it was finished off by my son because he was hungry after a long day at work and before I had chance to speak to the waiter about the poor quality! It’s a bit late to complain when your starter has been eaten!! We found the service to be very good, the waiter friendly amusing and attentive. I will definitely return but will avoid the starters and head straight for the excellent mains.

What a lovely gem of a find. Service and food exemplary. We will definitely back. Food was so tasty and the waitors were very attentive.

Called in on a Sunday evening and took advantage of the banquet offer. The service was excellent. The staff were very friendly and happy to chat. When an item wasn’t on the menu the chef came out and explained. He then outlined an alternative and this was delicious. All the food was really tasty. I can thoroughly recommend.

Best Chicken tikka and Korma ever, and chiefs recommend special was totally amazing. Service was impeccable. Will back many times.

This was our first visit and it didn’t disappoint. Everything was so fresh and tasty.Every Herb and spice could be tasted and the vegetables were identifiable and very fresh. We had the king prawn butterfly and Lamp chops very succulent starters. Beef vindaloo egg fried rice garlic naan bread and chips mains. Very good value and lovely staff. We will definitely Return.

the staff were courteous and attentive without being fussy, I was spoilt for choice by the menu , their are so many meals that I am familiar with and enjoy. Our waiter offered some advice when we ordered and I am glad that he did. We ordered the fusion platter for two and we were both pleasantly surprised by it when it arrived after a modest wait. My wife had a chicken and mushroom balti, not very adventurous, but very nice. I assured him that I could tolerate hot/spicy food at vindaloo level but never ordered it because it was usually just a bowl of fire with no taste, he steered me towards a dish made with naga chillies that he advised was full of flavour and taste. He wasn't wrong, it was hot, too hot for my wife, great for me, so well cooked and presented, the chicken so tender and in large pieces. The sundries that we ordered were all very good. The total bill came to £58.00 with drinks. The last time I went to a famous chain restaurant it cost more than that and the food wasn't in the same league. I didn't point this out to the staff until I had paid, but, the coffee was awful, its trivia, it in no way affected our experience, we don't go to Asian restaurants because we want coffee. I will be going again and I will be telling every one I can , if in Knaresborough visit the spice village. I am more than happy to give this Restaurant a 5 star review

The staff were welcoming the food was ok but a bit oily. When we arrived the restaurant was quite empty but it started to fill up quite fast.

We took advantage of the Sunday banquet offer which was excellent value and plentiful my wife asked for a takeaway box as the food was too good to waste. I would say this was one the best tikka massalas I have tasted. I would definitely recommend a meal here. We will be returning again.

Really outstanding food. Familiar, traditional, quality. Lovely atmosphere. Reasonable prices. We had a lovely evening thanks. Tried new dishes that were delicious. So tasty. Quality service. Nothing not to like.

Says it all really. Wonderful top class curry ✅ Fragrant top class rice ✅ Attentive and helpful top class service ✅ Lovely ambience ✅ I'll be coming back.

We had been before it changed hands it was ok,the new owners have not done a great deal with the interior,but the food was better ,the service was excellent and the staff were very happy.we had the Thursday special it was good value for money.

Staying near Knaresborough for the weekend we had asked the bar we were drinking in for “where to get a good Indian”. They suggested a place on the Main Street - that’s where we went. It was really busy and we were told to sit...

Best curry we’ve ever had and we love a curry! Great service and excellent location. Couldn’t do enough for us! Was our anniversary and the staff made it special for us xxx

Excellent food and service. Manager Loz was really attentive and helpful. Meal was fantastic and real value for money. Would definitely come back

Some fantastic food made by an award winning chef. The manager (Loz) kept us entertained. Keep up the good work guys.

We had a lovely carry out curry from this restaurant. Decent helping nice curry, quite lightly spiced.

Went early for a quick tea after work, first time in a long time and definitely the last time , It was empty when we arrived which for us was good as we wanted to eat and go , Then the most annoying man with...

Keeping it brief, I thought the food was really tasty and staff seemed friendly enough, but sat next to window area all I could see was dirt and dead flies on window sill. Not nice when you're trying to eat. Please give it a clean.

We had a lovely night food was lovely service was very good great night had by all nothing was to much

We needed to find somewhere to eat on our last evening of our holiday and were in Knaresborough. We struggled to find somewhere due to the "Eat out to help out" scheme as everywhere was booked. But we walked in at 5:15pm and asked if...

All the courses in our meal were lovely served with nice wine by attentive and friendly waiters. We were pleasantly surprised by our bill. Would love to return to try the buffet banquet.

We have visited this restaurant a couple of times. The food is very tasty & service prompt. The decor is very dated so not somewhere you’d go as a treat but a nice casual place after a few drinks in Knaresborough

Called in on a Friday night around 19.00. A warm welcome and attentive staff throughout our visit. Meals were served quickly were hot and tasted fantastic. On going to pay the bill the manager reminded me that I had a £5 discount count voucher with...

We visited on Sunday night to take advantage of their banquet which they offer on Sundays and Thursdays. We all enjoyed our meals . Can recommend paneer tikka as a starter if you've not tried it before. All meals were served hot, temperature wise, big...

Ordered a takeaway from here for 11 people on New Year’s Eve. Ordered it at 5.30pm for pick up at 8.30pm. Arrived at 8.40 to pick up. Was told it was waiting for a nan bread for the mixed grill. Finally got takeaway at 9.05pm....

Called for a meal with a couple of friends to see what the spice village was like.Was disappointed as the meals we got were not very hot they were just warm. They were tasty but not hot at all. Will not be rushing back. No excuse for this as it was very quiet.

I dined here tonight as part of a group of 12. The restaurant is under new management and this was my first visit since it has changed. I will definitely be returning. The food was nicely presented in large white dishes and my Chicken Pasanda and peshwari naan were both delicious. I also shared a lovely jug of mango lassi with another person on the table. The staff were very attentive and overall it was a very enjoyable evening.

The food was good just small portions for the cost, drinks are well overpriced, everyone seems to be a pound dearer than other nearby restaurants, overall nothing special to shout about, doubt would visit again.

The food here was delicious and the staff were very friendly and attentive. Highly recommend the fish curry!

Visited in the evening on a Thursday. It was quiet but it shouldn’t be as the food is the best I’ve had eating out for a while. Went for a curry at a well known chain in Harrogate last week but this was far better executed. I had a garlic balti chicken which was fresh & tasty, the others loved their dishes too. The tandoori mixed grill looked amazing. I’m fussy about naan bread but these too were the best I’ve had, as was the rice. Great service, friendly, chatty staff. Nothing not to like. Highly recommend eating here. Think it’s been newly managed so hopefully they will get the business they deserve and this place will be busier.

Love this Indian in the heart of Knaresborough, the food is absolutely fantastic, the staff are so friendly and accommodating

Really good food! Staff very helpful and friendly x owner/chef came to talk to us x new plates much nicer to eat off. Carpet and decor improved so much x loved it x hope the improvements remain x

Rude staff told us to shut up whilst ordering, brought us incorrect drinks and weren’t attentive. The food was poor and I expected better. For what we paid I don’t think it was worth it. Real shame, won’t be returning.

Ordered food, starter, tandoori plater, what we got was a kipper, I kid you not. This came with the smallest bit of chicken and lamb. Complained it was not what we ordered but told that’s how it is. See next table tucking into what looks like a tandoori plater. Rest of food tasteless and boring. I’ve been a regular here for 15 years. Staff finally admitted they gave us wrong starter. Insisted we pay for it even though we didn’t eat the fish. Given a £10 off voucher but you need four people to use it. New management!! This was our last visit, it’s really lost it.

Honestly. The quality is garbage.

Having night stay in Knaresborough and decided to eat here. They are having renovations but did not cause a problem. Service 5 star. Very friendly and food delicious. Highly recommend a visit.

We went on a Saturday night and had a mixed starter to share with poppadums & dips. Mains Butter/Chicken/Dopiaza & rice with naan bread all was very good so much so we went back a couple of sundays later to try the £9.95 Buffet this again was great. Would highly recommend!

Came here with my partner for her birthday. Very nice food and friendly staff. Paneer was beautiful as pictured. Look forward to seeing it after the refurb

We visited The Spice Merchant after an afternoon gig in the town. Wow flavoursome and freshly cooked beautifully presented food. We had the buffet but we will be back to try the main menu. The vegetable curry was the best ever. Chicken pakoras were fabulous.

Last night I took the missus and little one in here, we all had a lovely night! Great staff, amazing food!

The food was really excellent with plenty of special dishes unique to the restaurant. The service was very friendly.

Visited for first time got greeted by Lawrence who made us feel extremely welcome the decor needs a major update but apart from that the service was excellent and the food was outstanding we will deffo be coming back here if your local make sure you go and see Lawrence and try the food well done guys thanks for a excellent evening see you soon

Been in for the first time in 5 months and was lovely seeing old faces. Came in a few months ago and service was nowhere near up to the standard it is now. Good having staff back that know what they’re doing. Will strongly recommend.

Hubby and I were made very welcome by polite and attentive staff. The service was excellent and the food tasty and well presented

Very tatty decor. food itself was just about ok but hardly a generous number of prawns in my curry. What disappointed me most was the service. You know, when people who arrived after you get their meals before you do, and your main course arrives the very second you finish your beer - prompting you to buy another. Almost as if the waiter had been watching and waiting. Uncanny!

Little open in Knaresborough that Monday evening, but a fellow called Hans, a cook himself, recommended this place while we were chatting in the Market Tavern. It's basically an old-school Indian restaurant, of a type that's starting to go out of fashion, with the tableloths, hushed atmosphere, Indian muzak, etc. I can't remember what my main dish was called--chicken in a sweet, orange-coloured sauce--but it was lush. With that I had Tarka Dal and plain rice, plus a hot plain naan to soak up all the juices. £17.00, good value, good food, good waiter.

Love this Indian in the heart of Knaresborough, the food is absolutely fantastic, the staff are so friendly and accommodating

Ate dinner here on a Saturday evening - hadn't booked but getting in wasn't a problem. Good veggie choice & great food at a decent price. Will eat here again.

We visited very early on a Friday evening while the restaurant was quiet. In fact, we were the only customers while we were there. Nice decor with a charming water feature. Toilets spotlessly clean.

This place is very run down,food very average not very well presented and what we had was over cooked,staff were friendly we were looking for a different indian in Knaresborough but this one was not the one

Once again a lovely meal was served in this friendly Indian restaurant. The garlic naan bread is the best ever and the rest of the food is great also (I just love my naan bread )

We were treated so well from start to finish. The staff went above and beyond for every customer, making it a personable experience (this such a rarity in restaurants these days). I received a free drink and a rose upon my exit.

Very welcome big warm room on a cold January Sunday night, young waiter a sweetie, food fine if unoriginal - but the plain naan was about the best I've ever had - and the prices reasonable. It was a first visit and if I was unfortunate enough to live in Knaresborough I'd certainly go again.

Pretty awful. Had to wait an hour and a half to be served even though there was hardly anyone else eating. Food was mediocre but not bad for the price.

An amazing service from everyone whilst visiting Spice Merchant for the first time. Was made to feel very welcome and the food was on point!!!! Kingfisher on tap and a complimentary Baileys to finish...... nice touch. Also thanks for lending me your Parking disk!! Will recommend to anyone!

A fantastic Indian restaurant, great food and the staff we're very friendly, the chef also sent out an extra dish for us to try and asked for my feedback as being a chef too, would definitely go again.

First of all I can't fault the food, it's always good quality, it's tasty and the staff are always friendly and approachable.

I post this review acknowledging that looking at the food hygiene standards website, it lists this curry house with a five star rating, and my meal was okay. Otherwise it would have been one star.

Visited a number of times now and the food and service has always been very good. There is a great range of starters and main courses and have always enjoyed the food here.

We went to the Spice Merchant as a group of 10, we have eaten here before but I found the food very bland and was loathe to go back. We ordered our food the staff were helpful, amusing and couldn't do enough for us, however once again the food was tasteless I was asked if anything was wrong and I told them the waiter said let me ask the chef to make you something different which he did and it was a slight improvement but still not up to the standard I expect. I won't be returning. Sorry

We met friends from Leeds half way from Ripon & Leeds so chose Knaresborough. We had a couple of beers in Blind Jacks first then came to The Spice Merchant.

This restaurant was just a bit average. This is unfortunate as a few years ago this used to be my favourite place to go for a curry. The place itself is dated, it really needs to be refurbed and could do with a seriously good clean! The food was just ok literally nothing special and all tasted rather bland! One member of staff seemed pleasant and wanted to serve well, but all of the others seriously lacked the ability to offer good service they barely cracked a smile and lacked enthusiasm. It's important to me that servers at least smile and attempt to engage in a bit of banter or chat of some sort however they were incredibly serious and rather dull. The service was also slow. I'd love to say more positives but the only ones I have is that the price was fair and that the one nice server gave us a complimentary night caps at the end of the evening which was a nice touch. Improvements need to be made if we were to return.

Have not eaten in so can only comment on takeaway.

I threw a surprise birthday meal for a family member there was 20 of us. The staff were extremely accommodating right from when we entered. They let me decorate the table with sequins and party poppers and even hid the birthday cake for us. Food was quick to come out and was still piping hot, it was simply delicious. The pricing is fair and the portion sizes are great. I would definitely go here again. Massive thank you to all the staff, we also enjoyed the complementary birthday shots!

My wife and I have been coming here for many years and always nice but tonite not very nice starters mediocre at best and main courses lack lustre . Chappaties were bland. Has this place changed hands as we didn't recognise any of the staff. We left just before 7pm and the place was virtually empty - not good for a Saturday evening

Made another trip to this lovely Indian restaurant with my wife and yet again we were not disappointed. Best Indian restaurant in the area.

Been before 2 years ago. Good menu. Good selection of draught beer. Four main courses chosen and not a bad one among them. My tandoori king prawns were fantastic, just enough spice so it did not blow your head off. Was told by the waiter that if I wanted, the shells of the prawns could be taken off before getting to the table (info for next time). Keema Naan bread was well stuffed with meat and very light with just the right amount of crispy bits. Staff attentive and the service was quick with the right amount of time between courses and a nice bit of banter between them and us. Can wholeheartedly recommend this Indian eatery and will be going there next time we visit the area.

The food is excellent that's why I have given it 5 *. The restaurant staff just talk and laugh with each other rather than serve. The restaurant is looking tired.

3 adults and our young toddler had an early evening dinner and found it enjoyable. Some different choices on the menu, along with the usual stalwarts.

Food was nice but sadly let down by very slow service. Time between starter and main course 55 minutes, waited a long time for drinks to arrive after ordering and even getting the bill was a challenge. I took the easier option of going to the bar and paying there as I feel I might still have been sat there waiting 3 days later.

Once again another great meal at this restaurant, food, service and drinks were spot on. Give them a try you won’t be disappointed

Me and my family went last night for the first time in years and we were not disappointed. The standard has improved greatly and we all cleared our plates. We each had a starter and a main, the food was well presented, piping hot and delicious. Staff were attentive but not overbearing. Would recommend and hoping to go back with my partner soon!

Have been coming here (as well as other local restaurants) for years but in the past 12 months or so the quality has very definitely gone down.

We have been to the Spice Merchant many times over the last 10 years or so and never had a terrible meal but it had become a bit 'average' . After a break of about 6 months we visited with friends last week. I have to say the food was very very good. The service was excellent, the waiters attentive and we did not feel either rushed or that we were hanging around waiting. I would definitely recommend.

We have not been to the Spice merchant indian in Knaresborough for a long time so we thought we would give it a try What a suler night the atmosphere was brilliant nice background music the staff were excerlent and the food and presentation was first class .Needless to say that we will be regular visitors i would highly recommend it well done and thank you Spice Merchant Alan

We have been here several times over the years, the latest time was this week. Always good value, well cooked and friendly.

We have visited this restaurant on several occasions and the food has been reasonably good however on Sat night my...

The Spice Merchant once again met the mark with excellent service and food. Nothing was too much trouble especially when...

Food last night was really good.

I have had two meals at Spice Merchant in two weeks and want to say that the quality of food on both occasions was back to being wonderful. Enjoyed every mouthful!

Great food,quick attentive staff,looked after 6 guys with no complaints from any of us,Duck madras is to die for.Would recommend highly and will certainly go back again.

This is the best curry house by far in Knaresborough! The quality and choice are amazing and the guys that serve are great! They are such good hosts, always accommodating and fun to have a conversation with! Always pleased to serve us group of middle ages women that have had a few too many sherberts with a gorgeous meal/ Take away or eat in never disappointed! Thanks guys for your fab service, delicious food, such a clean and super restaurant!

We have eaten here prior. However, the challenge with knaresborough is the poor/average-at-best eateries available. On the last two occasions my meal at the spice merchant has been just that. This time especially tasteless. Radioactive gloopy sauce with cubed chicken. Paid in full, didn't want to make a commotion of it, but pressed hard for feedback. At first I wasn't keen to give as I was with friends and didn't want to spoil the night. But pressed hard (too hard) for feedback - and was told by one member of staff, sitting on the wrong side of the bar, that when in restaurants I should. That's fine advice, if I (the customer) chooses to! Whilst I admire the intention, and to be fair the relatively pleasant staff, plus the standard offer of a drink in return to appease, which we graciously declined - why, because I don't need the offer of drinks every time in replacement of what I came for: good food! And seriously my chicken tikka masala was poor. (Note: my wife's Tandoori King Prawn dish was ok). Makes a difference: Please give us authentic, fresh food...humble, personalised service...show us real passion for the food... perhaps go as far to invest, emerse yourself in the local community. When it's not busy, and esp if you have disappointed customers, even get the chef out, don't hide behind front of house. Learn. Then seriously combine all this feedback and you will have a GOLD MINE. Locals travel afar for good food. Don't settle for we have a captured audience attitude and approach. The few Indian restaurants in knaresborough are the same sub-standard level. Most people say just that. Come on knaresborough eateries, please don't be mundane, simply think about how you can stand out from the pack (and to start with that even means beating weatherspoons hydrated microwaved food!). It really wouldn't be that hard, if your team has passion and brings authenticity. That's my feedback. I hope it doesn't offend. I hope it helps. But I'll only return when I hear from others how good a meal they've had, because that's the true test, esp in such a small local community.

We used to eat here regularly and after not visiting for a while we tried the Sunday buffet again. The whole experience was disappointing. The buffet wasn't half as good as it used to be (onion rings instead of bhajis - what's that about?), with the dishes just being OK, no better. The place itself looks rather tatty and the cutlery wasn't spotless. My wife was shocked by the dirtiness of the toilets and lack of toilet paper. The staff seemed more interested in gossiping and flirting than providing a professional service.

Went for our wedding anniversary meal .Good food served by pleasant efficient staff in nice surroundings.Would dfinitely go again next time in area

Called in mid-week; first time for about three years.The Good; The food was excellent. The service was very good. Prices very reasonable.The Bad; Place could do with a makeover and the toilets are awful. They really need a refurb.So all in all a bit of a mixed bag and don't think we will be back. Sorry Spice Merchant - we really wanted to add you to our regular Knaresborough nights out.

Visited yesterday and yet again, excellent service and food. The owner explained the difference between a chicken naga dish and a garlic chilli chicken dish to help us choose the dish we wanted. He was very helpful and then returned after we ate to see if his advice had been useful. Food was excellent and service second to none. Will be visiting again!

I Have been coming here to Spice Merchant for approx 10 years Usually on a Sunday night for the Buffet which is Very good.Had a meal here tonight off the menu with my Son.Used my Taster card for added Value! Very tasty Spicy food.I like that there are different meal choices that ive never heard of before,such as my starter tonight of=Fookra kebabs they were really good! Food here is well priced.Will come again soon!.Roger Clarke Harrogate April 17.

The food was good enough today but if we had wanted service with a smile we came to the wrong place. No service no care no one broke a smile no one asked if our food was ok (it was thankfully) staff washing up on a counter near to us, no offer of a drink refill, no offer of dessert menu. No tip.

My wife and I paid this restaurant a long overdue visit yesterday and we were not disappointed. We got the sizzling mix to share for a starter. For main course I had garlic chilli chicken and wife had chicken tikka sag. We shared rice and chapattis. The food was excellenthe. We will definitely return again soon

Have been here in the past and it's always been good.We decided to try the Sunday banquet, have tried others locally and have been disappointed. This time we were more than happy, the starter was chicken wings and mini nans. There was several different dishes to try for the main, all really tasty and piping hotIt was pretty quiet so there was lots to choose from. I'd recommend this to people, hopefully will be returning soon.

We have been going here for 8 years and always said the food was great but restaurant appearance was old, dated and unappealing. Recently the food has taken a dive and maybe it's lost the only remaining aspect it had. Got a takeaway and ordered a mild meal and it was unbearably hot, so much that had to throw it away without eating hardly any. Recently this has been a common theme and if a restaurant looks bad and then the food is not suitable for consumption then maybe they're in the wrong business now.

Since my partner moved to the area a few months ago we've been here a few times yet they don't seem to recognise us at all. The first time we went I had the best lamb dish I'd had anywhere in years. Since then we've tried the same dish a few times and it's frankly going downhill a bit in my opinion. Went last night(21/2/17) and the lamb was really chewy....so disappointed as it's a tasty dish and put us off the other dish we'd ordered.

Decent friendly staff, amazing tasting food, what more could you want?! This is the only place we go if we want Indian food! Definitely the best!

Been a while since I visited spice merchant but was really impressed. The waiter was very knowledgable and gave us advice on which dish to order. The food was superb. At the end of the meal we were given2 complimentary baileys, and 2 brandies. A nice touch to finish off the meal.