About The Moody Cow - Ilkley
The epithet of “Moody Cow” isn’t usually taken as the best of compliments in Yorkshire, but up in Ilkley, they certainly make the most of it. The Moody Cow pub and restaurant began in Bradford – Apperley Bridge to be exact – but they enjoyed their experience at that location so much that they opened a second on the outskirts of Leeds, where they offer steakhouse classics – the cow is, of course, the star of the show on the menu here – and bar favourites, as well as real ales and extravagant cocktails. Head in to Ilkley town centre and find them on Brook Street.
Opening Hours
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 21:30
- Wednesday 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 21:30
- Thursday 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 21:30
- Friday 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 22:00
- Saturday 12:00 - 22:00
- Sunday 12:00 - 20:00
Further Information
Ilkley is a nice place to live – it’s one of the most desirable parts of Yorkshire for sure – and one of the most compelling reasons for that is the diversity and strength of the restaurant scene. The Moody Cow on Brook Street is right at the heart of it all, bang in the centre of the town and offering a menu that offers something for everyone to enjoy, particularly if they derive their enjoyment from meat, aged for 28 days and cooked on a grill at incredibly high heats. This is a steakhouse, made no mistake about it, as well as a bar.
The steak selection at The Moody Cow is pretty extensive, so let us talk you through a little bit of it. If you want one all to yourself, then there are are rump, sirloin, ribeye and fillet options – as well as pork steaks and gammon – and to share, there is a Tomahawk, the double-sized bone-in ribeye, or the full Chateaubriand. Accompanying the meats come onion rings, field mushrooms, grilled tomato and a selection of sauces, and the range of non-grill options are also decently-sized, with fried fish, chicken and turkey, vegetarian options and bar classics. We could go on all day, but instead, just book at table at The Moody Cow on Brook Street in the centre of Ilkley and wander over to find out for yourself.
217 Reviews
always exceptional service & food. I would be happy to go and eat here every day of the week. it is pricey but for what you get it's really not too much
The restaurant was clean and tidy. The staff were very friendly and there was a wide variety in the menu to keep all meat eaters happy. We had a shared starter for 4 of us and a main meal each. It was too much food in the end, the cost was less than £23 a head, so between cheap and expensive.
Had the fillet steak and partner had the mixed grill and they were both excellent, cooked to perfection and the service was great too, will be returning soon!
best steak I've had in a long time. will be going back in the very near future. prices are high but quality is worth it
We dined here for Sunday lunch for my mother in law's birthday and it was lovely as usual. The three of us couldn't fault the food at all, the only thing we feel we should point out and we did at the time too was the temperature of my daughter's plate. She is only 18 months old and we ordered her a children's dish and she loved it however we had to ask for a another side plate because the plate it came on was ridiculously hot. I know the kitchen have to keep the food warm so it all comes out together but bringing a childs dish on a plate that was so hot I couldn't touch it at all I think was a little bit thoughtless. The waitress came right over wth a little plate for her and our little girl enjoyed her sausage and mash! Will definitely be returning for Sunday lunch as the food and price was brilliant. On another note it is also the best place for steak! Haven't found anywhere better yet!!
Fantastic restaurant in central Ilkley. Really child friendly with a super range of menus to choose from. On our latest visit the kids chose from the Calves menu (fresh made burgers - but hold the cheese and sauce, salad on the side). We chose from the lunchtime menu which is AMAZING value; 3 courses for £12.95. The haddock and lentil dahl dish was divine; the chicken and rib combo is always a winner as I love ribs but can't eat a full rack. To be honest you don't need the chicken as the half rack is enough. After a pause between courses and a few games of cards with the kids we shared my favourite desert - sticky toffee pudding! Mmmmmmm. I love the Moody Cow and so do the family, can't fault it. It is our go to restaurant in Ilkley. We're never disappointed.
My Partner & I dinned there before going to the theater. We decided to take up their offer of the Steak Night..2 steaks, with sides and a bottle of wine for under £30 but also decided to have a starter and share some Nachos with some added Pulled Pork. These were probably the best Nachos I've ever had. Lots of pork and cheese and very, very tasty. The Steaks came with onion rings, tomato and mushroom...I had fries and my Partner had a jacket potato. The steaks were cooked just as we had asked...medium-rare & were delicious. We finished off by sharing a Sticky Toffee Pudding with Salted Caramel Ice Cream, which was also delicious. The staff were friendly and attentive. All in all....a really lovely dinning experience. We shall be going back...hopefully soon!!!!
Welcomed in, and our table was ready and waiting for us, with the two high chauirs that i'd requested. We were in a round corner table, which was a lovely setup as it meant we could 'trap' our two year old and not only have one of the high chair. Drinks were order and arived quickly - and on a hot day, this with the air con was most welcomed. Starters were quick to arrive and were tasy too. The child order was brought with the starters, which the waiter suggested (before we had chance) this was a nice touch. The mains were also qucik to arrive, but just long enough for starters to settle. I had a tasty slection of ribs and wings - they were delicious. All the rest of the party were pleased with theirs. Sweets were declined - but sounded lovely. All in all, a very pleasant evening.
We booked the Moody Cow in Ilkey for Sunday Dinner withe the family. We had noticed the restaurant before but not visit and booked based on reviews. The welcome was warm and we were seated quickly and coats taken for us. The service was attentive and not over bearing. The manager was friendly and said hello. He said that he thought it was the best Sunday lunch in Ilkley. I can't comment on the offereings in ilkley but this was one of the best Sunday lunches I've ever had. very resonable pricing and the roast beef was cooked pink and was perfect. We'll return again. All six of us agreed the food was fantastic.
A good night with really excellent steaks, very good bitter. Couple of other points, when we arrived we received a. Dry warm welcome but the guy said "Verity, table for 4, we'll need it back by 9" but they didn't!! We left at 9.40 with a few empty tables by then. Why trouble your guests, put them on edge, by implying this? Also if "Cow" is in your name and meat is your thing, put a board up with the provenence of the meat, which farm etc. Lastly my chicken bite starter was a bit mean, missing 2 or 3 bites. But overall, good and we will return.
We had a really great experience this evening at The Moody Cow in Ilkley. The service was great and the food was delicious; excellent value for money. We can highly recommend the pulled pork "nacho" fries, and the tuna steak and rib eye were fantastic main courses. Our entire party enjoyed the food and ambience. It's not too noisy because there's no loud music, so even when the restaurant is full the noise levels are manageable. Highly recommended.
Great service and food, this was partners birthday meal/gift and he had the 10 0z sirloin which was cooked to perfection, I had the steak salad with mozzarella and mushrooms and thought I had chosen a "lighter" option but I couldn't eat it all and the waiter later told me it was a 10 oz steak too so be warned it is hearty ! Would go again but as the name implies its a meat fest and I felt sorry for a lady who asked what the vegetarian options were !
The food was amazing, my steak was cooked blue as I asked for. Really couldn't fault the food. Most of the waiters/waitresses were very friendly however the particular waitress assigned to our table was not very attentive, we waited more than 10 minutes after our drinks order was taken before she took our food order- even then we had to ask her too. Then when we asked for the bill we waited another 10 minutes and eventually had to go over and ask another waitress to get it for us. If it wasn't for this I would have awarded a top score of 6 because the atmosphere and food was great!
We were a party of 4 who enjoyed the Steak Night offer of £29 per couple for the steak plus sides and wine. The quality of the food was excellent and we were nicely welcomed and then well looked after. It was thoroughly enjoyed by us all. We also managed some very nice desserts. It was not our first visit and certainly won't be the last. Highly recommended.
Greeted with a lovely smile :-) and given a choice of tables which was nice. really clean and lots of space between tables The menu was extensive with a great choice of starters and mains. we had three course and all the food was well presented and very tasty too. Service was excellent, we were well looked without been hassled. Great for a special occasion but we did think it was a little expensive.
We had a fabulous meal last night,in a lovely setting, good ambience with attentive but unobtrusive staff. We ordered from the specials and the Devilled Lambs Liver was to die for and the special brisket just melted in the mouth! The sharing cheeseboard was huge; we brought some home! We will definitely return and would thoroughly recommend The Moody Cow Ilkley.
Nice atmosphere, attentive staff. We shared the honey chorizo to start, my husband had the beef fajitas which looked delicious and I had the chicken Kiev which really wasn't to my taste as it was stuffed with a Parmesan type cheese so unfortunately I couldn't eat it. It would have been a nice gesture if it had been taken off the bill!! Desserts were very good although the apple tart would be better renamed as almond tart as you couldn't taste the apple for the almond flavour, thankfully I love almonds.
The food at The Moody Cow is fantastic. The steak is truly to die for! The downside to our experience on this occasion was down to the waitress taking our order not fully understanding the menu, new member of staff so understandable, however in my opinion a new member of staff shouldn't be taking orders unsupervised. However it's not going to stop us returning, absolutely love the place. It's worth it!
Absolutely fantastic experience,Food and service A1.If anything to say negative it would be that there is only a 2 hour window to have a celebration and so restricts the leisure eating process.Having said that continuation can be held at the bar.I will be back and I will enjoy again!
The Moody Cow had a very nice ambience inside and the staff were lovely! The food was very tasty. We recommend the Calamari and the Yorkshire Chorizo for starters. They were both amazing. The mains were great too. Overall a good dining experience and we would visit again.
We visited the Moody Cow at lunch time and had the 2 courses for £10 lunch time offer. It was excellent, the food was lovely and it was great value for money. The staff were very attentive and the overall experience was excellent, will definitely eat here again
We love the Moody Cow...so much that we drove over from Wakefield for our 9pm booking. The restaurant is friendly and atmospheric, the staff are helpful and the right level of attentive and the food is excellent. My husband said his rack of ribs was the best he'd ever had. We love it and will be back.
Lovely contemporary restaurant. The staff greeted us when we arrived and were attentive during our visit. The food was fantastic. We chose the steak deal which is their midweek offer but there was no compromise on the quality of food or wine served. Would highly recommend.
Good tasty food, good friendly service and a nice busy atmosphere. My only slight whinge was we were told that our table would be need to be vacated at a particular time, which didn't turn out to be the case, which was great but we'd rushed the end of our meal unnecessarily.
The food was fantastic. Well worth the money. It was fresh and hit off the grill. Drinks and food both served with very little wait and staff were friendly and helpful. Loos were also nice and clean. Will definitely go again and recommend.
The service was amazing, as was the food. We had the nachos to share followed by the Chateau. The chateau is so good and I would recommend to anyone. Never been disappointed with it. The atmosphere at the ilkley restaurant is really nice
We arrived for our 4pm booking on a sunday hoping to try the two course sunday menu, unfortunately we were informed it was "Sold Out". Quite early to be sold out but never mind the food we did order and receive was excellent. The service was attentive. We will definitely return.
Great food, good service and only £14.95 for a 2 course Sunday lunch. Food is excellent quality! Took are baby and there was no probelm with having the pram next to table which was fab as she's too small for high chair..
Absolutely amazing. Was my third time last night , had the mix grill. Really tasty and really clean , great atmosphere and the staff were very professional and took care of us. Good value for money. Looking forward to going back
Beautiful food as always. Served to a high standard cooked to perfection. Brilliant atmosphere and comfortable seating. The staff have great knowledge of the menu and daily offers and welcome you warmly and attend to your needs immediately. Highly recommend.
Always excellent food, great value and good service. Meat is always perfectly cooked and the vegetables fresh and hot. The puddings are gorgeous too. Well worth a visit and good atmosphere for families. The staff are lovely with the kids.
The service was fantastic & the staff were attentive but not hovering. You could not fault the food cooked to perfection. We never felt rushed & the food came at a leisurely pace. We are looking at booking again soon.
The food was lovely, the price was very reasonable, the staff were excellent. We had the tuesday to thursday special for two of 8oz steaks with sides and sauces, and a bottle of wine for £29, less than £15 each....superb.
Excellent service from entering the restaurant. Drinks at the bar were brought to our table when we were ready. Food was very good. It was my daughter and son in law's first visit and won't be the last !
Love this place, we are addicted to it, service is amazing and the steak is out of this world. We had the bread and oils, which was amazing, the bread was served warm and lots of it. Totally recommend
Had a great meal at the Moody Cow in Ilkley for my husband's birthday. Excellent menu choices, we opted for fillet steaks which were delicious. Great wine and cocktail list. Very friendly helpful staff. We will definitely visit again
We were seated on time and the service was very good. Very attentive staff. We ordered the chicken Kiev and it was really tasty. My only criticism would be that the food could have been drained of oil a bit better. Overall though, an enjoyable meal.
Very nice meal, steak was nicely cooked and well presented. We did order extra vegatables but they forgot to order them with the kitchen. When they did arrive they were well worth waiting for, they did not charge us for these. Will defiantly be going back
We have been to this restaurant before and have always have great service even when we have taken our 20 month old son. Tonight we went as a treat and the service and the food was really good and I would recommend this restaurant to others.
The food here is always excellent and the menu is extensive. The staff are exceptional; always friendly, polite and very professional, definitely in a league of their own compared to the usual offerings of waiting staff in Ilkley.
First timers really good experience staff great food really good just too much for us. Will recommend, just one gripe don't cram us all in one corner in a half empty resturant didn't really want to see the women eating here rare cow up close!
A little disappointed as I've eaten at Moody Cow Apperley Bridge and preferred the way the slow cooked brisket was served, no Veg & more expensive in ilkley. Also way too many onions. But the beef was lovely. Will go again but order something different. The staff were very polite & friendly. Would recommend to others.
Great food and on the whole pleasant service...very tasty roasts and burgers. Steak knives for all dishes would be a great help though... Only slight issue with starter that never showed up until sometime after the rest...
Excellent service and food, great menu, well worth the money. We will be back and would fully recommend to anyone. The menu caters for all tastes and as a family of 4, we all enjoyed the experience.
Had a wonderful experience tonight. Turned up 40 minutes early and got shown straight to our seats. The service was wonderful and the food was fabulous. Good portion sizes and not over priced… would definitely book again!!
Service was very good & attentive. All 3 people enjoy each of their courses, the food was great, well presented, hot & exceptional taste. Sea bass dish was best I've ever had. We will defiantly be back.
OMG we were not let down in anyway. The restaurant was nice, fully booked but you didn't feel like you'd been squeezed and and the food was absolutely gorgeous!! If they do Xmas dinner I'm there lol
Really nice staff, great food, good drinks selection. Only slight downside we were one of the last tables to leave and it took us a while to get someone to take our bill. However that's a bit of a nic pick. Would defiantly return.
Good food. Good service. Sometimes too hot and overpowering food smells in summer. Need more ventilation. Overall highly recommended. Can't always get a return phone call when trying to make a reservation if line is engaged.
Always amazing food here, and the service was 10/10! The ultimate nachos are the best nachos I've ever had. And so glad the buttermilk chicken pieces have returned! Probably my favourite restaraunt around here :) x