Martha and Vincent

This is my favourite restaurant in the Ilkley area. The wine list is extensive, food to die for and the staff are polite and attentive, plus the manager Diogo is one of the best in the business. If you are in Ilkley looking for somewhere to eat this place is a must.
It will blow your socks off!

I had been recommended two restaurants in Ilkley, so I visited the Farsyde last week, the other is Martha and Vincent so I went for dinner this evening.
A little smarter than The Farsyde, but more expensive. I arrived shortly after opening at 6pm, no other diner came in whilst I was there, but the young man and lady were chatty, amiable and very pleasant. I was presented with three menus, the early bird 2 courses £14.95, three £17.95. The second menu was an a la carte, but it only had only 4 – 5 dishes each course. However this was supplemented by a third menu of several specials. 2 courses off the a la carte/​specials would be min £25 to £30, add a dessert and you are looking at £30 -£35 + drinks, ie £35-£40 a head. A bit heavy.
Anyway I tested them out by asking for the Shoulder of Lamb (£2 extra) from the ‘early bird’, but said I fancied the ‘Lobster Bisque’ from the a la carte (Normally £7.95). This was no problem. Both the bisque and the lamb were first class, additionally I was brought three small canapes to start, and some excellent breads (foccacia, white, wholemeal, olive), baked by their own chef Tom.
I asked the girl if they were indeed Martha and Vincent they weren’t. But when I went to the loo, I found the Gents was Vincent and the Ladies was Martha.
I was charged £3.50 extra for the Bisque, reasonably fair. A glass of excellent Shiraz was £4.50 for 175ml. The bill came to £24.70.
Though I gave the Farsyde a 5star rating this just had the edge, so five starts here also.

What an odd thing to call a restaurant Martha and Vincent. Maybe it’s just me but I find it quite amusing. Maybe it’s because I’m a tad simple too. All of the above could be true but what’s also true is the fine food on service here. It’s not the world’s biggest menu but it certainly packs a punch in terms of textures and tastes.
The pan-​fried scallops with cauliflower foam, pea purée and truffle vinaigrette are the ideal way to kick off proceedings and are quite simply immense.
Try following that up with a luxurious rib eye or for me I’ll stick to the sundried tomato, butternut squash and spinach tart with vegetable couscous and pesto sauce. Smashing stuff.
The sides are worth shouting about also with homemade chunky chips and honey glazed parsnips. Throw in some truly mouth watering deserts and it’s a three course meal of true substance.
It is a select menu and it is pricey but it is also worth it down to the last little detail. I salute you and you’re quite silly (in my world) name. Great work.