I Tried Bengal Brasserie in Wetherby — Here’s My Honest Review

I love Asian food, and growing up in the multicultural melting pot that is Bradford, I consider myself pretty well versed in Pakistani, Indian and Bengali cuisines. I’ve also been lucky enough to have close Pakistani friends — and honestly, until you’ve experienced home cooking at Eid, you haven’t lived.

That said, I don’t have regular access to homemade dishes every week, so I have to get my spice fix somewhere. And while the pickings in Wetherby aren’t quite as rich as Bradford’s legendary curry scene, what it does offer is a fantastic cluster of restaurants serving up a diverse range of dishes to satisfy any spice lover.

Why Bengal Brasserie?

It was a Thursday night in Wetherby. After a social occasion, we were looking for somewhere local to eat — and I had a real hankering for something with spice. Cue Bengal Brasserie.

I’ve actually dined here a number of times since moving to Wetherby five years ago, and for the most part, it’s always delivered — which made it an easy choice.

First Impressions & Atmosphere

The restaurant itself is pleasant, spacious and comfortable. Clusters of hanging globe lights create a warm, ambient glow across the dining area, while a mix of booth-style seating and neatly arranged tables gives it a slightly more polished feel than your typical curry house — without losing that laid-back atmosphere.

The glass ceiling towards the back adds a sense of openness, keeping the space feeling light as the evening sets in, while darker patterned walls and soft furnishings bring a cosy contrast.

We didn’t have a reservation, but there was no sign this was a problem. We were greeted warmly and shown straight to a table.

There’s always a nice atmosphere here — I don’t think I’ve ever visited when it’s been empty. On this occasion, there was a steady stream of customers coming and going, with an eclectic mix of diners all clearly enjoying their evening. It strikes a good balance — lively enough to feel busy, but never overcrowded or overwhelming.

Service & Drinks

I actually really rate the staff here — they’re familiar faces, which I always take as a good sign. Happy workplaces tend to produce better service, and that definitely comes across.

Drinks were offered promptly, and it’s worth noting that Bengal Brasserie operates a fully licensed bar — something that isn’t always a given with Asian restaurants, where bringing your own is often the norm. It’s a nice touch, and makes the whole experience feel a bit more seamless if you’re planning a full evening out.

Our order was taken without any delay.

Poppadoms & Pickle Tray (Non-Negotiable)

Now, I cannot order this type of food without poppadoms and a pickle tray — it’s mandatory. And I have to say, the pickle tray here is a good one. All the usual elements are present, and everything tasted fresh with plenty of flavour.

The Menu

The menu itself is extensive, which is exactly what I want from a place like Bengal Brasserie. It covers all the familiar curry house favourites — kormas, bhunas, madras and jalfrezi-style dishes — but also includes a good selection of house specials and slightly more distinctive options if you’re looking to try something different.

There’s a clear mix of traditional and more modern dishes, with plenty of choice across chicken, lamb and vegetarian options, as well as a solid range of sides and accompaniments. Importantly, it caters well to different tastes — whether you’re after something mild and creamy or something with a bit more heat, there’s enough variety without it feeling overwhelming.

Starters

My husband ordered the lamb chops to start — and he absolutely raves about them. Succulent and juicy, with a flavoursome marinade and just the right amount of char, they’re clearly a standout.

I tend to forgo starters myself, purely because I want to save room for the main event. That said, having visited on a number of previous occasions — often in larger family groups — I’ve sampled a range of starters over time, and they’ve always been consistently good.

Mains & Sides

For the main course, I chose the lamb saag karahi and asked for it extra spicy — exactly how I like it. Across the table, my husband went for the garlic chilli chicken.

The lamb saag karahi is a fairly traditional dish, cooked with spinach, spices and fresh herbs in a karahi-style sauce. What I liked here was how well it all came together — the lamb was tender and full of flavour, and the spinach gave the dish a rich, slightly earthy base without feeling too heavy. Asking for extra spice definitely paid off, giving it a proper warmth that built with each bite without overpowering everything else.

The garlic chilli chicken was a completely different profile — slightly lighter but packed with flavour. Cooked with garlic and fresh chillies, it had a real punch to it, with a balance of heat and tang that kept it interesting. From the few bites I tried, it was one of those dishes I kept going back to.

We paired everything with onion rice and chapatis (no butter), which did exactly what they should — perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce and keeping things feeling slightly lighter alongside the richer curries.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed the food — it was well presented and hit all the right notes in terms of flavour. Portion sizes are generous (I rarely finish a full dish), and overall I’d consider it good value for money.

Service remained consistent throughout, with that all-important check-back arriving within a few minutes of receiving our mains — something I always notice. I know it’s a small thing, but it matters.

Would I go back? Absolutely. Bengal Brasserie continues to deliver exactly what I’m looking for — reliable, flavour-packed food in a relaxed setting — and it remains a solid choice for a curry night in Wetherby.

It’s also worth noting that Bengal Brasserie was recently named Best of Yorkshire at the Nation’s Curry Awards 2026 — and having visited a number of times, it’s easy to see why.

I know people have strong opinions when it comes to local restaurants, so I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. And if you haven’t been to Bengal Brasserie yet — what are you waiting for? Tell them I sent you.

Bengal Brasserie Wetherby: At a Glance

Location: Wetherby, West Yorkshire
Cuisine: Indian & Bengali
Vibe: Relaxed, modern curry house
Price Range: £20–£40 per person (approx., depending on drinks)
Set Menu: Available (varies)
Our Bill: £60 for two (including a beer and vodka & coke)
Best For: Casual dining, curry nights, group meals
Standout Dishes: Lamb chops, lamb saag karahi, garlic chilli chicken
Vegetarian Options: Yes
Booking: Recommended at busy times
Opening Hours: Daily (check locally for exact times)
Parking: Local parking available nearby
Service Style: Friendly, consistent

Bengal Brasserie Wetherby: Victoria Court, Victoria St, Wetherby LS22 6JA

Tel: 01937 01937 588309

Joanne Brook-Smith is a writer and editor with two decades of publishing experience. She launched Crave Magazine during the Covid period to create a fresh, inspiring space for food, travel and lifestyle content

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