Mantra - Experience inner peace & contentment
Category: £20 - £30
Mantra, situated in Burley-in- Wharfedale, has changed hands. Head chef Tim Youlden has returned to his roots after spending time working along side some of London's finest Michelin star chefs.
We had dined at Mantra in the past, with mixed opinions of our visits. We arrived on a Saturday at 8.30pm pleasantly surprised to see an already full and atmospheric restaurant, we were greeted by friendly staff. We had a pre-dinner drink in the newly decorated upstairs bar.
We decided on an "assiette", five starters in multiples of two, presented on one plate to share (£12.95 for two people).
Back downstairs, being shown to our table and I noted the modern decor and relaxed intimate atmosphere. Aubergine walls, accompanied by citrus, peach and lime furnishings complemented the crisp white linen wear that adorned the immaculately presented tables; all working together to create a relaxed feeling of elegance and etiquette.
With such an extensive wine list we were spoilt for choice, we finally chose a bottle of house white Chardonnay (£12.50), which slipped down with pure enjoyment. We were served scrumptious warm homemade bread, with a choice of butters followed by a complimentary appetiser of smoked salmon, crme fraiche and chives.
The starter arrived, delicate but ample portions of yellow tin tuna, glazed Swaledale goats cheese, confit of Ryedale lamb and red pepper terrine, Butternut squash and aubergine ravioli and finally Parma ham, olives, reggiano parmesan with fresh ciabatta bread, all absolutely divine.
A well needed interval was requested before our main courses to which the waiting staff happily obliged. I was very well positioned to people watch and noted that our fellow diners were a mixture of young and old alike. Some tables accommodated larger parties, others were seated with couples enjoying a romantic night out.
For main I had chosen Ryedale lamb rack, served with Savoy cabbage, pancetta, baby onions and red current gravy (£13.50). My partner had opted for Thai beef vegetable and noodle salad (£11.25), with a side order of the new and must have accompaniment, 'chunky chips'! The lamb was beautifully cooked, still slightly pink in the middle and tender to cut. The beef salad was well presented, colourful and extremely tasty. The chunky chips were absolute perfection, stacked on a platter in such a way that you could have quite easily played Jenga with them. White and dark chocolate torte served with warm caramelised oranges (£4.95) completed a heavenly meal. My partner and I both agreed that we would definitely be returning soon to dine at Mantra. Our conclusion of the evening was great food, un-faulted service in a relaxed chic atmosphere.
Reviewed by Janette Horne
Review Summary
Atmosphere ♦♦♦♦
Food ♦♦♦♦
Service ♦♦♦♦
Value ♦♦♦♦
Contact Details
Mantra
78 Main Street
Burley-in-Wharfdale
Leeds
LS29 7BT
T: 01943 864602
