Bradford’s Cona Restaurant at the ‘top of the list’

By Lubna Ali

We visited the highly acclaimed Cona Restaurant and it did not disappoint. The ambience was well balanced for both intimate dining with low key downlighting and also for small groups. So onto the important stuff… the food!

Firstly, our wonderful host talked us through the menu, with a detailed explanation of the selection of cuts that were available and the grades and comparison of marbling, which was well presented on a meat board. This really helped us understand each cut and the differences in the meat and what you are buying.

We had not eaten a lot of what they had to offer, we therefore asked for recommendations.

The Charcuterie was recommended for starters. When the plate arrived we were presented by a selection of cured meats, with olives, rocket, chilli, smoked Parmesan*, fresh bread with pesto sauce on the side.

We really enjoyed this dish, it was the perfect start to a great evening of food.

The meats were not too overpowering as I had expected; they were well balanced flavours perfectly complementing the salad and chilli and fresh Parmesan*.

We were given Nobu Rock Shrimp and Chicken tempura to taste.

These two dishes were very tasty and reminded me of dynamite prawn/chicken I had previously had at the infamous PF Changs in Dubai. For anyone who has eaten this, you will know how good it tastes.

For mains we ordered Wagyu ribeye and Jack Creek beef fillet with mashed potato and a creamy mushroom sauce, and also triple cooked chunky fries. Moving onto the presentation of the main course was very well presented and plated with a brief run through of what was there.

The wagyu was perfectly cooked, and was melt in the mouth. The marbled fat infused within the fibres of the steak make something that truly tastes out of this world.

The Jack Greek was cooked to perfection and being a leaner fillet was a bolder meatier taste which truly complemented the dish, the sides went perfectly also with flavours that were subtle and not overpowering.

We had a Mushroom sauce to complement the steak which was all made in house with great flavour and texture. The mash was perfectly cooked again homemade and so was the veg.

We also ordered the Foie Gras as a side dish, this is not something I would usually order as I am not a fan of liver.

However, it’s a much milder taste enhanced with a cherry sauce. It literally melts in your mouth like butter and tasted amazing.

If I was ever in town again, Cona Restaurant would be top of my list of places to visit. Would I recommend it? Definitely!

If you are looking for a special Halal dining experience, then you must try Cona Restaurant.

The food is true to the menu and European style menu, with no overpowering spices or Americanisation of dishes.

The owner is so passionate about food; it really shows in the quality in what he cooks, and when you speak to him, you know his heart is 100% in wanting to provide the best for his customers.

I have to also mention that the service we received was just excellent.

* EDITOR: We’re still waiting to hear from Cona Restaurant re the Halal status of their Parmesan cheese. In the meantime, and according to all four Sunni schools of thought, cheese made from rennet derived from a Halal source is Halal, and vice-versa.

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Cona Restaurant
20 East Parade, Little Germany, Bradford BD1 5HD.

T: +44 (0)1274 727747 | W: www.conarestaurant.com | E: [email protected]

Opening Hours: Mon-Tue CLOSED | Wed-Fri 12:00-15:00, 18:00-23:00 | Sat 18:00-23:00 | Sun 12:00-18:00