Situated in the heart of Knaresborough, Esmé’s Coffee House and Kitchen is a gem for anyone looking to immerse themselves in exceptional coffee culture paired with fresh, thoughtfully prepared food. This inviting coffee shop excels at crafting an atmosphere that feels both warmly welcoming and effortlessly vibrant — an ideal spot for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment alone.
At Esmé’s, the menu is a celebration of simple, quality ingredients elevated to perfection. Their avocado toast offerings, like the Smashed & Seasoned and the richly smoky Chipotle & Bacon, bring vibrant textures and bold flavours that ignite the palate. For those seeking something with a little more warmth, the Harissa Eggs & Avo is a standout, blending creamy avocado with the gentle kick of harissa-spiced eggs — a true comfort dish that feels both fresh and indulgent.
Smoothie lovers are treated to inventive creations such as the “Sweet Like Chocolate” and “Holla Back Girl,” each bursting with rich, natural sweetness and vibrant freshness. Meanwhile, classic breakfast staples get their own gourmet twist: the scrambled eggs are perfectly fluffy, the smoked bacon elevates a humble sandwich to an unforgettable experience, and the herby garlic chicken is robust and satisfying.
But it’s not just the food that makes Esmé’s special — the coffee here is divine, earning glowing praise from true aficionados. Expertly made lattes and Americano coffees demonstrate the staff’s dedication to their craft, with every cup brewed to highlight rich, complex notes that coffee lovers crave.
Customers consistently share heartfelt testimonials that illuminate the café’s real charm. Jennifer Fletcher praises the freshness and rapid service, coupled with an atmosphere that invites relaxation. Graham Frostick, a self-proclaimed food and coffee snob, confidently ranks their bacon sandwich as the best in the Harrogate area — a testament to the care and quality infused in every dish.
Warmth and friendliness flow through every interaction, making visitors like Stephen Currie and Hollie Allen feel truly welcomed and valued. The attentive, energetic staff create a lively yet cozy environment, enhanced by a dog-friendly policy that even offers treats for furry friends — a small but meaningful detail that speaks volumes about the café’s community spirit.
Whether you’re meandering through Knaresborough’s charming streets or seeking a delightful pause during your day, Esmé’s Coffee House and Kitchen offers an experience that stirs the senses and leaves a lasting smile. The combination of exceptional food, expertly brewed coffee, and heartfelt customer care makes this little café not just a place to eat, but a destination to savor.
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Jennifer Fletcher
09/12/2025
Had a latte, Tommy and feta toast and the cinnamon toast bites. The food was lovely and fresh, delivered quickly and with care. The coffee is divine and the atmosphere is lovely and inviting. Highly recommend!
Graham Frostick
09/12/2025
I’m a food and coffee snob. I honestly believe this is the best bacon sandwich in the Harrogate area! Good quality bacon, grilled properly and served (for me) on buttered sourdough, toasted bread. Absolutely smashing! The coffee is very good, well made with care! The photo says it all!
Stephen Currie
07/11/2025
Had a wonderful experience at Esmé's during my visit to Knaresborough! The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere is lovely - it's the kind of place where you can truly relax and enjoy your time. The coffee - it was absolutely amazing! You can tell they take real pride in their craft. The quality was outstanding and exactly what any coffee lover would hope for. I'd highly recommend Esmé's to anyone who appreciates great coffee served in a warm, inviting environment. It's definitely a gem in Knaresborough that's worth seeking out. Will certainly be back when I'm in the area again!
Hollie Allen
28/10/2025
Honestly one of the best coffee shops I’ve ever been in - great coffee, great food and SUPER welcoming! Loved it - will definitely visit when we’re back in the area.
Rachel
23/10/2025
Incredible little cafe in Knaresborough. Clean tables and friendly staff. Lots of food and drinks options to choose from and everything was delicious. We’ll definitely be back!
William Paul Anderson
09/10/2025
Whilst out Christmas shopping today got a tad peckish (as spending £2 or £3 can make you! ) so popped in to Yorkshire’s own Esmé’s Coffee Shop & Kitchen in Knaresborough. Absolutely brilliant, tasty staff, oops! That should read tasty food, excellent Americano coffee along with first class service! 5 ⭐’s all the way! Thank You
Harry Dixon
25/09/2025
INCREDIBLE! Food was crazy good, staff are so lovely, friendly, talkative and attentive. Dog friendly with treats to. Coffee is so good as well! Couldn’t ask for more from a cafe!
Chloe Peglau
21/08/2025
Feels like the cafe Knaresborough has been waiting for! Dropped in fairly late afternoon, the staff were full of energy and super friendly. They didn’t have loads of vegan options on the menu but happily adapted the smoothie bowl and had lots of suggestions. Food and drinks were great but the absolute girlies working here made it for me!