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Dil Raj Knaresborough

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30
years

Our Story — Dil Raj Knaresborough

Dil Raj has been part of Knaresborough since 1994. From our home at 44 Market Place, generations of customers have joined us for Indian and Bangladeshi food, family meals, celebrations and takeaways.

Over more than three decades, the restaurant has changed in appearance, but our connection with Knaresborough has remained at the heart of Dil Raj.

Take a look through our story and see how the restaurant has evolved over the years.

Our history

Before Dil Raj

This image transcends our era. It was provided by a local resident, and we have cherished it ever since. While we’re still trying to pinpoint the exact date of this photograph, we suspect it likely dates back to the late 1980s. If you have any insights, we welcome you to join the discussion on our Facebook page.
A black and white image of an existing business in the same place. The image is quite unclear to read what it says.

1970's

During our front renovation in 2020, we uncovered the sign of the Harlequin Café, a beloved eatery with roots dating back to the 1970s. Our Facebook community came together to share cherished memories of this establishment. Read their story here.
An outside image of the shop front revealing once a successful cafe name in the 70's "Harelequin Cafe"

2000's

Dil Raj, also known as “Dil Tandoori Restaurant,” welcomed itself to the heart on Knaresborough in 1994. The restaurant enjoyed bustling crowds every night, with tales of queues extending out onto the street, eagerly waiting to dine at our establishment. Unfortunately, we don’t possess the original image of the restaurant from its early days. The image presented here was captured in 2008, but it reflects a similar ambiance to its opening.
An outside image of the shop front taken in early 2000's. The shop name is Dil Tandoori Restaurant.

Early 2010's

During the early 2010s, the restaurant underwent a modern makeover to remain in sync with contemporary trends. This revamp involved incorporating white window frames and sills, as well as prominent, gleaming chrome lettering that ensured visibility both day and night. Furthermore, the transition from “Dil” to “Raj” aimed to evoke a sense of South Indian culture and heritage, establishing a deeper connection with the cuisine being served.
An outside image of the shop front taken in early 2010's. The shop name is Raj.

Mid 2010's

The modernisation during the early 2010s didn’t quite sit well with Knaresborough; it didn’t seem to encapsulate what Knaresborough was about and felt a bit too bold and in-your-face. Therefore, Dil Raj decided to remove the shiny chrome accents and tone it down a bit. Our lovely, loyal customers loved how the restaurant used to be and reminisced about those days. Therefore, we felt it was time for a change. We combined the visions of both the older customers and the more recent ones to proudly rename it “Dil Raj” .
An outside image of the shop front taken in mid 2010's. The shop name is Dil Raj.

Early 2020's

It’s been quite some time since we last made significant changes to our restaurant. Over the years, due to the longevity of our business, some of our cherished customers have moved on or are no longer with us today. We deeply feel these losses, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who have stood by us throughout the years.

Therefore, following the recent lockdown, we felt it was time for a rejuvenation. Embracing a fresh colour scheme inspired by nature, symbolising rebirth and renewal. Our logo has also undergone a modern transformation while retaining its heritage through the Bengali script, showcasing the union of letters in a contemporary typeface.
An outside image of the shop front taken in present time. The shop name is Dil Raj.

Present

We’d listen to all our lovely customers and decided it was time to give our shopfront a little glow-up to join in with Knaresborough’s annual FEVA celebrations and to make the shopfront a bit more “eye-catching.”

After 31 years of Dil Raj, we were still hearing comments like “a hidden gem” so we thought it was about time we made ourselves a little less hidden. The feedback was been amazing. The “Pink” had definitely been a talking point.
dil raj shopfront outside image ✨ We’ve been listening to all our lovely customers 💬 and decided it was time to give our shopfront a little glow-up 🌸 to join in with Knaresborough’s annual FEVA celebrations! 🎉 And to make the shopfront a bit more "eye-catching" 👀 It’s been a few weeks since the big makeover 💕 and wow — the feedback has been amazing 🙌. The "Pink" has definitely been a talking point. 😅 After 31 years of Dil Raj, we’re still hearing comments like “a hidden gem” 💎… so we thought it was about time we made ourselves a little less hidden 😉. Thank you so much for all the love and support ❤️. Your comments and feedback mean the world to us 🌍 — and yes, we’re still listening 👂 with more plans to come!

Frequently asked questions

Are you licensed?

No, we're not licensed due to religious beliefs. But you can always bring your own boozes with no corkage fee. Soft drinks are available for the young ones or for those driving.

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Do you offer Indian takeaway in Knaresborough?

Yes. You can order an Indian takeaway from Dil Raj for collection or delivery. We offer 10% off qualifying collection orders placed directly by phone or in-store. Delivery is available across Knaresborough and selected surrounding areas.

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Do you have vegetarian and vegan options?

Yes. Our menu includes a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan Indian dishes. Please check our menu for the available options, and speak to our team if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.

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Do you deliver Indian takeaway in Knaresborough?

Yes. We deliver Indian takeaway across Knaresborough and selected surrounding areas. Our current delivery postcodes include HG5, HG2, HG1, HG3 and YO26. Delivery charges and availability may vary depending on your address.

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Do you have any dine-in offers?

Yes we do! Every Thursday and Sunday, we offer a Starter, Mains and a Rice or Nan of your choosing for only £14.95. Please do book in advance.

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Is Dil Raj Knaresborough halal?

Yes. Dil Raj serves halal Indian and Bangladeshi food in Knaresborough, and all our food is halal certified. If you have any questions about ingredients or dietary requirements, please speak to a member of our team.

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CHRISTMAS DAY AT DIL RAJ
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