Lanika Restaurant — Restaurant in Calderdale

So it's mother's day and thought we will visit this buffet place. Arrive 30 mins after it opens and get told by the gentleman at the desk, that have you booked a table, we are booked.. I'm like tables are empty and I've just drove 45 mins to get here. Asks us to wait in lobby and the 5 mins later takes us to a table. Nothing about what to do and what's what etc. Some starters where fresh others heated from last night, not a great deal of dishes compared to other buffet places around North West. As there was not many people and not busy plates got picked up regularly. I was told they sold "PAYE" Goats feet, couldn't find them so asked the manager who was lounging on the coach and on his phone,asked why no PAYE said they sold out advised not possible as you opened at 4 and I was here 4.30, then he said they sold out as been busy over few days, advised its a Buffet should be made daily basis, then cheek on this goes what if I told you someone came in at 4.15 and took them all, advised no need to make excuses now and it's simple you don't have them. Asked why no cake and custard, was told finished. The guy had no proper reason but just finished... I've been to other buffet restaurants and never had to ask about an item, asked why no cheesecake also finished. I put chicken rice in for kids 1st and they was hard and different colour and when and I had them 20 mins later was fresh. Chicken on bone was not cooked properly as showed the waiter it was red inside and bit of blood. Desert limited for kids. No jelly apart from ice cream. OVERALL, I would say the only good item was the Lamb chops and fish. WOULD I go back NO, REASON is that you pay 11.99 during week and 12.99 weekend and under 4s Free, other children 6.99 I would rather go to Al maidah on Bury Road or Manzil banquet on same road and have a bigger and better choice of food and desserts. Even Al Walis on stockport Road is 8.99 per heas and has more variety and choice of foods and salads, better deserts. Jelly, ice cream and cakes etc. I would rate this place 1 out of 5, its not value for money. P.s you can bring your own drinks from outside and they charge £1 per person for this as they don't...

Excellent food. Lamb chops are to die for and the main reason people go there as far as I've been told. Service is excellent.

The owner spoke to my middle child who is a bit of an oddball like his dad, and tends to ask questions that haven't really been measured against social norms and etiquettes.

Anyway, it should get five stars but there isn't enough of a selection to justify the 16.99 price tag. Remember, Al Maidah charges the same or thereabouts and it has twice the menu including lamb chops.

But the lamp chops are no where near as succulent as Lanika's. To get five stars, they need a chocolate gateaux type dessert.

All they have is ice cream and "custard cake" which although nice, is just a bit pedestrian. Gulab jamun's are tasty but the sawaiyyayn (vermicelli) is bland as anything but could be because I had a diabetes dumpling (gulab jamun) or two which are sweet by nature.

I asked for a random selection of five drinks for my family and he brought out five cokes. I mean come on, live a little. They have ice in a glass but I had to request it, should have come with the bottle or asked me if I wanted it.

Cost 63 quid for family of five. This isn't two newlyweds and 1 and a half pairs of in laws. No, this is two adults, two kids at half price and a baby who dropped more chips on the floor than he got in his mouth. So in my book that's a hell of a lot of money for a meal out at an establishment like this. But having said that I would definitely go again. But I'd probably go with a group of five unrelated nobodies and It would only set me back 20 quid with a drink added in. Lol. I'll think about giving them five stars but it just didn't have that wow factor.

P.s. drive straight up the hill past the restaurant and you end up in Oxenhope/Keighley/Howarth neck of the woods. What a beautiful place, I envy the white folks that live there haha....

Lanikar's is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the city, and in our recent family dining experience there was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we stepped through the door, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality that set the tone for the evening.

Our waiter, Zavyaar, was an absolute delight. His professionalism and attention to detail were evident from the start. Not only did he guide us through the menu with expertise, but he also took the time to personalize our dining experience, catering to our preferences with precision and grace.

Zavyaar's recommendations were spot-on, showcasing his deep knowledge of the cuisine and his commitment to ensuring that every dish exceeded our expectations. His genuine enthusiasm for the food and the restaurant itself was contagious, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our meal.

Throughout the evening, Zavyaar's impeccable service never wavered. He was attentive without being intrusive, anticipating our needs before we even realized them ourselves. His friendly demeanor and genuine smile made us feel truly valued as guests, elevating our dining experience to a level of excellence that is rare to find.

In addition to Zavyaar's outstanding service, the food at Lanikar's was nothing short of divine. Each dish was expertly prepared, bursting with flavor and presented with elegance. From the appetizers to the desserts, every bite was a testament to the skill and passion of the chefs in the kitchen.

Overall, our experience at Lanikar's exceeded all expectations, thanks in large part to the exceptional service provided by Zavyaar. His professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine warmth truly set him apart as a waiter. We can't wait to return to Lanikar's and experience the magic...