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Best restaurants in York

Steeped in history and with many beautiful attractions, this famous northern city has always attracted plenty of visitors, but now they’re coming for more than just the sights. Foodies will know that York has not just one or two but a whole raft of outstanding restaurants within and outside its famous city walls, from small independents to iconic chains, that are well worth venturing up the country for.

Updated on 04 October 2024

When thinking of York, it’s fairly common for your mind to go straight to the breathtaking historical buildings and cobbled streets, as well as the grand cathedral that sits at the centre of it all. Beyond the architectural presence, is a strong connection to chocolate, with The Rowntree and Terry families having called York their home, and the city still producing millions of KitKats every day. But for when the hunger pangs strike, you need a proper plate of food, and that’s when the best restaurants in York come into play.

For such a quaint place, York is jam packed with delicious places to eat, from laid back pizzerias to fine dining country house hotels, and you’ll even find two from our UK Top 100 Restaurants list. We’ve scoured the city to find our favourite hidden gems in York, as well as the spots that you all know and love, being sure to include a variety of cuisines in the round up.

Surrounded by so much beautiful countryside, it’s no wonder that many of the restaurants base the menus around local, seasonal produce, with some even creating a constantly changing menu to combat food waste. If you’re looking for a Michelin star restaurant in York, you can find one that samples some of the best British ingredients, put together with cutting-edge cooking techniques, and providing immaculate service to match.

Modestly-proportioned though it is, York’s draws are many, from the magnificent Minster, to the Diagon Alley-like Shambles and Jorvik Viking Centre, which means you’re bound to work up an appetite wandering around. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the best places to eat in York in which to rest your weary feet and enjoy some exceptional grub. So take a look through our list, and found out exactly what this wonderful city has to offer.

The Star Inn the City

The Star Inn the City

The Engine House, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7FR

If you’ve heard of The Star Inn at Harome, Andrew Pern’s Michelin-starred gastropub near Helmsley, you’ll know that this city pub is well worth a visit. Housed in the beautifully-restored Engine House within the city’s Museum Gardens, this stylish all-day eatery majors in rustic dishes that make the best of Yorkshire’s produce. 

Under £30
Gastropub
Ambiente Tapas Fossgate

Ambiente Tapas Fossgate

31 Fossgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9TA

Ambiente Tapas comes with a slight edge, with a stripped-back industrial interior and a large open kitchen, it’s great for both a relaxing lunch and a fun night out with friends. Expect plenty of small plates, paella and Spanish wine. The vibe here is always buzzing, making this a great choice for birthday dinners and nights out.

£30 - £49
Tapas
The Fat Badger York (FKA Lamb & Lion)

The Fat Badger York (FKA Lamb & Lion)

2-4 High Petergate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7EH

The Fat Badger is a charming, historical pub in the centre of York. Inside you’ll find plenty of wooden panelling, leather seating, and pints of Guinness with the logo on top. Out the back is a large beer garden with pods that offer shelter for when the weather turns.

£30 - £49
British
Fish and Forest

Fish and Forest

110 Micklegate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6JX

The clue is in the name with this restaurant, where you can expect to find dishes showcasing both the sea and land (specifically game dishes). Expect flavours that change with the seasons, and that are inspired by a zero waste ethos.

£50 - £79
British
Legacy at The Grand, York

Legacy at The Grand, York

The Grand Hotel, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6GD

The latest signature restaurant at The Grand is a masterclass in fine dining, taking quality local ingredients from all over Yorkshire and distilling them into elegant, modern plates. The Grand is over a century old now, so if it's a celebration you're planning, there aren't many more impressive spots in the city. 

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
Afternoon tea
York Minster Refectory

York Minster Refectory

Deangate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7JA

This British restaurant by Andrew Pern is housed inside a grade II-listed building that was once York Minster school. It's open all day and menus change with the seasons - often featuring a retro twist. Think pheasant with a ‘fruit n nut’ sausage roll, and a liquorice and forest fruit arctic roll.

£30 - £49
British
Cafe No.8 Bistro

Cafe No.8 Bistro

8 Gillygate, York, York, North Yorkshire, YO31 7EQ

No.8 Bistro is a quaint and intimate eatery serving up everything from homemade pasta with slow cooked beef ragu to chicken shawarma filo parcels with hummus. The food here is all about unfussy plates made using high quality ingredients.

£30 - £49
Modern European
Lucia York

Lucia York

13 Swinegate Court East, York, South Yorkshire, YO1 8AJ

We’re big fans of Lucia’s chic interiors and slick Italian cooking. The heated courtyard is one of York’s most pleasant places to have lunch, and just a short walk from York Minster into the bargain. Come in the morning for a good strong coffee and a piece of cake, or on Sunday for a top class Sunday roast.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
Roots York

Roots York

68 Marygate, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 7BH

Sitting pretty in our guide to the UK's Top 100 Restaurants, this second restaurant from chef Tommy Banks of the Michelin-starred Black Swan at Oldstead has become the place to eat in York, with tables still hard to come by. Everything on the seasonal menu revolves around fresh produce grown and foraged on the family farm in Oldstead, which is then lightly handled in order to allow each flavour to shine.

Over £80
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Melton

Melton's

7 Scarcroft Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO23 1ND

Melton's has been quietly pleasing York’s foodies for more than two decades, and has a legion of local fans as a result. It's slightly dated in a soft and charming way, with well-worn furnishings and, but Michael Hjort's food is original and refreshing, using local produce to great effect and mixing up classic flavours, but with restraint. Very reasonably priced tasting menus and modestly marked-up wines are in tune with Melton’s admirable ethos.

£30 - £49
Modern European
The Cut & Craft York

The Cut & Craft York

8 St Sampson's Square, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8RN

The Cut & Craft has been a huge hit in both York and Leeds, and the former is especially nicely designed with timeless interiors and an enviable spot on St. Sampson’s Square. Huge dry-aged premium steaks are the order of the day here, alongside a long list of classic sides and sauces.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
29 States

29 States

Opposite Clifford's Tower, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9SA

If you’re looking for the best Indian food in York, then you’ve come to the right place. The restaurant is named after the 29 states of India, which inspire the diversity of the menu here, so you can expect to find plenty of authentic blends of flavours and regional dishes found in India.

£30 - £49
Indian
Skosh

Skosh

98 Micklegate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6JX

Skosh is neither big nor flashy, and yet you’ll always find it near, if not at the top of review websites and locals’ list of their favourite restaurants in the city. The reasons for this are many, though super-friendly staff and wow-factor food are probably the most important two. Small plates influenced by international flavours are the essence of Skosh, so expect a palate-teasing menu full of creativity. 

£50 - £79
International
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Pairings Wine Bar

Pairings Wine Bar

28 Castlegate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9RP

As the name suggests, Pairings is all about enjoying the alchemy of wine and food. That requires impeccably-sourced charcuterie, cheese and other bites - the bar works closely with all sorts of local producers, so everything that ends up on the beautiful sharing platters is second to none in terms of quality. Castlegate is a nice spot to enjoy a glass or two of wine, too. 

£30 - £49
Tapas
Cheese
Wine Bars
Cresci Pizzeria

Cresci Pizzeria

20 Piccadilly, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9NU

Cresci Pizzeria has made a name for itself by offering some of the best pizza available in York. All of the process is kept in line with the standards of Neapolitan culture, so you’ll find all of the iconic toppings on the menu here (and you can leave your pineapple at home).

Under £30
Pizza
Italian
Bettys York

Bettys York

6-8 St Helen's Square, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8QP

This quintessential Yorkshire tea room is a must-visit for visitors to York. Most associate Bettys with afternoon tea – and it does do a mean one – but there’s a whole menu of savouries for lunch and dinner, from Yorkshire rarebits to omelettes and salads, in addition to its sweet offering. Queues are inevitable, but anyone who wants to sample an English tradition that has all but vanished ought to persevere.

£30 - £49
British
Afternoon tea
Mannion & Co

Mannion & Co

1 Blake Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8QJ

Mannion & Co started as a greengrocer over 30 years ago, but the family-run business has transitioned into an all-day restaurant and cafe, and a cracking one at that. Get ready for plenty of eggy breakfasts and Yorkshire rarebit in the mornings, then some internationally-minded plates in the evening. If you're on the go, grab one of the excellent sandwiches.

£30 - £49
International
Middlethorpe Hall

Middlethorpe Hall

Bishopthorpe Road, York, York, North Yorkshire, YO23 2GB

Set inside one of Yorkshire’s most glamorous country house hotels, the restaurant at Middlethorpe Hall is spectacularly fancy – a bit like how we’d imagine dining at Downton Abbey would be. Smart waiters appear at the slightest head raise, while drapery, candles and an abundance of cutlery help set the scene for very fine dining indeed. 

£50 - £79
British
Los Moros, York

Los Moros, York

15-17 Grape Lane, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7HU

Since graduating from a street stall in the Shambles Market to a permanent restaurant, Los Moros has been serving up mouth-watering plates of homemade delights, such as falafel, hummus and merguez sausage to its many fans. Whatever isn’t pickled, preserved or made in-house is sourced locally, from fish, meat and bread to tea and beer, meaning it’s all as fresh as can be.

£30 - £49
North African
Partisan

Partisan

112 Micklegate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6JX

Coffee shop in the morning, restaurant in the afternoon - Partisan is a beloved independent business in the heart of York. Sustainability and sourcing is the name of the game here - as well as working with an endless list of quality local producers, Partisan really cares about getting in the best of the best, whether it's Monmouth Coffee or teas from Canton and Bluebird. The menu isn't vegan, but there's loads to choose from if you're vegan or veggie.

Under £30
Modern European
Mumbai Lounge

Mumbai Lounge

47 Fossgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9TF

Like many fantastic Indian restaurants, Mumbai Lounge does away with any bells and whistles, but excels when it comes to superior cuisine. With a whole range of regional specialities, from Uttar Pradeshi achari to Bengali zalfrey, plus all your classic curries, sides and sundries, the menu at Mumbai Lounge promises to please.

£30 - £49
Indian
Arras

Arras

The Old Coach House, Peasholme Green, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7PW

Bold murals, wavy walls and blue lighting mark this former coach house out from the cosy establishments that dominate York’s food and drink scene, but it’s the stand-out quality of the food that we love. Inventive canapés, deliciously moreish bread and a range of starters, mains and desserts that promise to wow in every respect are what make Arras a destination for serious gastronomes.

£30 - £49
British

Looking to tour more of the Yorkshire food scene? We’ve created lists of our favourite restaurants in the area, no matter whether you’re in a specific city or moving all over the counties. The best restaurants in Leeds offer a range of cuisines from Vietnamese to Spanish, and plenty of British spots for good measure. Then if you need a broader choice for location, you can take a look at our favourite restaurants in Yorkshire, so that you can find options in the north, south, east and west.

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