Best Restaurants in York, Offers, Events, News & Reviews

When to go: A weekend treat or midweek feast, the choice is yours.

What to have: Steak and seafood cooked over open flames

Located within one of Yorkshire’s finest boutique hotels, No.1 GuestHouse, The Pearly Cow is dedicated to respecting the herds, breeds, crops, and catches that define the local wildlife. Utilising only the finest, most natural produce from the land and the sea.

Breakfast can be light, hearty, or indulgent, with bloody marys and your choice of spices, and oysters to get the day started. Star ingredients are used in classic dishes, sharing platters, and divine desserts for lunch and dinner. Children also have a special Pearly Calves menu. With Quatre Vin wines, afternoon tea is afternoon sea—a very modern take on this traditional treat. If you’re more of a traditional foodie, Guesthouse also offers a classic sparkling afternoon tea in their Marmalade Lounge. Additionally, Sunday roasts provide a lovely way to end the week.

1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA – 01904 946299

When to go: Perfect for celebrations, special occasions or a culinary adventure.

What to have: One of their tasting menus for an unforgettable experience that changes with the seasons.

Legacy’s menu is heavily focused on making the most of the beautiful produce from local surroundings. Head Chef, Ahmed Abdalla and the team create dishes that are dedicated to showcasing classic Yorkshire produce from across the region and assembling them with refined, modern elegance. Abdalla is inspired by the imagination of Yorkshire and its cutting-edge spirit. You may not recognise the dishes on appearance alone but you’re sure to be blown away by the flavours.

The restaurant’s stunning interior pays homage to the pioneering spirit of the inspiring engineers and architects of the city’s past.

The Grand, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD – 01904 380038

When to go:  To share some small plates with your nearest and dearest

What to have: The Frango Eduardo’s Original Piri-Piri Chicken with their Batatas Bravas served with their signature spicy tomato sauce.

Located on Colliergate in the heart of the city centre, Tasco Frango brings a little taste of Portugal to York. The owner’s trips to traditional Portuguese piri-piri shacks have heavily inspired the menu, which features a range of authentic Portuguese tapas plates.

All of their dishes are packed full of flavour using fresh ingredients combined with Portuguese cooking techniques. The restaurant itself has captured the perfect ambience of a conventional Portuguese tavern, warm and welcoming.

28 Colliergate, York YO1 8BN – 01904 202821

When to go: When you want a touch of elegance, without breaking the bank.

What to have: The Grand Beef Wellington for two, served with mushroom duxelles, chicken farce, pancetta and puff pastry and a rocket-honey emulsion, is a true taste of Yorkshire and lets the local ingredients shine.

Located within the sumptuous settings of the 5-Star Grand York Hotel, The Rise uses locally sourced, fresh and seasonal produce to prepare modern British dishes with a Yorkshire twist. Guests can watch their food being prepared through the open kitchen, which creates a captivating experience. The interiors of the restaurant are inspired by the local heritage of York, mixing industrial touches with soft decadent furnishings, to create an elegant, memorable and unique dining experience. Hand-picked wines, local beers and ales, and signature cocktails round off the meal perfectly.

For something a little more immersive, guests can book the Chef’s Table. Seated in the cookery school kitchen, watch their head tutor prepare and serve a 3-course menu, whilst imparting tips, tricks and knowledge on all things cookery.

The Grand, Station Rise, YO1 6GD – 01904 380038

When to go: When you’re craving a mouthwatering pizza

What to have: The ‘Burrata’ stone-baked pizza with a whole burrata, prosciutto, basil leaf pesto and toasted pine nuts for something flavoursome and refreshing.

The Old Liquor Store is found on the notorious Bishy Road in York, located in a Grade II listed Terry’s chocolate factory. Serving brunch and Sunday lunch alongside beloved small plates with an Italian touch.

With dishes boasting exciting Italian flavours and ingredients, their weekly rotating menu and stone-baked pizzetta makes for a perfect meal out in the city. The Old Liquor Store also operates as a bar, deli and cafe for those wanting to grab a quick coffee or lunch throughout the week.

Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1FT – 01904 950147

When to go: In summer to soak up the sun + drink cocktails on the rooftop

What to have: Any Japanese rolls to get your sushi fix

This dining concept located on the seventh floor at Malmaison York elevates the senses. Choose from a tempting array of sushi, robatayaki, and pan-Asian tapas small plates, while you take in the York City views and sip a signature cocktail.

Sora’s laid-back, sophisticated setting is the ideal place for romantic dates, relaxed dinners, or drinks with your favourite people, all while being accompanied by superb entertainment from resident DJs and guest musicians.

2 Rougier St, York YO90 1UU – 01904 946060

When to go: For a girl’s night out in the summer

What to have: The smoked, wood-fired dishes on the menu are ones you need to try

Forage is a neighbourhood restaurant and late-night bar in the beating heart of York city centre. Moments from the cobbled streets of Stonegate and the Shambles.⁠

Serving seasonal, sociable food that’s perfect to indulge in while catching up with friends, the chefs locally source ingredients to add exciting, fresh flavours to their menus.⁠ Don’t forget to check out the hidden speakeasy hidden behind the walls of Forage, the perfect intimate setting for a cocktail date night.

2-4 Little Stonegate, York YO1 8AX – 07852 580193

When to go: When you’re craving traditional British dishes

What to have: ‘Solero’ ice cream sundae to cure the sweet tooth

The York Minster Refectory is housed within the former Minster School, founded in 1903.

With food sourced from a wide range of White Rose flag farmers and inspired by Yorkshire’s abundant producers, the restaurant lets the seasons dictate the menus. They highlight all the wonderful things of York and Yorkshire have to offer.

Overseeing the creation of the menus and all hospitality operations, Joshua Brimmell, Executive Head Chef of The Star Inn The City, runs the day-to-day affairs with Andrew Pern.

2 Deangate, York YO1 7JA – 01904 307399

When to go: With your ‘I’ll eat anything’ friends, as a group. Order one of everything on the menu.

What to have: The ‘Hen’s Egg’ – summer field, cauliflower and apple dashi vinegar. Trust us.

Opened by chef-owner Neil Bentinck in 2016, Skosh quickly gained a reputation for being one of the Best Restaurants in York and has earned somewhat of a cult following amongst those in the know. Winner of a Michelin Bib Gourmand, the restaurant is an intimate affair, and the menu, which has flavours spanning the globe, is uncomplicated but refined. The food itself is playful and eclectic – served as snacks and small plates – and changes often. Go with an open mind and an empty stomach, and you won’t be disappointed.

98 Micklegate, YO1 6JX – 01904 634 849

When to go: When the sun is shining, to take full advantage of the outdoor terrace.

What to have: It would be rude not to try the battered Whitby cod fillet, with proper chips, crushed minted peas, and house tartare sauce.

A hop skip and a jump away from York train station, Whitby-born, Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern heads up the kitchen here. At The Star Inn The City – which is located in the old Engine House right by the sprawling York museum gardens – chefs create brasserie style, seasonal dishes, with daily specials, and the catch of the day for those wanting to look off-menu. After dinner, guests can retire to the fairy-lit terrace for a digestif and enchanting views over the River Ouse.

Lendal Engine House, Museum Street, YO1 7DR – 01904 619208

When to go: Every month to try something new on their menus

What to have: Any fish dishes as they’re caught daily by local suppliers

Fish&Forest is an independent restaurant located on Micklegate, that serves sustainably farmed fish, wildlife and forest delicacies that are in season. Over the years they have received an AA rating, featured in the Good Food Guide and acknowledged in the Michelin Guide for their eco-friendly ethos.

Everything they do is centred around sustainability, with chefs searching for wild food in the local area. The Yorkshire countryside and sea are a big inspiration towards their menu, Head Chef and Owner Stephen Andrews showcases an ever-changing a la carte menu that highlights the best produce of the season.

13 Grape Ln, York YO1 7HU – 01904 661135

When to go: When your carnivorous side needs a feed.

What to have: Try their treacle-cured beef fillet, with potato doughnuts, broccoli puree and crips french onions.

Dark wood, exposed brick and red leather booths ensure that The Whippet Inn oozes classic style. Open since 2014, owner Martin Bridge touts the restaurant as an unpretentious steak and alehouse, and their ever-changing range of cuts and breeds of beef serves to back up that claim and keep them high on the list of Best Restaurants in York. Come for lunch, dinner, or a Sunday Roast cooked using Yorkshire’s finest ingredients, they have menus to suit any time of day.

15 North Street, YO1 6JD – 01904 500 660

When to go: When you’re done with shopping and are in desperate need of carbs.

What to have: Four words. Batter. Fried. Pasta. Fritter.

Serving up exceptional Neapolitan pizza for just under a year, Cresci’s menu includes a good range of alluring and classic toppings, with that unmistakeable chewy, blistered Neapolitan base. The interior is intimate and laid back, with an open plan kitchen giving views of the pizza oven. There are always vegetarian and vegan options available, as well as regularly changing specials.

20 Piccadilly, York YO1 9NU – 07477 816067

When to go: When you fancy something quick, casual and can’t decide so visit more than one.

What to have: The buttermilk fried chicken burgers from Clucking Oinks are unbeatable. Wash one down with an ice-cold can of craft beer from resident bar Piccadilly Tap.

Consisting of 23 upcycled shipping containers, Spark:York brings a new project to York’s food and drink scene. Co-founders Sam Leach and Tom McKenzie had the vision to bring a new lease of life to a derelict site, a place of community, entrepreneurialism, and independent vendors. The containers house workspaces, retail outlets, and cultural hubs, but we know you want to hear about the food.

Spark: York provides a space for new dining start-ups to grow. Whether it’s adventurous Asian fusion restaurant Knori or Brazillian-inspired grills from Vovo Cantina every trader is bringing mouth-watering dishes to York. The venue has a great selection of wines, beers and spirits, and the outdoor terrace seating gives it a real New York feel.

17-21 Piccadilly, YO1 9PB

When to go: When you fancy modern and surprising twists on flavours.

What to have: Try the kitchen menu, 5 courses of new and exciting dishes (and some classics), with an optional wine pairing.

Housed in a former coach house, Arras is a relaxed, modern fine-dining destination. With its early origins in Sydney, by 2011 owners and husband and wife team Adam and Lovaine Humphry headed back over to the UK to bring Arras to York. The pair have an incredible passion for food, having worked for well-known restaurants in Australia, France and Yorkshire. The restaurant itself uses quality ingredients and inventive techniques to create seasonal British dishes with nods to flavours across the globe. Make sure you get ready (and save room) for the presentation of their amazing petits-fours!

In early 2020, Little Arras was born, an industrially decorated bakery just a stone’s throw from the original restaurant. Here, the team’s focus is on exceptional slow-fermented sourdough, pastries and cakes, and great coffee from Square Mile to boot.

The Old Coach House, Peaseholme Green, YO1 7PW – 01904 633 737

When to go: After work for a bite and drinks with friends

What to have: A classic Neapolitan Margherita pizza + plenty of cocktails

York residents have claimed Dough Eyed to be the best pizza in the city. Extremely well-hydrated Neapolitan pizza, a laid-back atmosphere and insanely amazing drinks – what more could you want?

Dough Eyed offers modern-day takes on Neapolitan pizzas, with menu highlights including Burrata & Pesto, Funghi with truffle mushroom puree and Nduja with a pumpkin purée base. Paired with an amazing line-up of drinks including locally-brewed draught beers, it’s the spot you need to visit after work or with a group of friends.

7 Jubbergate, York YO1 8RT – 07591 977986

When to go: When you want good quality, classic ingredients, cooked to perfection.

What to have: The North Sea cod, with mussels, courgettes and a smoked pike roe is light, fresh and decadent all at once.

Open for over 30 years, Melton’s is somewhat of a York institution. With walls adorned with brightly coloured paintings, well-worn furnishings, and warm, friendly staff, it feels a bit like a home from home. Chef proprietor Michael Hjort trained with fine dining stalwarts Roux Restaurants and uses his skills alongside Head Chef Calvin Miller, to create modern British dishes which celebrate the best of seasonal produce.

He also assists in the organisation of the York Food Festival – a must-visit for any foodie in the area – and has a strong focus on sustainability, both at Melton’s and the festival.

7 Scarcroft Road, YO23 1ND – 01904 634 341

When to go: At least three times a year, to experience each ‘season’. The Sunday lunches here are also unparalleled.

What to have: There are only tasting menus available, but look out for the iconic lamb bao buns.

Housed in a stunning historic Tudor building, just across from the river Ouse, stands Roots. Overseen by Michelin-Starred head chef Tommy Banks – who also owns the Black Swan at Oldstead, Roots brings their unique farm to fork philosophy to York, with a focus on sustainability, and preservation. The tasting menus on offer rotate around three seasons – the hunger gap, time of abundance, and preserving – which enables the use of root ingredients at their best and throughout the year. 2021 saw Roots awarded their first Michelin Star.

Cocktails served utilise foraged or home-grown ingredients, and wines are sourced from smaller more sustainable producers. Take home a copy of Banks’ cookbook, also named Roots, and have a go at some of the recipes at home.

68 Marygate, YO30 7BH

When to go: When you would like causal, gourmet dining

What to have: Any in-season produce that’s highlighted on the menu

After seven years of Partisan, the owners found the opportunity to grow into a stunning space just a few doors down, where BRANCUSI was born.

Their goal is to provide customers with casual dining, with an emphasis on seasonal, fresh food. Sourcing produce from Food Circle York, a social organisation creating a healthier food system, these are used to help construct the menus every day – ultimately helping to support local farmers, growers and producers.

104 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX – 01904 403928

When to go: When you don’t want to choose just one dish, order a selection between friends and try a bit of everything.

What to have: The paella is truly authentic. It takes 40 minutes to prepare, so in the meantime, dip your toe into the world of Sherry with a flight of three glasses.

With not one, but two restaurants in the city, this is the perfect place for a vibrant Spanish fiesta. Ideal for a spontaneous lunch, glass or two of sherry (their selection is huge), or a full sharing dinner with friends, Ambiente has cemented itself as one of the Best Restaurants in York. Both sites have a pared-back, industrial feel, with affable, knowledgeable staff. They have one of the best vegetarian and vegan offerings and have just added their take on Spanish brunch to the list – served every day from 10 am-12 pm. Churros for breakfast? Yes, please…

14 Goodramgate, YO1 6LQ – 01904 689 784

31 Fossgate, YO1 9TA – 01904 638 252

When to go: When you want warm hospitality and intense flavour bombs.

What to have: Try the homemade Merguez sausage, or the beef tanjia – slow-cooked spiced ox cheeks with cumin gouda mash and pickled red onions.

Stepping into Los Moros you’d be mistaken for thinking you’d walked into a souk. Fairy lights twinkle, the bright orange walls cast a warm glow on diners, the smell of spices transports you and rich woven tapestries adorn the walls. Opened in 2015, Los Moros originated as a stall in the Shambles market, which is still open to this day. The stall gained a reputation for delectable modern north African food, and in 2018, Los Moros opened the doors of its restaurant.

With colourful flavours drawing on the culinary heritage of North Africa, owner Tarek Abdeladim is known for making fresh, flavourful food to entice the senses. The restaurant makes its own preserved lemons, merguez sausages, hummus and falafel, and believes in using all local and carefully chosen produce.

15-17 Grape Lane, YO1 7HU – 01904 636 834

When to go: In summer, dine on the beautiful waterside terrace

What to have: Their Sunday lunch is known for being one of the best in York

Situated in one of York’s many picturesque spots, on the River Ouse, is Bosun’s. An idyllic destination to tuck into delicious food in one of the city’s most unique destinations.

This riverside restaurant and terrace is surrounded by beautiful nature, home to a team that focuses on high-quality, seasonal produce using many local suppliers, including Millers of York and Millies Greengrocers on Bishopthorpe Road. On your search for the best restaurants in York, Bosun’s is one you need to check out.

The Riverfront, Ferry Ln, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2SB – 01904 439739

When to go: For any special occasion, for someone truly special.

What to have: The Sunday lunch inside the Elements Restaurant is one you need to try.

In the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, the Aldwark Manor Estate is an opulent luxury hotel that is the perfect backdrop for any meal. An experience that is completely unmatched. Inside you can find four different dining and bar areas – all ready to satisfy your cravings, whether that be an exquisite dinner or a lavish cocktail.

Their newest restaurant, Chartwell, opened in May 2024. After a huge investment project, Chartwell is now proud to serve thoughtfully designed dishes, using local ingredients and cooked to perfection. The group of gifted chefs are serving British food with a ‘Savoy’ touch, drawing inspiration from Auguste Escoffier, the French chef, restaurateur, and author.

Aldwark, Alne, York YO61 1UF – 01347 838146

When to go: When you’re fancying some classic British gastro pub-grub.

What to have: It’s got to be the Drovers Classic 6oz Yorkshire Aberdeen Angus beef burger or a selection of their small plates if you’re in the mood for sharing.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Skipwith, The Drovers Arms has truly captured the essence of a proper British gastropub. The multi-award-winning restaurant boasts delicious food, amazing ales and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

All of the ingredients in their dishes are locally sourced, celebrating the best produce the area has to offer. All dishes on the menu also change seasonally, so you can expect the freshest seasonal dishes every time you visit. You can even dine al fresco, in their fully-heated tipi or in one of their cosy outdoor huts.

York Rd, Selby YO8 5SF – 01757 288088

When to go: Dinner & rooms here aren’t cheap, but extremely worth it. So save up, and head over for a birthday, anniversary or just a special treat.

What to have: There is only one tasting menu, but we would recommend going all out with a stay overnight, and breakfast in the morning, for the full experience.

The Michelin Starred Black Swan at Oldstead is headed up by chef Tommy Banks of Roots. With Black Swan having gained the star in 2012 under chef Adam Jackson (now of The Feversham Arms in Helmsley), Banks took over in 2013 as Head Chef, retaining the Star and making him the youngest chef to hold one. To add to the accolades, Banks won Great British Menu in both 2016 & 2017, with the restaurant also being awarded ‘Best Restaurant in the World in 2018”.

The Black Swan is a family-run venue, with a strong focus on growing, foraging and preserving ingredients to be used throughout the year. There are also nine beautifully designed rooms to stay in, with breakfast offered back at the restaurant in the morning.

Oldstead, YO61 4BL – 01347 868 387

When to go: After working up an appetite tackling one of the local walks. Try the Stavely Circle walk, or the Marton-cum-Grafton 8, for panoramic views of the surrounding area.

What to have: Try the rump of lamb with a miniature shepherd’s pie, wild garlic and peas and onions for a real taste of Yorkshire.

This characterful old 16th-century pub serves an eclectic range of local beers and ales, and is packed full of original features – think wooden beams and heavy flagstones. Head up the spiral staircase to the snug, or settle down in one of the nine rooms inside. To the rear is a sprawling and well-kept beer garden, with barbeques being held here in the warmer months. The pub sits in Marton-cum-Grafton, a picturesque area of Yorkshire, surrounded by excellent walking routes, so is the perfect place to refuel after a ramble.

Marton-cum-Grafton, Boroughbridge, YO51 9QY – 01423 322 519

When to go: An occasion to spoil your parents with a lovely meal

What to have: Gourmet tasting menu for the ultimate treat

The peaceful dining rooms at Middlethorpe Hall offer peaceful views of the grounds and are the ideal, refined venue for a candlelit dinner. To guarantee the ingredients on the menu are seasonal and fresh, the chefs collaborate with the hotel’s agriculture team and suppliers close by.

Head Chef Ashley Binder and Pastry Chef Paul Harrison’s combined expertise create amazing menus that have received numerous awards over the years, making it one of the best restaurants in York.

Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 2GB

When to go: On a lazy Sunday for simple, delicious food

What to have: A mouthwatering Sunday roast for the true taste of Yorkshire

Renovated from the 19th-century historic inn, the Abbey Inn is a laid-back rural country pub with rooms that look over the historic Byland Abbey ruins. Their seasonal menu is designed by Chef Director Tommy Banks and Head Chef Charlie Smith.

Taking pride in their menu that changes with the seasons, it also features classic British fare with a touch of Oldstead flair. There is something for everyone, whether you’re indulging in their entire menu in the Piggery or sipping on pints by the fire at the bar.

The Abbey Inn, York YO61 4BD