10 of the best hotels in York city centre
York is truly a magical place, that deserves to be done right. Take a look at the creme de la creme of the best hotels in York city centre, handpicked for those who wish to escape.
Best Restaurants in York, Offers, Events, News & Reviews
Discover the finest restaurants in York, alongside upcoming events, exclusive offers, foodie news and reviews.
The Best Restaurants in York
Looking for the best restaurants in York city centre and surroundings? From the 13th century gothic cathedral, to the iconic shambles that literally takes you back in time – York is known as the heart and soul of Yorkshire.
Home to a multitude of independent eateries, spanning every cuisine you could wish for, here’s our pick of the best restaurants in York.
Browse by location: Best Restaurants in York City Centre | Best Restaurants in the York Area
Best Restaurants in York City Centre
Pearly Cow
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.
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA – 01904 946299
Legacy at The Grand
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. 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
Tasca Frango
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 York 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.
28 Colliergate, York YO1 8BN – 01904 202821
The Rise Restaurant, Terrace & Bar
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.
Located within the sumptuous settings of the 5-Star Grand York Hotel, guests can watch their food being prepared through the open kitchen.
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.
-
SAVE up to 20%Time Limited Offer
Afternoon Tea at The Grand York
The Grand, York- York’s 5-Star hotel
- Served within the hotel’s striking Rise Restaurant with York city wall views
- SAVE up to 20%
The Grand, York -
SAVE up to 15%Time Limited Offer
The Cookery School at The Grand York
The Grand, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD- Offering a tempting selection of 43 classes
- Within the 5 Star Grand Hotel in York
- SAVE up to 15%
The Grand, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
The Grand, Station Rise, YO1 6GD – 01904 380038
The Old Liquor Store
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.
Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1FT – 01904 950147
SORA
When to go: When you fancy a laid-back sophisticated setting for a romantic date.
What to have: Any Japanese rolls to get your sushi fix.
This dining concept located on the seventh floor at Malmaison York has to be one of the best restaurants in York. Choose from a tempting array of sushi, robatayaki, and pan-Asian tapas small plates, all while being accompanied by superb entertainment from resident DJs and guest musicians.
2 Rougier St, York YO90 1UU – 01904 946060
Forage
When to go: For a group night out, whatever the season or occasion.
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 and dubbed as one of the best restaurants in York city centre. Moments from the cobbled streets of Stonegate and the Shambles.
2-4 Little Stonegate, York YO1 8AX – 07852 580193
York Minster Refectory
When to go: When you’re craving traditional British dishes.
What to have: ‘Solero’ ice cream sundae to cure the sweet tooth.
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.
2 Deangate, York YO1 7JA – 01904 307399
Skosh
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. 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.
98 Micklegate, YO1 6JX – 01904 634 849
The Star Inn The City
When to go: When you are feeling fancy and want to dine under the stars with your favourite people.
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 right in York city centre. 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 and the catch of the day for those wanting to look off-menu.
Lendal Engine House, Museum Street, YO1 7DR – 01904 619208
Fish&Forest
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.
13 Grape Ln, York YO1 7HU – 01904 661135
The Whippet Inn
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. Owner Martin Bridge touts the restaurant as an unpretentious steak and alehouse, and their ever-changing range of meats serve to back up that claim, keeping them high on the list of best restaurants in York.
15 North Street, YO1 6JD – 01904 500 660
Cresci Pizzeria
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.
There are always vegetarian and vegan options available, as well as regularly changing specials – one of the best Italian restaurants in York.
20 Piccadilly, York YO1 9NU – 07477 816067
Arras Restaurant
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.
In early 2020, Little Arras was born, an industrially decorated bakery just a stone’s throw from the original restaurant in York. 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
Dough Eyed
When to go: After work for a bite and drinks with friends.
What to have: A classic Neapolitan Margherita pizza + plenty of cocktails.
Residents have claimed ‘Dough’ Eyed to be the best pizza in York. Extremely well-hydrated Neapolitan pizza, a laid-back atmosphere, insanely amazing drinks and nominated as one of the best restaurants in York city centre – what more could you want?
7 Jubbergate, York YO1 8RT – 07591 977986
Roots
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 Tudor building 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.
68 Marygate, YO30 7BH
BRANCUSI
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.
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
Ambiente
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 three of the best restaurants in York city centre, this is the perfect place for a vibrant Spanish fiesta.
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
Los Moros
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.
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.
Best Restaurants in the York Area
Bosun's at The Riverfront
When to go: Whenever you are feeling fancy enough to 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.
The Riverfront, Ferry Ln, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2SB – 01904 439739
Aldwark Manor
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. 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
The Drovers Arms
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.
York Rd, Selby YO8 5SF – 01757 288088
The Black Swan at Oldstead
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. They now have dozens of accolades under their belt.
Oldstead, YO61 4BL – 01347 868 387
The Punch Bowl Inn at Marton cum Grafton
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.
Marton-cum-Grafton, Boroughbridge, YO51 9QY – 01423 322 519
Middlethorpe Hall
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.
Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 2GB
The Abbey Inn, Byland
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.
The Abbey Inn, York YO61 4BD
York Restaurant Offers
Exclusive Offers from the Best Restaurants in York
Time Limited Offer
£40 The Fat Badger York Restaurant Voucher
- Popular city centre gastropub overlooking York Minster
- Showcasing the best seasonal ingredients
- SAVE 20%
2-4 High Petergate, York YO1 7EH
Time Limited Offer
Middletons York Afternoon Tea
- Historic 4 star hotel
- A stone's throw from York city centre
- SAVE 15%
Cromwell Rd, York YO1 6DS
Time Limited Offer
The Cookery School at The Grand York
- Offering a tempting selection of 43 classes
- Within the 5 Star Grand Hotel in York
- SAVE up to 15%
The Grand, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
Time Limited Offer
No.1 GuestHouse York Sparkling Afternoon Tea
- Insta-worthy Grade II listed townhouse hotel
- Close to York's iconic Minster
- SAVE 21%
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA
Time Limited Offer
Afternoon Tea at The Grand York
- York's 5-Star hotel
- Served within the hotel's striking Rise Restaurant with York city wall views
- SAVE up to 20%
The Grand, York
Time Limited Offer
£40 Rise York Restaurant Voucher
- Located within York's 5 Star Hotel
- Expect modern British dishes with a Yorkshire twist
- SAVE 25%
Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
Time Limited Offer
3-course Sunday lunch at Aldwark Manor, York
- In the heart of the Yorkshire countryside
- Served in the stunning Elements restaurant
- SAVE 16%
Aldwark, Alne, York YO61 1UF
Time Limited Offer
Elmbank Hotel York Afternoon Tea
- Stunning York city centre boutique hotel
- Choose from Traditional, Sparkling, Festive or York Gin Afternoon Tea
- SAVE up to 18%
Elmbank Hotel, The Mount, York YO24 1GE
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