Discover the best places to eat in Selby, North Yorkshire

If you’re searching for the best restaurants and other places to eat in Selby, North Yorkshire, you might be surprised by just how much there is to discover.

Best known for its magnificent Abbey and rich heritage, Selby is also home to a welcoming collection of independent restaurants, cafés, pubs and food businesses, each bringing something different to the local food scene.

We’ve been exploring Selby’s food and drink offering, meeting some of the brilliant businesses putting the area on the foodie map and discovering a few more favourites along the way.

Whether you’re planning a leisurely lunch, a special occasion, a countryside escape or simply looking for somewhere new to try, here’s our guide to some of the best places to eat in Selby and the surrounding North Yorkshire countryside.

Our favourite foodie spots in Selby

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Carlton Towers Tearoom

An estate with its own vineyard? That’s our kind of countryside escape. At Carlton Towers, the Stables Tea Room offers a rather lovely spot for afternoon tea, with a rose-filled terrace overlooking the vines.

It’s a charming choice for a leisurely afternoon, just 15 minutes from Selby town centre, it’s an amazing spot when the weather is playing ball, and you fancy swapping the usual café table for some vineyard scenery.

Where? High St, Carlton, Goole DN14 9LZ

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The Rythre Arms

If steak is your thing, you won’t want to miss The Rythre Arms. This cosy country pub takes its produce seriously, with prime cuts butchered and matured in-house before making their way to the plate.

It’s the sort of place that puts quality meat first, making it a strong contender for a foodie day out near Selby.

Where? Main St, Ryther, Tadcaster LS24 9EE

The Drovers Arms

Just voted York’s Best Pub 2026 by the public, The Drovers Arms is one of our favourite restaurants in the Selby area.

We were particularly taken with the Camembert sharing plates, although there’s a very tempting line-up of pub classics to pick from, too. Ideal for a leisurely lunch or even making an evening of it – this is country pub dining with a little extra polish.

Where? York Rd, Skipwith, Selby YO8 5SF

Roo’s Tea Room

Every good day out needs a proper pit stop, and Roo’s Tea Room fits the bill rather nicely.

Dog-friendly and serving up giant hot chocolates alongside Milka and walnut sea-salt cookies, it’s an inviting spot to warm up after a morning exploring Selby’s market town streets.

Where? Common Ln, Selby YO8 8LB

More places to discover: Where else can you eat in Selby, North Yorkshire?

• The Wenlock Arms, just 20 minutes from Selby this is the ultimate country pub
• The Village Tearoom, Cawood, for a hearty cooked breakfast
• Burro Riccall, serving authentic Italian dishes
• The Doghouse Selby, for an amazing selection of craft beer

Make a day of it: More than just great places to eat in Selby

Explore the magnificent Selby Abbey

No visit to Selby would be complete without stepping inside its beautiful abbey. With almost 1,000 years of history woven into its walls, it’s one of the town’s standout landmarks and well worth making time for before or after lunch.

With its impressive architecture, fascinating history and beautiful interior, it’s one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks and a must-see when visiting Selby.

Discover Selby’s historic town centre

Take a stroll through Selby’s streets, browse the independent shops and discover the character of the town.

Micklegate, Gowthorpe and the surrounding streets offer plenty of opportunities to explore, shop and stop for refreshments along the way.

Take a scenic walk

Selby is in no short supply of scenic countryside walks. The Abbey Trail (1.2 miles) takes in some of Selby’s most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Selby Abbey and historic Market Cross.

The Waterways Trail (2.8 miles) follows the town’s Selby Lock Basin and Brayton Bridge, while the Oak Trail (3.8 miles) offers a chance to enjoy green spaces, including Selby Park, its wildlife pond and Brayton Barff. Finish off your walk with a well-deserved coffee, cake or meal at one of Selby’s fantastic independent cafés and restaurants.

Plan your visit

Ready to explore? Selby is easily accessible by car, bus and train, making it a great destination for a food-filled day out.

Getting here: Selby is around 12 miles south of York, with road access via the A19, A63 and nearby M62. Selby railway station has connections to York, Leeds, Hull and beyond.

Parking: There are several town centre car parks within walking distance of Selby Abbey, the shops and local cafés. Find parking in Selby.

Explore more: For inspiration, local attractions, places to eat and practical visitor information, head to Visit North Yorkshire’s Selby guide. You can also find useful advice on planning your visit to North Yorkshire.

Whether you’re stopping by for lunch, exploring the historic town or discovering the surrounding countryside, Selby is well worth adding to your North Yorkshire itinerary.

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