10 of the Best Brunch Spots in York

We can’t think of anything much better than spending a leisurely weekend walking through the cobbled streets of York, popping into some shops before stopping for a coffee and a well-earned brunch.

Whether it is a fluffy pancake stack, a light avocado toast, or a full English breakfast that you’re after, we’ve got you covered. We’ve hand-picked our favourite spots for brunch in York.

 

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Robinsons Cafe

With a queue down the street most times of the day, Robinsons is a visitor and local favourite alike for brunch, nestled just outside of York City centre on Bishophorpe Road. This pretty cafe serves a great brunch all day long, with generous portions that won’t leave you hungry.

Some menu highlights include Robinson’s Turkish eggs with warm garlic yoghurt and hazelnut dukkah, a tasty bacon sandwich using local ingredients, or their notorious American pancake stacks drenched in caramel sauce. Choose a small or tall stack, and enjoy it with a barista-made coffee.

Robinsons also has some fun drink options for you to try, including matcha, turmeric, or beetroot latte if you are looking for something a little different.

7 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA – 01904 674447

The Old Liquor Store

Set in the former Terry’s chocolate factory, the Old Liquor Store is now an inviting restaurant, bar, and deli that had to make our list. Italian inspiration can be seen across Old Liquor Store’s daytime menu, their garlic & thyme roast portobello mushrooms, served with mascarpone, truffle cream, and freshly baked focaccia.

Their sweet options won’t disappoint either if you’re looking for brunch spots in York. The house ricotta pancakes are topped with baked banana, dulce de leche, creme fraiche, and toasted pecans. Or, for an even richer option, choose Nutella, roasted hazelnuts, and Frangelico liqueur.

Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1FT – 01904 950147

Partisan

While it may look little from the outside, the familiar teal tiling and homely feel to Partisan is always a welcoming sign – you know you have come to the right place for a catch-up, over a delicious brunch in York city centre. Partisan also has an ever-changing display of pretty cakes, fruit scones, and homemade bread in the window. If you are too full from their delicious brunch, you can always take home for later.

112 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX – 01904 629866

Rise

Rise at York could very likely be one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ cafes in the city. With their baby pink interior, bright smoothies, and satisfying tiramisu iced lattes attracting the attention of passersby – it is rarely quiet. Their brunch menu offers acai bowls with nut butter and appetizing hot honey eggs with ricotta and chilli roast tomato. It is a lovely option for a catch-up with friends. Situated on the popular Fossgate, they are also dog-friendly, perfect for bringing your pup by after a stroll around the city walls!

44 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF 

Mannion & Co

Mannion is known for the fantastic quality of ingredients they use. Fresh sandwiches with punchy chutney and deli sausage rolls make it a real quality cafe stop if you are visiting York and looking for a good brunch. The bread Mannion bake is the real showstopper, and you can often see sourdough being made fresh in-house. If you feel like sharing, their charcuterie boards present the very best of their cheeses, meats, and pickles.

Despite their beaming reputation in the city, Mannion doesn’t usually take bookings, it’s just first come first served – so pop in to get your coffee fix this weekend.

1 Blake St, York YO1 8QJ – 01904 631030

Brew and Brownie

Just a 1-minute walk from the York Minster, the soaring popularity of Brew & Brownie’s sweet bakes has led them to open a neighbouring bakeshop and even supply their signature brownies to 22 Yards Wine bar. The owners aim to provide a sense of northern hospitality, putting care into their menu and offering vegan and gluten-free options for their brunches always.

Our picks would have to be the ‘Big Brew Breakfast’, packed with everything you could need in an English breakfast – bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, free range eggs, herby portobello mushrooms, baked beans and Haxby Bakehouse sourdough toast. If you need some brunch inspiration in York, this is your place.

5 Museum St, York YO1 7DT – 01904 647420

Spring Espresso

Spring Espresso has two different sites to visit for one of the best brunches in York, so you can take your pick – Fossgate or Lendal. They have a great menu, with staples like an eggs benedict, croque monsieur and a sweet brioche french toast, coated in cinnamon sugar and served with Greek yoghurt, berry compote and pistachios. They won Tripadvisor Traveller Choice, ‘Best of the Best’ award in 2020, so if that’s anything to go by, you’re in for a treat.

45 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF – 01904 633998

21 Lendal, York YO1 8AQ – 01904 633965

Cafe Sophie

Cafe Sophie stands out for its prime location – right on Lendal Bridge, with scenic views of the river and a cosy, relaxed interior. Sophie’s menu is small but sweet, with a build-your-own acai bowl, a selection of Haxby bakery pastries and not to forget a variety of luxury hot chocs to satisfy that sweet craving. For an elevated boozy brunch in York, Sophie’s has some tempting cocktails, a spicy passionfruit margarita or a zingy raspberry limoncello spritz that’ll truly get you in the weekend spirit.

East Lodge, Lendal Bridge, York YO1 7DP 

Pig and Pastry

As it turns out, Bishopthorpe Road is home to another brunch fave in York, Pig and Pastry. The Guardian deemed this neighbourhood cafe one of the ‘Top Ten of the Best Restaurants and Cafes in York’. Their sandwiches are loaded, delicious and wholesome with a range of specials to choose from on their chalkboard, you’re best to pop in yourself and see what catches your eye.

35 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA – 01904 675133

The Ivy

A more extravagant approach to brunch, the Ivy in St Helen’s Square ( just next to the iconic Betty’s) is open from 8:30 am, great for early birds who are ready for some delicious food. The Ivy’s special breakfast menu gives you a decedent brunch, starting with a healthy smoothie and all-butter pastries, and finally finished with a hearty classic or vegetarian breakfast. Of course, it wouldn’t be the Ivy without the modern, sophisticated decor which makes this iconic restaurant such a classy brunch spot for your next trip to York.

2 St Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP – 01904 403888