11 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.
We’ve hand-picked our favourite spots for brunch in York.
11 of the Best Brunch Spots in York
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Robinsons Cafe
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.
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 of the best brunch in York.
A neighbourhood bistro and a favourite among many, The Old Liquor Store’s daytime menu includes dishes like garlic & thyme roast portobello mushrooms, served with mascarpone, truffle cream, and freshly baked focaccia.
Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1FT – 01904 950147
Cavo
Up next is Cavo, located in York’s historic Cocoa Works. This neighbourhood brunch spot transforms into a cosy wine bar offering small plates in the evening.
Opt for avo on toast, fresh pastries ( locally supplied by Little Arras) or one of their moreish sourdough toasties. Paired with a classic flat white, it’s the perfect midday stop off near York’s City Centre.
The Pavilion at the Cocoa Works, Haxby Road, YO32 9GZ
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.
112 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX – 01904 629866
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2-hour Bottomless Brunch at Malmaison York
- Bottomless brunch in the heart of York
- Chez Mal menu & choice of drinks
- SAVE 16%
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.
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.
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.
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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
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 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.
The historic city homes some of the best restaurants Yorkshire has to offer, why not check out our guide to book in lunch or dinner too?
2 St Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP – 01904 403888
No.1 GuestHouse York Sparkling Afternoon Tea
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA- Insta-worthy Grade II listed townhouse hotel
- Close to York’s iconic Minster
- SAVE 21%
£20 Indian Tiffin Room Restaurant Voucher
31-32 Park Row, Leeds LS1 5JD- Authentic Indian street food
- Outstanding reviews in the national and regional press
- SAVE 25%
Majestic Hotel Harrogate Afternoon Tea
Ripon Road, Harrogate HG1 2HU- Victorian 4 Star hotel in the heart of Harrogate
- Choose from Traditional, Prosecco or Champagne Afternoon Tea
- SAVE up to 22%
Scotch Whisky Tasting at Liquor Studio, Leeds
156a Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LY- Sample five premium whiskies from regions in the Scottish Highlands.
- SAVE 15%
Goldsborough Hall Harrogate Luxury Dine & Stay for Two
Church St, Goldsborough, Knaresborough HG5 8NR- Michelin recommended tasting menu
- Former Royal residence
- SAVE up to 24%
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%

Written by
29/11/2024