Top destinations for fine dining in York

Top destinations for fine dining in York

Fine dining in York has never been so accessible and you can guarantee that there will be a restaurant to suit everyone’s tastes, and pockets. The iconic York Minster and Shambles provide a tourist’s paradise and whether you are a first-time visitor or a local wanting to explore more, York is the place for you.

With the perfect blend of informal independents and Michelin Star restaurants, York should be one of your first choices to commemorate that special event, or just treat yourself to a slice of luxury.

Pearly Cow

Set inside one of York’s beautiful boutique hotels, the Grade II listed former Regency townhouse No.1 by Guesthouse, is Pearly Cow. A new delicious addition that’s bringing fresh fine dining to the city. Pearly Cow is devoted to local produce from the land and sea, giving people the purest taste of the wild. 

From slow-farmed meats and sea-fresh seafood to freshly picked produce, they’re celebrating the very best ingredients from across the British Isles too. Its warm and friendly atmosphere and delicious dining make early reservations a must to ensure a seat at York’s latest luxury dining experience.

1 Clifton, York, YO30 6AA – 01904 946299

Legacy at The Grand, York

Legacy at York’s 5-star hotel The Grand, showcases a British and Yorkshire-inspired menu of carefully sourced ingredients, together with one of the city’s best wine lists. Legacy is the perfect place for celebrations and marking special occasions.

With hospitality at it’s core, a gorgeous interior steeped in history and a fantastic tasting menu curated by passionate head chef Ahmed Abdulla, you’re in for a real treat. To put it simply, if you’re looking for a culinary adventure when in York then this place should be at the top of your list.

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

Skosh

When searching for fine dining in York, Skosh is likely to take pride of place in every guide. Comfortable and brightly decorated, this restaurant specialises in light bites, perfect for those who want to sample an array of tastes and flavours.

Skosh has received a number of awards, including Yorkshire Life’s ‘Restaurant of the Year’ swiftly followed by a Michelin Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking. The refined yet uncomplicated dishes allow for a graze as you go approach. Dishes such as lobster and ginger dumplings and teriyaki courgette will transport you to the bustling cities of Japan while still being in the UK. Perfect!

98 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX – 01904 658658

The Rise Restaurant, Terrace & Bar

Offering some of the best examples of British dishes in Yorkshire, this really is a restaurant to add to the dining out wish list. Inside, the restaurant embraces everything that is York, with a softly furnished impressive dining room and an open kitchen. Dining here is designed to cater for every palate. Desserts and wines at The Rise are the perfect ending to your meal.

Spacious hotel rooms also mean that you can fully enjoy all the sights that York has to offer. Formerly the headquarters of the Northeastern Railway, this five-star hotel is steeped in history.

Station Rise, York, YO1 6GD – 01904 380038

Fish and Forest

Situated in the heart of York, this restaurant epitomises the importance of using sustainably caught produce while creating an authentic fine dining experience. A recent addition to the Michelin Guide, Fish and Forest offer a constantly changing menu, in keeping with the produce that can be ethically sourced at the time. Sample dishes include crab tart and succulent venison haunch with beetroot and blackberry jus. With friendly staff and exquisite cuisine, this fine dining restaurant in York is a must for genuine foodies.

110 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX – 01904 220587

Roots

This restaurant, along with its renowned sister establishment, The Black Swan at Oldstead, are both proud owners of a prestigious Michelin Star. Roots offers fine dining in York where guests can just sit back and enjoy themselves. Executive Head Chef Tommy Banks and his team have created a menu centred around local produce. The menu changes with the season, allowing Tommy to use the produce from his Oldstead farm. Coupled with an exquisite wine list, it is no wonder why eatery has won the top prize in the hospitality industry.

68 Marygate, York, YO30 7BH

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa

Recognised with 2 AA Rosettes, Middlethorpe Hall’s elegant dining experience is perfect for those looking for country-house fine dining. Driven by flavour, the award-winning restaurant run by Head Chef Ashley Binder, offers creative menus that are known for drawing fine dining enthusiasts from around the world. Using only the freshest seasonal ingredients, soak up the peaceful views of the gardens and book yourself in for a romantic, candle-lit dinner in one of York’s most beautiful settings.

Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 2GB – 01904 641241

Melton’s

Opened in 1990, Melton’s really is a longstanding destination for fine dining in York. While looking at stunning wall art and relaxing in the informal dining room, your palate is invited to enjoy a feast. Opened by Chef Proprietor Michael Hjort and is now run by Head Chef Calvin Miller. Melton’s prides itself on serving high-quality British cuisine. Refined desserts and quality wines also provide a satisfying ending to a sumptuous meal.

7 Scarcroft Road, York, YO23 1ND – 01904 634341

The Star Inn the City

Acclaimed brasserie-style restaurant, The Star Inn the City can be found tucked away on the banks of the River Ouse in York. Bringing the tastes of the countryside to their dishes, the team happily sources high-quality ingredients from local artisan producers, bringing their modern cuisine to life. Enjoy a magnificent meal paired with a blissful riverside surrounding and satisfy your tastebuds with menu favourites, including seared king scallops, York Gin cured salmon and lemon thyme roasted monkfish.

Lendal Engine House, Museum St, York YO1 7DR – 01904 619208

The Black Swan at Oldstead

This fine dining restaurant is outside of the York city centre but well worth the drive out. With stunning views of the North Yorkshire moors and luxurious accommodation, this is a location to lose yourself in. With a tasting menu offering sample dishes such as raw venison blackberry and bone marrow, lobster tail, and toffee apple tart, its little wonder that The Black Swan at Oldstead has won a host of awards including a Michelin Star, four AA Rosettes and being named as TripAdvisor as the ‘Best Restaurant in the World’.

Oldstead, York, North Yorkshire, YO61 4BL – 01347 868387

Arras

Set in comfortable yet stylish surroundings, this converted Coach House provides one of the best venues for fine dining in York. Arras offers daily A La Carte, lunch, or a 5-course tasting menu with optional paired wines, all featuring seasonal dishes and quality local produce. Owners and chefs, Adam and Lovaine Humphrey have received huge praise from critics both locally and nationally for their superb style of cooking. P.S. Save room for their petit fours, they’re quite a showstopper!

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

Bosun’s

Bosun’s invites their customers to join them in their distinctive restaurant setting, based in an exquisite natural location on the River Ouse in York. They provide a weekday, all-day and Sunday menu, employing cutting-edge cooking methods to produce a modern yet straightforward menu. Using premium locally sourced ingredients is at the core of their ethos. On their menu, you can expect to find Persian-spiced pork fillet, cajun salmon and delicious steaks cooked to perfection.

The Boatyard, Ferry Ln, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2SB – 01904 704 442

The Bow Room at Gray’s Court

Sandwiched between the iconic York Minster and the city walls, the Bow Room restaurant within the stunning Gray’s Court hotel combine to create the perfect oasis of escapism. Bursting with 11th-century charm and modern elegance, the restaurant offers a place for fine dining and relaxing in York city centre. Showcasing the very best local and seasonal ingredients with one of the city’s very best tasting menus.

Chapter House St, York, YO1 7JH – 01904 612613

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