Top destinations for fine dining in York
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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 stunning backdrop to an evening of fantastic food and drink. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a local wanting to explore more, we have the list for you.
@yorkshirefoodguide HUNTING FOR YORKSHIRE’S BEST HIDDEN GEMS | PT. 8 💎 Located in York within a Georgian building, Pearly Cow is full of warm character. You’ll find them serving up indulgent cuts of meat and the freshest fish. We were super impressed by all the flavours and each dish was beautifully presented. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: 🦪Tempura oyster, garlic aioli, nori seaweed 🍽️ Hand diced scallops, black truffle, roasted cauliflower 🥩36oz Côte de Boeuf 🦆Salt-aged Thirkleby duck 🍮Sticky Toffee Pudding Soufflé 🍫Valrhona Chocolate Tart You need to make this your next date night spot! ❤️ #YorkshireFoodGuide #YorkRestaurants #York #PearlyCow #FineDining #Steak #Yorkshire ♬ Life Will Be – Cleo Sol
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
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.
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
Bosun’s at The Riverfront
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.
Using premium locally sourced ingredients is at the core of their ethos. On their menu, you can expect to find pork tomahawk, confit poached salmon, slow-cooked short rib and delicious steaks cooked to perfection.
Perfect for the sunnier evenings ahead, Bosuns even has their own boats, so you can enjoy a pre-dinner tipple on the river before your meal, for a real celebratory treat.
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The Boatyard, Ferry Ln, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2SB
SORA
York is renowned for its fine dining hotspots, and SORA is no different. This fine dining experience features mix-and-match small plates of delicious sushi, robatayaki and plenty of other pan-Asian-inspired tapas dishes from Sticky Pork Belly to Ponzu and Wasabi Scallops.
Situated on the seventh floor of the trendy Malmaison hotel, enjoy your fine dining experience accompanied by amazing views of the city’s stunning skyline.
They do handcrafted cocktails too, with a pan-Asian twist you won’t be able to resist.
2 Rougier St, York, YO09 1UU
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.
98 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX
The Rise Restaurant, Terrace & Bar
Situated in York’s only five-star hotel, The Grand, The Rise is an AA Rosette-awarded restaurant, which offers a refined but comfortable fine-dining experience.
With some of the best examples of British dishes in Yorkshire, The Rise has a spacious, open kitchen offering an immersive, social dining experience.
The location is perfect for those visiting the city, just a stone’s throw from the train station, and a short walk from the Museum Gardens too.
Station Rise, York, YO1 6GD
Hotel Du Vin
The Hotel Du Vin is an early 19th-century boutique hotel just down from the city’s historic walls, renowned for its luxurious but contemporary feel.
Attentive staff serve French-inspired dishes with a modern blend, using only the best ingredients to create carefully curated dishes. Their sommelier is always ready to advise, guide, and match a perfect wine or champagne, too.
89 The Mount, York, YO24 1AX
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 offers 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
Roots
Under the direction of head chef and Great British Menu North East winner Will Lockwood, Roots is a Michelin-starred restaurant with spectacular, seasonal tasting menus.
Using fresh, foraged produce from their Oldstead farm, Roots offers a Core Tasting Menu and a Seasonal Tasting Menu, as well as a Sunday menu for a delicious fine-dining feast.
Coupled with an exquisite wine list, it is no wonder that this stunning restaurant 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
Melton’s
Opened in 1990, Melton’s really is a longstanding destination for fine dining in York, and prides itself on serving high-quality British cuisine.
This cosy spot continues to be featured in The Michelin Guide, and has two AA Rosettes.
Opened by Chef Proprietor Michael Hjort and is now run by Head Chef Calvin Miller, with Lucy Hjort being behind the eclectic wine lists on offer.
There’s stunning wall art in their informal dining room, making it a gorgeous date night spot.
7 Scarcroft Road, York, YO23 1ND
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.
Enjoy a magnificent meal paired with a blissful riverside setting and satisfy your tastebuds with menu favourites, including seared king scallops, York Gin cured salmon and lemon thyme roasted monkfish.
The Star Inn the City boasts gorgeous views of the riverside, and plenty of outdoor terrace seating to enjoy a pre-dinner drink ( or two).
Lendal Engine House, Museum St, York YO1 7DR
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.
Their tasting menu offers sample dishes such as raw venison, blackberry and bone marrow, lobster tail, and toffee apple tart.
It’s 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’s ‘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 à 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
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Written by
02/06/2025