Where Chefs Eat: Tommy Bank’s favourite restaurants in Yorkshire

Tommy Banks is an acclaimed British chef with an array of Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurants throughout the Yorkshire region.

The Black Swan at Oldstead, Roots, York and The Abbey Inn, Byland are known for serving exceptional dishes and tasting menus, using the best of seasonal ingredients and local Yorkshire produce.

Tommy tells us: “The Yorkshire hospitality scene is so strong because Yorkshire people really understand the art of service. There’s an ability to be relaxed and welcoming while still having a real eye for detail. It never feels forced, it’s just genuine hospitality done properly.”

We had to ask Tommy some of his must-visit spots, to get an insider’s scoop on where some of the best chefs in our region would head to when they’re on the other side of the kitchen.

Chef Tommy Banks’ favourite Yorkshire dining destinations:

A hidden gem: The Owl at Hawnby

Tommy has deemed The Owl at Hawnby “one of those places that quietly gets on with doing things brilliantly – beautiful setting, great food, and a really warm atmosphere”, which has us completely sold.

The Owl at Hawnby is a gorgeous pub in the North Yorkshire moors, dating back to the 19th century. With intimate, candlelit interiors, this hidden gem serves delicious pub food.

Their menu changes frequently but currently includes roast hake with cider sauce, shaved fennel, parsley & mussels, or a moreish Hawnby venison burger with Ogleshield cheese, bone marrow onions & chips.

This spot even made The Good Food Guide’s list of Top 100 pubs for 2025.

Fine dining: The Star Inn at Harome

We’re not surprised that Tommy selected The Star Inn at Harome as one of his favourite spots for fine dining in the region.

With its recognisable thatched roof, breathtaking interiors and private dining room, The Star Inn has its fair share of awards under its belt.

Securing a Michelin Star and 3 AA Rosettes, chefs Andrew Pern and Stephen Smith offer home-cured Yorkshire hospitality and fantastic tasting menus.

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Proper pub lunch: The Dawnay Arms

The Dawnay Arms is where Tommy would go in search of a proper pub lunch. This pub dates all the way back to 1779, and is situated in the picturesque village of Newton on Ouse, at the gates to Beningbrough Hall, York.

With inviting interiors, this is a proper classic Yorkshire pub, where you can tuck into a roast sirloin of local beef, served with Yorkshire puddings (of course) and all the trimmings.

Breakfast/brunch: Robinsons Café

Robinsons Cafe has become a much-loved spot for tourists and locals wandering down the foodie street of Bishopthorpe Road in York.

Brunch classics, a real community feel and freshly squeezed orange juice – the queue speaks for itself.

Some of the fluffiest American-style pancakes, generously smothered in caramel, candied nuts and banana or a dollop of homemade berry compote.

We, like Tommy, have of course had to try these for ourselves, which you can see below!

 

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So, Tommy has shared with us his shortlist of top Yorkshire spots to visit. Have you tried many for yourself?

Keep an eye on our openings guide, so you can be the first to try the newest restaurants in Yorkshire.

The biggest new restaurant openings coming to Yorkshire