Best Restaurants in Helmsley

Just off the picture postcard marketplace, Pignut brings something different to Helmsley’s thriving dining scene. Previous Head Chef at the Rattle Owl in York, Tom Heywood, opened Pignut, in Helmsley in June 2023 with his partner and sommelier Laurissa Cook.

With an intimate and inclusive setting with only 14 seats, you can watch Chef Tom and his team curating dishes in their open kitchen. They have reimagined fine dining with a commitment to sustainability and innovation, showcasing an 8-course tasting menu or 4-course lunch, that changes regularly throughout the seasons and depending on what produce is available. Pignut is certainly one of the best Helmsley restaurants.

12 Bridge St, Helmsley, York YO62 5DX – 01439 770955

Don’t miss our Pignut Tasting Menu and Champagne offer – Save 22%

The Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa is a secluded luxury retreat that boasts a unique Mediterranean terrace and heated outdoor pool. All year round, people can dine outside on the terrace or indoors in front of the open fires. Join them and dine from their A la Carte menu, their exquisite six-course tasting menu or indulge in a traditional afternoon tea in the heart of Helmsley.

From the summer months through to the winter nights, at the Feversham Arms, it’s all about tasting new flavours and sampling something different inside one of the best Helmsley restaurants.

Inside The Weathervane, Head Chef Jon Appleby provides diners with a truly memorable meal. Celebrate Britain’s food heritage with their seasonally-driven menus, with ingredients selected from the region’s best producers and suppliers.

1-5 High St, Helmsley, York YO62 5AG – 01439 770766

Following on from the success of their York restaurant, they have restored and renovated a former interior design shop in Helmsley in their typical ‘Mannion Style’, creating another unique venue. With Helmsley Castle as a spectacular backdrop visible from every window, daily ‘specials’ boards and Champagne available by the glass, what’s not to like about this impressive lunchtime eatery?

On their menu, you can expect to find French Onion Soup with Cheesy Croutons, the Mannion & Co Full English Breakfast, Harissa Roasted Cauliflower and mouthwatering sandwiches like Back Bacon, Brie & Chutney and Feta, Houmous and Olives.

5 Castlegate, Helmsley, York YO62 5AB – 01439 770044

La Trattoria on Market Place is an Italian restaurant, inspired by traditional family cooking. Bringing the authentic taste of Italian life to the heart of Helmsley, this bistro, cafe and cocktail bar all rolled into one is the ideal place to enjoy the best of Italy right in the centre of town.

Here you can expect the finest ingredients, traditional recipes and freshly prepared dishes made by a passionate team. Serving food all day with dedicated brunch, lunch and dinner menus, visit La Trattoria to indulge in small plates and wine with your friends, pop in for a quick coffee and Italian pastries or tuck into dinner with a loved one in the evening.

17 Market Pl, Helmsley, York YO62 5BL – 01439 771044

Found within the Helmsley Walled Garden is an independent, family-owned cafe, The Vinehouse Cafe. The casual spot is perfect for those who want to pop in for a quick coffee or enjoy a leisurely lunch with beautiful garden and castle views.

Their appetising menu changes with the seasons, so expect everything from feta and green bean frittata, homemade salads or lamb rump on flatbread, to hearty soups and mouthwatering pies. If a light, bright and friendly cafe is your scene, this is a top Helmsley restaurant.

Helmsley Walled Garden/Duncombe Pk, York YO62 5AH – 01439 771194

Being so much more than a 16th-century coaching inn, The Feathers Hotel is the perfect stop-off while exploring the very best of North Yorkshire and beyond. From their warming fires in the winter to the large courtyard in the summer, it’s somewhere to enjoy all year round.

Their chefs combine their love and passion for food, creating comforting dishes. Their tempting menu includes everyday staples like Yorkshire Ale Battered Fish & Chips, seasonal mains, grazing and sharing plates like Crispy Breaded Whitebait plus light and healthy dishes. Better yet, their Sunday roasts include Overnight Roasted Topside of Beef, Yorkshire Pork Loin, Honey & Orange Glazed Gammon, complete with all the ultimate trimmings.

Market Pl, Helmsley, York YO62 5BH – 01439 770275

This neighbourhood restaurant serves up delicious, imaginative food from scratch that is paired with low-intervention wines, all within an informal setting. The menu reflects their ethos and the environment, as they choose small independent growers as locally sourced as possible.

This airy, friendly Helmsley restaurant plates up fresh, unfussy, Mediterranean-influenced dishes that are all full of flavour and ideal for sharing. Their daily specials are based on seasonality and availability. Most recently, their menu features Chalk Stream Trout Tartare, Roast Monkfish, Beef Shin Ragu and Ricotta Agnolotti.

8 Bridge St, Helmsley, York YO62 5BG – 01439 770479

Now fully reopened after its major fire back in 2021, this much-loved 14th-century inn is welcoming diners old and new. Found on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, just 5 minutes outside of Helmsley, The Star Inn at Harome serves modern British dishes made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients such as North Sea fish and fresh herbs from their own kitchen garden.

Headed up by renowned Yorkshire chef Andrew Pern, the Michelin Starred restaurant Star has remained a firm favourite for fine food lovers who return again and again. If you’re picturing the perfect country pub, with a thatched roof in a quaint village, The Star Inn At Harome will spring to mind. Dishes include Pan-fried Foie Gras, Black Treacle Venison, Roasted Salt-aged Duck with Apricot and Yorkshire Rapeseed. Celebrated as one of the best Helmsley restaurants.

Main St, Harome, near Helmsley YO62 5JE – 01439 770397

Overlooking the picturesque village of Harome is a beautiful country hotel, The Pheasant and one of the best Helmsley restaurants. Dine inside this 2 AA Rosette awarded restaurant where you’ll enjoy delicious dishes created by their passionate and talented team. With a grand dining room, airy conservatory, relaxing lounge, cosy bar or sheltered terrace available, a warm welcome awaits you at The Pheasant.

Their A la Carte menu features Lindisfarne oysters, Dressed Crab with Caviar and Rose Veal Fillet. A tasting menu is also available for £95pp or join them for a mouthwatering Sunday lunch where roasted 60-day aged sirloin and lamb shoulder is served up alongside all the trimmings.

Harome, Mill St, York YO62 5JG – 01439 771241