Looking for Brunch in York? Girl About York, Laura, serves up her recommendations…

The Ivy, St Helen’s Square

Located in the heart of the city on St Helen’s Square, The Ivy offers more than just your average brunch spot. With its elegant setting, it’s perfect for everything from laid-back morning catch-ups to stylish weekend brunches. The menu has something for everyone, from full English breakfasts and eggs Benedict to indulgent pancakes and timeless brunch cocktails. Brunch is served between 11am and 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays.

St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 8QP

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Brew and Brownie

Only a short stroll from the River Ouse and Museum Gardens, Brew & Brownie is an Instagram-worthy café celebrated for its cosy atmosphere, artisan coffee, and famous stacks of pancakes. The menu is a real crowd-pleaser, featuring fluffy American-style pancakes with your choice of fillings, indulgent brioche French toast topped with seasonal flavours, eggs royale, and sourdough toast piled high with bacon, avocado, or halloumi. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options too. It’s a popular spot, so be sure to arrive early or be prepared to join the queue.

Museum Street, York, YO1 7DT

Image credit Brew and Brownie

Partisan

Partisan, a charming independent café and arts centre on Micklegate, is loved for its creative menu that caters to every palate. Serving breakfast and brunch daily, the line-up ranges from shakshuka and chicken shawarma to sobrasada and chorizo on toast. The focus is on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, with plenty of indulgent options too – think eggs Benedict, French toast, and a tempting selection of sandwiches and toasties.

Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX

Image credit – Partisan

Robinsons

Just beyond the city walls, Robinsons welcomes guests with its warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and cosy interior. Known for serving some of the best brunches in York, the menu is packed with generous and flavoursome dishes. From granola and croque madame to towering stacks of American pancakes with your choice of toppings. For brunch lovers, Robinsons is a must-visit, delivering an experience that never disappoints.

7 Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 1NA

Visiting York? Read Laura’s round-up of the best places to stay in the city. From 11th century properties, to luxurious spa hotels, there’s something for everyone. 

Pig and Pastry

Situated on Bishopthorpe Road, The Pig & Pastry has long been a favourite brunch spot in York, loved for its welcoming atmosphere, excellent coffee, and locally sourced food. With its warm, communal vibe and beautifully executed dishes, it’s the perfect place for a cosy catch-up with friends. The menu is both creative and comforting, featuring Turkish eggs, spinach pancakes, and chorizo with scrambled eggs on toast, alongside classics like buttermilk waffles, eggs royale or benedict, hearty sourdough toasties, and full English breakfasts.

35 Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 1NA

Black Wheat Club

Brunch at Black Wheat Club showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients served alongside homemade breads, pastries and specialty coffee. Expect house-baked sourdough and breakfast buns paired with simply delicious toppings such as soft scrambled eggs, salt beef with sauerkraut and brown-butter hollandaise, goats cheese omelettes and nourishing porridge bowls. With its relaxed atmosphere, attention to detail and celebration of local produce, Black Wheat Club has quickly become one of York’s standout brunch spots.

52 Fossgate, York, YO1 9TF

Image credit Black Wheat Club

Bettys

When it comes to iconic brunch experiences in York, Bettys is as quintessentially Yorkshire as it gets. Set in a beautiful building on St Helen’s Square, Bettys pairs classic British tearoom charm with a menu that covers breakfast and brunch-friendly options like cooked breakfasts, smoked salmon-topped dishes, freshly baked breads and pastries served alongside a pot of expertly brewed tea or coffee, all delivered with attentive service in an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere.

6 – 8 St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 8Q

Rise

Rise, tucked away at 44 Fossgate, is a welcome addition to York’s brunch scene – and it certainly makes an impression! From it’s Instagram-worthy décor, (think bold colours and vibrant lighting) and a bright and airy atmosphere it’s the perfect place to catch up with friends over good food. You’ll find several egg-centric dishes, Eggs Benedict or Royale, poached eggs and avocado on sourdough toast, and notably their Turkish Eggs (a twist with tomato & sweet potato in some versions). Sweet options include acai bowls, French toast and granola. If you want a brunch spot that looks good, feels lively, and serves up excellent food, Rise is well worth a visit.

44 Fossgate, York, YO1 9TF

Image credit Rise

The Old Liquor Store

If you’re looking for somewhere special for brunch in York, you’ll want to check out The Old Liquor Store. Housed in the Grade II–listed former Terry’s Chocolate Factory on Bishopthorpe Road, it’s a restaurant that combines history with modern charm and exceptional food. The brunch menu features a tempting mix of classics from crushed avocado on toasted sourdough and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs to hearty full English breakfasts. There’s also a great selection of sandwich options and breakfast butties featuring locally sourced bacon or sausage served on a soft milk roll.

Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 1FT

Image credit Old Liquor Store

Heavenly Desserts

Brunch at Heavenly Desserts is a truly indulgent experience. Renowned as York’s go-to spot for luxurious sweet treats, it offers a stylish setting perfect for a leisurely weekend meal. Their Brunch Society menu is served daily until 4pm and features highlights such as Keralan spiced beans on sourdough, bacon and egg croffles, and their signature chai and pecan granola. Pair your dish with a choice from their tempting selection of hot and cold drinks, including signature smoothies and expertly crafted barista coffees.

17 Blake Street, York, YO1 8QJ

Image credit Laura Grayson

By Laura Grayson

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