Best Places to Eat in York - the ultimate guide for foodies
Looking for some of the best places to eat delicious food in York? Well look no further, York is the ultimate destination for foodies and has it’s fair share of amazing places to wine and dine. Home to an abundance of independent eateries with popular hotspots serving up every cuisine imaginable, York really does showcase some of the finest places to eat.
Discover independents, treat yourself to a wonderful fine dining experience, or indulge in some British classics at one of York’s real gourmets- there’s something for all tastes.
York has a truly great offering when it comes to places to eat, tantalise your taste buds with every cuisine you could wish for and discover some of the amazing street food that York has to offer. Whether you are looking for somewhere to eat with friends, a romantic dinner for two or somewhere for a special occasion, we’ve got you covered, here’s a quick guide of some of the best places to eat in York for a excellent dining experience.
The Ivy
2 St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 8QP
The Ivy is the perfect place to visit all year round, especially for an evening of celebrations with your loved ones.
Combining a sophisticated, luxurious and relaxed ambience you really can’t go wrong with The Ivy. Offering an all-day dining experience in the heart of the city on St Helen’s Square, showcasing a delightfully delicious menu with a huge selection of British comfort food and international dishes available.
The menus range from morning until night to include lunch, light bites, dinner and weekend brunch, with a range of lovely vegan and vegetarian options. So whether you are visiting for a shopping trip with a friend, or enjoying a staycation with someone special, only The Ivy will do.
The Star Inn The City
Lendal Engine House, Museum Street, York YO1 7DR
Only a stone’s throw from York train station, the Star inn the City has an enviable riverside location with enchanting views onto the River Ouse. When the sun is shining, you should definitely take advantage of their outdoor terrace and seating area. It really is the place to be when catching those rays and enjoying a nice glass of something chilled.
Michelin starred chef Andrew Pern heads up the Star Inn the City, with sister restaurants in Harome and Whitby, you can expect excellent quality dishes made from fresh local produce, adding a little bit of the country into the city. A real foodie favourite in the heart of the city and one of my favourite places to eat. We have eaten there a couple of times and on both occasions, the service, food and ambience have been outstanding. The staff are really attentive and friendly and nothing is too much trouble. The menu changes to follow the seasons but you can expect the very best every single time.
The Whippet Inn
North Street, York, YO1 6JD
With a mix of open brickwork, period features and subtle lighting the Whippet Inn offers a personable and comfortable atmosphere for tourists and locals alike. Located on North Street within the city walls the decor is stylish and quirky. With an interesting menu you can expect the best of locally sourced produce. Specialising in steak, they also do some great sharing board and delicious starters. I’d recommend to try the Green Pea Panna Cotta, a wonderfully delicious dish that was beautifully presented, light and full of flavour. A real hidden gem, The Whippet Inn should definitely be on your list of places to visit.
Ambiente Tapas
Fossgate: 31 Fossgate, York , YO1 9TA
Goodramgate: 14 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LQ
A small chain of independents in York, Leeds and Hull, Ambiente offers gourmet tapas in a friendly and relaxed environment.
Ambiente is well established in York, as well as the original restaurant in Goodramgate, they also have another brasserie in one of the cities hidden gem’s of Fossgate. You’ll find an open kitchen on the ground floor, with a stylish and modern decor.
A family friendly place, with a varied menu and plenty of delicious tapas dishes to choose from. Think caramelised chorizo and potato, calamari, tiger prawns and mussels. They also do an amazing chicken, chorizo and seafood paella for the ultimate sharing experience.
Image credit: Ambiente Tapas
The Rise Restaurant, Terrace & Bar
Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
Based at one of York’s finest and only 5 star hotels, The Grand, York. The Rise restaurant offers a relaxed dining option, creating an immersive and social experience for guests. With modern interiors designed with York’s local heritage in mind, you can enjoy an evening of indulgence at York’s most luxurious address. Offering a wonderful selection of locally sourced produce and serving the best seasonal ingredients, The Rise offers a Yorkshire twist on British favourites, diners can also expect a range of local beers and ales, a hand selected wine offering and signature cocktails. It is easy to see why The Rise is one of the best restaurants in York.
Image credit: The Grand, York
Skosh
Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
A real favourite in the heart of the city’s Micklegate, Skosh is a popular restaurant serving contemporary British cooking in a comfortable and informal setting. A michelin awarded restaurant offering a selection of tapas style dishes specialising in light bites and perfect for those who want to try a little bit of everything. Skosh is the perfect place to visit if you are wanting to stay central, with equally fantastic food.
Roots
Marygate, York, YO30 7BH
Roots is the only restaurant in York with a Michelin Star and should definitely be at the top of the list for special occasions. Owned by chef Tommy Banks, Roots is a delightful establishment just across from the River Ouse. Sat in a beautiful historic tudor building, serving an exquisite tasting menu experience with a unique “farm-to-fork” philosophy using the best quality produce from local suppliers.
Image credit: Roots, York
The Lamb and Lion Inn
High Petergate, York, YO1 7EH
Only a stone’s throw from York Minster and just beyond the entrance of Bootham Bar, the Lamb and Lion is rich in character, with simple and authentic interiors and has one of the best beer gardens in York. With a relaxed and cosy atmosphere, it is the perfect place to unwind after a day’s shopping or exploring the local area. During the cooler months, dine in a winter wonderland in one of the garden igloos with blankets, heaters and rugs to keep you warm. Here you can enjoy modern British pub food and I’d definitely recommend trying the steak with “proper” chips!
The Bow Room at Gray's Court
Gray’s Court Hotel, Chapter House Street, YO1 7JH
Positioned in an ideal location, situated right next to the Minster The Bow Room at Gray’s Court is the perfect place for a special occasion. Dishes are beautifully presented and centre on the highest quality with locally sourced and sustainably grown food from their own kitchen garden. Enjoy dinner in sumptuous surroundings right in the heart of York.
Image credit: Gray’s Court
Le Cochon Aveugle
Walmgate, York, YO1 9TX
Le Cochon Aveugle is French for “The Blind Pig” and is situated in the heart of York on Walmgate. Offering a unique dining experience, guests are served a blind tasting menu at once. An award winning French style bistro serving a selection of dishes using fresh locally sourced produce, it is on the must do list for most York foodies. Le Cochon Aveugle is one of the most highly regarded restaurants in York and has been named in the National Restaurant Awards.
Melton's
Scarcroft Road, York, YO23 1ND
One of York’s leading fine dining restaurants, enjoy modern British dishes in a relaxed environment. Melton’s shares a commitment to home cooking and sources the best of local and seasonal produce and has an excellent reputation. They have over 120 wines to suit every taste and budget. Melton’s is featured in all the major food guides and has a rating of five in the Good Food Guide.
Image credit: Melton’s
Sora Sky Bar
Rougier Street, York, YO90 1UU
Sora Sky Bar, which sits up on the seventh floor of the Malmaison hotel is easy going, elegant and most certainly a prominent landmark of York. With incredible views over the city and of the Minster, the menu consists of sushi and pan Asian style tapas dishes. Every weekend you can enjoy performances from resident DJ’s and guest musicians and is the perfect place to meet up with friends or enjoy a romantic night out.
The Cut and Craft
St Sampson’s Square, York, YO1 8RN
Nestled in the quaint corner of St Sampson’s Square, the Cut and Craft offer a vast selection of delicious dishes including their signature flat iron steak, craft burgers, wings, ribs and a great vegetarian selection. The Cut and Craft has an informal, yet sophisticated vibe and once you have been you will definitely return.
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