The 16 Best Restaurants In York

February 08, 2021

York is a storybook city, with a dramatic gothic cathedral, medieval stone walls, and narrow cobblestone streets. Food lovers flock to York city centre, which has a diverse restaurant scene serving cuisine from around the globe, using fresh local produce, as well as perfecting the traditional British favorites.

Read below to discover our pick of the 16 best restaurants in York.

TAAS Restaurant

TAAS Restaurant
TAAS Restaurant, York

Tikka masala is one of the favorite dishes in England and TAAS Restaurant is the ideal place to get one in central York. It’s just a few minutes walk from York Minster so it’s a perfect place to fill up after a day of shopping in the town.

The tastes of the Himalayas inspired its owners to create a vibrant and mouthwatering menu. Perfectly seasoned lentil dishes are loved by vegetarians. Butter chicken and lamb rogan josh melt in your mouth. Healthy salads and grilled fish bring freshness to your table.

Shambles Market

Shambles Market, York
Shambles Market, York

Although not a restaurant, The Shambes market made our list of the best restaurants in York because of all the great eating options available. The Shambles Market is a vibrant market in York that is open every day of the year. With more than 70 vendors and its own food court, there is something for even the pickiest eater here. Send your kids to Doghouse, where they can buy gourmet hot dogs while your partner heads to Pizzoli’ for flavorful Silician food. While they are choosing your dishes, you might go to Nukkad for Indian cuisine. You will want to keep returning to try every food stand.

Depending on the time of day, a coffee stall and a wine bar are on-site to quench your thirst. You can easily spend your whole day here, eating and then browsing the artisan goods sold here by local artists.

There is something for every taste and budget in York. The contagious spirit of food innovation in the city means that even the most casual diners serve some of the most delicious and one-of-a-kind dishes. Although the streets and buildings are brimming with history and things to see, your best memories of York may end up being the food. That's our pick of the best restaurants in York, what do yuo think? let us know at the bottom of the page.

The Pig & Pastry

The Pig & Pastry
The Pig & Pastry, York

If you want a delicious breakfast or homebaked goods in a cozy locale, try The Pig & Pastry. This neighborhood cafe serves brunch that fills you up, from buttermilk waffles and a gluttonous fry up. Their award-winning sandwiches come with mouthwatering combinations and are served with their homemade chutney. Vegetarians won’t feel left out, between the bacon dishes there are tasty meatless options.

If you just want a snack or something sweet, their pastry counter is full of buttery treats. A little outside patio is a perfect place to have a cup of tea or coffee and watch the people of York walk by.

http://thepigandpastry.com/

Skosh

Skosh
Skosh, York

Small plates with a distinct British foundation inspired by countries around the world define Skosh. Added to the 2020 Michelin Guide, this bespoke eatery is known for simple luxury. The building is decidedly modern, with big windows, an open kitchen, and a bright airy feeling in the dining room.

Stop by for a snack or make a multi-course meal by ordering several small plates. Try their roast pork belly with vindaloo sauce, it’s one of their standout pieces. Their wine and beer list is varied and well stocked with regional varieties.

Betty’s

Betty’s
Betty’s, York

If you want to experience the quintessentially British pastime of afternoon tea, Betty’s in York is the only place to go. Betty’s has been a British institution since 1919 and they have kept the old traditions alive. The service here is outstanding and the littlest details are thought of. While everyone else is chasing the latest fads, Betty’s remains distinctly traditional.

Sit at a beautifully decorated table and enjoy your pastries, cakes, sandwiches, and tea. Finish your afternoon off with a refreshing glass of champagne. This is the place to go when you want a real treat in a historic location.

The Star Inn The City

The Star Inn The City, York
One of the most romantic views in the city

With a large terrace overlooking the River Ouse, This could be the most romantic location in York. Located in an old brick-walled engine house with views of the Lendal Bridge and Tower, The Star Inn the City has a menu full of British comfort food made with care and gourmet ingredients.

Seasonal game and Yorkshire raised cattle are the stars of the menu. Freshly caught fish is brightened up with citrus or given a deeper flavor by smoking. Leave room for their hand-crafted desserts which are designed to be decadent. Order a bottle of local wine and watch the sunset over the river for an unforgettable dinner in York.

The Sea Catcher

The Sea Catcher, York
The Sea Catcher, York

You can’t make a list of the best restaurants in a UK city without adding where to get crispy fish and chips. The Sea Catcher is located in the heart of downtown York and is a local favorite. This family-owned business cares about being a part of the local community and only serves quality food with friendly service. The potatoes are locally grown and the fish is always fresh and sustainably caught.

You can easily eat a filling lunch here for less than £10. Tea, coffee, and ice cream are also served for those wanting a sweeter snack. The Sea Catcher is counter service only with take-out options and a comfy seating area.

Melton’s

Melton’s
Melton’s, York

Melton’s is the place to go for a special occasion. This is classic fine dining at its best. The focus is on serving modern British food and using only local, seasonal produce and meat. An emphasis on good service and its intimate dining room make this an unmatched experience. Try their tasting menu, where every dish is better than the last.

Their wine cellar is stocked with some of the best fine wines. Ask about pairings with your dishes to bring your meal to another level.

Sotano

Sotano
Sotano, York

If you are in the mood for something Mediterranean, head to the Latin quarter of York to Sotano for authentic Spanish tapas. Here you can taste ham croquettes, grilled octopus, and charcuterie boards with the finest Spanish meats. The atmosphere is casual with low lighting and attention to detail. To top it all off, the prices are more than reasonable.

An upstairs dining room leads to a basement bar. The drink menu has hand-crafted cocktails and a wide selection of craft beers designed to pair well with your dishes.

Pairings

Pairings
Pairings Wine Bar, York

Any wine lovers looking for a pace that centers their menu around wine instead of treating it as an afterthought are in luck at Pairings. They carefully selected the best fine wines and spirits and then planned the menu around them.

Order a flight or a food pairing for the full experience. Boards and platters featuring the tastiest regional meats and cheeses make up the bulk of the food menu. Dessert wines also pair nicely with buttery shortbreads and gooey brownies.

Shambles Kitchen

Shambles Kitchen
Shambles Kitchen, York

Shambles Kitchen is named after the medieval street it’s located on. With leaning windows and overhanging buildings looming over the sidewalk, this street has a distinctly whimsical look and is a popular destination. There are a lot of tourist-heavy shops in the area, so Shambles Kitchen stands out as a favorite spot for locals.

Their sandwiches are overflowing with house-smoked meat and smothered with secret recipe sauces. Daily vegan soups are hearty and fill you up on a chilly day. Stop here for some seriously good food after exploring the historical part of the city.

The Hairy Fig

The Hairy Fig
The Hairy Fig, York

Step into The Hairy Fig, a tiny cafe that is proud to serve appetizing meats from their deli stand and savory dishes to your table. With truffle salami, creamy cheeses, and home-made savory pies, you will want to try everything on the menu.

The aromas of artisan coffee fill the air and make you crave one of their warm, homemade pastries. There aren’t very many seats, so you may have to sneak in for a table if you want to taste one of their delicious Yorkshire ham quiches. The wait is worth it for the cozy feeling and artisan food.

Guy Fawkes Inn

Guy Fawkes Inn
Guy Fawkes Inn, York

Sitting in the shadows of the iconic York Minister is Guy Fawkes Inn Restaurant. This city was the birthplace of the infamous Guido Fawkes and the inn is an homage to him. The dining room is very atmospheric and welcoming. Diners eat under the dim lights of gas lamps and candles while the floor and tables are crafted from rustic hardwood.

The dishes are traditional British favorites with modern attention to detail. The produce is local and fresh, with seasonal dishes using the best food from the area. Their steak pie and Sunday roasts are notable knockout dishes.

Cafe No. 8 Bistro

Cafe No. 8 Bistro
Cafe No. 8 Bistro, York

Located on Gillygate in the heart of the historic city of York is Cafe No. 8 Bistro. The streets around it are bustling with shoppers but as you head inside, you will discover the secret garden, surrounded by the city’s fortified walls, in the shadow of the grand York Minster.

The dishes are modern British with a contemporary twist. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner so there’s never a bad time to go. Locals rave about their roast dinners, with choices of lamb and beef or a choice of vegetarian options.

Delrio’s Restaurant

Delrio’s Restaurant
Delrio’s Restaurant

Located just outside of the center is one of the best Italian places in York. Delrio’s Restaurant is a great choice for those who don’t feel like eating the typical British dishes for dinner yet again. Owned and ran by Delrio himself for the past 27 years, this restaurant serves Sardinian style pizzas and pasta.

The dining room is located in a candlelit cellar and is the ideal place for a romantic evening out. Order a bottle of wine, forget about your troubles, and be transported to Italy.

The Rattle Owl

The Rattle Owl, York
The Rattle Owl, York

One of our favourite restaurants in York, The Rattle Owl sits inside a lovingly renovated 17th-century building. Its basement still houses Roman remains, a true symbol of York’s long history. The chef changes the menu seasonally, showcasing the region’s best organic produce and meat.

Locals come here for a proper Sunday roast, which serves beef and mutton cooked to perfection. In the evenings, try one of their carefully crafted tasting menus. Ask your server which organic wine would best complement your meal. This is a gourmet experience served with no pretension.

Le Cochon Aveugle

Le Cochon Aveugle
Le Cochon Aveugle, one of the best restaurants in York

Le Cochon Aveugle is a modern restaurant located on Walmgate in the ciy of York. The European restaurant has primarily French influences, and serves a tasting menu which changes frequently. There is no fixed menu, so patrons come back time after time and are always guaranteed something new. The restaurant focuses on enjoyment, sharing and trying new things.

Overseen by Josh Overington from the open-plan kitchen, Le Cochon Aveugle focus on high quality fine dining, with friendly and efficient service. The restaurant features over 200 wines, specially selected for the retaurant and the sister wine bar, Cave du Cochon. Advance rexervations are strongly recommended as the restaurant does get booked up in advance.

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