Steeped in history and with many beautiful attractions, this famous northern city has always attracted plenty of visitors, but now they’re coming for more than just the sights. Foodies will know that York has not just one or two but a whole raft of outstanding restaurants within and outside its famous city walls, from small independents to iconic chains, that are well worth venturing up from London for.
Modestly-proportioned though it is, York’s draws are many, from the magnificent Minster, to the Diagon Alley-like Shambles and Jorvik Viking Centre, which means you’re bound to work up an appetite wandering around. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants in York in which to rest your weary feet and enjoy some exceptional grub. Most are fine dining restaurants which are naturally a little pricier than average, but we have included a couple of wallet-friendly gems too.
Le Cochon Aveugle
What: Small, unassuming, and tucked away down one of the city’s quieter streets, this incredible restaurant is a must for any visiting (or resident) foodie. Aptly named, Le Cochon Aveugle deals solely in ‘blind’ tasting menus (four or six courses with optional wine pairings), which are modestly-priced given the quality, and make for a wonderfully relaxed and indulgent evening.
The interiors are nothing special but the skill of the chefs is, meaning dishes as simple as scallops with butter are exceptional. For those keen to witness the magic happen, counter dining is available at no extra cost.
Where: Le Cochon Aveugle, 37 Walmgate, York, YO1 9TX
Arras
What: Bold murals, wavy walls and blue lighting mark this former coach house out from the cosy establishments that dominate York’s food and drink scene, but it’s the stand-out quality of the food that we love. Inventive canapés, deliciously moreish bread and a range of starters, mains and desserts that promise to wow in every respect are what make Arras a destination for serious gastronomes.
Wine enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either thanks to the impressive 200-plus bins on the carefully-crafted list (though be warned: most are only available by the bottle). The daily lunch menu is particularly good value as just £22 for two courses.
Where: Arras, The Old Coach House, Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PW
Skosh
What: Skosh is neither big nor flashy, and yet you’ll always find it near, if not at the top of review websites and locals’ list of their favourite restaurants in the city. The reasons for this are many, though super-friendly staff and wow-factor food are probably the most important two. Small plates influenced by international flavours are the essence of Skosh, so expect a palate-teasing menu full of creativity.
The buzzy vibe of the place, which is located on the western edge of the city, is genuinely welcoming making it as good a shout for a catch up with friends, as for a celebration dinner or date. Be sure to reserve a table though as it’s always fully booked.
Where: Skosh, 98 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX
Roots
What: Sitting pretty at number 25 in our guide to the UK's Top 100 Restaurants, this second restaurant from Chef Tommy Banks of the Michelin-starred Black Swan at Oldstead (number 19) has proved an instant hit with locals and visitors alike since it opened last year. Everything on the seasonal menu revolves around fresh produce grown and foraged on the family farm, which is then lightly handled in order to allow each flavour to shine.
As you might expect, prices are on the steep side, but the numerous accolades Roots has already received should quell any objections to splashing out. Whether you visit during ‘The Hunger Gap’, ‘The Time of Abundance’ or the ‘Preservation Season’, we guarantee your meal from one of the quirkily-named menus will be something special.
Where: Roots, 68 Marygate, York, YO30 7BH
The Rattle Owl
What: Located just a little way up the road from Skosh, close to York’s historic Micklegate Bar, this smart bistro is another lesser-known gem that is well worth a visit. The focus here is very much on the quality of the food, wine and service rather than over-the-top interiors, though that’s not to say it isn’t cosy.
Fresh ingredients abound on the concise, seasonal menu and each dish is crafted with care. The wine list is similarly changeable, with a nice ‘wine of the week’ section for those who prefer to leave such decisions to those in the know. Prices are up there with other fine dining restaurants, but quality shouldn’t – and doesn’t – come cheap.
Where: The Rattle Owl, 104 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX
Los Moros
What: There’s plenty of competition when it comes to the best North African and Middle Eastern restaurants in London, but there’s a clear winner in York, and that is Los Moros. Since graduating from a street stall in the Shambles Market to a permanent restaurant last year, this modern kitchen has been serving up mouth-watering plates of homemade delights, such as falafel, hummus and Merguez sausage to its many fans.
Here the owners take pride in supporting local independent businesses from the region, so anything that isn’t pickled, preserved or made in-house is sourced locally, from fish, meat and bread to tea and beer, meaning it’s all as fresh as can be. The owners sum up Los Moros as “special food without the song and dance”, and we couldn’t agree more.
Where: 15-17 Grape Lane, York, YO1 7HU
Hudson's at The Grand
What: The clue is in the title with this one, which is very definitely grand. Housed within York’s only five-star hotel, Hudson's is a destination for occasion dining (unless you’re fabulously wealthy of course) on account of its opulent surrounds and pricey tasting menus.
The five- and nine-course set menus change with the seasons and, like all fine dining restaurants worth their salt, make full use of locally-sourced and foraged ingredients presenting a collection of modern British dishes. Drinks will help to ratchet up the bill, but if it’s fancy dining you’re after, you can’t go wrong here.
Where: Hudson’s at The Grand, The Grand Hotel, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GD
Bettys York
What: A favourite of our Editor, this quintessential Yorkshire tea room is a must-visit for visitors to York. Most associate Bettys with afternoon tea – and it does do a mean one – but there’s a whole menu of savouries for lunch and dinner, from Yorkshire rarebits to omelettes and salads, in addition to its sweet offering.
Queues are inevitable, but anyone who wants to sample an English tradition that has all but vanished ought to persevere.
Where: Bettys York, 6-8 St Helen's Square, York, YO1 8QP
Mumbai Lounge
What: Like many fantastic Indian restaurants, Mumbai Lounge does away with any bells and whistles (its website is eye-stabbingly bright and its décor bland), but excels when it comes to superior cuisine. With a whole range of regional specialities, from Uttar Pradeshi achari to Bengali zalfrey, plus all your classic curries, sides and sundries, the menu at Mumbai Lounge promises to please.
Prices are slightly higher than a local Indian takeaway, but then this joint is located less than a minute’s walk from York’s oldest and most-popular street, the Shambles, on trendy restaurant-filled Fossgate. The ample space inside means you can often get away without booking, though as Mumbai Lounge is a favourite among locals for celebration meals, there’s always a chance you might not.
Where: 47 Fossgate, York, YO1 9TF
The Star Inn the City
What: If you’ve heard of The Star Inn, Harome, Andrew Pern’s Michelin-starred gastropub near Helmsley (which has maintained a coveted spot in our guide to the UK's Top 100 Restaurants), you’ll know that this city pub is well worth a visit. Housed in the beautifully-restored Engine House within the city’s Museum Gardens, this stylish all-day eatery majors in rustic dishes that make the best of Yorkshire’s produce. Think fancy comfort food.
The interiors are cosy, the terrace is the perfect spot for gazing out over the river on a warm day, and the staff are charming. Prices are as you’d expect – on the high side – but quality is a given.
Where: The Star Inn the City, The Engine House, Museum Gardens, York, YO1 7FR
Dyl’s
What: Housed in the iconic Motor House overlooking the River Ouse, this family-run café-restaurant-bar is as cosy as it is quirky. Twinkling fairy lights adorn the perennially popular waterside terrace, from which views of the now-ruinous keep of York’s medieval Norman castle can be enjoyed throughout the day and evening.
Dyl’s is big on all things local and fresh, so whether it’s an early breakfast on a misty morning, weekend brunch, lunch with friends or late night nibbles and wine, you’re certain to find a great selection of seasonal dishes and drinks.
Where: Skeldergate Bridge, York, YO1 9WJ
The Restaurant at Middlethorpe Hall
What: Set inside one of Yorkshire’s most glamorous country house hotels, the restaurant at Middlethorpe Hall is spectacularly fancy – a bit like how we’d imagine dining at Downton Abbey would be. Smart waiters appear at the slightest head raise, while drapery, candles and an abundance of cutlery help set the scene for very fine dining indeed.
Prices are eye-watering, but overnight packages including dinner and are a great way to sample the delights conjured up by the expert chefs here, and mean you don’t have too far to walk after a meal that promises rich fare and excellent wine. A treat for sure, but a very satisfying one.
Where: Middlethorpe Hall, Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 2GB
For more outstanding restaurants around the UK, check out our round-up of the UK’s Top 100 Restaurants