14 of Our Favourite Restaurants, Pubs, Cafés and Tearooms in York
The medieval history and the grand Minster are not the only highlights in York - there are also plenty of foodie hotspots to try
Bosun’s Restaurant
The Boatyard, Ferry Lane, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2SB
01904 704442
bosunsrestaurant.co.uk
Bosun’s iconic riverside restaurant and terrace location is enough to draw you in, but it’s the food and fabulous service which will keep you coming back here. Using innovative cooking techniques to create a contemporary yet honest menu, where locally-sourced seasonal ingredients are at the heart of the dishes, expect the likes of cajun salmon fillet with paprika potatoes, Persian spiced pork and campfire seabass on the menu. Try their popular Sunday roasts but be sure to leave room for dessert – the salted caramel delice with honeycomb tuile is fantastic.
Ate O’Clock
13a High Ousegate, York YO1 8RZ
01904 644080
ateoclock.co.uk
In the heart of York, nestled down an arched alleyway draped in fairy lights, Ate O’Clock is the perfect place for a romantic date, get together with friends or a quick lunch in between seeing the sights. Choose from a wide selection of options on the à la carte, set or lunchtime menus, including steaks, burgers and traditional dishes, all created with high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. The cocktail menu is also a hit, with our favourite being the raspberry and rhubarb martini.
Dyls Café Bar
Skeldergate Bridge, York YO1 9WJ
dylsyork.co.uk
Overlooking the River Ouse and Clifford’s Tower, this contemporary café and bar inside the iconic Motor House serves delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes. When the weather is fine, take a seat on the riverside terrace and order one of the speciality cocktails to sip on – our favourite is the Summer Cup – and if you get a little peckish order a few light nibbles to snack on too.
Forage Bar & Kitchen
2–4 Little Stonegate, York YO1 8AX
01904 437564
forageyork.com
This neighbourhood restaurant and late-night bar just moments from the cobbled streets of Stonegate is where you’ll find contemporary European cuisine cooked over fire. Locally-sourced and foraged ingredients are the focus here, giving dishes fresh, exciting and eco-friendly flavours – think coffee-rubbed pork chop, roasted artichoke hummus and honey and khadafi pastry halloumi. After dinner, head upstairs and go behind the bookcase to discover the hidden speakeasy and enjoy the same cleverly crafted cocktails in an intimate setting.
Fish & Forest
110 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
01904 220587
fishandforestrestaurant.com
This neighbourhood bistro, recognised by the Michelin Guide, serve seasonal and sustainable fish, game and foraged foods in their relaxed and welcoming restaurant. Stephen Andrews leads a team of chefs who create dishes inspired by the land and sea, so expect ingredient-led and sustainable dishes such as venison with a red wine jus, reaper butter plaice and wild garlic parfait on the ever-changing menu which is written on the restaurant’s blackboard.
The Grand, York
Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
01904 380038
thegrandyork.co.uk
With a heated garden terrace which is perfect for al fresco dining, and interiors inspired by York’s local heritage, The Rise restaurant within The Grand serves modern British cuisine prepared in the open kitchen. Indulge in a quintessential afternoon tea or enjoy signature serves at The 1906 Bar, and The Cookery School at The Grand offers classes for all skill levels with expert tutors. Legacy is our highlight though. Head chef Ahmed Abdalla creates seasonal modern British and Yorkshire-inspired tasting menus alongside an exceptional wine list, all served in an iconic setting.
Howl
7 Castlegate, York Y01 9RN
01904 207057
howlyork.co.uk
Down a picturesque cobbled street in the heart of York, this intimate and relaxed independent wine bar offers a respite from the bustling city centre. Serving only natural wines, Howl has a low-intervention, sustainable ethos that extends to the farm-to-table style menu of seasonal small plates of British produce. Expect the likes of charcuterie and cheese alongside olives and freshly baked bread. Their friendly service and an approachable attitude to wine has made this newcomer a favourite with in-the-know locals.
Guy Fawkes Inn
25 High Petergate, York YO1 7HP
01904 623716
guyfawkesinnyork.com
Drama and character are both on the menu at this gaslit medieval inn, which stands in the shadow of York Minster and was the birthplace of the notorious Guy Fawkes. You’ll find a blend of classic and modern British AA Rosette pub food created with local produce. Order the bangers and mash followed by sticky toffee pudding from the Conspirators’ Menu.
Partisan
112 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
01904 629866
partisanuk.com
A vibrant, independent coffee shop and licensed bar where breakfast, brunch and lunch plates are served every day of the week, alongside fabulous afternoon teas. The menus change seasonally as the team of chefs work with local producers and growers wherever possible, as well as using their own herbs and flowers grown at their farm on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds.
Spark: York
17–21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
sparkyork.org
This outdoor community space in the heart of the city is home to some of York’s most exciting start-ups working in food, retail, arts and social enterprise. Rad Pizza shop is where to head for forward-thinking slices created with local and seasonal ingredients, or try Clucking Oinks for mouthwatering buttermilk fried chicken burgers and strips, Tiro for delicious Sicilian street food or Deadly Venoms for tasty tacos, burritos and nachos. Wash it all down with a cold pint or creative cocktail at one of the many bar traders across the venue. And if you’re simply looking for coffee and cake, Inema Caffe have you covered.
Pearly Cow
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA
01904 946299
pearlycow.co.uk
In a Georgian building full of warm character, the Pearly Cow gives diners a taste of the wild as the team of chefs are devoted to respecting what thrives nearby. Sourcing only the best produce from the land and sea, the menu is split between fire (with dishes cooked over their open-flamed Mibrasa grill) and ice (celebrating the finest locally-sourced seafood and fish). Sunday roasts are a highlight here with award-winning, high-quality meats served with gravies, vegetables, sauces and stuffings – plus there’s always a tasty non-meat option and decadent desserts to devour.
Skosh
98 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
01904 634849
skoshyork.co.uk
Chef-owner Neil Bentinck opened his inaugural restaurant in the summer of 2016, offering contemporary British cooking with an international influence in the style of snacks and small plates. If you head down to Micklegate, you can watch him preparing delicious dishes that fuse Indian flavours with English and Japanese modernism in the open kitchen.
Roots
68 Marygate, York YO30 7BH
rootsyork.com
This is the city venture from Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks, whose family-run restaurant, The Black Swan at Oldstead, was rated the best in the world by TripAdvisor in 2017. Under the direction of head chef Will Lockwood, the focus here is on exceptionally high-end ingredients used to create modern dishes that nod towards their traditional Yorkshire roots.
York Minster Refectory
Deangate, York YO1 7JA
01904 307399
yorkminsterrefectory.co.uk
Offering all-day dining, this new city centre restaurant inspired by the seasons and Yorkshire’s brilliant pantry of food and produce is run by Joshua Brimmell, alongside Andrew Pern who oversees menu development. The food here combines traditional British flavours with a new take on Anglicised French classics – think carpaccio of Yorkshire venison with garden beetroots and braised oxtail in a beer broth, followed by granny’s tipsy sherry trifle.
