York Restaurant Guide

“A wonderful breakfast with local produce” is to be found at this popular and highly rated deli/café, with a restored Tudor frontage, which the Mannion family first opened as a grocer’s over three decades ago. At other times, charcuterie boards and cheese slates come from the deli counter are the order of the day.

“North African-inspired deliciousness” wins universal acclaim for the market stall Tarik Abdeladim opened in 2015, and the restaurant that followed three years later in Grape Lane. Much of the produce is sourced from nearby Yorkshire farms, and Brew York has even produced branded Los Moros pale ale and lager to complement the flavours of its food.

“An institution for a very good reason, so be prepared to queue” – this “absolute classic” tea shop is a “must-visit” that “always delivers great quality”. The original Bettys was opened in Harrogate in 1919 by Swiss confectioner Frederick Belmont – an era that the group still embodies, and a nationality commemorated in the “really good rösti” still served. The brand has become thoroughly naturalised in Yorkshire over the ensuing century, and York is now its biggest branch – whose only fault is “that it’s always crowded”.

Acclaimed Yorkshire chef Andrew Pern’s city version of his famous Star Inn at Harome (which he spent last year rebuilding after a disastrous fire) has a “lively atmosphere, excellent food, efficient service and good setting” on the River Ouse, making it “ideal for family celebrations”. Its ratings are dragged down by a significant minority of reporters who feel it is “distinctly average in all respects, given the prices charged”.

This “owner-operated pub that’s now basically a restaurant” is noted for its “great steaks”, with cuts sourced from ex-dairy cows in England, Finland and Galicia in Spain that are put out to pasture for two years after retiring – providing ethical beef with a fuller, more developed flavour. “Fantastic wines” complete the deal.

“We went the day after having eaten at The Black Swan and all enjoyed this more!” – “Tommy Banks continues to surprise, amaze and delight in equal measure” at his family’s converted pub in the city centre, which nowadays is the most talked-about place in town, and one of the most commented-on restaurants nationally in our annual diners’ poll. Head chef, Will Lockwood, moved here from The Black Swan in late 2021 and his tasting menus showcase “the Banks ethos of local produce and sustainability”. “Each course is a work of art starting with lots of foraged and locally sourced ingredients”, all “served impeccably in a relaxed manner by knowledgeable and friendly staff” and “complemented by good wine pairings”. “The location even allows a gentle post-prandial stroll along the river bank – assuming York's legendary floods are not present!". The experience is, however, decidedly “not cheap” and as a result even some who rate it as “exceptional” feel it’s “a one-visit-only job”.

A “popular and enjoyable” tapas bar with “helpful staff” and “great Spanish food” (including “very good paella”) which has spin-off branches in York, Leeds and Hull. “What makes it special is the choice of sherries, with several tasting flights offered”.

“So many things to like…” This “attentive small restaurant” is the work of Adam & Lovaine Humphrey, who cut their teeth ‘down under’ and moved to York after 17 years of running restaurants in Oz. Here, “there’s a total of only 18-20 covers, so they have to make each person’s experience a good one”. “The interior is bright, stylish and elegant without being OTT… The same can be said of the staff, plus friendly and efficient”. Foodwise, the culinary style is “interesting and appealing, without being too far out” delivering “a first-class meal at a reasonable price”. “You must leave room for the cheese trolley, personally presented by the chef”. Top Menu Tips – “Superb bread… outstanding rhubarb with the pigeon starter… beautiful venison”.

There are “no airs and graces in this homely little Italian” from Sardinian-born Paolo Silesu – just “great food, friendly service and a lively buzz”. “If you just woke up here, you’d think you were in the back streets of Naples – it’s mad and hectic, but brilliant” – and “totally authentic”.

“A great find in York with superb food paired expertly with wines for a great dining experience” – this Grade II-listed seventeenth-century building in York’s historic centre took two years to renovate when it was opened eight years ago. Chef Tom Heywood provides a four-course and eight-course menu and his cooking is highly rated by reporters. One quibble though – “service is knowledgeable but can be terribly slow”.

“Truly exceptional food” is often reported at this well-regarded bistro, founded in 1990 and still run by “caring owners” Michael Hjort (director of York Food Festival) and his wife Lucy, who manages the front of house. “No pretension and no distracting gloss” are a big plus for its fans. “There may be places that are considered ‘smarter’ and ‘more fashionable’, but none of them hold a candle to Melton’s for a first-class meal.”

“Whilst walking in the area, dropped in for lunch without prior knowledge – what a gem!". Kerry & Martel Smith’s rustic gastropub by the River Ouse, is consistently well rated. “The ambience and friendly welcome make it immediately a winner and that’s cemented with the tremendous cuisine”.

This “cosy, traditionally decorated Polish restaurant in Fossgate” with “very friendly and helpful staff” serves “excellent, heart-warming Polish food” – pierogi dumplings, bigos stew and more – alongside a few excursions into east and western Europe and a classic range of proper breakfast dishes.

One of the North’s better wine bars – this small venue hosts an “amazing selection of wines,” backed up by a “short menu full of really good ingredients and tasty non-standard pizzas”. It’s a spin-off from Le Cochon Aveugle just up the street, whose closure announced last year came at the height of its renown and came as a shock to many. Owner Josh Overington said the Cave would carry on as usual.