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Best restaurants in York

York is a city full of history, packed with cultural highlights – and the city’s vibrant culinary scene is one of the brightest jewels in York’s crown. Once you’ve wandered the historic walls, climbed Clifford’s Tower and shopped along the Shambles, no doubt you’ll be ready for something delicious to eat.

Luckily, whether you’re looking for a five-star dinner destination or a more casual spot for a meal with friends, York definitely doesn’t disappoint. Here are our picks of the best restaurants in York, combining the best of local ingredients, inspired menus and stunning surroundings.

1. Partisan

Tucked away on Micklegate is one of York’s best restaurants for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The eclectic interior feels a bit like an antique shop full of hidden gems – and that’s exactly what it is. You can buy just about everything you see at Partisan, and they host regular exhibitions for local and national artists. But forget about the antique chairs – you’re here for the food.

Partisan serves up some of the best coffee in York, with a regularly rotating menu of pastries, bakes, and sweet treats, all baked in-house. But their varied, all-day breakfast and lunch menu is the real star here. The menu is seasonal, using homegrown produce where possible, and truly varied.

We guarantee nothing will set you up for a day of shopping and sightseeing better than a serving of shakshuka – a full skillet of baked eggs, spicy tomatoes, roasted peppers and feta. There’s also a stunning vegan breakfast that’s a cut above the usual breakfast options, with scrambled rose harissa tofu, tempeh and Chimichurri. Already had lunch? Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday you can enjoy an evening meal at Partisan, too – enjoy their delicious dinner dishes by the warm glow of candlelight.

Partisan: 112 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX

2. Star Inn The City

A classic York restaurant, Star Inn The City has a prime location perched alongside the river Ouse. Inspired by chef Andrew Penn’s Michelin-starred success at the Star Inn at Harome, the Star Inn the City aims to bring “a little taste of the countryside to the city”.

Settle down on the riverside terrace and enjoy scrumptious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. With an AA Rosette for culinary excellence, a feature in the Michelin Guide, and a prestigious Open Table Diner’s Choice award, there are plenty of reasons to recommend the Star Inn.

Their all-day menu changes with the seasons, introducing new options alongside perennial favourites like their Chianti braised ox cheek with saffron risotto. And if you’re in York over a weekend, the Sunday lunch is a must. Pick from a classic Sunday roast or try the rotating sample of seasonal picks – just remember to save room for dessert!

With a good list of wine pairings and plenty of nibbles and starters on the menu, the Star Inn is one of the best restaurants in York if you’re looking for a chilled catch-up with friends over a long, luxurious lunch, watching the boats sail down the river.

Star Inn The City: Lendal Engine House, Museum St, York YO1 7DR

3. Fish & Forest

Fish & Forest might look and feel like a cosy neighbourhood bistro, with unpretentious surroundings and a laidback atmosphere, but don’t let the chilled vibe fool you – there’s a lot going on behind the scenes, and the casual air didn’t stop owner Stephen Andrews from winning a Michelin star in 2022.

Fish & Forest is all about sustainable, local, foraged food. Taking inspiration from the vibrant Yorkshire countryside, forests, and sea, you’ll find creative dishes that are always based on what’s in season. 

It’s so seasonal in fact that the menu is written out fresh on their chalkboard each day, so while we can’t recommend anything specific, you can expect to find delicious fish, fowl and game dishes, perfectly paired with a solid wine list. Check out their Instagram for an idea of what’s fresh, and look forward to fresh crab from Whitby, Lindisfarne oysters, and sustainably sourced vegetables, herbs, and game from small local farms.

Fish & Forest: 110 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX

4. York Minster Refectory

Established inside the former York Minster School, York Minster Refectory is run day to day by Joshua Brimmel, executive head chef at the Star Inn the City. Expect a modern take on traditional British and French classics with seasonal produce. The Refectory caters for everything: grab a bite of breakfast, pop by to pick up a take-out sandwich as you explore the cobbled streets of York, or stay in for more formal evening dining.

The menu is varied and delicious, with mains like a classic chargrilled loin of Yorkshire venison while even the sides are mouthwatering – try the Vichy Chantenay carrots with tarragon butter, but make sure you leave room for dessert with treats like the ‘Minster Mess’, a fresh take on the timeless Eton Mess.

York Minster Refectory: 2 Deangate, York YO1 7JA

5. Melton’s

If you’re looking for a tried-and-tested York restaurant that’s practically an institution, Melton’s is a classic pick for traditional British fine dining with a cosy feel. You can expect a warm welcome, comfy furnishings, and an elegant but intimate atmosphere.

Food and service are the top priorities here. The 3-course set menu is always available, but we have to recommend the full Yorkshire tasting menu – it changes seasonally depending on the delicious local produce that’s available, with a matching wine flight.

Speaking of which, if you’re a wine connoisseur, you won’t find many restaurants in York with a wine cellar better than this. There’s a wide-ranging and eclectic wine list, with over 120 options carefully curated by original owners Michael and Lucy Hjort since 1990.  

Melton’s: 7 Scarcroft Rd, York YO23 1ND

6. Skosh

Travel around the culinary world without ever stepping foot outside of the city walls by paying a visit to Skosh on Micklegate. Skosh’s small plates and snacks are a glorious medley of influences from around the globe, combining traditional British cooking with everything from Japanese flavours to traditional French cuisine.

The quality and variety of dishes on show earned Skosh a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022, celebrating excellent cooking at great value under £30 – and with plates starting from just £4, dinner at this charming little York restaurant is a treat you can afford to indulge in!

You can choose to pick from the plates as you go, or have it served as a tasting menu. Again, the menu changes frequently, but past winners include char siu pork or the ‘hen’s egg’ with seasonal cheeses.

Skosh: 98 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX

7. Spark:York

Out for lunch with a big group, or just fancy something a little different? Head to Spark:York. Created from upcycled shipping containers, Spark:York is an outdoor community space that’s home to multiple independent traders and food start-ups. Their fresh market-style approach means you can try everything from buttermilk burgers to bagels, and arancini to ramen – perfect for picky eaters.

There’s also a great range of drink options, like Piccadilly Tap’s range of natural wines, the dedicated spritz bar, craft beer classics at The Outpost, and York’s smallest bar, Boho. If that’s not enough options for you, make sure you check out our guide to the best bars in York.[EP1] 

Spark:York: 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB

8. Rattle Owl

A York classic, Rattle Owl is housed in a Grade II-listed 17th-century building. Rattle Owl specialises in casual dining inspired by modern British cuisine – their tasting menus celebrate local ingredients and Yorkshire traditions with optional drink pairings for each dish, and you’ll meet chef Adam Jackson and his team as they serve up their dishes.

You can now also dine at the Tansy Beetle Bar, offering a sustainable menu of snacks and mains, with everything from adventurous picks (try the venison tartare and bone marrow on toast) to casual bar snacks like olives, charcuterie and olives. Rattle Owl is also famed for its legendary two or three-course Sunday roasts, one of the best in York.

Rattle Owl: 104 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX

9. Roots

For a truly memorable fine dining experience, make a reservation at the Michelin-starred Roots on Marygate. Chef-owner Tommy Banks and his family established the Black Swan in Oldstead to huge acclaim, and (true to the name) his second Michelin-starred restaurant is a continued celebration of their farming roots.

Located in a historic Tudor building across from the river, Roots is one of the best restaurants in York. Roots focuses on farm-to-fork food, with produce coming from the kitchen’s garden as well as the chef’s own parents’ farm. Enjoy the gastronomic tasting menu, with three ‘seasons’ a year – each season has its own menu, based on rotating themes: the hunger gap, time of abundance, and preserving. Sounds like an excuse for a repeat visit!

Roots: 68 Marygate, York YO30 7BH

10. Los Moros

For incredible North African dishes, warming flavours and an even warmer welcome, head on over to Grape Lane to Los Moros. Originally a stall in the historic Shambles, Los Moros has since spread its wings into a bona fide restaurant in the heart of York– though the stall is still there in the Shambles food market, and it remains an essential spot if you need to refuel mid-shopping trip.

Owner Tarek Abdeladim has created a truly welcoming space, with twinkling fairy lights and rich tapestries on the walls. The food is delicious and authentic – their merguez sausages, falafel and hummus are all made on-site – so get cosy and try a little bit of everything.

Los Moros: 15-17 Grape Ln, York YO1 7HU

York’s culinary scene is a tapestry of diverse flavours that’s as rich as the city’s long history. With a focus on local Yorkshire ingredients, sustainable practices, and global influences, it’s truly a food lover’s paradise waiting to be explored – so why not plan in a long weekend visit and book one of our holiday lettings in York?

For more inspiration for things to see and do, head on over to our blog, where you can discover the best brunch spots in Harrogate, or make some plans at the best rooftop bars in Leeds.

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