York is an amazing place to visit, with many historic landmarks and fun attractions to visit during your stay. If you are visiting this beautiful part of England, then you will no doubt want to eat out during your time in this fabulous city. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best restaurants in York to help you choose.
Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted many restaurants and hotels in the city, so some of the venues we have previously reviewed individually on this site or covered in our list of the best hotels in York are now out of business. For example, the Park Restaurant at Marmaduke’s Townhouse Hotel has permanently closed its doors, as has Café Rouge, which suffered when the Bella Italia chain went into liquidation.
However, there are still plenty of outstanding York restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal in a fantastic atmosphere. Here are our recommendations for the best restaurants in York for you to visit during your stay.
The 20 Best Restaurants in York
1. Skosh: One of the Best Restaurants in York for International Flavours
Skosh is a contemporary small plates restaurant that serves tapas-style food. The dishes take inspiration from cuisines from around the world, including Japanese, Spanish, American, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Diners sit at a stainless steel bar and can watch the chefs prepare the dishes. The restaurant receives consistently high reviews from diners.
- Address: 98 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX
- Telephone: 01904 634849
- Website: http://www.skoshyork.co.uk/
- Opening hours: Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, open for lunch service from 12 noon to 2 pm Wednesday to Saturday and from noon to 4.30 pm Sundays.
2. Melton’s Restaurant
If you want to go somewhere special for a celebration of a romantic meal, then Melton’s is a good option. It is an intimate restaurant that is run by chef Michael Hjort and his wife, Lucy. The menu consists of high-end, refined European food. There is also the option to choose the five-course tasting menu.
- Address: 7 Scarcroft Road, York, YO23 1ND
- Telephone: 01904 634341
- Website: http://meltonsrestaurant.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/tastingmenu.pdf
- Opening hours: Closed Sunday and Monday, open 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm Tuesdays, Open 12 noon to 2 pm then 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm Wednesday to Saturday
3. Le Cochon Aveugle: One of the Best Restaurants in York with Tasting Menus
Le Cochon Aveugle is unusual in that it does not have a menu. It is a degustation/ tasting menu style restaurant that serves four or eight-course meals. When you arrive, the servers ask if you have any special dietary requirements, such as wheat or dairy allergies, and they then bring you a series of dishes. The restaurants signature dish is a black pudding macaron, but the dishes available change according to the seasonal availability of ingredients.
- Address: 37 Walmgate, York, YO1 9TX
- Telephone: 01904 640222
- Website: https://www.lecochonaveugle.uk/food/
- Opening hours: Closed on Monday and Tuesday, open 6 pm to 9 pm Wednesday to Saturday, open for lunch 12 noon to 1.30 pm at weekends
4. The Orchid Vegan Restaurant: One of the Best Restaurants in York for Vegans
The Orchid Vegan Restaurant is one of the best vegan restaurants in York. The food at this vegan restaurant in York is so good that the venue even attracts non-vegetarians. Most of the dishes on the menu are Asian fusion vegan dishes, and there are plenty of options. It is also a reasonably priced establishment, so it is ideal for those looking for cheap York restaurants.
- Address: 16 George Hudson Street, York, YO1 6LP
- Telephone: 01904 625855
- Website: https://orchidvegan.com/menu
- Opening hours: Open from 5 pm to 9.30 pm every day except Tuesday when the restaurant is closed
5. Rattle Owl
Rattle Owl combines the old and the new, as it is a grade II listed building with the remains of a Roman road in the cellar, but it has been updated with glass ceilings that flood the restaurant with light. Jamie Hall, a Michelin-trained chef, is at the helm of this York restaurant. The menu consists of sophisticated dishes that change seasonally and make the most of local ingredients.
- Address: 104 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX
- Telephone: 01904 658658
- Website: http://www.rattleowl.co.uk/
- Opening hours: Closed on Monday and Tuesday, open from 6 pm to 9.30 pm Wednesday to Friday, then 12 noon to 2 pm and 6 pm to 9.30 pm on Saturday, and 12 noon to 6.30 pm Sundays
6. Mumbai Lounge: Best Restaurant in York for Indian Cuisine
Mumbai Lounge is one of the best Indian restaurants in York, and it has also made it onto our list of the best Indian takeaways in the city. The interior of this York Indian restaurant has colourful Indian décor, and diners can enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. There is a diverse range of regional Indian dishes on the menu, and there are options to suit all tastes in terms of spice levels. This restaurant consistently receives high ratings from diners.
- Address: Mumbai Lounge, 47 Fossgate, York, YO1 9TF
- Telephone: 01904 654155
- Website: http://www.mumbailoungeyork.co.uk/main_dishes/index.html
- Opening hours: Open 5 pm to 10 pm seven days a week
7. Partisan
Argentinian Florencia Clifford and her husband Hugo, a farmer, run Partisan. The menu consists of International dishes, including South American cuisine, Korean dishes, and Middle Eastern options. There are also baked goods, an all-day breakfast, and a good selection of tea and coffee. Due to the menu’s diversity, there is something for everyone. The interior of Partisan is warmly decorated and features antiques, all of which are for sale.
- Address: 112 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX
- Telephone: 01904 629866
- Website: http://www.partisanuk.com/menu
- Opening hours: 9 am to 3 pm seven days a week
8. The Mulan Chinese Restaurant: The Best Restaurant in York for Chinese Food
If you are a fan of Asian cuisine, then one of the best Chinese restaurants in York is The Mulan Chinese Restaurant. The restaurant first opened its doors to the public in 1989, so it has become one of the best established Chinese restaurants in York. Despite being so popular and receiving excellent reviews, it is an affordable place to eat. It is also possible to get food to take away from The Mulan Chinese Restaurant, so it tops our list of the best Chinese takeaways in York.
- Address: The Mulan Chinese Restaurant, 3 Tower Court, Oakdale Road, York, YO30 4YL
- Telephone: 01904 692268
- Website: http://www.themulanchineserestaurant.co.uk/index.html
- Opening hours: Closed on Mondays, Tuesday to Saturday from 12 noon until 2 pm and then 5 pm to 11 pm, and Sundays from 12 noon until 10 pm
9. Sara Danesin at St. John’s
Have you ever wondered what happens to the former contestants of MasterChef after they have spent weeks competing to impress judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace? One of the finalists from 2011 is Sara Danesin, and she went on to set up her own supper club in York as well as working as a chef and a cookery teacher after the cooking competition. She has opened her Victorian home to host the supper club three times a month, and she usually serves Italian cuisine. As the setting is her personal home, it is a venue where you must book in advance.
- Website: https://www.saradanesinmedio.com/
- Opening hours: Varied, usually three nights a month
10. Café No. 8: One of the Best Restaurants in York for Bistro food
One of the most popular dinner spots amongst the locals is Café No. 8. It is a bistro-style establishment that is also open for breakfast and lunch service at the weekends. Despite the excellent standard of the food, Café No. 8 is reasonably priced. There is a walled garden where customers can dine alfresco in good weather.
- Address: 8 Gillygate, York, YO31 7EQ
- Telephone: 01904 653074
- Website: http://www.no8york.co.uk/
- Opening hours: Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, open from 5 pm to 10 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from 5 am to 10 pm on Saturdays, and from 12 noon to 4 pm on Sundays
11. Los Moros
Shambles Market is one of the most popular attractions in York, and there are many food vendors who cook food for the customers who visit the historic market. Los Moros began trading in this market before getting new premises just a few blocks away on Grape Lane. Los Moros serves Levantine street food, such as halloumi with chermoula, Persian saffron chicken wraps, and handmade merguez sausages. Every meal comes with a free mint tea.
Address: 15-17 Grape Lane, York, YO1 7HU
Telephone: 01904 636834
Website: https://www.losmorosyork.co.uk/
Opening hours: Closed on Sunday and Monday, open for lunch service from 12 noon to 2 pm Tuesday to Friday, for dinner service from 6 pm to 9 pm Tuesday to Thursday and 6 pm to 10 pm on Friday, and from 12 noon to 10 pm on Saturday
12. Source: One of the Best Restaurants in York for Meeting Friends for Lunch
From the outside, Source looks like a traditional café thanks to its lattice window. However, the vibe is funky once you step over the threshold. Most of the dishes on the menu are American style, such as bowls of nachos, plates of pulled beef or pork, and fried chicken. The bread is amazing, and it comes from the local Bluebird Bakery. It is one of the best restaurants in York for lunch with friends.
- Address: Coppergate Shopping Centre, 1 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RN
- Telephone: 01904 676000
- Website: N/A
13. The Block: Best Pizza Restaurant in York
If your idea of food heaven is eating freshly prepared pizza with your choice of topping, then one of the best restaurants in York is The Block, which is close to York Minster. At this small restaurant, all the pizzas are handmade, and customers can choose from a wide selection of meat and vegetarian toppings. The Block also serves draught beer, and you can order pizzas to takeaway.
Address: 54 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LF
Telephone: 07876238017
Website: https://theblockyork.wixsite.com/mysite
Opening hours: Closed on Tuesday, then opens at 12 noon every other day. Closes at 6 pm Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 pm Thursdays and Fridays, 10 pm Saturdays, and 5 pm on Sundays
14. Delrio’s Restaurant The Best Italian Restaurant in York
For fans of Italian cuisine, the best York restaurant is Delrio’s Restaurant. The restaurant is set in a cellar with vaulted brick alcoves. It serves a menu of Italian dishes with a Sardinian influence. This restaurant is a reasonably priced option, and the portions are generous.
- Address: 10-12 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AE
- Telephone: 01904 622695
- Website: http://www.delriosrestaurant.com/our-menu/
- Opening hours: Closed on Sundays and Mondays, open from 5.15 pm to 10 pm Tuesday to Saturday
15. Corner Grill House
Meat lovers enjoy dining at Corner Grill House, which is close to the Jorvik Viking Centre. It is a casual restaurant with a warm and friendly vibe. There are both a la carte and fixed price menus, and the focus is on grill platters.
- Address: 9 Walmgate, York, YO1 9TX
- Telephone: 01904 654201
- Website: https://cornergrillhouse.co.uk/menu/
- Opening hours: Open 5 pm to 10 pm Monday to Saturday and 5 pm to 9.30 pm Sundays
16. The Blue Barbakan: One of the Best Restaurants in York for Polish Cuisine
Due to The Blue Barbakan’s popularity, it is best to book a table in advance. It is a Polish restaurant in York that serves traditional Polish dishes that are all freshly prepared on the premises. In addition to the amazing food, there is a wide selection of wine and beer to accompany your meal, including some Polish craft beers. The dining room has a rustic feel with wooden tables and striped linen.
- Address: 34 Fossgate, York, YO1 9TA
- Telephone: 01904 672474
- Website: http://deli-barbakan.co.uk/food-drink/
- Opening hours: Open for breakfast, and lunch service from 9 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, then 5.30 pm to 9 pm on Monday and 5.30 pm to 10 Tuesday to Friday and 5 pm to 10 pm on Saturday. On Sundays, the restaurant is open from 10 am to 9 pm.
17. Rustique: The Best York Restaurant for French Cuisine
Fans of French cuisine should dine at Rustique, which is a rustic French bistro in York. It is an opportunity to try some traditional French delicacies, such as snails or frog’s legs, and to savour the delicious flavours of French cuisine. Diners can order a la carte or opt for the set-price menu, both of which are reasonably priced.
Address: 28 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RP
Telephone: 01904 612744
Website: https://www.rustiquerestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/castlegate-rustique/
Opening hours: 12 noon to 10 pm Monday to Saturday, and 12 noon to 9 pm Sunday
18. Ate O’Clock: The Best Mediterranean Restaurant in York
There is an unusual clock theme to go with the name of this restaurant, as the exposed brick interior is decorated with clocks, all of which are set to eight o’clock. Ate O’Clock is a Mediterranean restaurant in York with a diverse menu consisting of meat, seafood, and vegetarian options. The restaurant has received praise for its ambience and excellent customer service. Another bonus is that it has consistent opening hours and is one of the few York restaurants open seven days a week.
Address: 13A High Ousegate, York, YO1 8RZ
Telephone: 01904 644080
Website: https://www.ateoclock.co.uk/menu
Opening hours: 12 noon to 10 pm seven days a week
19. Arras
Modern British cuisine is what you can expect when dining at Arras, which is set in The Old Coach House. This restaurant serves sophisticated tasting menus that showcase British ingredients, cheese, and wine. It is one of the pricier options in York, so it is one to save for a special occasion. However, the lunchtime tasting menu has a lower price, so this is the time to visit if you have a limited budget.
- Address: The Old Coach House, Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PW
- Telephone: 01904 633737
- Website: http://www.arrasrestaurant.co.uk/
- Opening hours: Closed on Sunday and Monday, open for lunch from 12 noon to 2 pm Wednesday to Saturday, and for dinner service from 6 pm to 9 pm Tuesday to Saturday
20. Pairings Wine Bar
Pairings Wine Bar is not your typical wine bar, as it provides a unique food and drinks pairing experience, so it is one of the best places to eat out in York if you like wine. It serves small plates and charcuterie boards and offers cheese and wine pairings. This wine bar in York has a refined and grown-up vibe but is also relaxed and informal.
- Address: 28 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RP
- Telephone: 01904 848909
- Website: https://pairings.co.uk/book-a-table/
- Opening hours: Closed on Wednesday, open from 12noon to 11 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and open from 11 am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Do you agree with our choices for the best restaurants in York? If you have your own recommendations for the best places to eat out in York, then please leave a comment in the section below.