15 perfect restaurants in York, United Kingdom
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
Welcome to the delightful city of York, where history meets gastronomy! Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure as we uncover the 15 best restaurants that will make your palate dance with joy. From charmingly quirky venues to elegant fine dining establishments, this article will guide you through a gastronomic journey full of delicious surprises. So, loosen that belt buckle and get ready to indulge in the culinary delights this charming city has to offer!
Save destination1. Melton's Restaurant
7 Scarcroft Rd, York YO23 1ND, UK
Welcome to Melton's Restaurant, a gastronomic gem nestled in the heart of York. Prepare to embark on a journey of culinary excellence where flavor sensations wait to tickle your taste buds. With its cozy ambiance and charmingly mismatched décor, Melton's is like that quirky aunt who surprises you with lip-smacking dishes even if she can't find her reading glasses. As you step inside, be prepared to enter a realm where food reigns supreme. Melton's is a culinary haven for epicureans seeking a delightful, mouthwatering adventure. With a menu that boasts innovative dishes like Yorkshire pudding overflowing with juicy prime rib and fish and chips served with an unexpected twist, this restaurant has mastered the art of combining tradition with culinary surprises. But it's not just the food that will make your visit memorable; it's the experience as a whole. Picture yourself laughing with fellow food enthusiasts while trying to decipher the mysterious ingredients in each dish. Whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a catch-up session with friends, Melton's combines top-notch cuisine with a sense of lightheartedness that will leave you smiling long after the last bite.
Learn more2. Skosh
98 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX, UK
Nestled in the heart of York, Skosh is a culinary gem that will have your taste buds dancing a jig. This vibrant eatery boasts a modern and oh-so-instagrammable ambiance, where you can indulge in a delightful array of “skoshes” (aka small plates) that will leave you wondering if you've accidentally discovered the Bigfoot of flavor. The serving sizes are just right – not too much, not too little – giving you the perfect opportunity to share the dishes with your friends or be a true food hog and savor each and every bite.
Learn more3. The Star Inn The City
Lendal Engine House, Museum St, York YO1 7DR, UK
Welcome to The Star Inn The City, where the combination of delightful cuisine and a charming riverside location will leave you questioning whether you're in the heart of York or a secret utopia for foodies. Prepare to be dazzled by the exquisite menu, lovingly crafted by culinary artists who seem to have smuggled a dash of magic into every dish - it's like Hogwarts meets a Michelin star. Don't be surprised if you start believing in the transformative powers of food after just one heavenly bite; trust us, the only thing missing here is a Hogwarts acceptance letter.
Learn more4. Pairings Wine Bar
28 Castlegate, York YO1 9RP, UK
Welcome to York, where history meets wine! If you find yourself wandering through the charming streets, don't miss Pairings Wine Bar, a delightful spot that combines your love for vino with the city's undeniable charm. Nestled in a cozy corner, its knowledgeable staff will guide you through an extensive selection of wines, helping you pair them with a cheese platter that will make your taste buds dance like nobody's watching. Just be careful not to get lost in the velvety reds, or you might end up passionately reciting Shakespearean sonnets to your glass!
Learn more5. The Whippet Inn
15 North St, York YO1 6JD, UK
Welcome to The Whippet Inn, a delightful blend of history, charm, and carnivorous tendencies nestled in the heart of York. With a name that sounds more like a dog race than a gastropub, this quirky establishment promises a dining experience you won't soon forget. Step inside and prepare to be greeted by an ambiance that screams "pub" louder than an enthusiastic football fan, and a menu that boasts a carnivorous feast so grand, vegetarians might consider adopting a pseudonym to escape scrutiny.
Learn more6. Rustique
28 Castlegate, York YO1 9RP, UK
Nestled in the picturesque streets of York is Rustique, a quaint and charming restaurant that makes you believe time has stood still in the most delicious way. With its rustic decor, exposed brick walls, and mismatched furniture, dining here feels like stepping into a whimsical time warp where your taste buds are the main time travelers. From their hearty Yorkshire puddings to their tantalizing seafood dishes, Rustique offers a culinary experience that will leave you wondering if you accidentally stumbled into a secret foodie paradise instead of merely choosing a place to eat.
Learn more7. Le Cochon Aveugle
37 Walmgate, York YO1 9TX, UK
Welcome to Le Cochon Aveugle, a delightful gem nestled in the charming city of York, where culinary excellence and quirkiness collide! Prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other, where pigs truly fly (well, figuratively) and your taste buds will dance the tango. This blind pig (that's French for pig, not the animal with an impaired visual acuity) is renowned for its imaginative dishes, witty staff, and a cozy ambiance that will make you squeal in delight.
Learn more8. Roots York
68 Marygate, York YO30 7BH, UK
Nestled in the historic heart of York lies Roots York, a charming café brimming with character and delightful surprises. Step into this culinary haven and prepare to embark on a taste journey that will make your taste buds dance with joy (and possibly do a little cha-cha). With a cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and drool-inducing dishes that make even the pigeons outside jealous, Roots York is a must-visit destination for foodies and anyone in dire need of a coffee-induced coma.
Learn more9. The Hook and Line
37-39 Swinegate, York YO1 8AZ, UK
Tucked away within the picturesque streets of York, lies The Hook and Line—a haven for seafood enthusiasts and calamari connoisseurs alike. This charming eatery effortlessly combines the elegance of nautical aesthetics with the warm hospitality of Yorkshire. Prepare to embark on a tantalizing voyage, where delectable fish and chips take center stage, leaving your taste buds begging for a second helping as you attempt to find your sea legs amidst the lively atmosphere.
Learn more10. The Cosy Club
19-22 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA, UK
Nestled in the heart of historic York, The Cosy Club is a delightful haven that brings together charm and quirkiness under one roof. With a decor that is part vintage chic, part eccentric victorian parlour, prepare to be transported to a world where mismatched armchairs and eclectic wall art reign supreme. Whether you're looking to enjoy a lazy brunch with friends, sip on imaginative cocktails with the locals, or simply witness the occasional squirrel attempting to sneak inside, this place has got your back.
Learn more11. The Olive Tree
10 Tower St, York YO1 9SA, UK
Welcome to The Olive Tree in York, a quaint little Mediterranean-inspired restaurant tucked away in the heart of this historic city. Much like its namesake, this gem offers an abundance of mouth-watering delicacies that will make your taste buds dance a flamenco. Brace yourself for a delightful blend of flavors, where every bite takes you on a journey from the bustling streets of York to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean.
Learn more12. The Park Restaurant by Adam Jackson
Ufford Park, Yarmouth Rd, Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1QW, UK
Nestled snugly in the heart of York, The Park Restaurant by Adam Jackson is a culinary oasis where food fantasies come true. As you step into this gastronomic wonderland, prepare to embark on a whimsical journey that will make your taste buds tango with delight. With Adam's innovative and flavor-packed creations, you'll find yourself shouting "Eureka!" with each heavenly bite.
Learn more13. The Blue Barbakan
34 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA, UK
Welcome to The Blue Barbakan, a delightful medieval tavern tucked away in the magical cobbled streets of York. With its charmingly wonky walls, you'll feel like you've stumbled into a drunken wizard's den. Prepare to be enchanted by their hearty ale selection and traditional pub grub that will make you forget all about counting calories - because who needs them when you're living your best medieval life?
Learn more14. The Rattle Owl
104 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX, UK
Tucked away in the heart of historic York, The Rattle Owl is more than your average dining spot. This quirky gem is bound to tickle your taste buds and give you an unforgettable dining experience. With its dimly lit ambiance and a menu that reads like a Shakespearean play, prepare to feast on creatively concocted dishes that might just make you say, "Owl be back!"
Learn more15. Little Italy
12 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LQ, UK
Welcome to Little Italy in York, where pizza cravings reach their peak! This charming neighborhood will transport you to the heart of Italy, or at least to the nearest slice joint. Brace yourself for a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing the tarantella, while your belt loosens itself in resignation.
www.littleitalyrestaurantyork.co.uk
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to York, United Kingdom by plane is to arrive at Leeds Bradford International Airport, which is approximately 30 miles away from York city centre. From the airport, you can take a direct bus or train to York city centre.
Car
Driving to York is a great way to explore the idyllic British countryside. From London, take the M1 and A1 for approximately 200 miles to York. Once you reach York, there are many car parks available in the city centre, such as the Bootham Row Car Park and the Monk Bar Car Park.
Train
York is well-connected by train, with direct services from major cities such as London, Edinburgh and Manchester. The main station in York is York Station. From there, you can take a taxi, bus or walk to the city centre.
Boat
Although York does not have a direct port, you can take a ferry from mainland Europe to the ports of Hull or Newcastle, both of which are approximately one hour away from York city centre by car or train.
Bus
There are direct bus services to York from many major cities in the UK, including London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Leeds. The main bus station in York is the York Bus Station. From there, you can take a taxi, bus or walk to the city centre.