Looking for somewhere to enjoy Sunday lunch in York?
The quintessentially British roast dinner is about so much more than food. Other than Christmas dinner, the good old roast is one of the only meals we consume on a set day with the intention of bringing people together. In this increasingly fast-paced world, the weekly opportunity to dine with loved ones before a new week commences is something which has remained a constant in British culture.
Interestingly, the Sunday roast dates back to the reign of King Henry VII during which we Brits were well known for consuming vast amounts of meat. Whether served in small family dining spaces or upon the feasting tables of castles and palaces, roasted meats have been a staple of British food culture for centuries. Over the past few decades, the Sunday lunch has moved from the family home to the kitchens and tables of pubs and restaurants throughout the UK. No longer do we need to slave for hours in front of a hot oven to be able to consume succulent meats and all the traditional accompaniments.
Steeped in History and boasting some of the UK’s most beautiful architecture, the city of York is the ideal place to enjoy a classic roast dinner. Peruse the historic cobbled streets, marvel at the magnificence of the Minster and enjoy scenic walks along the famous city walls before indulging in the ultimate British comfort food. York is home to countless eateries serving all manner of delights so it can be difficult to pinpoint where in the city you can tuck into those all-important Sunday lunch offerings. We’ve put together a list of some of the best places to get Sunday lunch in York so that you’ll know exactly where to find those fluffy Yorkshire Puddings and crispy roast potatoes next time you want to spend a Sunday in the city.
Where To Get Sunday Lunch in York…
Tomahawk Steakhouse
Lendall Cellars, 26 Lendal, York YO1 8AA
The York venue of this specialist steakhouse chain can be found at Lendall Cellars. Although best known for its Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks and excellent cocktail menus, this modern eatery is also a popular Sunday lunch spot. Available 12 pm – 7 pm, the Sunday lunch menu at Tomahawk Steakhouse is pretty extensive!
Alongside the traditional roast dinners, there are numerous meaty main courses like their Moroccan Spiced Lamp Rump. Wagyu Beef Burger and, of course, their amazing steaks. If it’s a traditional Sunday lunch in York you’re after, however, then there are still plenty of options for that too. Wagyu Topside, Roasted Leg of Lamb, Roast Chicken and Roast Pork with the obligatory crispy crackling will satisfy the most avid of carnivores. They’re all served with the most popular trimmings as well as bottomless red wine gravy! One course costs £15.95 but if you can manage more than this, you can get two courses for £21.95 or three for £25.95. With desserts like Strawberry Creme Brulee and Warm Kinder Brownie on offer, we’re sure most will at least manage to find room for two!
To reflect the social aspect of the Sunday lunch, Tomahawk Steakhouse also offer superb sharing boards priced at £19.95 per person. Piled high with three different types of meat, beef dripping roasties, Yorkshire puds, roasted parsnips, cauliflower cheese and much more, it’s the perfect choice for those who like to try a little bit of everything!
Plonkers
5 Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
Plonkers is a family-run wine bar and bistro in York’s city centre boasting traditional interiors, a well-stocked bar, menus of proper homecooked grub and a charming riverside seating space. If you’re looking for somewhere cosy, comfortable and full of charm then this is the ideal spot for your Sunday lunch in York. Their Sunday carvery gets excellent reviews online and is popular among local residents.
A fantastic, no-frills, independent eatery offering great food and a warm welcome in one of the country’s most beautiful cities. Expect generous portions of roasted meats, crispy roast potatoes, huge Yorkshire puddings, fresh seasonal vegetables and lashings of gravy! If that’s not enough to satisfy you, then finish off with a tasty dessert like Jam Roly Poly just like Grandma used to make. Yum yum!
The Rattle Owl
104 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
One of the more expensive options on our list, Sunday lunch at The Rattle Owl is priced at £30 for two courses and £38 for three but it is well worth the few extra quid. The excellent quality of the produce used, the creativity of their talented kitchen team and the restaurant’s stunning interiors combine to make this one hell of a Sunday lunch in York. The fact that it made the Michelin Guide in September 2022 speaks volumes for the quality you can expect at this restaurant in York.
Of course, the menus change with the seasons at The Rattle Owl but there are always a couple of locally reared meats served with perfectly paired trimmings. Currently, their Sunday lunch menu features Roast Sirloin of Beef with Caramelised Onion and Crushed Carrots and Roast Mutton Rump with Fig Chutney and Crushed Celeriac. Both are served with the obligatory roasties and Yorkies! For those who don’t fancy meat or follow a vegetarian diet, there are always a couple of meat-free options too.
Cafe No.8
8 Gillygate, York YO31 7EQ
Opened in 2008, this award-winning bistro is just a short walk away from York Minster and has an excellent reputation with locals and tourists. Suitably situated on Gillygate which is bursting with independent shops and eateries, Cafe No. 8 serves a superb Sunday lunch. The menu changes regularly but more often than not, there’s a choice of three different types of meat such as Roast Beef, Roast Lamb Leg and Roast Chicken plus a vegetarian option. Each is served with a Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese and seasonal veg. Prices vary but average at £18 for main courses.
There are also a number of delicious starters and desserts available on a Sunday. Kick off your Sunday feast with Cauliflower & Squash Veloute or Pigeon Breast with a Pistachio Crumb and end on something sweet like Banoffee Pie or Ginger Chocolate Truffle with Poached Pears. Again, this is a little more sophisticated than a big chain carvery place. Although unpretentious and relatively simple, this modern British eatery puts heart and soul into everything served; hence why Cafe No. 8 is regularly featured in York food guides by both local bloggers and national publications.
The Judge’s Lodging
9 Lendal, York YO1 8AQ
Set in an elegant Grade II listed townhouse, The Judge’s Lodging comprises accommodation, a cellar bar and a fantastic AA Rosette award-winning restaurant. Built as a private residence in 1710, the grand townhouse became the residence of judges soon after the original owner’s demise and remained so for more than 60 years. Beautifully decorated throughout to reflect the era in which it was built, The Judge’s Lodging is one of the most characterful hotels in the city.
Their main restaurant serves classic dishes all week but on a Sunday, the team of talented chefs pull out all the stops to provide one hell of a Sunday lunch in York. Choose from three different meats and enjoy with all the usual trimmings which are cooked to perfection and lovingly drizzled in their delicious homemade gravy. This is quite a remarkable venue so if you’re looking for accommodation too, we recommend booking a room here. It’s in an incredible location with all of York’s main historic attractions within easy walking distance and the hotel itself is simply gorgeous.
The Fat Badger
2-4 High Petergate, York YO1 7EH
Sunday lunch at The Fat Badger is served from 12 pm until 8 pm. They offer a Roasted Meat of The Day for £16.95 which is accompanied by Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, mash, seasonal vegetables and gravy. Vegetarians don’t have to miss out either as they always offer a veggie alternative for the same price. If you or a member of your party aren’t in the mood for a traditional roast then there are other main dishes to choose from such as Cod & Chips. Sirloin Steak and Red Pepper Risotto.
Lighter bites like sandwiches and small plates are also available for those who can’t stomach something quite so substantial. Of course, Sunday lunch in York or anywhere else wouldn’t be complete without an indulgent dessert. Priced at £7.50 each, desserts at The Fat Badger include Lemon Posset, Chocolate Parfait and the most delicious Sticky Toffee Pudding.
The Star Inn The City
Lendal Engine House, Museum Street, York YO1 7DR
Housed in the old engine house by York’s Museum Gardens is a stunning contemporary restaurant serving an extensive range of modern British dishes. The award-winning city centre brasserie was inspired by the vision of Andrew Penn from the Michelin-starred Star Inn at Harome so expect to be blown away by exquisite flavours and top-quality produce. With a glorious riverside terrace on which to dine and a team of talented chefs guided by one of the best in the country, this is a must-visit eatery for Sunday lunch in York or any other mealtime!
Served 12 – 4 pm only, Sunday lunch at The Star Inn The City is an absolute delight! The menu, of course, changes regularly but there are always a number of tasty mains offered alongside their magnificent traditional roasts. Comprising locally sourced meats and a plethora of indulgent accompaniments like Duck Fat Roasties, Fountains Gold Cauliflower Cheese and Leek Fondue, their traditional Sunday roasts are made with exceptional talent and a whole lot of love. Expect to pay £18 – £21 for a roast dinner and £17 – £28 for other main courses. Their all-day dining menu isn’t available at this time but there’s still plenty to choose from.
The Whippet Inn
15 North Street, York YO1 6JD
The Whippet Inn is a specialist steak restaurant that opened its doors back in 2014. Tucked away on North Stree, it’s a cosy, unassuming eatery offering comfort and hearty grub away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets. Housed in a grand building that dates back to 1896 and owned by local businessmen, the pub and restaurant serves up a delicious menu of dishes based around locally sourced ingredients.
This Sunday lunch in York is priced at £21.50 for two courses or £26 for three and mains include Slow Cooked Roast Peppered Rump of British Beef with Yorkshire Pudding, Brandy Butter Poached Chicken Breast with Crispy Chicken Skin Crumb and Beetroot, Squash, Kale Pesto & Lentil Wellington. Each dish is served with Garlic & Herb Roast Potatoes, Honey & Fennel Roast Carrots, Braised Red Cabbage, Cauliflower Cheese Gratin and Balsamic Roast Onions.
The Botanist
15-19 Stonegate, York YO1 8ZW
The Botanist has a number of venues scattered around the UK serving extensive cocktail menus and great food. We’ve been to the one in Leeds a few times and always had excellent food, drinks and service. The Botanist is probably best known for its hanging kebabs but the roast dinners are pretty special too. Served alongside a reduced a la carte menu, the Sunday lunch menu at The Botanist is priced at £21.95 for two courses or £26.95 for three. Of course, you can opt to have a main only and these are £15.95 each.
Choices for this Sunday lunch in York include Roast Sirloin Beef, Pot Roast Lamb Shoulder, Slow Roast Honey Glazed Pork Shoulder, Roast Chicken and a delightful vegetarian Wellington. Sides are served in individual dishes for your table to share and when we went, there was more than enough to go around. The glazed carrots are absolutely delicious and we couldn’t fault the Yorkshire puddings or the tender cuts of meat. If you’re going for the multiple-course option, we highly recommend rounding off your meal with one of their desserts. The Nutella Croissant Bread and Butter Pudding is designed to be shared between two and is served with lashings of Biscoff custard and vanilla ice cream. Mmmmm…
The Stone Trough Inn
Kirkham Abbey, York YO60 7JS
You’ll need to venture out of the city centre for this one but the scenic location alone makes it well worth the drive. Overlooking the picturesque Kirkham Abbey, The Stone Trough Inn is a traditional country pub with open fires and exposed stone walls. It’s owned by the same people who own The Whippet Inn so expect a menu of freshly cooked, locally sourced food and a warm Yorkshire welcome.
Sunday lunch at The Stone Trough Inn is served 12 pm until 4:45 pm and is priced at £20 for two courses or £24.50 for three. Children can enjoy Roast Beef or Chicken for £7 or £10 with a dessert.
Choose from 12-Hour Slow Cooked Rump of British Beef with Ale Gravy, Brandy Butter Poached Chicken with Wholegrain Mustard Gravy and a vegetarian option that changes weekly. Parties over 6 need to book in advance and there’s a 12.5% service charge for parties of more than 8 guests. This is a wonderful dog-friendly venue so ideal for those seeking home comforts and hearty British food following a brisk walk in the countryside.
Impossible
3 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QN
Impossible is a relatively new addition to York’s foodie scene. The wonder bar and tea room is in the famous Terry’s chocolate orange building on St. Helen’s Square, right in the heart of York’s trendy shopping district. Indulge in a spot of retail therapy and then visit this iconic building to tuck into a traditional Sunday roast in Impossible’s grand ballroom-style dining space.
Available from 12:15pm until the last serving has been ordered, this Sunday lunch in York is priced at £14.95 per person. Choose from Roast Beef Rump, Slow Cooked Pork Belly, Corn Fed Chicken Supreme and Celeriac Steak and enjoy with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, seasonal vegetables and a red wine sauce. Extra sides like Honey Glazed Root Veg, Cauliflower Cheese and Creamy Truffle & Parmesan Mash are also available for those who like their plates piled high.
This place is well known locally for serving beautiful desserts and pastries plus one of the best afternoon teas in York. Therefore, a visit here should absolutely include a sweet course. Their amazing Chocolate Fondue Sharer will delight all ages and will round off a heavy roast dinner perfectly. Choose from Dark Chocolate & Mint, Milk Chocolate & Orange and White Chocolate & Vanilla to dip your Belgian waffles, marshmallows, honeycomb and strawberries into. Messy but magnificently moreish!
Eagle & Child
9 High Petergate, York YO1 7EN
Eagle & Child is a Leeds Brewery pub set in a timber-framed grade II listed building which dates back to 1640. This a prime example of the historic charm that makes York such a unique and fascinating city to visit. Many of the original features remain and the interiors have been decorated to give a nod to the pub’s history whilst providing contemporary comfort.
The menus at Eagle & Child change with the seasons but one can always expect a plethora of hearty, home-cooked dishes that showcase some of the finest produce in the area. On Sundays, they serve traditional Sunday roasts which are priced from £16 to £18.50. With this Sunday lunch in York, you can choose from Roast Chicken Breast, Beef Topside or Roasted Belly Pork; all sourced from Yorkshire Dales Meat Company. There’s also a Nut Roast for those who don’t eat meat. All roasts are served with roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, spiced red cabbage, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire puddings and red wine gravy. Children can also enjoy a smaller size version for £9.
If you like a larger portion, additional sides of Pigs in Blankets, Cauliflower Cheese and Pork & Sage Stuffing can be added for £4 each. Extra roasties and Yorkie puds cost £5.
In addition to the traditional roasts, the Sunday menu at Eagle & Child features a number of alternative main dishes so those who don’t fancy a roast dinner are catered for also. Currently, these options include Battered Haddock, Steak & Ale Pie, Roasted Rainbow Trout and Vegan Spice Vegetable Pie. The Sunday menu is available from 12 pm to 7 pm.
The Chopping Block
25 Walmgate, York YO1 9TX
The Chopping Block is an Anglo-French restaurant housed above Walmgate Ale House in York’s city centre. The historic narrow building dates back to the 17th Century, when it operated as a shop selling ropes, saddles and harnesses. Chef proprietor Michael Hjort is also also the owner and founder of Melton’s, which opened way back in 1990 and has long been considered one of the best fine-dining restaurants in the city.
Boasting cosy interiors and menus which combine contemporary cooking with traditional French cuisine, The Chopping Block is a superb venue at which to enjoy a sumptuous Sunday lunch in York.
It’s a set menu for Sunday lunch at The Chopping Block, with diners able to choose two courses for £19.90 or three for £22.90. Whet your appetite with Garlic Mushrooms on Toasted Brioche or Tartefillete ( a baked dish from the French Alps comprising cheese, potatoes, bacon and onion) before moving on to a main event of roast pork, roast beef or vegetarian wellington served with all the trimmings. Desserts include the ever-popular Sticky Toffee Pudding, a Blackberry Frangipane and a chocolate mousse with Morello cherries and an Amaretti crumb.
