Looking for the best brunch in York? York City Centre boasts an impressive array of fantastic places to enjoy a leisurely brunch. From cosy independent cafés serving homecooked comforts to stylish eateries offering delectable daytime dining, there’s something to suit every taste.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up twelve brunch spots in York that you won’t want to miss. You can indulge in creative, seasonal dishes at Partisan, or pop into Robinsons Café for hearty, locally sourced plates. For a unique experience, try The Cut and Craft with its super stylish interiors, or start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at the modern and trendy Rise. Read on to discover more!
Brew & Brownie
Location: 5 Museum Street, York YO1 7DT
Opening Hours: Saturday 9 am–4:30 pm, Sunday 9 am–4:30 pm, Monday 8:30 am–4:30 pm, Tuesday 8:30 am–4:30 pm, Wednesday 8:30 am–4:30 pm, Thursday 8:30 am–4:30 pm, Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Located on Museum Street, Brew & Brownie is a must-visit cafe in York, known for its menus inspired by local, seasonal produce sourced from Yorkshire suppliers. This contemporary café offers a delicious selection of brunch dishes, including freshly baked pastries from Haxby Bakehouse, Haxby Bakehouse Brioche French Toast, Eggs Benny, Eggs Royale, and Smashed Avo. Their hearty Big Brew Breakfasts, including a veggie option, are perfect for those with a bigger appetite. But the star of the show? The American Pancake Stacks, loaded with indulgent toppings are almost impossible to resist. Just two doors down, you’ll also find their charming bakeshop, offering even more treats to take home.
Robinsons Cafe
Location: 7 Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 1NA
Opening Hours: Saturday 9 am–3 pm, Sunday 9 am–3 pm, Monday 8:30 am–3 pm, Tuesday 8:30 am–3 pm, Wednesday Closed, Thursday 8:30 am–3 pm, Friday 8:30 am–3 pm
Just a short stroll from York’s city centre, Robinsons Café on Bishopthorpe Road is a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, run by owners with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens. Their background shines through in the gorgeous menu, offering an eclectic array of both classic and creative breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes. Indulge in Croque Madame, or try something a little different like the Bombay Style Potato served on flatbread with mango yoghurt and pickled red onion. For a real treat, the Creamy Truffle Mushrooms on sourdough with poached eggs is a firm favourite, alongside the bold and spicy Mexican Eggs, featuring poached eggs with tomato salsa, feta, and crispy tortillas.
For those craving the classics, Robinsons serves Eggs Benedict, Royale, and Florentine until noon, while their small or large pancake stacks come loaded with tasty toppings like berry compote, bananas and caramel, or bacon and maple syrup. If you’re after something lighter, options like toast, porridge, and granola are also available. With locally sourced ingredients and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Robinsons Café offers an exceptional brunch experience in York.
Rise
Location: 44 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF
Opening Hours: Saturday 9 am–5 pm, Sunday 9 am–5 pm, Monday 8 am–5 pm, Tuesday 8 am–5 pm, Wednesday 8 am–5 pm, Thursday 8 am–5 pm, Friday 8 am–5 pm
A short stroll from the iconic Shambles, Rise is a trendy brunch spot that has quickly become a favourite for its modern twist on classic dishes. Open for all-day coffee and brunch until 4pm, it’s the perfect place to kickstart your day or enjoy a leisurely afternoon meal.
The menu features a mouthwatering medley of hot and cold brunch options that cater to all tastes. You’ll find beloved classics like Eggs Royale, Eggs Benedict, and Avo on Toast, as well as hearty Breakfast Rolls, with a veggie option for those looking for a plant-based choice. For something a little more adventurous, don’t miss the Hot Honey Eggs or the Pineapple & Coconut French Toast, which adds a tropical twist to your brunch experience.
From 12pm onwards, Rise also offers a selection of delicious sandwiches, including their standout Cuban Sandwich packed with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard mayo, and pickles—a flavour explosion that’s hard to resist. With its vibrant atmosphere and commitment to quality, Rise is a must-visit destination for brunch enthusiasts in York!
Impossible
Location: 3 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QN
Opening Hours: Saturday 11 am–12 am, Sunday 11 am–5 pm, Monday 11 am–10 pm, Tuesday 11 am–10 pm, Wednesday 11 am–10 pm, Thursday 11 am–10 pm, Friday 11 am–11 pm
Tucked away on St Helen’s Square, Impossible York is located inside the historic Grade II listed Terry’s Chocolate Orange building, boasting stunning interiors that beautifully blend the past with a modern dining experience. Known for its creative menu, Impossible offers one of the most popular bottomless brunches in York, allowing guests to choose either a large plate or a small plate with a side, along with unlimited drinks for a set price.
Before noon, you can also enjoy a small selection of breakfast dishes, including a hearty Full Yorkshire Breakfast, Smashed Avocado and Tomato on Sourdough Toast, and French Toast topped with either streaky bacon and maple syrup or mixed berries with crème fraîche. With its inviting atmosphere and unique setting, Impossible York is a lovely spot to gather with friends or family for a leisurely brunch.
Partisan
Location: 112 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
Opening Hours: Saturday 9 am–3 pm, Sunday 9 am–3 pm, Monday 9 am–3 pm, Tuesday 9 am–3 pm, Wednesday 9 am–3 pm, Thursday 9 am–3 pm, Friday 9 am–3 pm
If you’re searching for a beloved brunch spot in York, look no further than Partisan, an independent, family-run café and art space located on Micklegate. Known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Partisan not only serves delicious food but also supports local artists by hosting regular exhibitions.
The café prides itself on sourcing produce locally whenever possible, which means the menu changes with the seasons. Currently, the daytime menu features an eclectic mix of savoury brunch options. Indulge in classics like Eggs Benedict and French Toast, or opt for something a bit more adventurous, such as Shakshuka or a classic Bacon Sandwich. For those seeking unique flavours, try the Persian Eggs, Turkish Figs with Melted Goats Cheese, or the delicious Choripan—a satisfying combination of chorizo, fresh tomatoes, green leaves, and chimichurri served on ciabatta with a side of fries.
The cakes and pastries here are also insanely good so if you’re simply seeking something sweet with a good cup of coffee, Partsian is a great choice for this too!
Plush Cafe
Location: 6 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS
Opening Hours: Saturday 10 am–5 pm, Sunday 10 am–5 pm, Monday 10 am–5 pm, Tuesday Closed, Wednesday 10 am–5 pm, Thursday 10 am–5 pm, Friday 10 am–5 pm
If you’re seeking a fun and gorgeously quirky brunch spot in the heart of York, look no further than Plush Café! The café features various dining spaces, including the whimsical Garden Room, complete with a swing that’s perfect for selfies, and a bohemian area adorned with comfy floor cushions, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for all.
The menu is filled with quirky names and beautifully presented dishes that are just as Instagram-worthy as the interiors. Enjoy colourful Rainbow Bagels with fun options like Brie Mine, which features smoked back bacon, brie, and cranberry sauce, or All I Avo Wanted, a tasty combination of cream cheese, avocado, and smoked salmon. For a sweet treat, try the Pancake My Eyes Off You, a triple-stacked pancake topped with berries, banana, and maple syrup, served with your choice of bacon, sausage, or vegan sausage.
For those looking to indulge, Plush Café offers a pre-bookable All-You-Can-Eat Waffles experience for just £25 per person (minimum of two people). Diners can enjoy as many waffles as they can manage, along with unlimited hot drinks during a 90-minute time slot. With its delightful food and charming atmosphere, Plush Café is a must-visit for a fun and memorable brunch in York!
Double Dutch Pancake House
Location: 7 Church Street, York YO1 8BG
Opening Hours: Saturday 9 am–5 pm, Sunday 9 am–3 pm, Monday 9 am–3 pm, Tuesday 9 am–3 pm, Wednesday 9 am–3 pm, Thursday 9 am–3 pm, Friday 9 am–3 pm
For pancake lovers, Double Dutch Pancake House in York is an absolute gem. This family-run café, located on Church Street, specializes in Dutch-style sweet and savoury pancakes, offering a seriously indulgent twist on brunch. With an extensive menu that caters to various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone.
The café features a huge selection of both sweet and savoury pancakes, making it a true pancake paradise. You can opt for classic toppings like bacon and maple syrup for a simple yet satisfying savoury treat, or choose something a little more adventurous, such as Rocket To The Moon, topped with pear, goats cheese, walnuts, and fresh rocket. For a hearty option, try the Frankfurter, which comes loaded with garlic sausage, onions, sauerkraut, mustard, and tomato sauce.
If you have a sweet tooth, good luck choosing from the incredible array of toppings! One standout option is the Risk It For A Biscuit, featuring crushed Oreos, Jammie Dodgers, Lotus Biscoff biscuits, and hot melted Biscoff—an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. With its friendly atmosphere and delicious offerings, Double Dutch Pancake House is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy a unique and satisfying brunch experience in York!
The Cut and Craft
Location: 8 St Sampson’s Sq, York YO1 8RN
Opening Hours: Brunch available 9am – 11:45am Saturdays and Sundays only
Located in the heart of York, The Cut and Craft boasts chic and elegant interiors, providing a sophisticated setting for a decadent brunch date with friends or that special someone. Although brunch is only available on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am until 11:45 am, it promises to be a wonderful experience.
The menu offers a varied selection of options, including all the usual favourites like Eggs Benedict, Eggs Royale, and a hearty Full English. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, try the Steak & Eggs or the Salmon & Scrambled Eggs. For those with a sweet tooth, the Classic French Toast and Hot Buttermilk Pancakes topped with strawberries and Nutella are delightful choices.
With its emphasis on quality ingredients and a relaxed vibe, The Cut and Craft is a lovely destination for brunch in York, perfect for those looking to indulge in a delicious meal in a stylish setting.
