Looking for family-friendly restaurants in York?
The historic city of York is bursting with things to see and do, making it one of the best places in Yorkshire to visit with kids. From award-winning attractions and national museums to historic landmarks and wizard-themed walking tours, a day or weekend spent in York can be filled with a diverse array of visits and activities.
For many parents, however, finding somewhere suitable to eat during a day’s sightseeing or a weekend away can feel like an insurmountable task. Whilst atmosphere, facilities and location are all deciding factors, prices and menu choices can seal the deal. In a city which seemingly boasts an endless number of eateries, finding a restaurant in York that meets your family’s specific needs and preferences is bound to take some time. To help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect spot for a meal with the kids, we’ve compiled a list of the best family-friendly restaurants in York…
Where To Eat With Kids: Family-Friendly Restaurants in York
Fancy Hanks
39 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS
Fancy Hanks is a small independent restaurant with a huge amount of character! Inspired by the travels of two brothers who have made numerous visits to America’s Deep South, its menus are packed with flavoursome, soulful dishes that kids and adults will adore. All the most iconic dishes to have originated from the southern states of America are there to tempt so be prepared for much deliberation when deciding what to eat.
The menu at Fancy Hanks features a tantalising array of mains including Shrimp Po’ Boy, Fish Tacos, Blackened Cajun Chicken Burger, Mac & Cheese, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Baby Back Ribs and an authentic chicken dinner which features southern gravy and a buttermilk biscuit. Prices for main courses range between £10.50 and £24.
Kids can eat at Fancy Hanks for £7.95 and for this, they get a main course plus a dessert of Beignets & Chocolate Dip. Meal options include Chicken Tenders, Cheese Burgers and Mac & Cheese but many of the dishes on the main menu can be requested as smaller, child-friendly portions.
Plush Cafe
6 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS
Plush Cafe is by far one of the most popular family-friendly restaurants in York for brunch or lunch with kids! It’s an excellent city centre location and boasts three themed dining spaces which are beautifully styled. Relax on the floor cushions of the luxurious Bohemian Room, snap a selfie on the seat swings in the Garden Room or dine in the super stylish, Art Deco-inspired Neon Room.
It isn’t just the interiors at Plush Cafe which are highly Instagrammable either. This independent, family-run cafe serves an exciting menu of colourful treats deserving of a place on the grid. The bestsellers are most probably their Rainbow Bagels (£9.65) which are available with a variety of tasty fillings such as cream cheese, avocado and salmon. However, Plush Cafe also serves excellent hand-stretched pizzas (£8.50 – 15.50) which pair perfectly with their colourful cocktails and shakes.
For £7.50 each, children can get a main, dessert and a drink at Plush Cafe. The options are somewhat limited but certainly child-friendly with options such as Cheesy Nachos, Teddy Toast, Pancakes and Chocolate Brownies.
If you’re not looking for brunch or lunch, Plush Cafe is the ideal place to visit for a sweet treat! Their dessert menu is bursting with mind-blowingly tempting desserts such as loaded waffles, pancake stacks, ice cream sundaes and the most incredible freakshakes such as the Candy Mountain which is topped with a giant rainbow lollipop!
Huckleberry’s Diner
Malton Road, York YO60 7SG
A short drive out of the city centre is the fabulous Huckleberry’s Diner. The UK’s first Man v Food diner opened back in 2014 and has been attracting influencers, foodies and competitive eaters ever since. Alongside an epic menu of mammoth food and heat challenges which reward successful participants with a place on their wall of fame, this family-friendly restaurant in York offers all kinds of tasty stateside favourites.
A visit to his American diner in Yorkshire is a must for families! The menu is packed with familiar favourites like burgers, hot dogs and chicken plus a few creative, and oh-so-calorific treats. Begin with Crispy Corndogs or Nashville Hot Wings then feast upon Pulled Pork, Philly Cheese Steak, Fried Chicken, Chilli Dogs and much, much more. For a unique yet utterly delicious food fix, opt for their PBJ Burger which was, quite deservingly, a finalist in the National Burger Awards. Main courses for adults cost between £12.95 (The Reuben Sandwich) and £36.95 (‘Big Ass’ 24oz Steak).
I think the kids’ menu at Huckleberry’s Diner is excellent. At £6.95 for a main and a drink or £8.95 with a dessert and a drink, it’s great value for money and the choices are great. Little ones can begin with Hot Pulled Pork Sandwich, Sausage & Mash, Hot Dog, Cheese Burger or Chicken Popcorn before satisfying their sweet tooth with a Boston Brownie or an ice cream sundae.
Tomahawk Steakhouse
26 Lendal, York YO1 8AA
There are a number of Tomahawk Steakhouses scattered around the UK and the one in York is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As the name suggests, the lunch and evening menus at Tomahawk are mainly comprised of different cuts of steak, which the restaurant prepares and serves remarkably well However, there are a number of steak-free mains on there also, such as Roasted Pork Belly, Monkfish & Prawn Goan Curry and a Chicken Shawarma Board loaded with chicken, tortillas, fries, salad and slaw.
Of course, being a steakhouse, the prices for main courses vary quite drastically with the cheapest being the Wagyu Beef Burger and Chicken Parmesan at £15.95 each. If you really want to push the boat out, the Wagyu Carnivore Board includes four different steaks, garlic prawns and four side dishes for £139.95.
The dishes on the children’s menu at Tomahawk Steakhouse cost between £7.95 and £8.95 and these prices are for a main course only. However, the options are pretty good with kiddie favourites like Chicken Goujons and Fish & Chips available, plus a 4oz Rump Steak, which you don’t see very often on a kids’ menu!
Lucia
13 Swinegate, York YO1 8AJ
Popular Italian restaurant and wine bar chain, Lucia, has its flagship venue in the centre of York. When doing our research, this was one of the most recommended family-friendly restaurants in York and we can see why! In addition to offering plenty of space, a stylish setting and extensive menus of Italian cuisine and cocktails for grown-ups, Lucia York has a truly excellent menu for children.
All of the dishes at Lucia are prepared fresh to order and kids can enjoy a main course, drink and dessert for £8.50. Main courses include Fish & Chips, Grilled Chicken, Spaghetti Meatballs, Margherita Pizza, Rigatoni Arrabbiata plus more. For dessert, they can have two scoops of ice cream or hot chocolate served with marshmallows. To drink, children can have a glass of fizzy drink or fresh juice but for an additional £5.50, they can choose one of Lucia’s fresh and fruity mocktails.
Lucia is also one of the most popular places for Sunday lunch in York and kids can tuck into a child-size portion of roast beef with all the trimmings, plus a soft drink for £14.
Adult prices vary considerably as the menu is extensive, to say the least! However, expect to pay around £10 for a starter if dining in the evening and anything from £12 (Caesar Salad) and £32 (8oz Fillet) for a main. At lunchtime, Lucia offers a set price menu which allows diners to choose two courses for £18 or three for £22.75.
Ate O’ Clock
13A High Ousegate, York YO1 8RZ
Local’s favourite, Ate O’ Clock is a unique and characterful restaurant with indoor dining areas and a gorgeous, cosy courtyard. This bistro-style dining spot serves menus of British and European-inspired dishes, prepared using locally sourced ingredients and an awful lot of culinary talent. The variety of dishes on the a la carte menu means most tastes and preferences are catered for and the prices are pretty average for the area it is in.
Adults can expect to pay £14 to £29 for a main course and there’s a dizzying array of delicious-sounding dishes on offer such as Trio of Pork, Spiced Duck Breast and Grilled Halloumi Burger. There’s also a set menu available throughout the week which is available 12 pm to 10 pm Sunday to Thursday and 12 pm to 5 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. From this, diners can choose two courses for £22 or three courses for £25.
Kids can eat at Ate O’Clock for just £6.50 if having a main course only. For £10, they can have a main, dessert and a drink. Again, the options are rather good with lots of child pleasers on there like Fish Fingers and Chicken Nuggets plus a couple of pasta dishes and salads. For dessert, little ones can enjoy Raspberry Sorbet, Sticky Toffee Pudding or three scoops of ice cream.
Ambiente Tapas
31 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA
Designed to share, tapas dishes are great for family meals as younger diners can get little tastes of foods they haven’t previously tried. One of the best places for tapas in York is most certainly Ambiente Tapas on Fossgate. The independent Spanish restaurant regularly receives glowing reviews from diners and its contemporary, spacious restaurant provides the perfect setting for laidback dining experiences.
There’s no set kids menu at Ambiente Tapas but the main menu is extensive and varied so there are bound to be a few tasty tapas dishes that will please younger palates. Order 3 or 4 dishes per person to share with your family or perhaps, order one of their sharing paellas which are available with seafood, chicken & chorizo or vegetables only. Prices for tapas dishes at Ambiente Tapas range from £4.95 (Tortilla) to £9.95 (Braised Beef Cheek).
This is a great way to introduce children to new flavours and ingredients and, of course, a wonderful way to dine together as a family.
As with all our articles of this nature, we’ll be adding to this list as and when we discover, try or are introduced to other businesses. To make a recommendation or request our media kit, please email business@theyorkshirepress.co.uk
