The picturesque market town of Helmsley is situated on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. In addition to being surrounded by glorious countryside, this popular North Yorkshire town boasts numerous attractions including a castle, wall gardens, a bird of prey centre, an excellent market and a plethora of charming indie shops. It’s one of the county’s prettiest towns and well worth visiting for a day or a relaxing weekend break.
Before visiting a new place, it’s always useful to know a little about its hospitality scene so one can book ahead if one wishes to dine out. Helmsley and its nearby villages are home to a wonderful array of independent eateries, including some of the county’s most celebrated foodie destinations. Whether you’re looking for a delicious yet affordable meal in the town centre or you’re seeking an unforgettable night of fine dining and wine pairings, this spectactular spot of Yorkshire will certainly deliver…
To help you decide where to eat during your next visit to this pretty market town, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular restaurants in Helmsley…
6 Restaurants in Helmsley…
Weathervane @ Feversham Arms Hotel
1-5 High Street, Helmsley, York YO62 5AG
The Feversham Arms is a contemporary spa hotel offering a Mediterranean-inspired escape in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside. Its excellent facilities and idyllic location make The Feversham Arms perfect for a rejuvenating weekend getaway but its onsite restaurant is well worth visiting regardless of whether you are staying overnight at the hotel.
Offering a menu based around locally sourced produce and featuring numerous AA Rosette dishes, The Weathervane Restaurant is certain to provide visitors to Helmsley with a delicious and memorable meal.
For the full foodie experience at one of the most sophisticated restaurants in Helmsley, opt for the tasting menu and you’ll be served six exquisite courses for £89 pp. The menu changes with the seasons but expect a magnificent medley of creative dishes that showcase the expertise of The Weathervane’s Head Chef and the exceptional quality of the produce available in the area.
The A La Carte menu is equally as impressive and for a lower price of £64, diners can enjoy three exquisite courses. As with the tasting menu, the options change regularly but it always features a handful of options for each course with something to suit most preferences and dietary requirements.
The Feathers Hotel
Market Place, Helmsley, York YO62 5BH
This 16th-century coaching inn is located in the heart of Helmsley and with roaring fires during the winter months and a large courtyard for dining al fresco when the sun is out, it’s a brilliant place to eat all year round.
The traditional inn serves food from breakfast until supper and offers an extensive menu featuring everything from brunchtime favourites like Eggs Benedict and full English breakfasts to pub grub classics such as Fish and chips and a seasonally changing selection of hearty mains.
Begin with a light but oh-so decadent starter of Charred Asparagus with Poached Duck Egg (£9.95) or spice things up with Oyster Mushroom Pakoras (£8.95), served with Yorkshire mango chutney. At the time of publishing, main course options include Overnight Confit Crispy Yorkshire Duck Leg (£23.95), Pan Roasted Sea Bass & Grilled Langoustine (£22.95), Spinach, Lemon & Sundried Tomato Risotto (£15.95) plus many more.
Daytime diners should also check out the brilliant sandwich menu! There are classic options like Egg Mayonnaise, Cracked Black Pepper & Smoked Bacon (£8.95) plus a selection of artisan sandwiches including the Roast Pudwich of the Day (£12.45) which is served with fat chips and rich gravy! Nom nom…
La Trattoria
17 Market Place, Helmsley, York YO62 5BL
If you’re looking for restaurants in Helmsley serving authentic Italian cuisine, look no further than the fantastic La Trattoria. Owned and operated by experienced chef, Francois Strydom, who was previously Head Chef at Jamie’s Italian in York, the charming bistro and pizzeria offers a warm welcome and mouthwatering menus.
La Trattoria is an all-day dining venue on Helmsley’s Market Place, serving delicious food from morning until night. Breakfast is served until 11am and then from midday, diners can choose from a superb value fixed-price lunch menu (two courses for £13, three for £16), a range of Neapolitan pizzas, authentic pasta dishes and a selection of small plates. An evening menu at La Trattoria is available from 5pm and includes a range of additional mains priced between £15 (Asparagus Risotto with Prosciutto) and £24 (10oz Flat Iron Steak and Skinny Fries).
Of course, no Italian meal would be complete without a traditional dessert and La Trattoria’s dessert menu includes its own tasty Tiramisu and the simple but satisfying Affogato, both priced at £6.50.
Bantam
8 Bridge Street, Helmsley, York YO62 5BG
Bantam is a neighbourhood bistro with two well-travelled and highly experienced chefs at the helm. Co-owner, Sam Varley and his Head Chef, Shane Leadley, share a passion for locally sourced, sustainable produce and create imaginative menus based on the high-quality ingredients they source from small independent growers.
The Mediterranean-style indie restaurant serves up an ever-changing array of nibbles and share plates to be enjoyed alongside a selection of low intervention wines. Prices for share plates range between £10 and £24 and there’s always a beautiful medley of meat, fish and vegetarian options available. Current offerings include Rabbit, Bacon & Wild Mushroom Lasagne and Confit Duck Rol, Damson & Salted Cucumber.
Featured in the 2023 Michelin Guide, Bantam is a must-visit restaurant in Helmsley for foodies!
Pignut
12 Bridge Street, Helmsley, York YO62 5DX
Pignut is very much the new kid on the block when it comes to restaurants in Helmsley. The innovative fine dining restaurant was opened in June 2023 by Tom Heywood, previous Head Chef at The Rattle Owl in York, and his partner Laurissa Cook. Talented chef, Tom and experienced sommelier, Laurissa combined their industry knowledge and passion for sustainability to create a 14-seat restaurant serving menus based on local and foraged ingredients.
There are two tasting courses available at Pignut; a four-course (£45 or £70 with wine pairings) and an eight-course (£85 with wine pairings costing an additional £50). Both tasting menus feature a glorious selection of produce from some of the area’s top produce, including Castle Howard Aberdeen Angus, Barncliffe Brie and ales from Helmsley Brewing Co.
Pignut is open Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30 until 9pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm. In addition to the tasting menus at Pignut there’s a small but carefully curated lounge menu featuring reasonably priced dishes such as Aberdeen Angus Steak Tartare with Yorkshire Blue (£7.50) and Curried Chicken Terrine with Fennel Pickle and
Coriander Biscotti (£7.50).
The Star Inn at Harome
Main Street, Harome, near Helmsley YO62 5JE
The Star Inn at Harome should require very little introduction due to its superb reputation and numerous accolades, including a Michelin star. Andrew Pern’s iconic thatched roof gastropub is situated just outside Helmsley and offers an unforgettable dining experience. Not only is it one of the very best restaurants in Helmsley, but also one of the most celebrated in the North! You may recall that the characterful 14th-century inn was devasted by a fire in 2021 but after much work, it has been restored to its former glory and is once again delighting diners.
Of course, a meal at The Star Inn at Harome is by no means cheap but a quick browse through the a la carte and tasting menus serves as a reminder that you are paying for a full foodie experience rather than just a meal. The menus are seasonal so dishes change regularly, however, the full evening tasting menu (£125 or £220 with wine pairings) currently includes some truly exquisite-sounding dishes such as Braised Yorkshire Reared Texel Lamb Belly Hotpot, Duck Three Ways and Oakchurch Cherry Soufflé with Bitter Hot Chocolate Sauce.
Booking in advance is essential if wishing to dine at The Star Inn at Harome and can be done via their website.
The Pheasant Hotel
Mill Street, Harome, York YO62 5JG
The Pheasant Hotel in Harome was given a new lease of life back in 2008 when it was taken over by former owner (and partner to Andrew Pern) of The Star Inn, Jacquie Silk. It has since established an enviable reputation for serving exquisite food in a homely setting and secured 2 A Rosettes for culinary excellence and a glowing review in this year’s Michelin Guide.
The location of The Pheasant Hotel is idyllic to say the least. Overlooking the village duck pond, its tranquil and picturesque setting provides the perfect backdrop for an afternoon or evening of sumtuous dining. Food is served throughout the hotel so diners can cosy up in the lounge with hearty local game dishes, relax with afternoon tea in the conservatory or experience the full culinary delights of this award-winning hotel with a 7-course tasting menu in the elegant dining room.
On the main menu at The Pheasant Hotel you’ll find a charming array of classic dishes giving contemporary uplifts and some truly exquisite flavour combinations. Begin with a starter of locally shot Ravensick Partridge (£16) or hand-dived Isle of Mull scallops (£25) before moving on to a main course of Thrikleby duck breast (£35) or Cornish line-caught lemon sole (£34).
As with all our articles of this nature, we will be updating and amending this list over time. If you would like to recommend restaurants in Helmsley for inclusion, please email business@theyorkshirepress.co.uk
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