Looking for the best restaurants in York? You’ve come to the right place. York’s one of the most visited tourist destinations in Yorkshire, and with that accolade comes a truly great offering when it comes to places to eat. There are countless cuisines on offer, too. With fantastic French restaurants, incredible curry houses and fabulous fine dining venues – there’s something for all tastes.
There’s so much on offer, in fact, it can be hard to know where to start – luckily, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants in York, to help you get the most out of your meal out!
8 of The Best Restaurants in York
The Bow Room
Found within one of the most intriguing buildings in York, Grays Court, The Bow Room is a relative newcomer to the restaurant scene in York. Despite its youth, it’s quickly developed a stellar reputation for its creative food and winning atmosphere.
Among the restaurants’ accolades, The Bow Room boasts two AA Rosettes – earnt under the leadership of innovative Head Chef Joe Clapham – who boasts an impressive resume which includes the formerly Michelin Starred Box Tree in Ilkley.
Although the atmosphere is relaxed, there’s a sophisticated undertone which makes dining here a true experience. Innovation can be found within the individual dishes, which centre on the highest quality, seasonal ingredients. The dishes have been skillfully crafted to deliver diverse flavours yet remain exceptionally presented.
In 2019, dining here in the evening will cost £65 and include an eclectic array of courses – if you’d like to include wine with your meal, a Wine Pair is priced at £115 respectively.
Address | The Bow Room, Grays Court Hotel, Chapter House Street, York YO1 7JH
Contact | 01904 612613
Le Cochon Aveugle
Although York’s best known as a destination for its history, it’s remarkable how youthful the dining scene is. Another relative newcomer to the restaurants in York is Le Cochon Aveugle. What sets this venue apart from the rest is the unique dining experience they offer. Here you’ll experience a blind tasting menu, meaning you get what you’re given – but we certainly wouldn’t complain.
“The contemporary European menu is rooted in classical French techniques, and showcases the very best produce available to the kitchen on each individual day” is how they describe their menu, and we agree. The exceptional food is complemented by the strip back and simplistic interior of the restaurant – they let the food do the talking.
One for a special occasion, we can’t give you a true insight into the dishes you’ll receive when visiting, although we can guarantee that it’ll be an experience. And it’s not just the food that’s outstanding here, they have an evident passion for wine, too. For £40 extra per head, you can enjoy a glass of wine, specially selected to complement the dishes that you’re served.
Dining at Le Cochon Aveugle will cost you between £45 and £75 per head depending on when you visit. Find out more about Le Cochon Aveugle.
Address | Le Cochon Aveugle, 37 Walmgate, York YO1 9TX
Contact | 01904 640222
Skosh
Yet another restaurant in York that opened within the last 5 years. It’s the brainchild of passionate chef Neil Bentinck who chose a spectacular Grade II listed building as the venue back in 2016. Just beyond Micklegate Bar, it’s in a great location if you’re wanting to stay central and what’s more, the food is great so you won’t be disappointed. Bentinck is well known locally, having formerly been the head chef at the acclaimed Van Zeller in Harrogate. Thankfully for those looking for a treat whilst visiting York, Skosh delivers an equally delightful offering.
The menu’s eclectic, with different sized dishes on offer, they cater to those looking for a quick snack yet offer a more immersive dining experience. On the menu, you’ll find some especially creative sounding dishes, including the likes of Whitby Lobster Dumplings with carrot & ginger, Sashimi of the day boat mackerel and even Teriyaki Pigeon. It’s reasonably priced, with dishes ranging from £3 to £15.50.
There’s an informal atmosphere, with a modern interior, perfect for a lunch break whilst touring the city. What’s more, the service is personable and they’re well-reviewed by the likes of Jay Rayner, food critic for The Guardian. In a 2017 visit, he gave it a glistening review concluding “As ever the price I give at the top is for the works, including wine and service, but you could eat here for less. The problem is, once that menu is in your hands, not rampaging through it like an elephant on heat is going to prove a challenge. Skosh does the thing. It’s as simple as that. Buy a train ticket. Now.”
Address | Skosh, 98 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
Contact | 01904 634849
Melton’s
Fine dining’s the name of the game at Melton’s. Opened in York some 18 years ago, it features in all the prominent food guides, including the Good Food Guide. The service is fantastic, and their passion for food is evident through the carefully crafted dishes that the talented head chef has created. Since it was founded, it’s been one of York’s most popular foodie destinations, and those that have visited before will understand why.
On the menu, you’ll find a delightful selection of British inspired dishes. There are the likes of Pan Fried Scallops as a starter as well as Cured Duck Liver Parfait. Main dishes are equally as varied – a testament to the cheffing teams skill. Rare Breed Beef – Sirloin and Shin, Guinea Fowl with Wild Garlic and Venison with Bitter Chocolate feature on the main menu, all equally as delicious.
Eating at Melton’s will set you back £30 throughout Lunch & Early Dinner, £35 at Dinner time and you can upgrade to include dessert for £5 and £10 respectively.
Address | 7 Scarcroft Road, York YO23 1ND
Contact | 01904 634341
Rattle Owl
We love a good independent restaurant, and The Rattle Owl’s one of the best in York. Casual dining set within a Grade II listed building, The Rattle Owl has a great reputation for its food.
Headed by Jamie Hall, who boasts two of Yorkshire’s Michelin Starred restaurants on his resume, he’s now working tirelessly to delight diners in York in 2019. They’ve got space for 42 guests, focus on local, organic ingredients and have a big passion for high-quality wine. You’ll find them in the heart of York in Micklegate Bar and found within a spectacularly unique building. What’s more, the decor is spectacular, making it the perfect destination for a special occasion.
When it comes to the food at Rattle Owl, it’s a fairly straightforward menu, but the devil truly is in the detail. As you might expect from a Chef of Halls calibre, each dish has been intricately crafted to provide for maximum flavour. The food is presented beautifully and diners of most tastes will find something to excite them. In a review from 2016, The Yorkshire Evening Post remarked “Overall, adding everything up, this is a cracking place and fills a distinct gap in the York restaurant scene.
It is not in the easiest of locations, but Micklegate is definitely on the up and now even more so with the addition of this great place. I may have mourned Blakes but rest assured I am delighted by the Rattle Owl – which in case you wonder where the name comes from, has a charming story to it, but I will let you ask the staff when you hot foot it over there to eat.”
Address | 104 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
Contact | 01904 658658
Partisan
Yet another establishment found within Micklegate, Partisan is a trendy and independent coffee shop, which transforms into a restaurant in the evening. The menu’s diverse, and changes every week – as a result, it’s difficult to make a solid recommendation on which dish to choose, however, the principles at Partisan are clear – they value seasonality, allow the ingredients to do the talking and provide a relaxed, indulgent experience for diners.
They were this year highlighted as one of the best restaurants in York by the Good Food Guide, which described “This distinctive arrival on blossoming Micklegate is principally a daytime café with a rustic ambience. In the evenings (Thursday to Saturday) chef James Gilroy puts together a more ambitious menu of globally inspired dishes.
“Desserts come from a tempting display of cakes made in-house. The brains behind this imaginative enterprise are owners Hugo Hildyard and Florencia Clifford, who cook, as they say, ‘with attention, compassion and awareness’. We’re inclined to agree.”
If you’re in the region for a casual dining experience and want to sample the best produce of that Yorkshire has to offer, we can’t recommend them enough. What’s more, eating at Partisan is relatively affordable, with mains ranging from £14 – £18.
Address | 112 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
Contact | 01904 629866
Sara Danesin at St John
Fans of the BBCs Masterchef will know Sara Danesin’s well. She was a finalist on the show in 2011 and gained fame for her skill in the kitchen. Since then, she’s set up her very own supper club in her York home, which centres around authentic and beautifully crafted Italian Cuisine. With the magnificent York Minster as the backdrop and Sara’s beautiful Victorian home providing the dining room, it offers a really unique experience.
She only uses the best ingredients and serves a four-course tasting menu of some truly amazing dishes. Sara’s concept is as much about social interaction as it is about great food so book one of these and expect an informal evening of conversation with like-minded foodies!
Contact | sara.danesin2@gmail.com
Rustique
Rustique has landed upon a winning formula. They’re so popular in fact that there have two restaurants in York. Although the foods not as sophisticated as others in the roundup, they serve honest, great quality food that’s great for casual dining.
Specialising in French cuisine at affordable prices, they have an ever-popular two-course set menu which starts at £14.95. The service is welcoming, the foods well thought out and because of this, they’re one of the most popular eating destinations in the city. The set menu offers good variety, with dishes including Boeuf Bourguignon, Steak Frites and Moules Marinieres. To start with, I can recommend their French Onion Soup, which is authentic and tasty.
If you go for the A La Carte menu, you can expect to spend a bit more, with dishes reaching up to £22, although the menu is eclectic and has more affordable options. They also have a good selection of French wine available, and the team there are knowledgable and offer advice on which wines will complement your choice of main. Well worth a visit.
Address | 28 Castlegate, York YO1 9RP
Contact | 01904 612744
As with all our articles of this nature, the list will be added to over time. If you would like to make a recommendation or would like us to consider your restaurant for inclusion, please email news@theyorkshirepress.co.uk
