York is home to some of the best restaurants in Yorkshire and, over the years, has become a popular destination for foodies. In the heart of this medieval walled city you will find everything from traditional fine dining restaurants serving great British cuisine, to trendy fusion restaurants offering flavours from across the globe. Many of York’s restaurants are well-known across the country so when eating here during the evening, you probably already know where to head.
However, do you know where to go during the day if you just fancy a light bite, some homemade cake and a good old cup of Yorkshire Tea? As well as numerous good quality restaurants, York is home to some fabulous little cafes that offer tired explorers somewhere to rest their legs and refuel.
So, before your next visit, check out our list of some of the best cafes in York. Next time you’re exploring this magnificent city, you’ll know just where to go for a simple breakfast, a light lunch or an indulgent afternoon tea.
6 of The Best Cafes in York
Brew & Brownie
Brew & Brownie have two locations in York, just doors apart from one another on Museum Street. One of the locations operates as a Bakeshop and the other as a great little cafe. Inspired by the seasons and the tastes from their countryside upbringings, the owners of Brew & Brownie serve a menu of sweet and savoury treats plus premium coffees and loose leaf teas.
On the menu at Brew & Brownie you’ll find a selection of delicious breakfast options which are served between 9 and 11:30 am. Start your day with fresh pastries, eggs benedict, smashed avocado on sourdough toast or a stack of fluffy American pancakes. For those visiting after 11:30 am, their brunch menu features some of the favourites from the breakfast menu plus a selection of fresh sandwiches, toasties and salads plus a delicious Yorkshire Ploughmans. If you do visit Brew & Brownie, expect to be tempted by their daily selection of indulgent homemade cakes. Their Oreo Brownies are particularly difficult to say no to!
Food here starts at £2.50 and hot drinks are priced from £2.70.
Brew & Brownie, 5 Museum Street, York YO12DT
Crumbs Cupcakery
Crumbs Cupcakery is owned by twins Charlotte and Jennifer Davison. Both passionate about baking, they worked at the shop for a number of years before taking over the business in January 2018, at the tender age of 20.
If you have a sweet tooth then this pretty little tearoom is bound to provide something to satisfy your tastebuds. They serve a wonderful selection of different flavoured cupcakes on a daily basis plus, a special flavour that changes each day. You can even watch them bake whilst you are enjoying their sugary creations in their ever so feminine seating area.
Break up a day’s sightseeing with a visit to Crumbs Cupcakery and tuck into delicious and decadent cupcakes in a range of tempting flavours such as Caramel fudge, Cherry bakewell, Chocolate orange and Raspberry swirl cheesecake. They are right next to York Minster so treat yourself to a sugary snack after you’ve explored York’s most beautiful attraction.
Crumbs Cupcakery, 10 College Street, York, YO1 7JF
01904 638282
Wheldrakes
This small independent cafe near the Monkbar walls offers table service and a homely environment. They serve a lovely menu of freshly cooked dishes as well as a selection of sweet and savoury treats that are baked on the premises each day.
Wheldrakes is a licensed cafe so if you fancy something stronger than their excellent home blend coffee, they have plenty of alcoholic beverages to choose from. Everyone knows that gin is the perfect accompaniment to cake!
On the menu at Wheldrakes you’ll find everything from scrummy scones, topped toasts and crisp salads to calorific cream cakes and humongous slices of freshly baked sponges. The perfect pitstop for the weary traveller in need of a pick me up.
Wheldrakes, 5C Goodramgate, York YO1 7LJ
07940 210670
Circles Cafe and Gin Bar
This quirky, listed building was once a toll house but is now home to one of the best cafes in York. In addition to their wide range of artisan coffees and other hot beverages, they have a fully licensed bar serving craft beers, Yorkshire gins and signature cocktails.
Ideally situated to offer panoramic views of the river, this excellent little cafe makes a wonderful venue for a family lunch or a catch up with friends. The interior of Circles Cafe and Gin Bar is beautifully decorated with yellow and purple soft furnishings, silver circular tables and large ornate mirrors to proved the perfect backdrop for those foodie Instagram posts.
On the menu at Circles you find the usual offerings one would expect at an independent cafe, such as sandwiches, toasties, salads and scones, and all are reasonably priced. In addition to the cafe classics, you can order some wonderful sharing platters and light bites that are all made using the freshest of locally sourced ingredients.
Circles Cafe and Gin Bar, East Lodge, Lendal Bridge York YO1 7DP
07582 179116
Partisan
This little gem is one of York’ most recent entries in The Good Food Guide 2019. Owned and managed by a husband and wife team who are as passionate about the ingredients used in their food as they are about the final results, a visit to Partisan will exceed all expectations.
Located on the beautiful Micklegate, Partisan is a cafe by day and a restaurant by night. The food here is all ultra fresh and prepared with love by serious foodies so expect traditional favourites cooked to perfection of with a flavoursome twist. As the food is such good quality, expect to pay a little more than your average cafe but not much! Their breakfasts are priced from £3 for Sourdough Toast to £11 for their skillet-cooked Partisan breakfast (vegetarian option available).
At lunchtime you’ll find some amazing special dishes available to order such as their Bibimap, which a Korean classic comprising spicy rice, beef and vegetables. Although you’ll be spoiled for choice with cooked creations and stunning salads at Partisan, it’s also an excellent choice for a simple coffee and cake break. Their daily selection of homemade cakes and pastries is extraordinarily good.
Partisan, 112 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
01904-629866
The Pig & Pastry
The Pig and Pastry is a family run and family-friendly cafe on Bishopthorpe Road. They’ve received numerous accolades since they opened their doors in 2008 and are probably one of the most loved cafes in York.
Like many modern establishments, they pride themselves on sourcing their produce from local suppliers and they will openly share with their customers who and where their ingredients came from. Renowned for their brilliant breakfasts and brunches, they’ve built up a loyal customer base over the years. However, those who frequent The Pig & Pastry, do so as much for the great sense of humor possessed by the staff as they do for the superb quailty food.
At The Pig & Pastry, the menu is simple as the focus is on the excellent Yorkshire produce being used in their kitchen. No frills, no fuss cooking means you get exactly what is stated on the menu. Start your day with perfectly cooked Eggs Benedict, Royale or Funghi or get your morning sugar fix with their divine Buttermilk Waffles and Maple Syrup. For those dining at lunchtime, there are a number of sandwiches, soups and salad bowls on offer, alongside some wonderful homemade cakes and other sweet treats. This is great place for those who want simple, good quality food served in a laidback and unpretentious environment.
Pig & Pastry, 35 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA
01904 675115
As with all our articles of this nature, this list will be added to over time. If you would like to make a recommendation or wish to discuss advertising opportunities, please email Alexis@theyorkshirepress.co.uk
