Breaking news
The restaurant, previously based in Micklegate, York, has moved premises to the downstairs of the former 1331 Bar and Grill building, in Grape Lane. The site was previously owned by owner Stephen Andrews’s parents who ran the former business on the new site for 20 years.
110 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX
Harden's survey result
Summary
“A strong focus on fish, with venison from the ‘forest’” both wins praise for and helps explain the name of this popular bistro. We’ve maintained its rating, but change is afoot with chef-patron Stephen Andrews moving it in August 2024 to this new location – the downstairs of what was previously 1331 Bar and Grill building, in Grape Lane (previously owned by Stephen’s parents who ran the business for 20 years). No change is planned to the format, which started life as a pop-up concept in 2018 and has consciously adopted an à la carte rather than tasting approach (with a seasonal chalkboard menu now offering eight starters, four mains, plus four desserts). There’s also a bar area, a communal table and a courtyard outside offering a snacks menu which will include oysters and cured fish. Everything served is cured or butchered in-house.
Summary
“The menu is determined daily by catch”, and the result is “a wide and varied choice” of “fresh and excellent fish” at this popular bistro, near the city walls. Game and foraged food also feature in their menu repertoire, but inspire less feedback in our annual diners’ poll.
Summary
“An outstanding neighbourhood bistro that strives to produce and make sustainable food fresh from local produce, game shoots and day boats” – Stephen Andrews (supported by manager Yohan Barthelemy) delivers a “menu that’s small but perfect” in this inviting industrial-style space, complete with lots of concrete and wood. He took on these premises in April 2020, after a succession of pop-ups in other venues. Top Menu Tip – “incredibly fresh fish, well executed”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Fish and Forest?
Owner's description
We began Fish&Forest to provide York with a forward-thinking sustainable fish and game restaurant, with accountability of sourcing the best ingredients at the forefront of what we do.
Situated in the heart of York, in the former 1331 Bar and Grill building on Grape Lane - which was previously owned by Chef-Owner Stephen Andrews’ parents – you’ll find an unpretentious sustainable fish and game bistro. Offering a dynamic, season driven, produce led menu, we want to bring the quality of fine dining in the techniques we use to prepare and source the ingredients but are committed to maintaining a relaxed attitude on the restaurant floor, with a vibrant atmosphere and welcoming staff. The move has allowed Stephen to expand his offering, and as well as the restaurant, there’s a new bar and courtyard, where walk-ins are encouraged, serving up snacks and carefully crafted cocktails.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £21.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £3.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
Fish and Forest Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Relocated to bigger premises in Grape Lane, there is room to breathe. Wall mural of a fish very striking.starters exceptional and unusual, venison tartare with elderberries superbly flavoured. "
"Lovely (but small - moving to new premises in York soon) restaurant just inside the city walls. Strong focus on fish, with venison from the "forest". Very interesting selection of wines by the glass, friendly service, and beautifully cooked fish and seafood."
110 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
