York Restaurant Guide

2021 Review: “When all you want is an old-school burger”, these US-based arrivals of recent years really “hit the spot” – you can “build your own”, with “tons of accessories”; plus “seriously addictive fries”, “thick milkshakes”, and “more soda flavours than is reasonable”. “The eat-in experience is as depressing as McDonald’s”, though, in fact perhaps more so – “some branches have a strangely gloomy ambience” – but fans feel that “if you don’t mind 1980s-rock, a trip can still be surprisingly fun”.

This deli-café in a former grocer’s shop is “worth the queue” for a coffee and a treat, while the “surf ’n’ turf lunch is also very good”. Success has led to spinoffs in Helmsley and, last year, in Easingwold (where it’s called OPC after the old police cells on the premises).

Born as a Shambles Market stall in 2015 (the stall is still going strong), Tarik Abdeladim’s venture branched out into this bricks-and-mortar incarnation three years later. It wins praise for “very enjoyable North African food” with “plenty of interesting sharing options” and Brew York’s branded Los Moros pale ale and lager to wash it down. Top Tip – “sit downstairs if you can”.

“An institution in York, and a ‘must’ on any visit to the city” – this central branch of Bettys dates from 1936, with an interior inspired by the ocean liner Queen Mary, and its Belmont Room – named after Frederick Belmont, the Swiss confectioner who founded the Harrogate original in 1919 – is “a real treat”. “There’s no place like Bettys if you want to enjoy a classic afternoon tea with as many of the trimmings as you want” – “the quality of the food offering is never in doubt but what is exceptional is the professionalism and efficiency of the staff”.

2021 Review: “Never had a bad meal”, say fans of this “favourite” tiny bistro, off the Gillygate, serving “excellent ingredients prepared with some imagination”. It can feel “rather cramped inside”, though. Top Tip: “go for the garden room in summer, under the medieval city wall”.

2022 Review: The York branch of Richard Caring’s glossy Ivy chain generates most enthusiasm for its attractive interior, which makes it a pleasant spot to while away an hour or two – including over afternoon tea – especially if you can nab a table by the full-length windows (difficult to guarantee, since tables are allocated on arrival).

In a “great location” by the River Ouse, this characterful gastropub was opened 11 years ago by chef Andrew Pern as a city counterpart to his acclaimed Star Inn at Harome in North Yorkshire. “The cuisine still fails to meet expectations”, though – a recurrent theme, with reporters describing it as “good but not spectacular” or at best “better than expected given the poor reviews”.

“Hidden away on one of York’s least-photogenic streets” (their words), and spread across “several cosy rooms”, this decade-old establishment revolves around “very tasty steaks” featuring flavoursome and ethical beef from ex-dairy cows sourced in England, Galicia and France. The owners also run The Stone Trough Inn in Kirkham Abbey.

“Combining skill and originality in equal measure – with a menu that’s is unexpected and exciting”; Tommy Banks’s converted pub in the city centre is applauded in all reports as a “fabulous” destination: “knowledgeable service coupled with the beautiful presentation and amazingly flavoured food makes for a truly unforgettable meal”. However, even those who acknowledge that it’s “excellent” still often feel that “bills are simply excessive” (“we love Tommy Banks, but won’t be returning”). The overall verdict? “Excellent… but at a price”.

This “lively” and well commented-on venue with a “good choice of tapas” celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, now with two more branches in York as well as outposts in Leeds and Hull. A meal here is a “good opportunity to explore sherries, with various flights available”.

2021 Review: “Beautiful Indian food” from a “varied menu with a touch of the exotic” and some really “great flavours” has earned this eleven-year-old Bengali a position as one of the town's top curry stops.

“Fabulous food at a reasonable price” is endorsed by every report on Adam & Lovaine Humphrey’s stylish city-centre venue – and the “surprise extras” including “high-quality canapés, amuse bouches and the English cheese takes on worldwide alternatives” all go down a treat. Adam is originally from Yorkshire, but the couple ran restaurants in Australia for almost 20 years – more conservative diners may feel “the startling white decor would fit better in trendy Sydney” but most reports give it a strong thumbs up.

2021 Review: A “robust Polish food offering in central York”, also serving other Eastern European specialities (notably textbook pierogi and borscht) and winning fans for its bargain prices; “if you can, leave room for the cakes which are truly delicious”.

2023 Review: There are “no airs and graces in this homely little Italian” from Sardinian-born Paolo Silesu – just “great food, friendly service and a lively buzz”. “If you just woke up here, you’d think you were in the back streets of Naples – it’s mad and hectic, but brilliant” – and “totally authentic”.

2021 Review: A beautifully restored rail carriage at the National Railway Museum makes a unique location for a luxurious afternoon tea. It has received the odd recommendation so far: more reports please!