York is home to an incredible array of food and drink. From hundreds of pubs and bars serving all manner of local and international drinks, to a fine range of cafes, tea rooms and boutique eating spaces to grab a warm cuppa, with a range of quick meal options and fine dining all within easy walking distance of the historic city centre.
Within these impressive city walls, you will be well fed and watered, indeed.
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From local to international
Offering everything from fine local cuisine to international delicacies, dining in York is a gastronomic experience. The Star Inn the City is a stunning new development in the heart of the city, headed up by renowed Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern.
Keeping on the Michelin theme, Tommy Banks, of Black Swan in Oldstead fame, has also brought his venture Roots to the city. This stunning new sharing-plate restaurant that brings Tommy Banks’ Roots right into the heart of the city. Inspired by ingredients grown and foraged on the family farm; it’s a reflection of the “Oldstead” style: plenty of tradition and culture, cut through with a modern creative exuberance. Roots has become the first restaurant in the city to be awarded a Michelin star.
Over on Micklegate is Skosh, a contemporary dining room serving uncomplicated yet refined dishes in a comfortable and informal manner. Serving food in the form of snacks and small plates, allowing you to have as little or as much as you want. Committed to serving the best seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients, The Rise Restaurant, Terrace and Bar offers modern cuisine across a new ‘small plate concept, allowing guests to enjoy a feast of sharing dishes in an immersive and social dining experience. With a seasonal menu that draws from Yorkshire produce a visit to The Rattle Owl is a must. This independent 42 seat casual dining restaurant is housed in a restored listed building and is as alluring as it is welcoming.
FOREST Galtres Lodge is THE place to come at any time of the day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even just a quick drink and a snack. Since having been taken over by new owners in October 2018, the menus have been transformed, and now include freshly cooked homely meals, using as many local ingredients as possible.
Finally, Kennedys Bar and Restaurant delivers tasty food during the day before turning into one of York’s hot spots in the evening with smooth vibes and a great atmosphere.
Coffee Culture and Afternoon Tea
With an abundance of cafes, awaiting you, it’s the perfect opportunity to rest those legs. On every corner you’ll find a coffee shop full of a variety of coffees, teas and delicious cake. For something a little more formal set down for afternoon tea aboard the beautifully restored Countess of York train at the National Railway Museum or visit the Iconic Bettys Café Tea Rooms and treat yourself to a Fat Rascal.
The Rise of Gin and Craft Beer
The Gin and Craft Beer scene is thriving in the city with local breweries and distilleries producing unique local flavours and tours with a spooky twist. York Gin and the Bloody Tour of York have joined forces to bring you equal measures of chilling tales and tasty gins. Don’t forget to pop into the York Gin shop and take home a bottle as a souvenir.
Brew York is the ideal place if you’re looking for great beer. They have their own brewery, tap room and beer hall, offering you over 40 taps with direct access to some of the finest ale and lager. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample some of their unique flavours, including the rhubarb and custard beer ‘Rhubarbra Streisand’. There are hundreds of places to enjoy a drink in the city, including historic Tudor and Georgian buildings and even a pub above a Roman Bath, no other city can beat York for its uniqueness.
See also: the best places to drink in York
Mouth Watering Street Food
For food on the go check out the very best in street food at the Shambles Food Court, they have it all covered whether you’re vegan or a meat lover. Don’t miss Los Moros, satisfy those lunchtime cravings with their fabulous North African and Middle Eastern style street food. Other traders include some of the healthiest fast food from KREP who are based in the huts in the food court, Pizza treats from Pizzoli and scrummy burritos from the Shambles Kitchen.
Spark:York is a new addition to the city’s cultural offering, the units are eclectic in style and provide an energetic injection of youthful colour and creativity. The food outlets range from mouth-watering gourmet burgers at Sloppy’s Burgers and sensational Asian fusion from Shori.
Chocolate!
As well as creating artisan chocolates, Kala King Chocolate make individual desserts for special occasions including weddings, birthdays and corporate events. In fact, they love nothing more than taking clients’ ideas, no matter how extravagant, and bringing them to life.
Discover More: York & North Yorkshire.