Tucked down an arched alleyway strung with fairy lights in central York, Ate O'Clock is an independent, family-run restaurant comprising a collection of dining areas and a cosy courtyard, adapted for warm summer evenings and colder winter days alike.
The menu is broad enough to suit everything from a date night to a family meal, while still feeling considered. Starters might include garlic tiger prawns in a tomato, red onion, garlic and chilli sauce with warm bread, pan-seared king scallops with black pudding bon bons, crispy bacon, kale and apple, or crispy chilli beef bao buns with sesame, sweet chilli and pak choi.
Main courses tick boxes across both comforting British dishes and more contemporary combinations. Examples include six-hour braised blade of beef with dauphinoise potatoes, roasted carrots, asparagus, caper and herb dumplings and red wine jus, or loin of venison paired with fondant potato, carrot and a beetroot, black pepper and red wine jus. Fish options might include pan-roasted salmon with tomato and chilli risotto and an onion bhaji, or halibut with spinach and potato purée, samphire, asparagus and tarragon lemon butter. There is also steak from the grill, burgers, seafood linguine and a beetroot and poached pear risotto with Harrogate blue cheese and toasted almonds.
On Sundays, the restaurant serves a classic Sunday roast, from chicken supreme to confit pork belly or roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and all the usual trimmings. Dessert is worth saving room for: dark chocolate and pistachio délice comes with pistachio ice cream, while the brownie is served with honeycomb ice cream and salted caramel sauce.
Extra information to note includes accessible facilities, dedicated vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and a dog-friendly policy, all of which make Ate O’Clock a must-visit for all.