The best brunches in York for a mid-morning treat

Between its rich history and quaint cobbled streets, York is a lovely place for a spot of brunch. In recent years, the city’s restaurant scene has flourished, which means even more places for a delicious mid-morning meal. Whether you're strolling through the historic centre, exploring the independent shops around Fossgate or enjoying a slow weekend near the city walls, you’ll find no shortage of brunch places in York that cater to every kind of morning mood. Need a barista-made coffee to perk you up? A mimosa to say cheers to something special? A big fry-up to fade your hangover away? Whatever you’ve got a hankering for, York has a brunch spot to suit.

The best brunch places in York blend quality produce with nourishing cooking, and many champion Yorkshire suppliers too. From local bakeries to regional farms, the most popular cafes go above and beyond to source seasonal ingredients from trusted suppliers, delivering brunch plates with added flair. You’ll find everything from full Yorkshire breakfast to fluffy pancakes and fresh granola bowls. It’s a city where brunch feels genuinely woven into daily life, with cafés and restaurants opening their doors early for relaxed catch-ups, family outings or a treat-yourself weekend ritual.

York’s dining scene is known for its strong independent spirit, and that shines through in its brunch offering. Cafes often lean into the city’s cosy charm, offering warm interiors, friendly service and menus that balance comfort with creativity. You’ll find everything from elegant hotel dining rooms serving refined classics to quirky cafés plating up inventive dishes you won’t see anywhere else. 

To help you decide where to eat brunch in York, we’ve rounded up the city’s standout venues. Each one brings something different to the table, whether you're a local looking to try somewhere new or visiting for the weekend.

The Old Liquor Store

What: Housed in a beautifully restored former factory building, The Old Liquor Store brings a modern European twist to brunch in York. Coffee is taken seriously here, and the menu is full of vibrant dishes, from house toasted granola with yogurt, compote and roasted hazelnut, to smoked haddock kedgeree with poached egg, coriander and bombay mix. Being the closest restaurant to York Racecourse, The Old Liquor Store also offers a special group brunch menu for pre or post-race bookings - be sure to book a table in advance as the space fills up quick on race days!
Must-try dish: House toasted granola with skyr yogurt, seasonal compote and roasted hazelnut
Where: Bishopthorpe Road, YO23 1FT
Book now: The Old Liquor Store

The Rise at The Grand

What: Set within York’s only five-star hotel, The Rise offers an elevated all-day dining experience that’s ideal for a leisurely morning meal. The setting is elegant, with plush seating and large windows that bring in plenty of natural light.  For breakfast, there is a classic hotel selection of yoghurts, pastries, hot food and fruit as well as heartier plates for something more substantial. Expect familiar favourites such as eggs benedict, eggs royale, French toast, haddock shakshuka and oatmeal porridge. Service is polished, and the kitchen’s attention to detail ensures every plate arrives beautifully presented.
Must-try dish: Congee with jasmine rice, soft boiled egg and soy sauce
Where: The Grand, Station Rise, YO1 6GD
Book now: The Rise at The Grand

Bettys York

What: Bettys is one of York’s most iconic dining destinations, and brunch here feels like a real treat. Known for its Swiss-Yorkshire heritage, the café serves a refined selection of breakfast and brunch dishes, including its famous Rösti topped with bacon, eggs or mushrooms. You’ll also find freshly baked pastries, fruit compotes and beautifully crafted breads. The setting is timeless, with polished wood, crisp linens and attentive service that makes every visit feel special. If you're looking for a classic brunch place in York with a touch of old-world charm, Bettys is hard to beat.
Must-try dish: Rösti with gruyere cheese and bacon
Where: 6–8 St Helen’s Square, YO1 8QP
Book now: Bettys York

Partisan

What: Partisan is a favourite among locals thanks to its creative menu and cosy, art-filled interior. The brunch offering changes regularly to reflect seasonal produce, but you can expect dishes like Turkish figs and goat's cheese, Palestinian chicken shawarma, and generous breakfast plates featuring homemade bread. The café also showcases independent makers and artists, giving the space a unique personality. If you're exploring the independent shops around Micklegate, this is one of the best brunch spots in York to stop for something delicious.
Must-try dish: The scallop and bacon roll
Where: 112 Micklegate, YO1 6JX
Book now: Partisan

Black Wheat Club

What: At Black Wheat Club, everything is made in-house and the food is modern, inventive and original. For brunch, think salt beef poached eggs, spiced lamb sausage bun and courgette and oyster mushroom bun. There's even a 'Not Your Ordinary Porridge Bowl' which is made with seasonal compote, bruleed brown butter and rum custard, and sweet crumble - yum! The café has a bright, modern feel, and its friendly atmosphere makes it a great spot for casual brunch meet-ups. 
Must-try dish: Marjoram sausage bun with Botton cheese, fried egg and horseradish mayo
Where: 52 Fossgate, YO1 9TF
Book now: Black Wheat Club

Robinsons Cafe

What: Robinsons is a bustling café known for generous portions and a menu packed with brunch favourites. Expect dishes like Mexican eggs with feta, tortillas and tomato salsa, as well as chorizo and parma ham hash, and sweetcorn fritters with halloumi and avocado. The cafe is also known for its American pancakes, offering an array of customisable flavours, including berry compote, maple syrup and creme fraiche, and bananas, caramel sauce, and candied hazelnuts. The café has a lively feel, with quick service and a friendly team that keeps things running smoothly even during busy weekend rushes. 
Must-try dish: American pancake stack with streaky bacon, maple salted butter and maple syrup
Where: 7 Bishopthorpe Road, YO23 1NA
Book now: Robinsons Cafe

Mannion & Co

What: Mannion & Co blends French and Italian influences to create a brunch menu full of rustic charm. Expect artisanal breads, charcuterie, baked eggs, and beautifully presented plates that highlight seasonal produce. The café is known for its relaxed atmosphere and high-quality ingredients, with many items made in-house. Whether you're stopping by for a light bite or something more substantial, the menu offers plenty of choice. It’s a popular spot, so arriving early is often a good idea, especially on weekends.
Must-try dish: Back bacon, brie and chutney sandwich
Where: 1 Blake Street, YO1 8QJ
Book now: Mannion & Co

The Ivy St Helen's Square

What: The Ivy brings its signature all-day dining style to York, offering a brunch menu that feels polished and indulgent. Dishes include classics like eggs royale with The Ivy smoked salmon, eggs benedict with pulled ham, and chargrilled steak and eggs. The interior is glamorous, with plush seating and vibrant décor that adds a sense of occasion to any visit. Service is attentive, and the menu caters well to both traditional brunch lovers and those looking for something a little different. 
Must-try dish: Eggs royale with The Ivy smoked salmon
Where: 2 St Helen’s Square, YO1 8QP
Book now: The Ivy St Helen's Square

Bill's York

What: Bill’s is a reliable favourite for brunch, offering a menu full of comforting classics and modern crowd-pleasers. Options include a double-decker brekkie burger, eggs florentine with fries, the big Bill's brunch plate and avocado on sourdough as well as buttermilk pancakes with a range of toppings. The restaurant has a warm, rustic feel with colourful touches that make it a cheerful spot for weekend dining. Portions are generous, and the menu caters well to families, groups and casual brunch outings. 
Must-try dish: The Mighty Brunch
Where: 12 Coney Street, YO1 9NA
Book now: Bill's York Restaurant

The Botanist York

What: The Botanist is known for its botanical-inspired décor and creative menu, making it a fun choice for brunch in York. Expect dishes like the Botanist bowl made with green falafel, couscous salad and spice-roasted chickpeas, as well as sweet options like the banoffee pancake stack with fudge pieces. The restaurant’s unique interior, filled with greenery and whimsical touches, makes the space feel like a comforting nature haven, while brunch cocktails add an element of fun.
Must-try dish: The Botanist BLT
Where: 15–19 Stonegate, YO1 8ZW
Book now: The Botanist York

The Cut & Craft York

What: The Cut & Craft is best known for its premium steaks, but its weekend brunch offering is equally impressive. The menu includes dishes like smashed avocado on toast, Turkish eggs, and homemade pancakes served with crispy pancetta and maple syrup. The interior is stylish, with high ceilings, elegant lighting and a spacious layout that suits both relaxed brunches and celebratory meals. 
Must-try dish: Steak and eggs with hash browns
Where: 8 St Sampson’s Square, YO1 8RN
Book now: The Cut & Craft York

Côte York

What: Côte brings a French brasserie feel to your classic brunch offering, with a weekend brunch menu full of indulgent favourites. Expect dishes like the brunch burger served with free-flow frites, and Brittany salt butter French toast. The restaurant’s classic décor and relaxed atmosphere make it a great choice for slow weekend mornings - plus the coffee is excellent.
Must-try dish: The classic Cote breakfast
Where: 49–51 Low Petergate, YO1 7HT
Book now: Côte York

Another Brother York

What: Another Brother is a modern café with a focus on great coffee and fresh, vibrant dishes. The brunch menu spans classic breakfast plates, fresh salads and toasted sandwiches, including granola bowl, orzo salad, and tuna melt toastie, with plenty of brunch options for kids too. The interior is bright and contemporary, making it a pleasant spot for relaxed brunches or quick morning bites. Between its commitment to quality ingredients and friendly service, Another Brother is a clear favourite among York locals.
Must-try dish: Grilled cheese toastie
Where: 3 Nessgate, YO1 9NP
Book now: Another Brother York

Social8 Lounge

What: Social8 Lounge is a fun, lively bar-cum-restaurant offering a contemporary brunch menu inspired by global influences. Expect dishes like eggs benedict, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, Scotch pancakes, and croque monsieur sandwich. The lounge-style interior gives the space a relaxed feel, and the menu caters well to groups thanks to its wide variety of dishes. If you have something to celebrate, why not upgrade to the boozy brunch special, which includes your choice of three cocktails or wine?
Must-try dish: Hash brown stack
Where: 13a High Ousegate, YO1 8RZ
Book now: Social8 Lounge

Plonkers

What: Plonkers is a long-standing York favourite known for its hearty food and welcoming atmosphere. While it’s best known for its wine bar offering, the brunch menu is full of comforting dishes. The dishes lean into classic English breakfast plates, including scrambled eggs on sourdough, breakfast sausage bun, and a full English. Its quaint, riverside location adds to its appeal, making it a great spot to start the day before exploring the city centre. 
Must-try dish: Full English
Where: 5 Cumberland Street, YO1 9SW
Book now: Plonkers

The Fox and Roman

What: Located just outside the city centre, The Fox and Roman is a charming pub offering a classic brunch menu with a focus on comfort food. Expect dishes like eggs benedict, buttermilk pancakes, and smashed avocado on toast. The pub’s cosy interior and friendly service make it a great choice for relaxed weekend mornings, especially if you're looking to escape the busier parts of York. The menu is straightforward but well executed, with generous, hearty portions guaranteed. 
Must-try dish: Full cooked breakfast
Where: 58 Tadcaster Road, YO24 1LR
Book now: The Fox and Roman

Fancy turning your brunch into a bottomless, boozy affair? Check out the best places for bottomless brunch in Sheffield and explore the best boozy brunch spots in Leeds. After all, a delicious brunch plate paired with a tasty tipple (or three) is the best way to celebrate something special!