Best restaurants in York

Bold murals, wavy walls and blue lighting mark this former coach house out from the cosy establishments that dominate York’s food and drink scene, but it’s the stand-out quality of the food that we love. Inventive canapés, deliciously moreish bread and a range of starters, mains and desserts that promise to wow in every respect are what make Arras a destination for serious gastronomes.

Sitting pretty in our guide to the UK's Top 100 Restaurants, this second restaurant from chef Tommy Banks of the Michelin-starred Black Swan at Oldstead has become the place to eat in York, with tables still hard to come by. Everything on the seasonal menu revolves around fresh produce grown and foraged on the family farm in Oldstead, which is then lightly handled in order to allow each flavour to shine.

Coffee shop in the morning, restaurant in the afternoon - Partisan is a beloved independent business in the heart of York. Sustainability and sourcing is the name of the game here - as well as working with an endless list of quality local producers, Partisan really cares about getting in the best of the best, whether it's Monmouth Coffee or teas from Canton and Bluebird. The menu isn't vegan, but there's loads to choose from if you're vegan or veggie.

Set inside one of Yorkshire’s most glamorous country house hotels, the restaurant at Middlethorpe Hall is spectacularly fancy – a bit like how we’d imagine dining at Downton Abbey would be. Smart waiters appear at the slightest head raise, while drapery, candles and an abundance of cutlery help set the scene for very fine dining indeed. 

If you’ve heard of The Star Inn at Harome, Andrew Pern’s Michelin-starred gastropub near Helmsley, you’ll know that this city pub is well worth a visit. Housed in the beautifully-restored Engine House within the city’s Museum Gardens, this stylish all-day eatery majors in rustic dishes that make the best of Yorkshire’s produce. The interiors are cosy, the terrace is the perfect spot for gazing out over the river on a warm day, and the staff are charming.

Skosh is neither big nor flashy, and yet you’ll always find it near, if not at the top of review websites and locals’ list of their favourite restaurants in the city. The reasons for this are many, though super-friendly staff and wow-factor food are probably the most important two. Small plates influenced by international flavours are the essence of Skosh, so expect a palate-teasing menu full of creativity. 

Ambiente Tapas comes with a slight edge, with a stripped-back industrial interior and a large open kitchen, it’s great for both a relaxing lunch and a fun night out with friends. Expect plenty of small plates, paella and Spanish wine.

The Fat Badger is a charming, historical pub in the centre of York. Inside you’ll find plenty of wooden panelling, leather seating, and pints of Guinness with the logo on top. Out the back is a large beer garden with pods that offer shelter for when the weather turns.

Cresci Pizzeria has made a name for itself by offering some of the best pizza available in York. All of the process is kept in line with the standards of Neapolitan culture, so you’ll find all of the iconic toppings on the menu here (and you can leave your pineapple at home).

No.8 Bistro is a quaint and intimate eatery serving up everything from homemade pasta with slow cooked beef ragu to chicken shawarma filo parcels with hummus. The food here is all about unfussy plates made using high quality ingredients.

Mannion & Co started as a greengrocer over 30 years ago, but the family-run business has transitioned into an all-day restaurant and cafe, and a cracking one at that. Get ready for plenty of eggy breakfasts and Yorkshire rarebit in the mornings, then some internationally-minded plates in the evening. If you're on the go, grab one of the excellent sandwiches.

Since graduating from a street stall in the Shambles Market to a permanent restaurant, Los Moros has been serving up mouth-watering plates of homemade delights, such as falafel, hummus and merguez sausage to its many fans. Whatever isn’t pickled, preserved or made in-house is sourced locally, from fish, meat and bread to tea and beer, meaning it’s all as fresh as can be.

Melton's has been quietly pleasing York’s foodies for more than two decades, and has a legion of local fans as a result. It's slightly dated in a soft and charming way, with well-worn furnishings and, but Michael Hjort's food is original and refreshing, using local produce to great effect and mixing up classic flavours, but with restraint. Very reasonably priced tasting menus and modestly marked-up wines are in tune with Melton’s admirable ethos.

The clue is in the name with this restaurant, where you can expect to find dishes showcasing both the sea and land (specifically game dishes). Expect flavours that change with the seasons, and that are inspired by a zero waste ethos.

As the name suggests, Pairings is all about enjoying the alchemy of wine and food. That requires impeccably-sourced charcuterie, cheese and other bites - the bar works closely with all sorts of local producers, so everything that ends up on the beautiful sharing platters is second to none in terms of quality. Castlegate is a nice spot to enjoy a glass or two of wine, too. 

This quintessential Yorkshire tea room is a must-visit for visitors to York. Most associate Bettys with afternoon tea – and it does do a mean one – but there’s a whole menu of savouries for lunch and dinner, from Yorkshire rarebits to omelettes and salads, in addition to its sweet offering. Queues are inevitable, but anyone who wants to sample an English tradition that has all but vanished ought to persevere.

Like many fantastic Indian restaurants, Mumbai Lounge does away with any bells and whistles, but excels when it comes to superior cuisine. With a whole range of regional specialities, from Uttar Pradeshi achari to Bengali zalfrey, plus all your classic curries, sides and sundries, the menu at Mumbai Lounge promises to please.

This British restaurant by Andrew Pern is housed inside a grade II-listed building that was once York Minster school. It's open all day and menus change with the seasons - often featuring a retro twist. Think pheasant with a ‘fruit n nut’ sausage roll, and a liquorice and forest fruit arctic roll.

If you’re looking for the best Indian food in York, then you’ve come to the right place. The restaurant is named after the 29 states of India, which inspire the diversity of the menu here, so you can expect to find plenty of authentic blends of flavours and regional dishes found in India.

Housed in the iconic Motor House overlooking the River Ouse, this family-run café-restaurant-bar is as cosy as it is quirky. Twinkling fairy lights adorn the perennially popular waterside terrace, from which views of the now-ruinous keep of York’s medieval castle can be enjoyed throughout the day and evening. Dyl’s is big on all things local and fresh, so you’re certain to find a great selection of seasonal dishes and drinks.