Cafés
So many cafés, so little time. Here are a few of the best.
Bettys is a York institution; a Must Do, even if only to stare in wonder at the goodies on display in the shop. With beautiful interiors inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner, it’s been making a splash since 1936.
It’s not cheap, but the full afternoon tea is so worth it; examples can be seen in the cover photo at the top of the page.
Warning: Betty’s is very popular and there is often a queue at the entrance. If you can, make a reservation.
My favourite for a nice brunch. They bake all their own and have great vegetarian options.
Warning: there’s often a queue so get there early.
Haven’t been in here yet – we have our own cat at home. But, if you love cats maybe this is for you.
Want to try Viking Axe Throwing with your burger? Try The Hilt, just across the road from the Cat’s Whiskers! Book ahead.
Have you just been to see the Merchant Adventurers Hall and want lunch? Just head back out onto Fossgate and there by the entrance you’ll find this great little deli full of intriguing delicacies and with a nice little cafe area.
Feel like a bit of sushi. Try this little Japanese tea house for lunch or afternoon tea.
If you walk the walls and get off at Monk Bar for lunch, or perhaps have just wandered down Goodramgate and want a nice coffee you can’t go far wrong at Wheldrakes.
Just down a little snickleway is Bruks, a great, traditional British cafe. Good service, good food. Shortlisted for the best cafe in York.
From Clifford’s Tower head across the road and through the small park to find Dyls who serve up delicious modern dishes. On a sunny day you can sit outside and watch people mess about in boats on the river.
A quirky little place occupying one of the towers by Lendal Bridge, right on the edge of the river. A great place to stop for refreshment when you’re walking the walls.
Restaurants
There are lots of great restaurants – just choose your cuisine; French, Italian, Nepalese, Cajun, Japanese, Polish, British and many more. We list our favourites, but we have by no means tried them all.
Just a step along Castlegate from Cliffords Tower Rustique specialises in good french cuisine. Narrow entrance widens out to large upper terrace.
Just off Low Petergate, the Old School has gone Italian. Try to get a seat in the conservatory with great views of the minster.
Pizzas in the spectacular setting of the old York Assembly building.
With echoes of New Orleans and a spectacular Art Deco decor Nola offers some great cajun meals, with live jazz Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
A brasserie-style restaurant located in the old Engine House on the edge of York’s Museum Gardens, close to the historic Lendal Bridge and Tower, The Star Inn The City has an enviable riverside patio.
A warm, cosy, relaxed, and rustic restaurant, and THE place to come at any time of the day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even just a quick drink and a snack.
Fine Dining
There are several restaurants that serve something that little bit above and beyond the ordinary. Indeed, some of them are in the Michelin guide.
Another favourite place where the menu has lots of small dishes. The coddled egg, in a shell, was memorable. Many other tasty dishes.
Sister restaurant to The Black Swan at Oldstead (once voted by TripAdvisor members as being the best in the world) and both proud to hold a Michelin star, Roots is a relaxed tasting-menu restaurant located in the heart of historic York.
We haven’t been, yet, but those that have say the food is remarkable.
Pubs & Bars
There are quite a few great pubs in York – why not stay for a month or six and try them all?
Established in 1798, The Blue Bell is conveniently situated on Fossgate and is York’s smallest and most beautiful pub. Last decorated in 1903 and retaining all of it’s Edwardian charm, a drink in The Blue Bell is a step back in time. It was York CAMRA Pub of the Year 2022.
A short walk from the centre The Phoenix nestles next to the city walls. Here you can relax and enjoy a traditional pub atmosphere without the annoyance of gaming machines, televisions, juke boxes or mobile phones. Live Jazz on Sundays.
The House Of Trembling Madness
Wins the prize for oddest pub name in York. A great place for craft beer, or whisky. They serve food now too. Quirky interior.
The Golden Fleece is supposedly York’s most haunted pub. Situated at the bottom of the Shambles, this quaint little pub offers a range of local cask and fantastic draught products.
Built in 1640, this Grade II* listed timber framed pub is a picture postcard example of what makes York so special. All food is homemade and freshly prepared, and they work closely with local suppliers to keep dishes as seasonal and interesting as possible. The Rolling Stones hung out in the top floor bar in the 60s- their signatures in lipstick are still on the wall!
You will find The Old White Swan in Goodramgate York within a short stroll of York Minster – however you won’t find another like it. Step in to discover a traditional pub of unique character, revered for its eclectic range of real ales and its quality pub food, which are served, as they should be, with a generous measure of famous British hospitality.
