UPDATED FEBRUARY 2026! One of my favorite things about living in York is the plethora of independent businesses around town. About 65% of York’s businesses are independent (according to Indie York), and the city is a great location for foodies – there’s seriously something for everyone here! The city really sets itself apart with its international restaurants. You can travel and eat all around the world without ever leaving the city walls! Quite a few of these are all located on Walmgate and Fossgate, so you could do so without leaving the street. Here are the best restaurants in York, as well as some of the best quick eats around town!

Interested in a FREE 10-page York Mini Guide? Included in this York Mini Guide are: The top experiences and things to do in the city Where to eat & drink (cafes, restaurants, pubs) The best daytrips outside the city An itinerary for how to spend 3 days in York Click here to get your free copy!

The Best Restaurants in York

Il Paradiso Del Cibo

By far some of the best Italian food I’ve ever had (outside of Italy), Il Paradiso is a bit chaotic and almost always busy – but that just adds to the charm. Il Paradiso is run by Paolo, from Sardinia, and sources most of their menu from Italy. Literally everything I’ve ever eaten here has been amazing, but I do particularly love the ravioli. The menu is written on a specials board, and changes every so often. The small setting gives the restaurant a more intimate vibe, and the staff can be charming and quintessentially Italian – making the entire meal a dining experience. I would definitely make a reservation for any day of the week. Note that this is cash only, so stop by an ATM beforehand.

Address: 40 Walmgate // Website

Blue Barbakan

This Polish restaurant outdoes itself time and time again. Serving classic, hearty, Polish dishes, the friendly staff will go out of their way to make recommendations. Pierogi are my go-to here, especially since you can mix and match and get both meat and non-meat in the same plate of 6. Try to save room for dessert though – the best kept secret in York is the homemade cake selection at Blue Barbakan! This is a spot I always bring friends or family when they visit. Reservations are a must for weekends, but I’d still recommend making one on any day of the week.

Address: 34 Fossgate // Website

Khao San Road

This is some of the best Thai food in York, hands down. Khao San Road serves up a tasty variety of classic Thai dishes and curries as small plates – think Thai tapas! Service is fast and friendly, and the drinks are delicious as well. Their lunch special (available from 12-4pm Monday through Thursday) is good value for money.

Address: 50-52 Walmgate // Website

Yak and Yeti

A door decorated with prayer flags off Goodramgate leads you up to Yak and Yeti, the best Nepalese food I’ve ever had. A small restaurant with an intimate setting, I can’t recommend this place enough. The food is to die for – especially the chutney that comes with starters! The Everest Lamb curry is always my go-to for mains. Despite what appears to be a small size, you’ll finish absolutely stuffed. The staff go above and beyond to welcome guests and make you feel at home. The restaurant is decorated with Nepalese prayer flags and Gurkha memorabilia, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a tea house in Nepal. Reservations recommended for any day of the week, a must for weekends.

Address: 63A Goodramgate // Website

Ambiente Tapas

Ambiente has five locations, two of which are in York (the others are in Leeds, Hull, and Beverley). They do phenomenal classic Spanish tapas, all for reasonable prices. My favorites are the seafood and chorizo paella, the ham and cheese croquette, and pulpo a la gallega (octopus)! I’d recommend the Fossgate location over the Goodramgate – it’s bigger and easier to get a table. Reservations are highly recommended on weekends.

Address: 31 Fossgate and 14 Goodramgate // Website

Rose and Crown

No list of the best restaurants in York would be complete without mentioning the Rose and Crown. Why? One word: pies. These are absolutely the best pies in York, and easily the best I’ve ever had in the country. They do a pie of the week, as well as a standard steak and ale, chicken and leek (or mushroom), fish, and vegetarian pie. Pies are cooked to order, meaning you can wait 20+ minutes – but it’s absolutely worth it. The rest of the menu is fantastic, offering British staples and the best hearty pub grub in town. I also adore their sticky toffee pudding. Definitely make a reservation for weekends. This is my local pub, and I cannot recommend it enough!

Address: 13 Lawrence Street // Website

Skosh

Skosh is one of the best restaurants in York for trying inventive small plates with an international spin – and has even been commended by the Michelin Guide. The open kitchen really gives it a buzzing atmosphere, and the service is friendly. Try the hen’s egg and char siu celeriac. Definitely book a table in advance; note that they’re closed Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.

Address: 98 Micklegate // Website

Roots

For fine dining in York, a visit to the Michelin-starred Roots restaurant is a must. Chef Tommy Banks offers a farm-to-table experience, and a menu focusing on innovative dishes. Pick from their two tasting menus, the Core Menu (£110pp) or the Signature Menu (£165pp) – their Sunday Feast Menu (£70pp) is also available on Sunday afternoons. Reservations are highly recommended – as are deep pockets – for this one-of-a-kind York dining experience!

Address: 68 Marygate // Website

Black Wheat Club

This daytime bistro expanded into evening dining service, with rave reviews. Black Wheat Club is one of the best places in town for breakfast or brunch – but it’s one of those delightful spots that transitions seamlessly into excellent restaurant service on an evening. Fresh local ingredients and inventive mixtures take center stage here. Note that their evening dining is only available on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays – reservations are highly recommended.

Address: 52 Fossgate // Website

Cresci Pizzeria

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more authentic Italian pizzeria in York. Cresci serves tasty wood-fired Neopolitan pizzas, with super-friendly and charming service to boot. Whatever type of pizza you order here, it’ll be good. You can also order online if you’d rather have it at home.

Address: 20 Piccadilly // Website

Rustique

This French bistro has a lovely atmosphere, outdoor seating for al fresco dining in the warmer months, and a solid wine list (focusing on French wines, to no one’s surprise). Everything I’ve eaten here has been delicious, but the mussels and French onion soup have to be my favorites. Save room for some authentic crème brûlée for dessert!

Address: 28 Castlegate // Website

Quick Eats in York

There are so many great restaurants to sit down and have a meal in York. But if you’re on the go and need something a bit faster, here are some of the best quick eats in town! All of these can be done takeaway in case you need to grab it and go.

Shambles Kitchen

This sandwich shop is frequently voted one of the top places to eat in York. There’s a range of hearty sandwiches to choose from, and they usually have at least one vegetarian option. The Harry Trotter (pulled pork) and the Dick Turbin (beef reuben) are two of my favorites – although the Guy Fawkes (beef barbacoa) comes with an Instagrammable sparkler. If you’re looking for a quick bite for lunch, this should be your first stop!

Address: 28 Shambles // Website

Drakes Fish and Chips

This is a chain, with a few locations throughout North Yorkshire. If you want the best fish and chips in town, I can’t recommend Drakes enough! Located on Low Petergate, Drakes does this British staple exceptionally well. They have a dine-in restaurant, although you can also get takeaway.

Address: 97 Low Petergate // Website

Spark:York

Spark:York is one of my favorite places for food and drinks in the whole city. If you’re just looking for something quick (think inventive, tasty street-food style meals), this is an excellent place to grab quality food fast. Housed in shipping containers, the list of vendors rotates – it’s a great spot for businesses to start small and build a following before moving to a larger space. The halloumi fries from Clucking Oinks live rent-free in my dreams, although I also love anything coming out of Rad Pizza. In winter, they cover the venue with a roof tent and set up heaters inside.

Address: 17-21 Piccadilly // Website

Smokehouse Burritos

There are so many excellent street food options at Shambles Market Food Court. But my favorite has to be Smokehouse Burritos – it’s one of the few places in York to get quality Mexican food! The tacos are tasty, but I usually go for a (slow-cooked) smoked pork burrito.  They’re run by the same folks at Shambles Kitchen and are open daily, 11am-4pm.

Address: Shambles Market Food Court // Instagram

Honorable Mentions: Best Venues in York

While I’ve tried to avoid chain restaurants on this post, I couldn’t write about the best restaurants in York without an honorable mention for the best venues. York is full of history and charm, so here are the honorable mentions – spectacular places to enjoy a meal!

Cosy Club

York’s Cosy Club location is on busy Fossgate. However, you might feel like you’ve stepped back in time! The restaurant and busy bar are housed in an old movie theater – one of the first cinemas in York, the Electric Theater! It’s one of my favorite bars in York to take friends when they visit. The interior decorations give it a 1920s vibe, with restaurant seating on both the ground and first floors.

Address: 19-22 Fossgate // Website

Ask Italian

While the large building might seem rather unassuming from the outside, the interior of this Ask Italian location will make your jaw drop. Housed in the Grand Assembly Rooms and built 300 years ago, this is perhaps the most exquisite setting for a chain I’ve ever been to. The building has been carefully renovated and today the massive open room gives way to high ceilings with chandeliers.

Address: The Grand Assembly Rooms, Blake Street // Website

Planning Your Trip to York

York is just two hours from London by train, so it’s easy to visit on a day trip or for a weekend away. The closest airport is Leeds-Bradford airport, but Manchester airport offers much better flight connections. I always use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Planning on staying overnight in York? I’d recommend the following places:

• Budget: Safestay York or the Fort Boutique Hostel
• Mid-range: Hotel Indigo or Galtres Lodge
• Luxury: The Grand

Interested in foodie tours in York? My good friend Ben runs the York on a Fork Food Tour, which is an excellent way to explore the city with a real expert on the food scene here. You can book his food tour here.

For more tours and activities around York, check out the options below!

York is a treasure trove for exciting food, and boasts so many excellent restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a great restaurant, a quick bite, or just a nice venue, York has something for you! I hope you enjoy this post and it helps planning where to eat in York.

Have you been to any of these York restaurants? Which one is your favorite?

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All of my York posts!

Interested in a FREE 10-page York Mini Guide? Included in this York Mini Guide are: The top experiences and things to do in the city Where to eat & drink (cafes, restaurants, pubs) The best daytrips outside the city An itinerary for how to spend 3 days in York Click here to get your free copy!

Have you ever been out to eat in York?! Where are your favorite restaurants?

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