Best Restaurants In York

Located on St Helen's Square, Impossible is a sleek, modern restaurant bar within the historic, Grade II-listed Terry's Chocolate Orange building. It's decked out in dark red walls, marble-topped tables and pretty plants, with pops of pink colour in certain sections.

They serve everything from bottomless brunches to Sunday roasts here, as well as a selection of cracking cocktails. On the menu? Everything from chorizo and cheddar arancini to steak and ale pie or barbecue spiced pork belly.

A traditional pub located within Saint Helen's Square, Harkers is steeped in history. It's built on the Roman Praetorian Gate - part of the original structure still exists in the boozer's basement. Sporting tall, white pillars and chandeliers, it's a regal-looking setting serving tasty British fare. Sip on cask ales and classic cocktails such as espresso martinis and mojitos, while chomping on the likes of chicken and truffled oyster mushroom pies, or salmon and dill fishcakes, finished off with a sticky toffee pudding. 

Tank & Paddle provides a warm and welcoming setting to enjoy a nice cool pint or two. You'll find a crowd-pleasing food menu here, as stone-baked pizzas topped with grilled chicken and streaky bacon are on the menu, alongside tacos filled with halloumi, plus wild garlic and sour cream. If brunch is more your thing, you'll be able to inhale a full fry-up for only a tenner. Bargain. What's more, donning shiny, wooden flooring and cushioned booths, it's also a top place to catch the sports fixtures, thanks to its plasma TVs fixed to the wall. 

Whether it's a catch-up with friends, a special celebration, or simply a night out, ASK Italian York is a relaxed yet stylish spot to enjoy classic Italian dishes. Housed in the Grand Assembly Rooms, a Palladian gem nearly 300 years old, the restaurant boasts chandeliers, Corinthian columns, and a sense of grandeur that makes every meal feel a little more special.

The menu caters to all tastes, from stone-baked Prima Pizzas and fresh pasta dishes to antipasti platters, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available. 

Nestled in the heart of York on one of its iconic cobbled streets, Manahatta York offers a vibrant dining experience perfect for any occasion. Whether you're popping in for a quick bite, celebrating a special birthday, planning a hen party, or hosting a corporate event, this stunning venue has it all.

From the stylish Highline Bar to the intimate Mezzanine Area and Balconies, there's an ideal setting for every type of gathering. Indulge in delicious food while enjoying bottomless brunch or sip on 2-4-1 cocktails throughout the day. As the night draws in, the energy shifts with lively tunes from the DJ and a sparkling atmosphere that keeps the party going.

Looking at the best restaurants in York for dinner? You'll find a corker with The Cross Keys, a quintessentially British pub offering a quaint and cosy dining experience. Within proximity to the Medieval Walls and Chapter House, its prime location makes it a hotspot for those visiting the city for a day out. The Victorian boozer offers teal-panelled rooms with fireplaces and dark, wooden furniture beckoning punters to pull up a chair and tuck into plates of halloumi fries and breaded mushrooms, or larger dishes such as scampi and chips or an 8oz sirloin steak.

If you're hunting for one of York's best spots for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Cosy Club York delivers in style. Set inside the city's first-ever cinema, this beautifully appointed venue offers a private mezzanine for celebrations and a main dining space brimming with character.

The menu spans hearty classics, from the Cosy Butcher's Brunch to smoked salmon and avocado on sourdough, plus vegan and gluten-free options. With fresh, seasonal ingredients and generous portions, it's a warm, inviting spot where both locals and visitors can enjoy quality, comfort food in a space full of charm.

There are two Slug and Lettuce's in York, one waterside with views overlooking the River Ouse and the other slap bang in the middle of the city centre. Both provide pretty, floral spaces to enjoy fantastic brunch dishes. Enter a quirky dining space filled with neon pink signage and printed furniture to revel in photogenic berry pancake tacos and Mexican feasts featuring a fried egg and peri peri sauce. Throughout the day, you're able to mix and match three small plates for £14.50, such as roasted patatas bravas, crispy brie wedges and Iberico ham croquettes.

Located within the historic Lendal Cellars, Tomahawk Steakhouse is a stylish restaurant in the city centre. This venue combines rustic charm with modern elegance, from the exposed brickwork to the plush leather seats and dark walls.

They serve all the cuts of steak you could ask for, ranging from wagyu flat iron to tomahawk. Their other dishes include grilled lamb burgers, garlic mushroom chicken parmos and hot honey glazed pork.

Byron York, situated in the heart of High Ousegate, offers a refined dining experience that is a delightful fusion of the founder's visit to the USA and the best of British cuisine. They source their beef from the Southwest of England and partner with Alden's, a family-run butcher in Oxford since 1793, to craft the perfect patties. Enjoy their signature burger, a unique blend of maple bacon, relish, and red onions, or relish the Clucky, a buttermilk fried chicken creation with smashed avocado, Sriracha hot honey, and pickled red onions. Don't miss out on their delectable mac 'n' cheese and hot honey wings to complete your meal.

One of the best restaurants in York town centre has to be The Botanist. This hidden gem is laced with romantic features, such as woven vines around wooden beams and eclectic, glass light fixtures. It invites you to get lost in a floral wonderland and enjoy live music throughout the week, alongside your international meal. Order the world-famous hanging kebabs with flavours such as salt and pepper pork belly, or slurp up some silky prawn linguine before wolfing down some cookie dough for dessert. Its signature cocktail offering is not to be missed either, with refreshing concoctions such as The Plant Pot and the Cherry Blossom Martini up for the sipping.