One of my favorite things about living in York is the plethora of independent businesses around town. York is definitely 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 make sure you’re prepared.

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 Barbakan! 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. Khao San Road serves up a tasty variety of classic Thai dishes and curries, and lots of authentic Thai options. Service is fast and friendly, and the drinks are delicious as well. Always make a reservation on the weekend, although weekday evenings the restaurant can still get busy.

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. Another 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! An 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

Mumbai Lounge

It’s taken me a while to find my favorite of York’s Indian restaurants, but I think I’ve found it now. Mumbai Lounge has won quite a few awards, including being shortlisted in the British Curry Awards! The service is fast, friendly, and attentive—you really do feel like you’re a guest here. The food is tasty, with all sorts of Indian and Bangladeshi dishes! I’d recommend booking a table, particularly if you’re going on the weekend.

Address: 47 Fossgate // Website

Ambiente Tapas

Ambiente has four locations, two of which are in York (the others are in Leeds and Hull). They do phenomenal classic Spanish tapas, all for really reasonable prices. My favorites are the seafood and chorizo paella, and pulpo a la gallega (octopus)! I’d recommend the Fossgate location over the Goodramgate—they also do a lunchtime deal during the week from 12-5, for any selected 3 tapas for £10.95. Book a table during the weekend.

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 hands down the best pies in York, and most likely the best I’ve ever had in the country world. 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. Definitely make a reservation for weekends. This is my local pub, and I cannot recommend it enough!

Address: 13 Lawrence Street // Website

 

Pavement Vaults

If you’re looking for meaty BBQ goodness, Pavement Vaults is the place for you. While it’s owned by the Pivovar Group (they have a few other pubs in York, my favorite of which is Pivni!), this is definitely one of York’s most unique restaurants. The burgers are mouth-wateringly delicious and I’ve heard nothing but good things about their ribs. There’s also a strong focus on excellent beer and great drinks, with a big selection on tap. I’d book a table for weekends.

Address: Pavement Vaults, 2 Piccadilly // 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 is frequently voted one of the top places to eat in York. As a sandwich shop though, they really go above and beyond. With menus rotating (and popular items selling out if it’s been busy), there’s plenty to choose from. The pulled pork and the reuben are two of their most popular, although I also loved the Cajun Halloumi. If you’re looking for a quick bite for lunch, this should be your first stop! They have a few seats inside.

Address: 28 Shambles // Website

York Roast Co.

York Roast Co. is a chain, with two locations in York (Stonegate and Low Petergate), and the others in Chester, Salisbury, and Shrewsbury. Focusing on delicious roasted carved sandwiches and the best meat around, it’s a fantastic option for something quick. The company went viral last year, when they released the Yorky Pud Wrap—a Yorkshire Pudding sandwich wrap. They open at 10 and stay open until late: 2:00am on Friday and Saturday nights, 11:00pm on all other nights. There might be a queue at peak times, but it’s worth it. I’d recommend the ham sandwich!

Address: 4 Stonegate and 78 Low Petergate // Website

Drakes Fish and Chips

This is again a chain, with a few locations throughout North Yorkshire. So 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 a newcomer here—it only opened earlier this year. But if you’re just looking for something quick (think inventive, tasty street food style), this is an excellent place to grab quality food fast. Housed in shipping containers, there’s plenty of choices for something unique. Sloppy’s Burgers is probably my first recommendation, but there’s plenty to choose from—including bars and cafes as well! Note that during winter, they’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Address: 17-21 Piccadilly // Website

Nice Cream Factory

All hail Nice Cream, the best ice cream in York! Nice Cream Factory only opened this year, but has fast become my favorite treat in town. The ice cream is made with liquid nitrogen, meaning it’s unbelievably creamy and delicious. They make it to order right in front of you! The flavors rotate, but they’ll have a few staples that stick around. The chocolate peanut butter is my go-to, but the salted caramel is also amazing. If you want something quick for a sweet tooth, Nice Cream Factory is your best best!

Address: 15 Fossgate // Facebook Page

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—in fact, one of the first cinemas in York, the Electric Theater! Despite only opening in spring 2017, it’s already become one of my favorite bars in York! 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 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 underwent renovation in the past few years, and today the massive open room gives way to high ceilings with chandeliers.

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

York is a treasure trove for exciting food, and boasts so many excellent international 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 go out and try some of the best restaurants in York!

York is just two hours away from London by train, making it an easy daytrip or long weekend away. I always use Trainline to find the best deals for train tickets.

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

You can book hostels in York here, and check out hotels in York here!

Check out my post on the best bars and pubs in York, and the best cafes and coffee shops in York!

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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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