Known for its medieval alleyways and historic city walls, we have another reason to add York to your list: the food scene. From the viral pop-ups claiming ownership of "the best Yorkshire pudding in York" to the independent restaurants specialising in various cuisines, choosing where to eat in York is a daunting task. The last thing you want is to waste your time in a queue to a mediocre tourist-trap disguised as a must-see. Instead, you'll want to experience those unforgettable places to eat in York, and believe us, there's quite a few to choose from. So, before boarding our train from King's Cross, our team at Food Network did a little digging to uncover those hidden gems and local picks so we can test them out for ourselves and share with you: The Food Network-Approved Guide on Where to Eat in York.
The Best Yorkshire Pudding in York
To begin, let's discuss the area's culinary pride and joy: the Yorkshire pudding. Hunting down the best Yorkshire pudding in York is no mean feat, with an option to try at every corner. We skipped past the 'Yorky Pud' TikTok sensation (and the lengthy queue that trailed outside). For those unfamiliar, this is an on-the-go roast dinner, rolled into a wrap and known as a Yorkshire pudding with a twist. As tempting as it sounded, we instead followed the local wisdom of our guide Ben, creator of York on a Fork, and headed straight to the Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House. Here, we would find one of the very best Yorkshire Puddings in York (perhaps even in the entire UK) with no frills, no marketing- just a traditional, perfected version of the beloved classic.
The interiors of Walmgate Ale House are rustic. Exposed brick, ropes, and saddles reflect the past of the building, which dates back to 1795. In this historic eatery, the Yorkshire Puddings are not only served as a Sunday Lunch side, but also as a bar snack. In fact, the Yorkshire pud's original purpose was to be no more than an over-generous appetiser. This was a financially-driven tactic by restaurants to stifle the appetite of their diner's, thus saving valuable meat and veg.
So, what makes this the best Yorkshire pudding in York? The £5 bar snack comes in a hefty portion with a pastry that has that perfectly-crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Its centre is filled to the brim with with gravy-drizzled pulled beef (or chilli beans, for the veggies) and juicy caramelised onions. After wolfing it down, we had little room to spare for a main course, meaning it serves the original purpose as a Yorkshire Pudding. Consider it Food Network approved.
The Best Fish and Chips in York
Whilst compiling our list of where to eat in York, there was no doubt in our minds that a classic fish and chips would have to be included. While it may not be a dish that York is famous for, it is an integral part of British cuisine, so we knew there would be a spot worth hunting down. Upon stumbling across an unsuspecting van in the Shambles Food Market, we found exactly what we were searching for- an award-winning fish and chips shop, recognised as the best in the whole of the UK.
You may have heard of Millers Haxby before- this is the home to the world's spiciest fish and chips that bombarded the headlines of the press last year. However, they also offer the freshest, finest fish and (twice-cooked) chips you might ever try. They only use sustainably sourced, line-caught haddock from Norway that provides a delicate yet firm white fish to coat in golden breadcrumbs.
During the York Food Festival, the Millers Fish and Chips van was serving up a winter special- an iconic Canadian dish with strong connections to their Northern roots. The delicious poutine was made with handcrafted cheese and fresh-cut potatoes from local farms, and confirmed that we would happily devour whatever their evolving menu had to offer.
The Best Hot Chocolate in York
Have you ever purchased an extra-large mug of hot chocolate only to take a few rich, gratifying sips and be forced to leave the rest behind? No matter how delicious the initial taste, one can only handle so much sweet indulgence. Luckily for us, York's longest established chocolatiers have found the perfect solution: the chocolate shot. And the best part? The cup is edible.
Nestled in York's infamous cobble-stoned street, Monk Bar Chocolatiers offer a luxuriously smooth, liquified chocolate in a dark, milk, or white-chocolate cup. Quenching both your thirst and craving for chocolate, the mouth-watering aftertaste will linger as you stroll through the medieval alleyway, all for just three pounds.
The Best Fudge in York
Post-chocolate shot, why not continue to delight your tastebuds and head right next door to Roly's Fudge? Dedicated to producing fresh, traditional and limited edition-flavoured fudge daily, there's no surprise that some of these smooth, buttery bites are multi award-winning.
Peer in at the cooking and pouring process from the windows and if you like what you see, head inside to try a free taster. With a variety to choose from, including vanilla clotted cream, honeycomb, strawberries and cream, and chocolate- there's a flavour to suit every taste. If the sample tickles your fancy, grab one loose from the counter to take away as an on-the-go treat, or chose from the selection of colourful boxes.
Best Coffee in York
Upon stepping off a train into new, unexplored territory, the first thing on one's mind is caffeine. However, don't let the familiarity of mediocre chains lure you in. York has a wonderful coffee scene, including a spot built into the Barbican of the city walls- Gatehouse Coffee. This is where Yorkshire-based travel blogger, @awaywithmaja loves to bring her visitors- strolling up the spiral stair-cased tower to the rooftop, and enjoying a coffee overlooking the beautiful city. According to Maja, this unique venue encapsulates the special history of York.
Another option is Kiosk Cafe, one which is known throughout the town to serve a magnificent coffee. To accompany your flat white, Kiosk offer gorgeous cakes and sweet and savoury pastries (the vegan sausage butty being a local favourite). Grab a seat inside or sit on one of the benches outside and take in the quaint street of Fossgate.
Where to Eat in York: What the Experts Say
No matter who we asked, there was one restaurant who's name we couldn't escape- Skosh.
Head Chef at The Old Liquor Store York, Matt Leivers, claims it as his favourite. He admits he "may be biased", having worked with chef-owner Neil Bentinck before, however the food Skosh serves is consistently good every time, earning itself the title as the "benchmark in York for small plates."
Meanwhile, our guide Ben cannot recommend it enough, and considering the expertise behind the blog York on a Fork, we trust what he has to say. He describes it as "sensational" and "incredible value", but also recommends booking in advance to secure your spot.
Maja has Skosh firmly on her wish-list, admitting that "everyone recommends it". However, her current favourite is The Blue Barbakan, an independent restaurant serving predominantly traditional Polish cuisine, and according to Maja, some of the best breakfast and brunch in York!
To conclude, the list of where to eat in York is long, eclectic, and impressive. Each location is independently run, with many dating back through generations. Go for the Harry Potter-wand shops or the Christmas markets, but stay for the tasty, fresh, and local food.
