Best food in York to try

York's culinary landscape has flourished in recent years, offering a rich tapestry of flavours and dining experiences that go far beyond the ordinary and are sure to keep you warm through colder months.

Discover York's vibrant food scene, transcending beyond the typical chain restaurants. From modern fine dining to exotic street food, the city offers a culinary journey that caters to all tastes.

Hungry? Hop on a Grand Central train and get started with a snack from our food & drink service.

A quick round-up of the 10 best foods in York to try

• 22 Yards
• Cresci Pizza
• Tasca Frango
• Cosgriff & Sons
• Ippuku Tea House
• RAD Pizza
• Yuzu Street Food
• Roots
• Los Moros
• Melton’s

22 Yards: Bistro in York

Best for: Wine lovers 

Cuisine: Seasonal and small plates 

Walking distance from the station: 11 minutes

Booking requirements: Advance bookings are strongly recommended 

Among the standouts is 22 Yards, a chic bistro and wine shop nestled near York Minster.

First established in 2022, it has swiftly become a favourite for its blend of modern European cuisine with a global twist. 

The intimate setting complements dishes like miso-glazed courgettes and sole paired with mussel sauce, all expertly matched with an impressive wine list. 

This spot has a versatile charm, perfect for everything from a leisurely lunch to a romantic evening out.

Cresci Pizza: Italian restaurant in York

Best for: Pizza lovers 

Cuisine: Italian 

Walking distance from the station: 15 minutes

Booking requirements: Booking in advance is recommended  

For those craving a taste of Italy, Cresci Pizza delivers authentic Neapolitan pizza right in the heart of York.

Certified by the Association Verace Pizza Napoletana, Cresci adheres to the rigorous standards that make Neapolitan pizza unique. 

The wood-fired oven and long dough fermentation process result in pizzas that are both chewy and flavorful, topped with high-quality ingredients.

The vibrant, welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for family dining or a casual night out, offering a true slice of Naples in York.

Tasca Frango: Portuguese restaurant in York

Best for: Lovers of authentic Portuguese tapas dishes 

Cuisine: Portuguese

Walking distance from the station: 15 minutes

Booking requirements: Booking is recommended, especially on weekends and evenings 

Tasca Frango brings the robust flavours of Portugal to York, evolving from a popular street food venture into a beloved dining spot year-round.

Its menu showcases traditional Portuguese dishes like piri-piri chicken and pork bifana sandwiches, as well as Goan curry, reflecting Portugal's diverse culinary influences.

The cosy, intimate setting enhances the experience, making Tasca Frango a go-to for hearty, flavour-packed meals that transport you straight to the Iberian Peninsula.

Cosgriff & Sons: York bakery

Best for: Pastry and coffee lovers 

Cuisine: Baked goods

Walking distance from the station: 16 minutes

Booking requirements: No booking needed as this is a grab-and-go spot 

On the other end of the culinary spectrum is Cosgriff & Sons, a small but mighty bakery and sandwich shop run by Australian chef-turned-baker Paul Cosgriff.

Situated on Tower Street, this eatery is a haven for lovers of artisan bread and pastries. The ever-changing menu offers innovative sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee that highlight the craftsmanship of Cosgriff’s baking, with each item meticulously prepared and packed with flavour.

It’s a perfect spot for a quick, satisfying, and affordable bite, making it a hidden gem in York’s food scene.

Ippuku Tea House: Japanese restaurant in York

Best for: Tea lovers 

Cuisine: Japanese 

Walking distance from the station: 10 minutes

Booking requirements: No booking required

Ippuku Tea House is a modern spot in York offering traditional Japanese home-style cuisine and green tea drinks. 

From Japanese-style breakfast dishes to delicious rice bowls, you’re guaranteed to find something yummy whether it’s your first stop of the day or a quick break from sightseeing at lunchtime.

Its courtyard-style outdoor seating makes it the perfect spot for a stop-off on your summer days out in York!

RAD Pizza: Pizza restaurant in York

Best for: Pizza lovers

Cuisine: Italian

Walking distance from the station: 21 minutes  

Booking requirements: Walk-ins welcome

For a more laid-back vibe, RAD Pizza at Angel on the Green offers an inviting atmosphere on Bishopthorpe Road.

Known for its wood-fired sourdough pizzas, RAD Pizza serves up delicious, unpretentious food in a lively setting. The Angel on the Green’s eclectic ambience, complete with live music and pop-up supper clubs, makes it a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike.

It’s the perfect spot for a casual meal with friends, where the pizza is always a crowd-pleaser.

Yuzu Street Food: Asian restaurant in York

Best for: Fans of East Asian-inspired street food 

Cuisine: Asian

Walking distance from the station: 19 minutes

Booking requirements: Walk-in policy with plenty of seating available 

At Yuzu Street Food within Brew York, diners can enjoy East Asian-inspired dishes like katsu curry and gyoza in an industrial-chic setting.

Located in a brewery taproom, Yuzu combines the casual ease of street food with the lively atmosphere of Brew York’s beer hall, complete with a riverside terrace.

This spot is ideal for those looking to enjoy flavourful, creative dishes alongside a great selection of craft beers, making it a vibrant and fun dining destination.

Roots: British restaurant in York

Best for: Michelin-star dining 

Cuisine: British 

Walking distance from the station: 8 minutes

Booking requirements: Advance bookings required 

Michelin-starred Roots is a testament to the rise of modern British cuisine, under the direction of renowned chef Tommy Banks.

The restaurant’s tasting menu highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from the Banks family farm, resulting in dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in rustic traditions.

The relaxed, contemporary atmosphere of Roots, combined with its expertly prepared dishes, makes it a must-visit for those seeking a refined fine-dining experience in York.

Los Moros: North African restaurant in York

Best for: Lovers of bold and vibrant dishes 

Cuisine: North African 

Walking distance from the station: 13 minutes 

Booking requirements: Booking ahead is strongly advised 

Los Moros stands out for its vibrant North African and Levantine cuisine, brought to life by Algerian chef Tarik Abdeladim.

This Grape Lane eatery has earned a loyal following with dishes like homemade merguez sausages and sumac-seasoned fried chicken, all bursting with aromatic spices and bold flavours.

The casual, street-food-inspired vibe of Los Moros makes it a fantastic spot for those looking to experience something truly different in York’s culinary scene.

Melton’s: French restaurant in York

Best for: Fans of fine-dining 

Cuisine: French 

Walking distance from the station: 16 minutes

Booking requirements: Booking in advance is recommended 

Finally, Melton’s remains a cornerstone of York’s fine dining landscape, offering Anglo-French cuisine that highlights the best of seasonal Yorkshire produce.

With over three decades of history, Melton’s combines classical French techniques with a deep respect for local ingredients, resulting in dishes that are both elegant and comforting.

The refined atmosphere and consistently high quality make it a top choice for special occasions or a sophisticated night out, solidifying its place as one of York’s premier dining destinations.

Further inspiration for your visit to York 

• Quirky art workshop picks in York
• Sightseeing from York’s City Walls
• Locals' guide to the best bar crawl in York
• Best hiking trails in the York countryside
• Viking Capital: English history of York
• Journey planner: Getting to York

Serving up a smooth journey to the best food spots in York

Get to York’s vibrant food scene on a Grand Central train by booking your tickets today, so you can sit back, relax, and get ready for the taste journey ahead, experiencing famous food in York.

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