York is well known for its history, the majestic York Minster, the cobbled streets of The Shambles, and quaint little coffee shops.

Visitors spend quality time enjoying tourist attractions, on a river cruise, or even an open top bus as there’s plenty to see across York.

Whether you are visiting York for the first time or you’ve been hundreds of times before, you’re going to want to eat at some point. Equally, if you’re in the city for just a day or you’re staying for a few days, you’ll want to try a few spots for lunch or dinner. Therefore, we have compiled a list of six of York’s best independent restaurants to enjoy on your next visit to Yorkshire.

Skosh

This British, contemporary restaurant with international influences is run by chef-owner Neil Bentinick. Neil launched Skosh back in 2016 in a Grade II listed building near to Micklegate Bar, one of the 12thcentury gateways into York.

Neil’s dishes are served as small plates or snacks, and the menu is small, yet perfectly formed. With a huge influence from Asia and Britain you’ll see dishes such as Okonomiyaki of King Cabbage and Rudolph Potato easily sitting alongside East Coast Cod with Mussels, Bergamot and Green Curry.

Prices start at £4 – £25 per plate. Visit Skosh to find out more.

Roots

Tommy Banks’, Michelin Star restaurant Roots offers an innovative tasting menu that both Tommy and Head Chef Will Lockwood have created together.

Modern British is at the core of all that Roots does, with seasonally updated menus and drinks packages to match. Produce is always at the forefront of each dish, with traditional Yorkshire fare at the heart.

Prices start at £140 – £160 per person. Visit Roots to find out more.

Arras

The Old Coach House on Peasholme Green is where you can find Adam and Lovaine Humphrey, the husband and wife team behind Arras.

This fine dining restaurant showcases some of the best produce from around the region with a unique nod to Adam and Lovaine’s past lives of living in Australia. A taste of contemporary Asian with a twist of Yorkshire is how we’d interpret the unique Arras menu.

Lunch is priced at £25 – £30 for 2 and 3 courses respectively, dinner is priced at £45 – £55 again for 2 and 3 courses, and the kitchen menu is priced at £68 with wine pairings as an extra. Visit Arras Restaurant to find out more.

The Whippet Inn

Owned by Martin Bridge and Andrew Whitney, this Grade II listed building dates back to 1896. They took the decision to open an adults only restaurant, where grown-ups can dine without distraction.

The Whippet Inn is a high-end pub and restaurant known for offering excellent cuts of beef, plus full seasonal menus including fish and vegetarian dishes. They specialise in steaks and Sunday roasts.

Prices start at £4 – £85 per person. Visit The Whippet Inn to find out more.

Star Inn The City

Owned by Chef Patron Andrew Pern, this AA Rosette riverside restaurant is located in the Old Engine House next to both York Museum Gardens and the River Ouse. A Grade II listed building that was originally built in 1784.

Head Chef Jack Wheatley alongside Michelin-Starred Andrew Pern curate a menu that is focused on local produce, which in turn makes this a food-led celebration destination.

Breakfast (Friday – Sunday) through to dinner at this brasserie-style restaurant is served either inside or outside on the grand terrace.

Priced from £5 to £32 per dish. Visit Star Inn The City to find out more.

Melton’s

This fine dining restaurant is owned by Chef Proprietor Michael Hjort and his wife Lucy Hjort, Front of House Manager, it opened in 1990.

Melton’s is a Two AA Rosette restaurant that serves British food and is lead by Head Chef Calvin Miller. The menu includes a choice from 2 or 3 course menu or a tasting menu. Dishes include East Coast cod, Orkney scallops and Yorkshire rhubarb.

Priced at £55 and £68 for 2 or 3 courses, and £83 – £90 for the tasting menu. Visit Melton’s Restaurant to find out more.

This list is by no means all of the best restaurants in York, as there are hundreds to choose from. However, we think that these six have something a little bit extra above and beyond the norm.

Image Credit: Images used are from each respective restaurants website or their social media posts.