Tired of the same old salads and sarnies? York’s bustling lunch scene has you covered.
There’s no excuse for a bland midday meal. With York offering a smorgasbord of delectable dishes – from generously cheesy slices to vibrant Thai small plates and succulent steaks – there’s something to satisfy every craving. Here are just a few of our top picks for fantastic lunch spots in York. What will you be ordering?
Quick picks: Best lunch spots in York
Mannion & Co Kitchen
First opening their doors in York as a greengrocer over three decades ago, Mannion & Co serves up warm greetings and comforting dishes. Recently refurbished, the laidback space has a menu that spans a wide range of flavours, including the likes of jumbo Moroccan spiced sausage rolls, soy glazed portobello mushrooms, and juicy Tennessee slow-cooked pork shoulder sandwiches – it’s got us drooling.
It’s very popular and they don’t offer table bookings during the day, so you’ll want to get yourself down there early to claim your spot.
Where? Mannion & Co Kitchen, 1 Blake Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8QJ.
When? Open from 9:30am daily.
Ambiente
With two venues in York – in Fossgate and Goodramgate – Ambiente is a go-to choice when you have tapas on the mind. Both boast sleek, airy interiors and menus that pack a punch when it comes to flavour. You can split a sharing platter that’s stacked with Mediterranean vegetables, meats and cheeses, fill your table with an array of small plates, or tuck into a warming paella.
With so much to choose from, it’s the ideal choice if you’re dining with large groups, as even the fussiest of eaters will be catered to here.
Where? Ambiente Tapas Fossgate, 31 Fossgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9TA & Ambiente Tapas Goodramgate, 14 Goodramgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LQ.
When? Both venues open from 11:30am daily.
Phranakhon
Credit: Ellie Hodgson
This is Thai food with a European twist. Phranakhon offers a fresh take on the cuisine, blending authentic Thai recipes with tapas-style small plates. Step into the striking white-fronted building and into a relaxed interior where the focus is on fantastic food. There’s curry, wok-fried rice, and slurpable noodles on the menu, but when lunchtime rolls around, they’ve got a heck of a deal.
Visit lunchtime Monday to Thursday and you can enjoy Thai Green, red curry or Pad Prik Thai Dum with rice for only £8.95, with weekends offering two tapas and one rice for £19.50.
Where? Phranakhon, 19 Grape Lane, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7HU.
When? Open from 12pm daily.
Cresci Pizzeria
It may look a little unassuming on the outside, but this humble little pizzeria in York city centre is kind of a big deal. Here, they sling out sensational Neapolitan pizzas, with passion and authenticity at the heart of what they do. Their wood fire creates the perfect crisp and bubbly base, with an array of classic and innovative toppings – think pumpkin & porcini mushroom and provola & roasted potatoes (we’re big fans of a double carb!).
Our top tip is to make sure you save room for dessert. Their rum baba is not to be missed – a traditional Neapolitan sponge soaked in sticky, sweet rum syrup. Delish!
Where? Cresci Pizzeria, 20 Piccadilly, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9NU.
When? Open from 12pm daily.
Yak & Yeti
Take your tastebuds on a lunchtime adventure to Nepal at Yak & Yeti. The first Nepalese restaurant in York, they’re an understated eatery that go big on hospitality and bold on flavour. Kick off your meal with their MO:MO dumplings, which come filled with vegetable, pork, chicken or buffalo – you can even dial up the heat with their chilli option. Mains boast the likes of slow-cooked curries, aromatic stir-frys and lip-smacking daals.
Do note though, Yak & Yeti only open for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays. But trust us, they’re worth the wait – it’s a hell of a way to end your working week on a high.
Where? Yak & Yeti, 14 Goodramgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LQ.
When? Open for lunch from 12pm on Friday and Saturday.
Damastique
Damastique is a place that prides itself on catering to all. Tucked away on a little corner of Goodramgate, this Syrian restaurant delivers delicious bites, served alongside exquisite service. They have a menu filled with freshly made wraps, salads and Arabic street food, making them the ideal choice to drop in for a quick bite. The only question is what to order – from cold mezze like hummus and baba ghanoug to hot plates spanning falafel, grilled halloumi and chicken wings.
There’s dedicated menus here for gluten-free and vegetarians & vegans. And there’s no compromise on the quality, with each dish delighting all your senses.
Where? Damastique, 63 Goodramgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LS.
When? Open from 12pm daily.
Ate O’Clock
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When lunchtime strikes, take a trip down a fairy-lit passageway in York city centre and take your seat at Ate O’Clock. Bright and modern, this restaurant and bistro invites you to step away from your desk and slow the pace with their globe-hopping menu. Tear into garlic & cheese bread as you peruse the menu, taking in the likes of deep fried brie and sea bass pakora starters before moving onto the halloumi burger, beetroot & poached pear risotto, or steak sizzling straight from the grill.
Make a real meal of it and opt for their set menu, available from 12pm each day. It offers two courses for £25 or three for just £29.50 – the sticky toffee pudding is a must in our books.
Where? Ate O’Clock, 13a High Ousegate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8RZ.
When? Open from 12pm daily.
Giggling Squid
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Want a restaurant experience that tastes as good as it looks? It has to be Giggling Squid. Set in the former Banks Music Room, the restaurant is sublime, decked out in pink botanicals and green hues. And there’s a whole lot of substance to go with that style. The crowd-pleasing menu has been designed around the Thai tradition of sharing good food, with sticky satay chicken, steamed pork dumplings and crispy veg spring rolls all making an appearance.
The lunch menu is chock-a-block with filling but affordable Thai small plates, while their Samrub sets combine four well-balanced smaller dishes for a lunch guaranteed to hit the spot.
Where? Giggling Squid, 18 Lendal, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8AU.
When? Open from 12pm daily.
Tomahawk Steakhouse
Now this is one for the carnivores. If you’ve got a midday hankering for meat, Tomahawk Steakhouse will take care of you. They serve a selection of mouth-watering Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks, alongside plenty of local meat, fish and veggie options. And lunchtime might just be the best time to give them a try, thanks to a dedicated lunch menu that boasts the option to cook your preferred steak cut on their famous hot stones.
As if that wasn’t enough, there’s even a generous lunchtime deal. From 12pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, you can pick from steak & fries, burgers and more for just a tenner.
Where? Tomahawk Steakhouse, 26 Lendal, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8AA.
When? Open from 12pm daily.
York Minster Refectory
Whether you’re a visitor to the city or a York local, there are few places that compare to York Minster Refectory. For starters, the building definitely has the wow factor. Hailing back to 1903, it offers a grand indoor dining room that is complemented wonderfully by the seasonal British dishes. You could be tucking into the likes of honey roast parsnip soup, mulled beetroot wellington, and loin of Yorkshire Moors venison, with veggie, vegan and kids menus keeping everyone happy.
One of the best things about this restaurant though is its outdoor seating area which delivers impressive views of York Minster. When the weather is warmer, it’s the place to be for alfresco dining in York.
Where? York Minster Refectory, 2 Deangate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7JA.
When? Open from 10:30am Monday to Thursday, and from 9am Friday to Sunday.
