From Spanish tapas and Italian pasta to autumn tasting menus, Middle Eastern feasts and steak nights, these are the best restaurant offers to book in York this October.
York’s restaurant scene is packed with independent gems, award-winning kitchens and neighbourhood favourites, and October is a great time to enjoy them without paying full price.
Whether you’re planning a long lunch while exploring the city, an after-work dinner, a family meal or a special date night, there are plenty of offers worth booking. From authentic Spanish tapas and handmade Italian pasta to an Arabian mixed grill feast and fine-dining tasting menus, here’s where to eat for less this month.
Fancy making a night of it? Here’s our guide to the best cocktail bars in York – and what to order while you’re there.
Quick picks: restaurant offers in York
Best lunchtime offers
Three tapas for £17.95 at Ambiente
Credit: Ambiente
Ambiente’s set lunch menu remains one of York’s most reliable weekday dining deals. Available Monday to Friday from opening until 4pm across all their York venues, diners can enjoy homemade focaccia alongside their choice of three tapas dishes for £17.95. Choose from popular Spanish classics like patatas bravas, gambas pil pil and chorizo y patatas caramelised in a red wine and fennel sauce.
Why it’s worth it: Three freshly prepared Spanish tapas dishes plus focaccia for under £18 is exceptional value.
Best for: Business lunches, shopping breaks and casual mid-week dining.
Insider’s tip: Ask the team about their extensive sherry list – Group Manager Rob Scott-South is an official Sherry Educator who can help you pick the perfect pairing.
When to get the deal: Opening until 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Two-course set lunch for £22 at Marzano
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Marzano’s set menu is an excellent option if you’re craving authentic Italian comfort food in the heart of the city. Choose any two courses for £22, featuring starters such as oven-baked goat’s cheese crostini or arancini stuffed with mozzarella, followed by classics like homemade lasagne, rigatoni all’arrabbiata, stone-baked pizzas or indulgent lemon cheesecake for dessert.
Why it’s worth it: Generous portions of freshly made Italian favorites at a great fixed price.
Best for: Long lunches, family catch-ups and relaxed afternoons.
Insider’s tip: You can substitute any classic pasta dish for rigatoni or opt for gluten-free alternatives.
When to get the deal: 12pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Lunch sharing menu at Fish & Forest
Credit: Fish and Forest
Fish & Forest has quickly become one of York’s standout independent restaurants. Its lunchtime sharing menu includes five seasonal dishes for £70, showcasing sustainably sourced seafood, inventive cooking and the best local produce. The menu changes regularly depending on what’s available, but expect beautifully prepared seafood, seasonal vegetables and refined cooking from chef Stephen Andrews, a recent National Chef of the Year semi-finalist.
Why it’s worth it: Top-quality cooking at a really accessible lunchtime price.
Best for: Food lovers and special occasions.
Insider’s tip: If oysters are on the menu, they’re sourced fresh from Lindisfarne or Cornwall and are well worth trying.
When to get the deal: 12pm to 2:30pm, Wednesday to Saturday.
Best early evening deals
Hippo Hour at Fat Hippo
Credit: Fat Hippo
Fat Hippo’s Hippo Hour is hard to beat if you’re looking for an early evening bite. For just £15, you get a starter, burger and a side. Choose starters like Trash Browns or buttermilk cheeseballs, before diving into popular burgers like the Big Poppa or Wild Bill, accompanied by handcut fries or dirty tots.
Why it’s worth it: A full three-part meal with sides for £15 is outstanding value.
Best for: Casual dinners, students and burger lovers.
Insider’s tip: The Buffalo chicken burger is one of the stand-out choices if you like a little heat.
When to get the deal: 5pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
2 small plates and a side for £15 at Social 8 Lounge
Credit: Social 8 Lounge
Social 8 Lounge is hosting “Wine Down Wednesday” with a great evening food deal. Enjoy two small plates and a side for just £15, featuring dishes like chilli beef bao buns, breaded goat’s cheese and hot honey chicken wings.
Why it’s worth it: Tasty small plates and great drink discounts make for an affordable midweek outing.
Best for: Midweek catch-ups and after-work drinks.
Insider’s tip: Order two large glasses of wine and you’ll get the rest of the bottle for free.
When to get the deal: 5pm to 9pm, every Wednesday.
Best midweek dining
Lucia Twosdays
Credit: Lucia
Get a meal for two for £25pp at Lucia every Tuesday throughout October, with pinwheels to start, any two pasta or pizza dishes, any two desserts and two soft drinks included.
Choose from Italian favourites such as linguine Bolognese, lasagne al ragù, tortellini with wild mushrooms and truffle, or pizzas including Margherita, Parma and Diavola. Finish with Lucia’s handmade tiramisu, sticky toffee pudding or warm chocolate brownie.
Why it’s worth it: A full three-course Italian meal with drinks for £25pp.
Best for: A midweek date night.
Insider’s tip: All day every Tuesday.
When to get the deal: Try the signature Pecorino Wheel Mafaldine or Lucia’s handmade tiramisu.
Best value dining
Waqif Mixed Grill Feast for Two at SPARK
Credit: SPARK
For a vibrant and sharing-focused meal, head over to Waqif Arabian Kitchen at SPARK.
Their Waqif Mixed Grill serves two people and is stacked with authentic Gulf-inspired flavours, including saffron & lemon chicken koobideh, spicy Turkish Adana kebab, Iraqi-inspired beef date & tamarind kebab, mini loaded hummus, fries, salad, Arabian naan and garlic za’atar labneh. Pretty good for £32.50!
Why it’s worth it: A massive feast packed with diverse Middle Eastern flavours designed to share.
Best for: Group dining, street food enthusiasts and relaxed casual meals.
Insider’s tip: Pair your meal with Boho’s seasonal Salted Caramel Espresso Martini, made using local Cooper King Yorkshire malt.
When to get the deal: Available Tuesday to Sunday during SPARK opening hours.
Best date night offers
Steak Night at Pearly Cow
Credit: Pearly Cow
Pearly Cow is making Thursdays the new Friday with their dedicated Steak Night deal. Diners can enjoy fire-licked steak served with crisp fries and a green salad for £22, alongside 50% off selected cocktails to complete the night.
Why it’s worth it: Premium steak and half-price cocktails in an elegant dining setting.
Best for: Romantic date nights and stylish Thursday evening dinners.
Insider’s tip: Take full advantage of the 50% off selected drinks menu to try their signature cocktails.
When to get the deal: 5pm to 8:30pm, every Thursday.
Two courses for £25 at Ate O’Clock
Credit: Ate O’Clock
Ate O’Clock offers a stylish fixed-price menu featuring two courses for £25 or three courses for £29.50. Menu highlights include chicken kyiv, French trimmed pork chops and rich coffee panna cotta.
Why it’s worth it: Flexible dining options with classic dishes in a cozy, atmosphere-rich restaurant.
Best for: Evening dates and weekend lunches.
Insider’s tip: Ate O’Clock is a beautiful environment – from the twinkling lights in the alleyway to the courtyard – making it the perfect spot for a first date.
When to get the deal: All day Sunday to Thursday, 12pm to 4:45pm Friday and Saturday.
Best treat & special events
7-Course Tasting Menu for £49 at York Minster Refectory
Credit: York Minster Refectory
York Minster Refectory brings back its popular 7-course tasting menu throughout October for £49 per person. Dishes showcase refined local ingredients, including Maris Piper potato pressing with pork belly bacon, Arbroath smokie kipper risotto, Creedy Carver duck leg and Delica pumpkin ‘Paris Brest’.
Why it’s worth it: High-end 7-course dining for under £50 per person.
Best for: Foodies, anniversaries and special celebrations.
Insider’s tip: Opt for the curated wine pairing for £40pp to elevate each course.
When to get the deal: Available Monday to Saturday throughout October.
International Chef’s Day Supper Club at The Star Inn The City
Credit: Star Inn
On Tuesday 20th October, The Star Inn The City is hosting a exclusive 5-course International Chef’s Day Supper Club for £79 per person. Senior chefs from across their venues will join Michelin-starred Chef Patron Andrew Pern to cook a unique collaborative menu.
Why it’s worth it: A rare opportunity to experience a multi-course menu crafted by top-tier award-winning chefs.
Best for: Special treats and food lovers.
Insider’s tip: Spaces are strictly limited for this one-night-only event, so advance booking is essential.
When to get the deal: Tuesday 20th October at 7pm.
