10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in York

At The Rattle Owl, you'll find a casual dining experience with dishes that everyone can enjoy. While the atmosphere is more laid-back and casual, the food is top tier thanks to the sheer abundance of quality ingredients available in the Yorkshire area. Whether you're looking for a filling dinner or a relaxing Sunday lunch, there's an extensive wine and beer selection to complement your meal. 

Even the building itself has a sense of opulence about it, as it's a Grade II Listed Building dating back to the 17th century – it has been extensively renovated to the point where the work even won a York design award.

Corner Grill House strives to be the best steakhouse in York, with a stylish and cosy environment and top-tier meats and grilling techniques. Fresh ingredients from local farms and butchers are a requirement for any dish served here, so you can always be sure of its quality. The menu is quite small, but that only means the chefs can ensure that your service is fast and convenient without sacrificing quality. The restaurant is fairly small as well, so make sure you book a table in advance.

Thompsons Fish and Chips offers a casual dining atmosphere with 120 seats, so there's almost always room for a meal here. The seating is comfortable as well, so it makes for a great spot whether you're dining as a couple, a family, a party, or even for a business dinner. The food is cooked using recipes passed down from a long lineage of fishermen in the Thompson family.

Penny's Bespoke Foodhouse is one of the top breakfast spots in York, with a diverse menu covering any sort of dietary needs. Whether you're looking for some perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon or a quality sandwich, you'll find it all at Penny's, with quaint surroundings to help you start the day. The service is top tier as well, with this restaurant being widely known for its friendly and welcoming staff, who provide some of the best services in the city.

Castlegate is one of the most iconic streets in York, as it was historically the only street in town that led directly to the castle. There are quite a few old buildings on the street, one of which houses the 31 Castlegate restaurant. 

Specialising in contemporary European cuisine, 31 Castlegate offers incredible food, cooked fresh only using the best local produce. In fact, the restaurant has established a network of local growers and suppliers to ensure they can get the highest-quality ingredients and know exactly what they're offering to customers.

D.C.H. Restaurant is far more than just the onsite restaurant of the Dean Court Hotel. You can enjoy an intimate dining experience that's formal and rewarding, along with a full a la carte menu of classic British cuisine. Gaze out the windows by your table, and you'll be greeted with a view of York Minster. There are even vegan options available, so you can find something to your liking here, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Blue Barbakan is an excellent choice if you're looking for something a bit different than traditional English cuisine. Once known as Blue Bicycle, this restaurant offers European cuisine, with an emphasis on Polish food. 

Even with their clear Eastern European influence, a combination of east and west is prevalent throughout their menu whether you're looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You'll also find vegan options and gluten-free options, so you don't have to worry about any dietary restrictions getting in the way.

Osbornes @ 68 Gillygate is a laidback bistro that offers a variety of food, in addition to their classic coffee and cakes. They've made sure to include vegan and gluten-free options so that everyone can find something to their liking. No matter what you order, you can enjoy pristine homemade treats crafted by cooks who truly love their work. 

There are even local works of art on display, and you're welcome to bring your dog in the café with you – all breeds are welcome, provided that your dog is comfortable with mingling with others.

Ebor Inn offers classic pub food, and while fresh fish is their speciality, you'll also find a wide selection of vegan-friendly options made with fresh and locally sourced vegetables. There's a large outdoor garden area with a play area for kids, making it's especially appealing to families. 

Don't forget to try their pies if you're looking for something a bit on the sweeter side, or their curries for something a bit different from traditional British fare. Of course, if you do like the classics, their fish and chips are among the best in York.

A visit to House of the Trembling Madness is essential for any trip to York, especially if you're a fan of medieval films or TV shows. You'll find all sorts of beer, wine and hard liquors on offer, so everyone can find something suitable for their tastes. The food is high-quality as well, with traditional pub offerings and a few vegan options. 

One of the more impressive aspects of this pub is that it's settled in a medieval building in Stonegate, which adds an interesting atmosphere. The establishment contains history dating all the way back to the 12th century.