RestaurantsNorth YorkshireYorkY01

survey result

Summary

£43
    £
3
Good
4
Very Good
5
Exceptional
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“An institution in York, and a ‘must’ on any visit to the city” – this central branch of Bettys dates from 1936, with an interior inspired by the ocean liner Queen Mary, and its Belmont Room – named after Frederick Belmont, the Swiss confectioner who founded the Harrogate original in 1919 – is “a real treat”. “There’s no place like Bettys if you want to enjoy a classic afternoon tea with as many of the trimmings as you want”“the quality of the food offering is never in doubt but what is exceptional is the professionalism and efficiency of the staff”.

Summary

£42
    £
3
Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“An institution for a very good reason, so be prepared to queue” – this “absolute classic” tea shop is a “must-visit” that “always delivers great quality”. The original Bettys was opened in Harrogate in 1919 by Swiss confectioner Frederick Belmont – an era that the group still embodies, and a nationality commemorated in the “really good rösti” still served. The brand has become thoroughly naturalised in Yorkshire over the ensuing century, and York is now its biggest branch – whose only fault is “that it’s always crowded”.

Summary

£42
    £
3
Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Like being on the Titanic without the iceberg!” – with its “piano music and wood panelling taking you back to a bygone age”, its “super service and such attention to detail”, (not to mention its “perfect cakes”) – this iconic tearoom sails serenely on. The same couldn’t be said, though, for its nearby Little Betty’s offshoot, whose closure was announced in Spring 2021.

Summary

£41
    £
3
Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“A must-visit experience” – brave the queues which “move surprisingly fast” at this iconic tearoom, which turns out “great breakfast and brunch”, but really “stands head and shoulders above others when it comes to afternoon tea”. The latter features “traditionally clad waitresses and a range of old favourites (you “cannot beat a fat rascal”) in surroundings that seem dated but somehow are just what you want”.

For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at Bettys?

6-8 St Helen’s Square, York, Y01 8QP

Restaurant details

Highchair,Menu,Portions
60
No dress code
160

Prices

Traditional European menu

Starter Main Pudding
£10.00 £17.10 £9.95
Drinks  
Filter Coffee £4.50
Extras  
Service 10.00%
6-8 St Helen’s Square, York, Y01 8QP
Opening hours
Monday9 am‑5:30 pm
Tuesday9 am‑5:30 pm
Wednesday9 am‑5:30 pm
Thursday9 am‑5:30 pm
Friday9 am‑6 pm
Saturday8:30 am‑7 pm
Sunday9 am‑5:30 pm

Best British, Modern restaurants nearby

Mannion & Co
British, Modern restaurant in York
£49
   ££
3
Good
2
Average
2
Average
Star Inn the City
British, Modern restaurant in York
£71
  £££
2
Average
2
Average
3
Good
The Bow Room Restaurant
British, Modern restaurant in York
£160
£££££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good

Best similarly priced restaurants nearby

Ambiente
Spanish restaurant in York
£42
    £
3
Good
2
Average
2
Average
Bettys
Afternoon tea restaurant in Harrogate
£43
    £
3
Good
4
Very Good
5
Exceptional
Royal Baths
Chinese restaurant in Harrogate
£44
    £
3
Good
3
Good
4
Very Good