Harden's says
Chef patron Neil Bentinck's adventurous restaurant, situated just beyond York's Micklegate Bar, serves up small plates and snacks of modern British fare with serious Japanese and Middle Eastern influences. The name originates from the Japanese 'sukoshi', meaning “a little” or “small amount”.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“It’s worth getting one of the counter tables so you can watch the chefs work” at Neil Bentinck’s “go-to”, small, city-centre destination – one of the top three most commented-on destinations in this decidedly foodie city. “It is a place people rave about and once you have been, you become part of a community where your mind is blown by the flavour combinations that Neil and his team bring together” – “amazing, amazing, amazing!". “You could describe it as British-Japanese fusion” (‘Skosh’ is Japanese for ‘small amount’) – “very inventive using local ingredients and exceptional for the price”. “It’s a convivial place with friendly staff” too (“walking in and sitting down for dinner is almost like being at a friend’s house – relax and laugh out loud, like there are no strangers around”). Top Menu Tips – “the ‘egg’ is divine as a pre-starter and the buttermilk chicken is to die for (but the vegetables are also treated with care and respect to make excellent dishes in their own right)”. (In late 2021 an application was put in to expand the restaurant, and Neil hinted in a May 2022 Yorkshire Post article that change is coming some time soon).
Summary
“Next level!” – Neil Bentinck’s funky, small city-centre dining room continues to be one of the highest-performing and most commented-on destinations in this very foodie town. The menu revolves around “eclectic small plates alongside a small but excellently curated wine list” and the cuisine is “brilliantly conceived and superbly executed”.
Summary
“Every time I know that I am going to Skosh I am excited days beforehand as I know that I’m in for a flavour sensation!” – Neil Bentinck’s city-centre four-year-old invites some comparison with local rival Roots (the only York restaurant to generate more reports than here) and the tapas-style dishes his kitchen produces feature “stunning food combinations, brilliantly conceived and executed, with flavours that linger long after the meal ends”. “It’s a small place, and not fancy” but fans feel “it’s lovely like this” thanks to its “modern and fun” approach and “chilled vibe”.
Summary
“Every time I know that I am going to Skosh I am excited days beforehand as I know that I’m in for a flavour sensation!” – Neil Bentinck’s city-centre three-year-old invites some comparison with local rival Roots (the only York restaurant to generate more reports than here) and the tapas-style dishes his kitchen produces feature “stunning food combinations, brilliantly conceived and executed, with flavours that linger long after the meal ends”. “It’s a small place, and not fancy” but fans feel “it’s lovely like this” thanks to its “modern and fun” approach and “chilled vibe”.
For 32 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 Skosh?
Owner's description
Skosh started simply, as a word that represented a concept.
It has evolved into a contemporary dining room serving uncomplicated yet refined dishes in a comfortable and informal manner.
At Skosh, we serve our food in the form of snacks and small plates, this allows you to have as little or as much as you want, grazing as you go, or if you prefer, gradually served course by course to give you a complete dining experience.
Chef proprietor Neil Bentinck and his team of local tradesmen reimagined the space of a Grade II listed building, situated just beyond the ‘Micklegate Bar‘, a 12th Century gateway into the Historic city of York. A bespoke dining room with an open plan kitchen was designed to specifically create a unique experience in which to enjoy the eclectic food on offer.
We do look forward to welcoming you soon.
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £26.00 |
Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
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Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Neil Bentinck
Chef/Owner. Hands on leader. Coach. Self-appointed business man.
Skosh Restaurant Diner Reviews

"Fresh intriguing flavours that never disappoint. Simply a cut above anything else in the area."

"Excellent wine list and seasonal menu. Great small plates to share "

"Nice food, small plates to share, not quite tapas, not quite a menu, but something in between. Rather enjoyable."

"Wonderful restaurant- deserving of far more than a bib gourmand. Each of the seven main courses was a joy. Flatbread with fava bean dip was a delight, as was a brill ceviche and a halibut dish. Ended with a delicious beef cheek. "

"Great to see loads of new items on the menu since our last visit a few months ago. The gurnard in red curry sauce was a particularly good addition "

"Wonderful food, helpful staff to guide you through the menu - just a small space and so a bit noisy."