Harden's survey result
Summary
“Truly exceptional food” is often reported at this well-regarded bistro, founded in 1990 and still run by “caring owners” Michael Hjort (director of York Food Festival) and his wife Lucy, who manages the front of house. “No pretension and no distracting gloss” are a big plus for its fans. “There may be places that are considered ‘smarter’ and ‘more fashionable’, but none of them hold a candle to Melton’s for a first-class meal.”
Summary
“Enthusiastic owners” Michael (Roux-trained and also behind the Walmgate Ale House) & Lucy Hjort's “venerable gem” is a “lovely bistro-style restaurant” where the modern British food may be on the “traditional” side, but is never less than “great”.
Summary
“Very reliable” through three decades, Michael & Lucy Hjort’s modern British venue near the city walls has a “fantastic menu” – including a “lovely selection of experimental hors d’oeuvres”. “More flashy and fashionable restaurants come and go in York, but Melton’s consistency, excellent locally sourced food and fabulous wine list make it a favourite.” Local lad Michael trained under the Roux brothers before heading home. He also owns the Walmgate Ale House and is the long-time artistic director of the York Food Festival.
Summary
“Very reliable” through three decades, Michael & Lucy Hjort’s modern British venue near the city walls has a “fantastic menu” – including a “lovely selection of experimental hors d’oeuvres”. “More flashy and fashionable restaurants come and go in York, but Melton’s consistency, excellent locally sourced food and fabulous wine list make it a favourite.” Local lad Michael trained under the Roux brothers before heading home. He also owns the Walmgate Ale House and is the long-time artistic director of the York Food Festival.
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 Melton’s?
Restaurant details
Melton’s Restaurant Diner Reviews

"For a neighbourhood restaurant- this was very good but none of the dishes were really wow. Knowledgeable staff and well presented food."
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £24.50 |
Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
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Service | 10.00% |
7 Scarcroft Rd, York, YO23 1ND
Opening hours
Monday | CLOSED |
Tuesday | 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
Wednesday | 12 pm‑1:45 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
Thursday | 12 pm‑1:45 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
Friday | 12 pm‑1:45 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
Saturday | 12 pm‑1:45 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
Sunday | CLOSED |
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