North Yorkshire Restaurant Guide

“So nice to see this old friend, smartened up, rejuvenated and walking proud again” – this old Dales inn (made famous in the 1980s by David & Juliet Watkins) was taken over in late 2018 by much-accoladed chef Michael Wignall, who has immediately succeeded in putting it very much back on the culinary map. “As you would expect of such a top chef, the food is all faultless beyond criticism – real plates of real food in very satisfying combinations” and it’s “good value for money” too.

“White flakes of fish, encased in crispy, golden batter, plus chips reminiscent of childhood, and still cooked in dripping, all provide a taste to savour” at this famous (hence “noisy and crowded”) Harbourside veteran, often justifiably nominated for being home to “the best fish ’n’ chips in the UK”. “Most punters go for the obvious, but the specials board is always worth close scrutiny, as the kitchen actually produces superb dishes using the wide variety of fish and seafood available in this amazing port”. “Recommended, but it can get very busy so be prepared to queue in busy periods”. “I was in Yorkshire for a week and went three times! Totally excellent!” Top Tip – marvellous views from the window tables, or you can just take away and sit by the water!

“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”.

The Duke & Duchess of Devonshire’s well-known luxury hotel is scenically located on the River Wharfe and one of the more renowned dining destinations in this part of the world. Paul Leonard (who joined in 2017) has yet to regain the Michelin star the property has held on-and-off over the years, but all reports last year are of “exceptional fine dining, with attentive yet unobtrusive service”. You can eat from a three-course menu or the eight-course, £85 ‘Burlington Experience’ tasting menu. Much of the appeal here is being able to raid the duke’s fine, if not particularly budget-oriented, cellar.

“Views are incredible” from this sixteen-bedroom hotel in the middle of the Yorkshire Dales. There’s a wide variety of menus – for a “romantic” dinner the main choice would be the two-course or three-course menu which are £29.50 and £38 respectively.

With its gold-leaf decoration, the stylish dining room of this grand country house hotel and spa provides a traditionally luxurious backdrop to a meal. But ratings have come off the boil a little with personnel changes. Mehdi Amiri – in post since mid-2017 – sometimes gave reporters the impression that “the sheer confidence and assurance typically found here was lacking”. He himself then moved on after our survey in summer 2019. We have maintained last year’s survey scores on the bet that further changes are more likely to be positive than negative, but further upheavals may be afoot.

2018 Review: “A real taste of Thailand” is to be had at this “atmospheric” branch of the Leeds-based indie chain, consistently praised for its “good quality Thai dishes” and high quality of service.

2019 Review: “Chef Murray Wilson goes from strength to strength” at this “innovative and contemporary” two-year-old inside the new spa of a luxury hotel. Dishes and tasting menus are built around vegetables from the property’s kitchen garden, with “outstanding” results produced by “experimental Japanese-influenced cooking”.

“The jewel in Haxby’s crown!” – Nick and David Miller’s “unmissable chippy” (est 1940) inspires rave reviews from fans for “out-of-this-world fish ’n’ chips” and “marvellous staff”. “Eat in!”.

The less formal option at this grand ducal hotel also benefits from a terrace on sunny days with sweeping views of the Dales. Limited but good feedback last year on its wide-ranging and affordable brasserie menus: fairly standard fare, bolstered by a range of steaks and above-par cheeses. There’s a cut-down wine list, but the full selection is also available if the occasion demands it!