North Yorkshire Restaurant Guide

Award-winning Master Chef Finalist, Great British Menu-famed chef Bobby Geetha and Team provides a stunning contemporary British cuisine inspired by world flavours.Fléur Restaurant was the finalist for best Brunch in Leeds. Reviewed as Top 3 best Bottomless...

The striking interior is a talking-point at this five-star retreat, near the North Yorks border, set in over 365 acres: a very airy, glass-ceilinged conservatory with leafy views. Our annual diners’ poll also acclaims the “excellent tasting menu” (there is also an à la carte option) and “friendly service”; and there’s an impressive 400-bin wine list.

“New management are making an impact” according to reports on this well-known coaching inn, not far from the A1, which was taken over in January 2021 by father-and-daughter owners, Jonathan & Sarah Morris. The food from 2018 MasterChef: The Professionals competitor, Chris McPhee, is consistently well-rated: “if you missed the old ‘GT’ in its heyday, make a return visit: you will not be disappointed!”

“From a humble inn to an outstanding eatery in a very short time” – this “lovely pub in the delightful village of Nun Monkton” has been turbocharged in recent years by investment from millionaire plumber Richard Harpin and is run by Claire & John Topham. The latest investment has been a new block adding 12 bedrooms, which opened in early 2022. Practically all reports acclaim “a well-balanced menu providing relaxed, comfortable dining with first-class service”. (The name, by the way, is that of a famous racehorse, and another reason to visit is England’s tallest maypole, on the village green).

2022 Review: One reporter says it all about the “very busy city-centre flagship of this excellent local chain of Indian restaurants” – “there’s a wide range of traditional and excitingly different dishes. Highly recommended!”.

Rooftop blossom and dark clubby decor help create a scene-y atmosphere at this popular branch of the upmarket national Chinese chain, which expanded to include a London outlet this year. One or two reports accuse it of “style over substance” but ratings overall are decent for its dim-sum and small plates selection.

“You would walk past it if you didn’t know how good the food was inside” at this “buzzing” curry house (one of the city’s most commented-on destinations) not far from the railway station (a favourite, it is claimed, of former India cricket captain Virat Kohli). The “slightly chaotic vibe is part of the charm” and it delivers “authentic south Indian tastes” with “absolutely delicious Keralan flavours” (“had probably the best dosa ever and an amazing range of fish curries dominate the menu”).

“A very welcome addition to Northallerton” – this December 2021 newcomer has become a favourite with its “interesting and varied food”.

2022 Review: Thailand-born chef turned entrepreneur Ban Kaewkraikhot launched her luxury brand in Chapel Allerton 20 years ago, before opening this “large and spacious” city-centre flagship and another branch in Harrogate. She also founded the Zaap Thai street food brand, with five branches and a ready meals offering.

A “superb location” in the heart of the Dales is a key feature at this handsome-looking hotel, whose dining room has gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside. Limited but good feedback, too, on the affordable cuisine (two courses for £37.50, three courses for £45 as we went to press).

“Always a vibrant dining experience!” – Ban Kaewkraikhot’s outpost of her Yorkshire group of traditional Thai venues (which started in Chapel Allerton in 2002) continues to draw a regular fan club for its comprehensive menu of authentic-tasting dishes.

Occupying a small corner of a “fabulous old-school country pile” – itself set in 20,000 acres of ground – this “smart restaurant in a very smart hotel” makes use of game and fish from the estate, as well as produce from the very large kitchen garden, to provide “good cooking that’s well presented”. Afternoon tea in the splendid adjacent lounges is also a feature worth discovering.

“An outstanding neighbourhood bistro that strives to produce and make sustainable food fresh from local produce, game shoots and day boats” – Stephen Andrews (supported by manager Yohan Barthelemy) delivers a “menu that’s small but perfect” in this inviting industrial-style space, complete with lots of concrete and wood. He took on these premises in April 2020, after a succession of pop-ups in other venues. Top Menu Tip – “incredibly fresh fish, well executed”.

Founded in 1985, this local stalwart wins praise for its “sympathetically prepared local ingredients” (realised in fairly conventional style) and “clearly competent staff”. Top Tip – “great value early-bird dinner”.

2022 Review: Feedback remains limited but remains very positive for this Chapel Allerton Thai (part of a local group), which hits twenty years old in 2022.

A brand new country Inn, opened its doors for the first time in September 2020.The Lime Tree Inn is a family run country Inn made of seriously good food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.Our menu is seasonal with everything made in house from quali...

“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).

“Quietly top class” – York’s oldest inhabited house (and boasting a medieval walled garden) is the backdrop to a meal at this small hotel, some of whose rooms have unmatched views of York Minster. The dining room (holder of hard-to-win three AA rosettes) serves a multi course tasting menu with an optional wine pairing “a very pleasant experience with some great flavours”.