York, Mediterranean Restaurant Guide

“Tasty North African dishes” inspired by owner Tarek Abdeladim’s Algerian background have won a loyal following for this “reasonably priced” two-floor venue; the small plates range from chicken tagines to hummus and cassoulet, while the thing to drink is the Los Moros pale ale, created specifically for the spot by Brew York. The Shambles Market food stall where it all began (before expanding to this permanent home three years on) is also still doing a swift trade, with one reporter this year approving its “very good” falafel and chicken wraps.

From a small bar in Malton in 2007, Zoe & Tim Sinclair have created a five-strong Yorkshire tapas chain of which this outpost 2010 was the first. It now has two other siblings in the city: “opt for this one if you want more of the old York building vibe”. It’s one of the most commented-on businesses in York in our annual diners’ poll thanks to its “well-priced tapas that’s a cut above the standard, with excellent wines and sherries too” and it “gets very busy and noisy due to its popularity”. Arguably, though, “the menu is far too big – some dishes are poor, some are very good”.