Eating in York 

York has an excellent and remarkably varied food scene, ranging from Michelin-starred dining and modern British cuisine to independent cafés, international restaurants and lively street-food venues. 

The conference will be held at The Guildhall York, centrally located beside St Helen’s Square. Most of the restaurants listed below are within comfortable walking distance of the venue. 

Price guide: 
£ – Budget-friendly 
££ – Moderate 
£££ – Special occasion 
££££ – Fine dining 

Prices, menus and opening times may change. Guests with allergies or particular dietary requirements should contact the restaurant directly before visiting. 

Fine Dining & Special Occasions

Roots York 

York’s only Michelin-starred restaurant offers imaginative tasting menus shaped around the seasons and produce from the Banks family farm. An excellent choice for delegates seeking a memorable fine-dining experience. 

Located on Marygate, approximately 1.1 kilometres from the Guildhall. 

Reservations can be made through the Roots York website

The Bow Room at Grays Court 

Set within an elegant historic house beside York Minster and the city walls, The Bow Room offers refined modern British cooking in one of York’s most atmospheric settings. Seasonal produce, including ingredients grown in the hotel garden, features prominently. 

Located approximately 700 metres from the Guildhall. 

Reservations can be made through the Grays Court website

Skosh

Skosh is one of York’s most celebrated independent restaurants. Its inventive small plates combine British ingredients with international influences and are designed for sharing. The Michelin Guide recognises Skosh with a Bib Gourmand for particularly good-quality, good-value cooking. 

Located on Micklegate, approximately 750 metres from the Guildhall. 

Menus and reservations are available through the Skosh website

The Star Inn The City 

Situated beside the River Ouse and overlooking the Museum Gardens, this popular brasserie serves modern dishes centred on Yorkshire produce. Its spacious dining room and riverside terrace make it particularly suitable for small groups of conference delegates. 

Vegetarian and vegan choices are normally available. 

Located approximately 300 metres from the Guildhall. 

Tables can be reserved through The Star Inn The City website

Relaxed & Mid-Range Dining 

Rustique 

A lively and welcoming French-style bistro serving traditional dishes prepared with locally sourced meat, fish and seasonal ingredients. Its set menus can offer particularly good value for a relaxed lunch or evening meal. 

Located on Castlegate, approximately 700 metres from the Guildhall. 

Menus and online booking are available through the Rustique website

Ambiente Tapas 

Ambiente offers a broad selection of Spanish tapas, sharing dishes and paella. Its menu includes numerous vegetarian and vegan choices, making it a useful option for groups with varied tastes. 

The Fossgate restaurant is approximately 650 metres from the Guildhall. A second York restaurant is situated on Goodramgate. 

Reservations can be made through the Ambiente Tapas website.  

Yak and Yeti 

This cosy independent restaurant specialises in traditional Nepalese food, including momo dumplings, curries, lentil dishes and Nepal’s celebrated dhal bhat. The menu provides a good selection of vegetarian dishes. 

Located on Goodramgate, approximately 550 metres from the Guildhall. 

Further details and reservations are available through the Yak and Yeti website.  

Ippuku Tea House 

Ippuku is a small and characterful Japanese tea house serving rice dishes, noodles, Japanese set meals, matcha and traditional sweets. Vegetarian and tofu-based dishes are available alongside meat and fish choices. 

Located on Blake Street, approximately 300 metres from the Guildhall. 

As opening hours and evening service can vary, visitors are advised to consult Ippuku Tea House on Instagram before visiting. 

Vegetarian, Vegan & Lighter Choices 

Goji Café 

Goji is a long-established independent vegetarian café and deli. Much of its wholesome, freshly prepared menu is also vegan, with soups, salads, platters, burgers, breakfasts, cakes and takeaway choices available. 

Located on Goodramgate, approximately 500 metres from the Guildhall. 

Menus and opening information are available through the Goji Café website.

Partisan 

Partisan is a highly regarded independent café and restaurant known for generous breakfasts, imaginative brunch dishes, freshly baked cakes and attractive seasonal plates. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives feature prominently. 

Located on Micklegate, approximately 800 metres from the Guildhall. 

Menus and reservations can be found on the Partisan website

Budget-Friendly & Informal Food 

Shambles Kitchen 

A popular independent takeaway on York’s famous Shambles, known for generously filled sandwiches, wraps and slow-cooked Yorkshire meats. A vegan shawarma wrap is also available, while its nearby food-court stall offers gluten-free options. Located approximately 500 metres from the Guildhall. 

Current menus and opening times can be found on the Shambles Kitchen website

Spark

SPARK is a colourful and informal community venue bringing together a changing collection of independent food and drink traders. Choices typically include pizza, Asian-inspired dishes, street food, desserts and plant-based cooking. 

Its communal seating makes it especially convenient for groups whose members have different tastes or budgets. Individual traders and menus may change. 

Located on Piccadilly, approximately 850 metres from the Guildhall. 

Current traders and opening information are listed on the SPARK:York website

Traditional Yorkshire Experience 

Bettys Café Tea Rooms 

A York institution overlooking St Helen’s Square, Bettys serves breakfasts, light lunches, cakes, speciality teas and its celebrated afternoon tea. Its location makes it particularly convenient for conference delegates. 

Situated directly opposite the Guildhall, less than 100 metres from the venue. 

Menus and visitor information are available through the Bettys York website

The House of the Trembling Madness 

Set within a characterful medieval building, this popular independent pub offers craft beers, hearty sharing boards, burgers and informal meals in an atmospheric setting. It is a good choice for delegates wishing to experience one of York’s more unusual historic venues. 

Located on Stonegate, approximately 300 metres from the Guildhall. 

Further information is available through The House of the Trembling Madness website

Dietary Requirements 

Many York restaurants provide vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. However, menus and food-preparation arrangements can change. Delegates with food allergies, coeliac disease or other specific dietary requirements should speak directly with the restaurant before booking and again when ordering. 

For larger conference groups, advance reservations are strongly recommended. Restaurants may request a deposit, a pre-order or a reduced group menu.