Top restaurants and places to eat in Yorkshire

Food and Drink

Posted by Ed Roberts on 17th August 2023

Top restaurants and places to eat in Yorkshire = Yorkshire-made baked goods

Whether taking a break in the picturesque hiking on the North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales or one of the fishing villages lining the Yorkshire Coast, sampling the delicacies of Yorkshire is a must. If you need proof before visiting, why not visit our Discover Yorkshire guide?

For an exotic culinary experience or to sample some of the glorious native produce, the quality, range and vibrancy of the eating venues in Yorkshire will certainly satisfy your palette. With the added option of seven Michelin-starred restaurants to tantalise your taste buds, the most in any county in England outside London, Yorkshire has something to offer everyone! From coffee shops down cobbled streets to swanky Italian restaurants in the bright lights of the cities, there will be a meal to suit every occasion.

Yorkshire is a great destination, and what better way to experience the county's tastes and flavours than down at the local restaurant, cafe or diner? View our collection of Yorkshire holiday cottages to plan your next break by clicking on the button below.

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The best places to eat in North Yorkshire

Best for fine dining - The Black Swan at Oldstead | near Helmsley | £££

Best for fine dining - The Black Swan at Oldstead | near Helmsley | £££

If you like to indulge in a spot of fine dining on your North Yorkshire holiday, then book a table at chef Tommy Banks' Michelin-star restaurant, The Black Swan at Oldstead near Helmsley. Gastronomes may know the name Tommy Banks as the youngest Michelin-starred chef, age 24 in 2013 when he was awarded the accolade - he was also the winner of the Great British Menu in 2016 and 2017. 

So, diners can expect quality from this exceptional restaurant. It has the outward appearance of a lovely country gastropub, but once inside, it's a welcoming, casual and modern place to enjoy your dining experience. Book ahead to avoid disappointment as, unsurprisingly, The Black Swan is popular!

Good to know

Helmsley cottages


The best for a pub meal - The Cod and Lobster | Staithes | ££

The best for a pub meal - The Cod and Lobster | Staithes | ££

The Cod and Lobster is a fantastic seafront pub that can be found in the quaint fishing village of Staithes. If you love seafood, brace yourself as this is a superb place to dine and enjoy a pint after a day of touring this lovely area. They also do takeaway if you don’t fancy a sit-down meal. This pub is also dog-friendly if you have brought your pup away to North Yorkshire with you. 

The fish and chips are to die for, and the range of cask ales is very impressive. Follow dinner with a lovely walk around the harbour and take in the beautiful coastal surroundings. Staithes is one of the prettiest seaside villages in the North East. Staithes might be familiar to kids on holiday as it was the filming location for Old Jack's Boat; for more Yorkshire film and TV locations, why not read our guide?

Good to know

  • Location: The Cod and Lobster, 61 High Street, Staithes, North Yorks, TS13 5BQ
  • Menu: Visit the website for a peek
  • Price range: £10 - £25 (based on main courses)
  • Stay nearby: Waverley House | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

Staithes cottages


The best for international food – Imperial Palace | Harrogate | ££

The best for international food – Imperial Palace | Harrogate | ££

This East Asian restaurant in Harrogate is a great way to experience the many flavours of the Orient. Imperial Palace is open seven days a week from 5pm to 10.30pm, so enjoy a sit-down meal or a takeaway to bring back to your holiday accommodation. With cuisine from China, Thailand, Singapore and beyond, there’s a vast choice on the menu.

Before dinner, you can enjoy a stroll around Harrogate and discover its many landmarks and open spaces such as The Stray and Killinghall Moor Country Park. Also, take in the curio shops along Cold Bath Road where you may well bag a bargain or a memento of your trip.

Good to know

  • Location: Imperial Palace, 1 Cheltenham Crescent, Harrogate, HG1 1DH
  • Menu: Visit the website for a peek 
  • Price range: £11 to £22 (based on main courses)
  • Stay nearby: Colcote Cottage | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs 

Harrogate cottages


The best café for a light lunch/breakfast – Coffee Culture | York | £

The best café for a light lunch/breakfast – Coffee Culture | York | £

Are you a coffee aficionado? Do you like a quality light lunch or a great breakfast? Well, York’s Coffee Culture  is a superb place to check out if you are staying in this wonderful, storied city. The menu promises delicious sandwiches, homemade cakes, and freshly baked pastries, many of which have been made locally from Yorkshire produce. The building itself is quirky, being renovated from one of the city’s older rows of buildings, Goodramgate.

There’s so much to see on a day trip to York such as the City Wall, York Minster, and the JORVIK Viking Centre. A walk around the epic city centre will reveal untold numbers of interesting independent shops to browse around too.  

Good to know

  • Location: Coffee Culture, 41 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LS
  • Menu: Visit the website for a peek 
  • Price range: £3.50 - £10 (based on main courses)
  • Stay nearby: The Mustard Pot | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs 

York cottages


The best for fish and chips - Quayside | Whitby | ££

The best for fish and chips - Quayside | Whitby | ££

If it’s a classic dish of fish and chips you want, you won’t be disappointed with what this multi-award-winning restaurant called Quayside, has to offer. This small, independent, family company focuses on quality, home-produced goods to satisfy those crispy batter cravings! 

Located in the pretty seaside town of Whitby, this makes for a good summer's day out - why not take a beachside walk and reward yourself with Fusco’s famous fishcakes with a side of zesty chilli sauce? 

Good to know

  • Location: Quayside, 7 Pier Road, Whitby, Y021 3PU
  • Menu: Visit the website for a peek
  • Price range: £12 - £25 per head (based on main course)
  • Stay nearby: Mount Cottage | sleeps 6

Whitby cottages


The best places to eat in South Yorkshire

Best for fine dining – Juke & Loe at The Milestone | Sheffield | £££

Best for fine dining – Juke & Loe at The Milestone | Sheffield | £££

A new addition to the Michelin Guide in 2023, Juke & Loe is one of South Yorkshire’s three Michelin-starred eateries. Known for its contemporary twists on traditional English fare, this restaurant is a divine prospect for gastronomes visiting South Yorkshire. It is only open four days a week, so be sure to book early to secure a seat. It is also open for lunch slots on Friday and Saturday.

Sheffield is an interesting city once known for being a centre of industry. Nowadays, it is an impressive cultural centre with lots of attractions for visitors such as its botanical gardens, the Millenium Gallery, Stanage Edge, and Kelham Island Museum (which is very close to Juke & Loe).

Good to know

  • Location: Juke & Loe at The Milestone, 84 Green Lane, Sheffield, S3 8SE
  • Menu: Visit the website for a peek
  • Price range: Three courses for £60 (on the dinner menu)
  • Stay nearby: Bents Cottage | sleeps 4 

Sheffield cottages


The best for a pub meal – Spencer Arms | near Huddersfield | ££

The best for a pub meal – Spencer Arms | near Huddersfield | ££

The Spencer Arms in Cawthorne near Barnsley and Huddersfield is one of the best-loved gastro pubs in South Yorkshire. The cosy, olde worlde charm of the pub makes you feel welcome, and you are sure to be wowed by the varied seasonal menu, which also caters for children. Sunday lunch should be on your holiday itinerary, so if you are in the area, book a table here and you won’t be disappointed.

Huddersfield and Barnsley is located in a beautiful part of South Yorkshire, known for its rolling countryside. After your dinner, why not spend time exploring Castle Hill, Experience Barnsley (Museum and Discovery Centre), Locke Park, and Cannon Hall Farm?

Good to know

Huddersfield cottages


Best for international food – E’Lupo’s | Rotherham | ££

Best for international food – E’Lupo’s | Rotherham | ££

E’Lupo’s is a well-established family favourite in Rotherham; for over 30 years they have been serving exquisite Italian dishes to their visitors. With everything from pizza and spaghetti bolognese to delicious meals from regions all over Italy, there is something to entertain everyone’s palette. You can enhance your experience with a bottle of wine from their tempting selection.

If you fancy getting to know Rotherham, interesting local visitor attractions include Clifton Park Museum, Magna Science Adventure Centre, and Wentworth Woodhouse. The eastern end of the Peak District National Park (which is in Derbyshire) is less than 12 miles away too if you love hiking and the outdoor life.

Good to know


The best cafe for a light lunch/breakfast - The School House | Arksey | ££

The best cafe for light lunch/breakfast - The School House | Arksey | ££

This quaint, shabby-chic tearoom, aptly named The School House, offers a wide range of country classics making it a great choice for brunch or a light lunch accompanied by tea or coffee.

Whether it's tea and homemade cake you fancy or a traditional plate of scrambled eggs on toast, this little gem located in Arksey near Doncaster will fill you with delight. The cakes here are to be reckoned with; one trip won't be enough if you love a cuppa and something sweet. The School House is also open on Sundays for a roast, but we'd advise booking ahead as it is a popular spot.

Good to know

  • Location: The School House Cafe, High Street, Arksey, Doncaster, DN5 0SF
  • Menu: Visit the website for a peek
  • Price range: £12 - £20 per head (based on main courses)
  • Stay nearby: River Cottage | sleeps 4+ 2 dogs

Doncaster cottages


Best for fish and chips – Auckley Friery | near Doncaster | £

Best for fish and chips – Auckley Friery | near Doncaster | £

Just outside Doncaster, you can find this award-winning chippy; Auckley Friery. Widely known in the area and nationally as one of the best fish and chip shops around, a trip for a cheeky takeaway should be on the cards for you if you are holidaying in South Yorkshire.

Auckley Friery won a top 10 position in the national Fish and Chip Awards for 2023, was named in the Top 50 Best Takeaways list in Fry Magazine, and also has the coveted five-star accolade from the Quality Fish and Chips team. Expect queues if you plan on showing up on a Friday evening.

Good to know

  • Location: Auckley Friery, 53 Main Street, Auckley, Doncaster, DN9 3HW
  • Menu: Visit the website for a peek  
  • Price range: £9 - 11 per head (based on large and medium fish and chips)
  • Stay nearby: Dragonfly Cottage | sleeps 2 

The best places to eat in the East Riding of Yorkshire

Best for fine dining – Pipe and Glass | near Beverley | £££

Best for fine dining – Pipe and Glass | near Beverley | £££ 

The Pipe and Glass is a gourmet pub with a Michelin star accolade, what could be better? So, whilst in the restaurant you can sample some fine dining, yet more informally, you can enjoy a quality sandwich with an ale in the bar. It’s the best of both worlds. Private dining is offered for parties in the conservatory or in a private dining suite, with bespoke menus offered by the chef. Seasonal fare is grown in the garden to the rear of the pub including wild garlic and other herbs - a definite plus.

Set near the ancient town of Beverley in the East Riding of Yorkshire, you can take in the sights of Beverley Minster, Beverly Racecourse or Beverley Market.

Good to know

  • Location: Pipe and Glass, West End, South Dalton, Beverley, HU17 7PN
  • Menu: Visit the website for a peek 
  • Price range: £25 - £35 per head (based on main courses)
  • Stay nearby: The Old Brickworks Cottage | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs   

Beverley cottages


The best for a pub meal – The Plough | Withernsea | ££

The best for a pub meal – The Plough Inn | Withernsea | ££ 

This quaint pub in the tiny village of Hollym, near Withernsea and Hull, is a hidden gem. In fact, this whole corner of the East Riding is hidden. The Plough Inn has an interesting history which you can learn more about when you visit, and by looking at the hordes of old photographs that adorn its walls. Priding itself on its cellarmanship, the pub offers three traditional ales at any one time as well as a choice of keg beers and ciders. Food is served every day except for Monday; Sunday lunch is well worth booking ahead for.

The pub is set close to the Spurn Heritage Coast with East Yorkshire walking trails nearby such as Spurn Head Trail, the Millenium Green Path, the Hollym-to-Beverley Path, and the Keyingham Circular.

Good to know

  • Location: The Plough Inn, Northside Road, Hollym, HU19 2RS
  • Menu: Visit the website for a peek 
  • Price range: £25 - £35 per head (based on main courses)
  • Stay nearby: The Pump House | sleeps 2 dogs 

Hull cottages


The best for international food – Sonali Spice | Hornsea | ££

The best for international food – Sonali Spice | Hornsea | ££ 

Enjoy a spicy curry on the East Yorkshire coast at Sonali Spice. Set in the beautiful seaside town of Hornsea, it’s an utter joy. With the tastes of the Indian continent dominating their comprehensive menu, you are bound to find something fantastic to entertain your taste buds. With Indian beers and lagers to enhance the flavours, a trip to Hornsea should be on your holiday’s culinary itinerary. There is a second branch in Beverley too. 

Hornsea is something of a holiday hideaway, with a collection of delightful visitor attractions such as Hornsea Beach, Hornsea Mere, Bugtopia/Hornsea Zoo, and Hornsea Museum. 

Good to know

  • Location: Sonali Spice, 8 New Road, Hornsea, HU18 1PF
  • Menu: Visit the website for a peek
  • Price range: £8 - £15 per head (based on main courses)
  • Stay nearby: Wortley Cottage | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs 

Hornsea cottages


The best café for light lunch/breakfast – Wrecking Ball Café | Hull | £

The best café for light lunch/breakfast – Wrecking Ball Café | Hull | £

For the north east, this café is unique - it’s a bookshop/record shop/café hybrid in the centre of Hull. If you are looking for a book or music mad, then you can use the café as an excuse to flex the credit card and buy some new books and records. This charming café is sure to lure you in to sample the music and books on offer. Set inside the Wrecking Ball Arts Centre, the café’s cakes, light lunches and range of coffees should prove more than ample to draw you in.

Hull is a cool city, ever on the rise as a centre of culture and the arts. Visit the Streetlife Museum, The Deep, and East Park as well as the city harbour on your trip.

Good to know

  • Location: The Café, Wrecking Ball Arts Centre & Bookshop, 15 Whitefriargate, Hull, HU1 2ER
  • Menu: There is no menu available online at the moment 
  • Price range: £4 – £11 per head (based on main courses)
  • Stay nearby: The Byre  | sleeps 2 + 1 dog

The best for fish and chips – Harbour Fisheries | Bridlington | £

The best for fish and chips – Harbour Fisheries | Bridlington | £ 

Fish and chips on the seafront, a recipe for bliss? Could be. Our favourite chip shop in the East Riding of Yorkshire is, also, perhaps the most easterly. As the name suggest (Harbour Fisheries), it's located on the harbour so look out for competition for your fish and chips in the form of seagulls. These feathered bandits love the takeaways, so keep a close vigil on your dinner as they are cunning. If you bring an insulated food bag, then you can drive to beautiful Flamborough Head and enjoy your fish and chips at one of the best North Sea lookouts around.

When in Bridlington, one of the best activities is to take a boat trip to see the wild seabird colonies on the cliffs at Flamborough Head. It’s a very memorable experience indeed.

Good to know

  • Location: Harbour Fisheries, 9 Harbour Road, Bridlington, YO15 2NR
  • Menu: There is no menu available online at the moment
  • Price range: £4 – £11 per head (based on main courses)
  • Stay nearby: The Honeypot | sleeps 4 + 1 dog 

Bridlington cottages


The best places to eat in West Yorkshire

The best for fine dining - The Box Tree | Ilkley | £££

No trip to West Yorkshire is complete without trying out one of their premium Michelin-star restaurants. The Box Tree in Ilkley offers a modern French classical menu alongside an extensive wine cellar. 

If you want to experience some of the freshest ingredients around, with an emphasis on locally sourced produce including roast sea scallops with celeriac puree and white truffle oil (to name a few), then this is the place for you.

Good to know

  • Location: The Box Tree, 35-37 Church Street, Ilkley, LS29 9DR
  • Menu: Visit the website for a peek
  • Price range: £50 - £75 per head (based on main courses)
  • Stay nearby: Blue Plain Dairy | sleeps 

Ilkley cottages


The best for a pub meal – Shibden Mill Inn | near Halifax | £££

The best for a pub meal – Shibden Mill Inn | near Halifax | £££ 

Shibden Mill Inn is a rustic and characterful West Yorkshire inn just 10 minutes outside of the busy town of Halifax. They promise dishes concocted from the freshest local ingredients. Check out the vegan menu, the special Sunday menu, and a six-course taster selection, all of which are mouth-watering and original. If you are holidaying in the area, we thoroughly recommend a visit to this superb West Yorkshire restaurant.

Halifax is located in a very hilly part of West Yorkshire and is home to the wonderful Piece Hall, which has an art centre, cinema and lots of tiny independent shops around the edge of its huge square. Also, consider stopping in at the Eureka! (The National Children’s Museum) and Shibden Hall.

Good to know

  • Location: Shibden Mill Inn, Shibden, Halifax, HX3 7UL
  • Menu: Visit the website for a peek
  • Price range: £70 per head (based on the taster menu)
  • Stay nearby: Prospect House | sleeps 6 + 1 dog 

Halifax cottages


Best for international food – Pinche Pinche | Chapel Allerton | ££ 

Pinche Pinche is a vibrant and popular Mexican restaurant in Chapel Allerton near Leeds. If you know your enchilada from your fajita, and you no longer freak out at how refried beans look, this is the place to head down to next time you are in the Leeds area. You can eat at the restaurant or have a takeaway delivered to your holiday cottage. Pinche Pinche also has a wide choice of lagers and beers, which are the best accompaniment for a Mexican food platter.

If you are having a day out in Leeds, be sure to visit the Royal Armouries Museum, Roundhay Park, and Kirkstall Abbey.

Good to know

  • Location: 116a Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, LS7 4NY
  • Menu: Visit the website for a peek
  • Price range: £10 - £20
  • Stay nearby: Mabels' Place | sleeps 4 

Leeds cottages


The best café for a light lunch/breakfast – The Café at The Hepworth | Wakefield | £

The best café for a light lunch/breakfast – The Café at The Hepworth | Wakefield | £ 

Showcasing the best in locally sourced ingredients for their menu, this modern riverside café is a big hit with the residents of Wakefield. Based inside The Hepworth Gallery, which offers visitors an interesting rotation of modern art exhibitions throughout the year. The menus are varied and cater for all diets, so if you get peckish when you are visiting Wakefield, stop in at The Hepworth.

Wakefield is a good spot to visit if you like art, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is 7 miles away. Also visit Pugneys Country Park, Wakefield Cathedral, and Sandal Castle.

Good to know

  • Location: Café at the Hepworth, Gallery Walk, Wakefield WF 5AW 
  • Menu: Visit the website for a peek
  • Price range: £3.50 - £13
  • Stay nearby: Flowery Field | sleeps 2 

Wakefield cottages


The best for fish and chips – Crown Fisheries | Hebden Bridge | £

The best for fish and chips – Crown Fisheries | Hebden Bridge | £ 

Our top pick in West Yorkshire for fish and chips is Crown Fisheries; it’s a favourite with locals and has a good range of choices including money-off deals for OAPs and kids. Located in the heart of Hebden Bridge, it’s got competition from a few other chippies, so if you turn up on a Friday evening you have a few options.

Hebden Bridge is an enticing prospect if you love a bit of culture – with its interesting bars, cafes, pubs, cinema, and thriving arty and LGBT+ communities, it’s a superb choice of holiday destination if you have chosen West Yorkshire for a break.

Good to know

  • Location: Crown Fisheries, 8 Crown Street, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8EH
  • Menu: There isn’t one available online but we’re certain it centres around fish and chips
  • Price range: £3 - £10
  • Stay nearby: Enchanted Cottage | sleeps 6 + 1 dog 

Hebden Bridge cottages


Map

Check out our map to find where each of Yorkshire’s top cafes, restaurants, takeaways and gastropubs are located.

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Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in Yorkshire

We hope our guide has inspired you to take a foodie holiday in Yorkshire. As you can see, there is a broad choice of places to eat and drink all across the county from fine dining options to cool dog-friendly pubs with excellent views. Stay at one of our self-catering cottages on your holiday to Yorkshire. If this guide has encouraged you to taste the delights of Yorkshire for yourself, feel free to browse through our properties across North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire.


Yorkshire cottages

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.