A region of conquests, conflict, cathedrals, and an iconic pudding, Yorkshire is an ancient county nestled in the heart of northern England. With rich Roman and Viking heritage, scars of early modern development, and fruits of civilisational enlightenment, Yorkshire is a grandiose looking glass into England’s many paradigm shifts.
Spread across 2.9 million acres, encompassing eight cities, and boasting a 100 billion-strong economy, the county is certainly pivotal to England. A seasoned lifetime and surfeit resources have allowed the county to flourish and imbibe a kaleidoscopic community – as such, Yorkshire indeed has a vibrant culinary map. Continue reading to discover the best restaurants in Yorkshire.
1. The Star Inn, Harome
Tucked away in a 14th-century structure, the Star Inn has gained renown for its gobsmacking spread. With one Michelin star, an AA Rosette award, and a mention in Estrella Damn’s “Top 50 Gastropubs” list, guests are in for a treat at this restaurant.
Located in Harome, a tiny agricultural village at the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, the Star Inn was apparently the first ever dwelling in this hamlet. Hence, it is an incredibly rare sample of an olden-day thatched enclosure. The restaurant has preserved the whitewashed rubble facade, cobble-stoned walls, timber frames, and exposed beams, filling the space with immense antiquated character. A roaring fireplace, logs of wood, bales of hay, and other memorabilia are highly evocative of old-timey taverns. The sleek wooden furniture is probably the only remnant of a modern-day bistro.
Proud of its authentic local produce, the Inn’s menu is a laudable nod to the seasons. At the time of writing, spring ingredients such as rhubarb, wild garlic, and morels are greatly influencing the dishes. The Star Inn’s classic dish, however, is the grilled black pudding.
2. Pearly Cow, York
One of York’s finest, Pearly Cow is esteemed in the region for its succulent meat dishes. Set in a classic Georgian building, Peary Cow is an elegant establishment, bustling with flavourful art and keenly manicured interiors. Skirted chandeliers; accents of sage green, grey, and beige; lissome furniture; and copper-stemmed lamps ornament the restaurant.
Its bountiful menu includes 45-day salt-aged steaks, whole Scottish lobster, a seafood platter, and North Sea oysters. To kick things up a notch, guests may go for a spiced-as-you-like Bloody Mary or bottomless rose.
3. Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, Ripon
With one Michelin star and four AA Rosettes in its clutch, Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall is a resounding celebration of the local cuisine. A true fine dining establishment, sophistication has dictated the interiors. Candelabra-esque chandeliers suspend from intricately carved ceilings over linen-clad tables. Velveteen armchairs, handsome European paintings, ornate mirrors, and baroque pillars adorn the main dining lounge. The restaurant is also outfitted with a private dining wing and an intimate Kitchen Table enclosure.
Courtesy of Michelin-peppered Chef Shaun Rankin, the restaurant exemplifies the magnanimity of Yorkshire cookery. At the time of writing, a sample menu includes delights such as house-smoked salmon, venison with pine and blackcurrant, langoustine with elderflower, and Jerusalem artichoke.
4. SORA Sky Bar, York
At soaring heights with stunning cityscape views, guests are pampered with Pan-Asian gastronomy and delicious cocktails.
In a classic old meets new vibe, mosaic tiles, bamboo screens, and cane chairs are juxtaposed with snazzy pendants, plush high chairs, modern spire-shaped heaters, and colour-blocking panels. York’s famous cathedral and mediaeval townscape shine in their regal splendour from SORA’s terrace. The in-house DJ or other live musicians amp up SORA's chirpy ambience.
Pan-Asian tapas, a delectable selection of sushi, and robatayaki bites are on the menu – robata-grilled lobster, California dragon roll, and black cod croquettes are some of the restaurant’s specials. SORA also has an exclusive afternoon tea menu, presenting oriental snacks and sweet treats.
5. Tharavadu, Leeds
A traditional abode for authentic Kerala cuisine, Tharavadu is a time-honoured Indian favourite in Leeds.
Fashioned like an Indian local food haunt (referred to as “sagar” by Indian locals), long leather banquettes, flamboyant ceiling art with LED light bulbs, wall hangings depicting Kerala’s culture, and ornate mirrors furnish the establishment. Traditional brass lamps, textured walls, and a statue of a Kathakali dancer (Kerala’s traditional dance form) are highly evocative of the Malabar coastal state's fervour.
Kumbalangi Konju (a prawn dish from Kumbalangi), Meen Chuttathu (a spiced fish fillet), and Pothu Peralan (a classic street food featuring beef) are examples of the veritable Kerala cookery Tharavadu furnishes.
6. Grand Cru, Bradford
Poised to be “a most sparkling jewel in Yorkshire’s culinary crown,” Grand Cru is a French fare extravaganza located in the heart of West Yorkshire.
Glittering chandeliers, velour yellow banquettes, labyrinthine tiling, and majestic panelled cabinetry harmonise to create a showstopping, bejewelled brasserie. The timeless grandeur of the sparkling ceiling pendants merges seamlessly with the industrial symmetry of the furniture arrangement.
King prawn linguine, pan-seared sea bream, chargrilled fillet steak, and baked goat's cheese are some of Grand Cru’s classics. A true French eatery, guests are blessed with exclusive vintages from Champagne and Italy.
7. Cosa Nostra, Whitby
A local, family-run restaurant, Cosa Nostra embodies the heartfelt Italian tryst with food. Spanning two floors of a Grade II-listed building, Cosa Nostra is a handsome trattoria, with shell white stairway railings, soaring ceilings, yellow and rust-hued walls, a harmonious cacophony of artwork, and antique light pendants.
Cosa Notra’s signature dishes at the time of writing are marsala chicken, sea bass in a white wine and pecorino sauce, and lamb rump. Real Italian pastas and pizzas are staples on the menu. A collection of authentic Italian wines and aperitifs also graces the menu, guaranteeing guests a bona fide Italiano feast.
8. Jöro, Sheffield
Jöro (pronounced Yoro) is a modern European restaurant located in Sheffield’s upscale Kelham Island. Dim lights, chic textured walls, abstract art, panel lights, and industrial furniture have converted a former shipping container into a fashionable restaurant with a moody ambience. With only twelve tables, it is an intimate and highly coveted establishment.
Led by Chef-Patron Luke French, there are five, eight, and ten-course tasting menus on offer. The signature dishes include “chawanmushi” (serrano ham with miso and peas); “crudo of red mullet” (rhubarb dashi, shiso, and blood orange kosho); and North Sea haddock with asparagus. Premium caviar can be added to the mix for an even more luxurious experience.
10. The Black Swan, Oldstead
Led by the acclaimed chef Tommy Banks, Black Swan is a fine dining establishment poised between the enigmatic Byland Abbey ruins and the impressive Kilburn White Horse. It has one Michelin star and four AA Rosettes under its wing – BBC has documented the Black Swan as potentially worthy of being considered “the best restaurant in the world.”.
Perched in the rugged terrains of North Yorkshire, it is embraced by sinuous hillocks, plumes of wildflowers, and romantic ruins of the bygone. With untamed nature setting the scene, Black Swan’s interiors followed suit – low ceilings, exposed beams, cobble-stoned walls, light wooden furniture, and a traditional fireplace come together to create a wholesome, rustic retreat.
At the time of writing, a standard sample menu presents smoked eel, aged killeen, chicken liver, and sea bass. Made with local produce, fresh kitchen garden ingredients, and meticulous ageing techniques, dishes featuring their very own mangalitsa pig have been highly praised. To get the ultimate fine dining experience, guests may pair their meal with the highly-rated gin and tonic.
Besides being a momentous cultural odyssey, Yorkshire is truly a mecca of luxury gastronomy. From fresh produce to tantalising flavour profiles and experimental fusions, there’s no better place to tease your tastebuds. A luxuriant culinary belt in England awaits you – gear up and embark on the ultimate epicurean excursion in Yorkshire.
