One of the best ways to get to know an area and learn about its culture is through the wonderful world of food. Fortunately, when it comes to culinary exploration, Yorkshire is at the top of the list, home to the most Michelin star restaurants in the UK outside of London. From moorland pubs to village inns, the county’s eateries stun with gastronomical excellence and tempt with delicious, artisanally-crafted dishes comprised of the best local fare.
If you’d like to follow the foodie trail in Yorkshire and secure tables at the crème de la crème, we’ve put together a list of the county’s critically-acclaimed restaurants for the ultimate dining experience.
Michelin Star
The Man Behind the Curtain, Leeds, West Yorkshire
The Michelin star Man Behind the Curtain in Leeds offers more than just a meal: it promises an entire culinary and sensory explosion. Coupling abstract art with experimental dishes, this unconventional restaurant on Vicarage Street takes inspiration for its dishes from a wide variety of mediums – with tastes ranging from Southern Europe to South East Asia, and storytelling from the Wizard of Oz to Damien Hurst. Affording a unique experience that’s hard to replicate, its light-filled, industrial-chic interiors set a stylised scene in which to savour its menus of foodie delights. Try the restaurant’s “rapide” menu for a laidback lunch, or head over in the evening to try its set menu of around a dozen “sequences” (small tasting plates).
Black Swan, Oldstead, North Yorkshire
Boasting a Michelin star, a Michelin ‘green’ star and four AA rosettes, the Black Swan in Oldstead is a culinary giant renowned for its sustainable approach to incredible food. Situated on the edge of the wild and beautiful North York Moors between the 12th Century Byland Abbey ruins and the huge, 1.6-acre Kilburn White Horse hill figure, it enjoys pride of place amongst some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful landscapes. Meanwhile, its classic, cosy country pub interiors await with wooden beams, flagstone floors, open fireplaces and, of course, mouth-watering menus. Led by chef Tommy Banks, the pub has a straight-to-plate philosophy, with each dish a product of the Black Swan’s own gardens, hedgerows and farming fields. It doesn’t get much fresher than this.
Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire
For a real taste of Yorkshire in a Michelin-star setting, make your way over to restaurant Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall. Set within a 17th Century country house, this restaurant sources the vast majority of its ingredients from within a 20-mile radius, as well as herbs and vegetables from its own kitchen gardens and greenhouses, to create dishes that both reflect the seasons and exude a natural depth of flavour. Book a table, or secure a private suite for exclusive gatherings, and treat your tastebuds to the restaurant’s exquisite set menus. For the complete experience, you can also complement each dish with signature wine pairings for heavenly drops of indulgence. Well, why not?
Star Inn at Harome, Harome, North Yorkshire
The picture-perfect Star Inn at Harome awaits in timeless beauty on the outer fringes of the North York Moors, framed by a crooked thatched roof and flower-clad walls. Welcoming hungry travellers for centuries, this 14th Century inn has recently undergone an extensive yet sympathetic refurbishment after a devastating fire in late 2021. Today, its charming restaurant is open once again, ready for you to sample its handcrafted a la carte menus and pre-bookable tasting menus, all of which are matched with a range of premium beverages. Take a seat on the pub’s pretty terrace overlooking the gardens in summer or pick a fireside table in winter for a Michelin star feast in the heart of North Yorkshire.
The Angel, Hetton, North Yorkshire
With a huge array of awards under its apron strings, including one Michelin star and four AA rosettes, the Angel in Hetton is ranked as one of the best restaurants and pubs in the UK. A natural magnet amongst foodies, it uses the highest quality ingredients to produce dishes that are every bit as delicious as they are inventive. Wend your way through the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales National Park to find this 15th Century gem and take a seat in its Scandi-style interiors. With a menu of classic favourites infused with a modern twist, you are sure to find something to suit your fancy as you sit back and enjoy the five-star service and savour the mouth-watering aromas wafting from the kitchen.
Roots, York, North Yorkshire
The history-rich York is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, made all the more appealing by its wide selection of award-winning eateries, including the Michelin star Roots. Tucked behind St Mary’s Abbey in an attractive Arts and Crafts building, Roots is run by celebrity chef Tommy Banks and is sister to the Black Swan in Oldstead, adopting the same detailed approach to food that has seen both venues achieve far-reaching fame. With a dedication to the best seasonal fare and a mastery of the knife, the kitchen team’s exuberant flare and culinary expertise result in dishes that are, quite simply, divine. For the ultimate accompaniment, wine fans can choose from over 130 wines available by the glass.
The Pipe and Glass, South Dolton, East Riding of Yorkshire
A wonderful pub and dining restaurant, the Pipe and Glass in South Dalton is one of the most popular destinations in Yorkshire for its beautiful location, incredible food and welcoming atmosphere. Affording the highest quality food and finest service whilst still retaining an unpretentious vibe, this is the kind of place you can just as easily visit for a relaxed drink in its large, characterful bar, as you can for a full dining experience in its garden-view, Michelin star restaurant. With kitchen gardens, a well-stocked wine cellar, private indoor dining spaces for private bookings, outdoor seating, dog-friendly picnic benches and more, this pub is the whole package.
Bib Gourmand
Prashad, Drighlington, West Yorkshire
Spread across two floors in a former pub, Prashad is a vibrant, family-run restaurant in the village of Drighlington. The only two AA rosette and Michelin Bib Gourmand Indian restaurant in the county, Prashad is a must-visit for its generous servings and rich flavours. Serving up authentic North West Indian recipes that have been passed on through generations - each one with the family’s own signature twist - it specialises in vegetarian dishes and offers both a la carte and tasting menus. If you feel like enjoying doses of dosas in your Boutique Retreat, Prashad offers takeaway services too.
Skosh, York, North Yorkshire
One of the best places to eat in York, Skosh promises uncomplicated yet refined dishes inspired by both contemporary British and international influences. Particularly well-known for its small plates and snacks, Skosh actually takes its name from the Japanese word for “small amount”. Perfect for those looking to indulge in a light meal or share dishes with friends, it offers a relaxed, intimate setting and a novel way to enjoy food. For added intrigue, you can also take a bar seat at the counter, allowing you to gaze into the open-plan kitchen as the chefs work their magic.
Just Across the Border…
The Raby Hunt Inn, Summerhouse, Durham
If you are looking to continue your culinary journey, you can also use your luxury retreat in Yorkshire as a base to hop the border and head into County Durham. Located in Darlington, just a short distance from Yorkshire’s northern boundary, the Raby Hunt Inn is the holder of two prestigious Michelin stars and well worth the attention of every culinary connoisseur. A former drovers’ inn, this family-run restaurant is hailed as one of the country’s most exciting venues and entices diners with its " globally-inspired, forward-thinking menu”. For the full flavour foray, try the Raby Hunt’s global tasting menu with dishes from across the world.
Feeling inspired to visit one of Yorkshire’s top restaurants? Take a look at our boutique retreats in Yorkshire here.
