Looking for The Star Inn The City reviews? This Michelin Guide-listed riverside restaurant in York has earned a reputation as one of the city’s finest dining destinations. From its stunning River Ouse location to its locally sourced Yorkshire menu, here’s my honest review of The Star Inn The City based on multiple visits since 2018, updated for 2026 with current prices, menu highlights, and everything you need to know before booking.
We’ve had a few drinks in The Star Inn The City over the years, but our first proper meal there back in 2018 was what convinced us it deserved its stellar reputation. Since then, we’ve returned multiple times, and The Star Inn The City reviews from other diners consistently praise what we’ve experienced: exceptional food, stunning riverside views, and genuine Yorkshire hospitality. Having now visited several times, I can give you an honest, updated review of what to expect in 2026.
About The Star Inn The City
The Star Inn The City is a renowned restaurant located in the city of York, England. It’s near the picturesque Museum Gardens and overlooks the River Ouse and offers a unique dining experience in a beautiful setting.
The Star Inn The City is known for its focus on serving high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The menu showcases a range of dishes that highlight the best of Yorkshire’s culinary offerings, including seasonal produce, fresh seafood, and traditional British flavours.
The restaurant’s interior combines contemporary design with elements of the building’s historic charm, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The dining areas provide scenic views of the river and the bustling cityscape, offering a delightful backdrop for a memorable meal.
In addition to its exceptional food, The Star Inn The City has an extensive selection of wines, spirits, and craft beers. The knowledgeable staff can provide recommendations and pairings to enhance the dining experience.
Whether it’s a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or a casual gathering, The Star Inn The City offers a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience that celebrates the local flavours and culinary heritage of York. It has established itself as a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable meal in a stunning location.
The Star Inn The City Reviews: What Do Diners Say in 2026?
Before I share my personal experience, let’s look at what The Star Inn The City reviews across platforms reveal:
Overall Ratings:
- Tripadvisor: 4.5/5 stars (consistently ranked in York’s top 25 restaurants)
- OpenTable: 4.7/5 stars with 7,350+ reviews and OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award 2022
- Google Reviews: 4.5/5 stars
- The Good Food Guide: Featured restaurant with positive write-up
- Michelin Guide: Listed in the 2025 Michelin Guide UK
Common Themes in The Star Inn The City Reviews:
What People Love:
- The riverside location and terrace – Nearly every review mentions the stunning River Ouse views, especially from the heated outdoor terrace
- Sunday roasts – Consistently praised as some of the best in York with proper Yorkshire puddings, quality meat, and crispy roast potatoes
- Service quality – Specific staff members like Katy, Lumi, and Sebastian are mentioned by name for exceptional service
- Local Yorkshire produce – The focus on God’s Own Country ingredients resonates with diners
- Special occasion atmosphere – Perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, and celebrations
- Dog-friendly policy – Welcomed in the terrace and bar area with water bowls provided
Common Complaints:
- Price point – The most frequently mentioned negative. Mains £20-35, starters £10-15, meaning £100+ for two people
- Booking essential – Walk-ins rarely accommodated, especially weekends
- Portions can be small – Some reviews mention refined portions that don’t always satisfy bigger appetites
The Verdict from The Star Inn The City Reviews: The consensus is clear: this is special occasion dining done right. You’re paying premium prices, but most reviewers feel the quality, setting, and service justify the cost. It’s not somewhere you’d eat weekly, but for celebrations or treating yourself, The Star Inn The City delivers.
The Star Inn The City Menu & Prices (2026)
Based on recent visits and current menus, here’s what to expect:
Menu Structure:
- Breakfast – Friday-Sunday, 9:30-11am
- Daily Specials Board – Seasonal dishes and chef’s recommendations
Current Prices (January 2026):
Starters: £10-£15
- Scallops with black pudding
- Venison and beef shin terrine
- Goat’s cheese custard with honeycomb
- Smoked salmon éclair with ‘caviar’
- Haggis bon bons (frequently mentioned in reviews)
Mains: £20-£35
- Yorkshire Wolds chicken with fondant potato – £24
- Fillet of stone bass with mussels – £28
- Confit duck leg – £26
- North York Moors game sausage with truffled mash – £22
- 28-day aged steaks (often on specials board) – £32-£38
Sunday Roast: £24-£28
- Roast beef, lamb, pork, or chicken
- All served with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, gravy
Desserts: £9-£12
- Yorkshire rhubarb winter pudding
- Caramel tart with clotted cream
- Whitby rum and York honey panna cotta
Drinks:
- Wine from £28 per bottle
- Cocktails £10-£12
- Craft beers £6-£7
- Coffee £3.50-£4
5-Course Tasting Menu: £65 per person (with optional wine pairings £45 extra)
Average Spend:
- Lunch for 2 (2 courses): £60-£80
- Dinner for 2 (3 courses with drinks): £120-£160
- Sunday roast for 2 with drinks: £70-£90
The Star Inn The City reviews consistently mention it’s expensive, but most feel the quality justifies the cost for special occasions.
How to Book The Star Inn The City (2026 Guide)
Booking Methods:
- OpenTable (easiest) – Book online instantly
- Phone: 01904 619208
- Website: starinnthecity.co.uk
Booking Tips from The Star Inn The City Reviews:
- Book at least 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend dinners
- Sunday roasts book up fastest – reserve 2-3 weeks in advance
- Request riverside terrace seating when booking (subject to weather)
- Garden Room has the best river views if dining indoors
- Private dining rooms available for groups of 10+
Walk-in Policy: The Star Inn The City reviews mention walk-ins are rarely accommodated during peak times. The restaurant only accepts walk-ins for drinks at the bar on a first-come basis. Don’t risk it – always book ahead.
Cancellation Policy: Credit card required to secure bookings. Late cancellations (within 24 hours) or no-shows may incur charges. Check their booking policy on the website.
What to Wear: Smart casual is appropriate. The Star Inn The City reviews show people dress up for special occasions, but you don’t need to be overly formal. Think neat, comfortable clothing rather than jeans and trainers.
The Star Inn The City York Review
We arrived early so decided to have a drink before asking for our table and sat in one of the side rooms. It was snowing outside so nice to look out of the window while we sat in the warm, cosy room.
We finished our drink and headed to our table. It was quite quiet in the main restaurant, we were given menus and ordered drinks. We both picked pretty quickly. Having looked at the menu before, I knew what I wanted.
For starters, I ordered scallops with black pudding, pigskin and pea puree which was on the special menu. My boyfriend ordered the pig terrine. For my main, I ordered the roast rump of lamb served pink with a blue and Wensleydale and salt-baked celeriac gratin, pearl barley, rosemary juices and pickled red onion. I know right? That sounds to die for. My boyfriend ordered a wood pigeon dish that was on the special menu. For dessert, we shared a caramel tart.
Scallops with Black Pudding Starter (from 2018 visit): This dish perfectly represents what The Star Inn The City does well – taking quality Yorkshire ingredients and executing them brilliantly. The scallops were cooked to that perfect sweet spot: golden, caramelised outside, translucent and butter-soft inside. The black pudding added an earthy richness that cut through the sweetness. The pigskin element was too much for me personally (I’m not a pork scratchings fan), but my partner loved it. If you’re ordering from the regular menu, scallops are often featured and consistently get great mentions in The Star Inn The City reviews.
The Lamb Main: The roast rump of lamb with Wensleydale cheese, salt-baked celeriac gratin, pearl barley, and pickled red onion was everything a high-end Yorkshire dish should be. Initially, I thought the portion looked small, but the richness filled me up quickly. The lamb was perfectly pink (as ordered), the Wensleydale added that distinctive Yorkshire tang, and the pickled red onion provided acidity to cut through the richness. This is refined cooking that respects the ingredients – you can taste the quality of the Yorkshire lamb.
Wood Pigeon (my partner’s choice): I tried a bite of the wood pigeon from the specials board. It had a gamey flavour somewhere between liver and pork – rich, intense, and definitely an acquired taste. Game features heavily on The Star Inn The City menu, especially in autumn/winter, and reviews from game enthusiasts rave about it. If you’re not used to game meat, maybe start with something more familiar.
Caramel Tart Dessert: Served with clotted cream, popcorn, and a truffle, this was decadent. The caramel wasn’t overly sweet (a sign of quality), and the textures played beautifully together. Sharing was definitely the right call – it’s rich enough that a whole one would be overwhelming.
Overall Food Quality: Everything arrived beautifully presented, cooked to order, and bursting with flavour. The Star Inn The City reviews frequently mention the presentation, and it’s Instagram-worthy without being overly fussy. You’re paying for quality ingredients, skilled cooking, and artful presentation.
I had high expectations of the restaurant and I am pleased to say it met them. Even the service was fab and fast. No waiting around for the bill, food arrived quickly and they removed plates quickly.
The only negative factor is the price. It is expensive, so not somewhere we will come all the time but will be back for special occasions. It is worth the money you pay, but I don’t many people are in a position to pay over £100 for a meal for two on a regular basis.
I’m impressed with The Star Inn The City it’s a lovely little gem tucked away by the river.
The Star Inn The City vs Other York Fine Dining
How does The Star Inn The City compare to other top York restaurants based on reviews?
| Restaurant | Price Range | Location | Best For | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Star Inn The City | £££ | Riverside, Museum Gardens | Yorkshire produce, Sunday roasts, celebrations | Smart casual, riverside views |
| Le Cochon Aveugle | ££££ | Walmgate | Tasting menus, French-inspired | Intimate, sophisticated |
| Skosh | ££ | Micklegate | Small plates, Asian fusion | Casual, trendy |
| Roots | £££ | Marygate | Seasonal British | Relaxed fine dining |
| The Park | ££££ | Marton cum Grafton | Michelin-starred tasting menu | Formal, destination dining |
The Star Inn The City’s Unique Selling Point: According to reviews, what sets The Star Inn The City apart is the combination of stunning riverside location, strong Yorkshire identity in the food, and the all-day accessibility (many fine dining spots only do dinner service). It’s also more relaxed than some competitors whilst maintaining high food standards.
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Opening hours:
| Monday | 11 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 9:30 am–12 am |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–12 am |
| Sunday | 9:30 am–10 pm |
Frequently Asked Questions About The Star Inn The City
Is The Star Inn The City worth it? Based on The Star Inn The City reviews and my own experiences, yes – if you’re looking for a special occasion restaurant. The food quality, riverside setting, and service justify the £50-80 per person spend for a celebratory meal. For casual weekly dining, it’s too expensive for most people.
Does The Star Inn The City have a Michelin star? No, The Star Inn The City doesn’t have a Michelin star, but it is listed in the Michelin Guide UK 2025, which recognises it as a quality restaurant worth visiting. It also has an AA Rosette for culinary excellence.
Can you walk in to The Star Inn The City? Walk-ins are rarely accommodated during meal service. The Star Inn The City reviews consistently recommend booking ahead, especially for weekends and Sunday roasts. The bar area accepts walk-ins for drinks only on a first-come basis.
Is The Star Inn The City dog-friendly? Yes! The Star Inn The City is dog-friendly in the riverside terrace and bar area. Many reviews mention staff providing water bowls and a warm welcome for four-legged guests. Dogs aren’t permitted in the main dining room.
What should I order at The Star Inn The City? Based on The Star Inn The City reviews, top recommendations include: Sunday roast (best in York according to many), scallops with black pudding, haggis bon bons, any game dishes in season, and the Yorkshire rhubarb dessert. The daily specials board often has the most interesting options.
How much does Sunday lunch cost at The Star Inn The City? Sunday roasts are £24-£28 per person (as of January 2026). With drinks and possibly a starter or dessert, expect £40-£50 per person. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as Sunday lunch is their busiest service.
Is there a dress code at The Star Inn The City? Smart casual is appropriate. Most diners dress nicely for special occasions, but it’s not overly formal. Avoid very casual clothing like sportswear or ripped jeans.
Can you see the river from inside The Star Inn The City? Yes, the Garden Room and terrace both have River Ouse views. Request riverside seating when booking if the view is important to you. The terrace is heated so it’s usable year-round (weather permitting).
What’s Changed Since My 2018 Visit? (2026 Update)
I first reviewed The Star Inn The City in 2018, and we’ve been back several times since. Here’s what’s changed:
Menu Evolution: The core concept remains the same – quality Yorkshire produce, seasonal menu, game and meat focus – but the menu has evolved. They’ve expanded vegetarian and vegan options based on customer feedback. The 5-course tasting menu is a newer addition (introduced around 2022) and gets excellent reviews.
Pricing: Prices have increased, as expected with inflation and rising costs. In 2018, mains were around £18-25; now they’re £20-35. Sunday roasts have gone from around £20 to £24-28. Still reasonable for the quality, but noticeably more expensive.
Accolades: Since my original visit, The Star Inn The City has won the OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award 2022, maintained its listing in the Michelin Guide, and received consistently positive reviews. It’s more established now as a York dining institution.
Booking System: Booking is even more essential now. The Star Inn The City reviews frequently mention difficulty getting tables, especially weekends. Book further ahead than you would have in 2018.
Post-Pandemic Changes: Like many restaurants, they’ve adapted their service slightly post-COVID. The outdoor terrace is now more popular year-round (they’ve invested in heating), and the booking system is stricter about no-shows and cancellations.
What Hasn’t Changed: The stunning riverside location, the warm Yorkshire hospitality, the commitment to local produce, and chef Andrew Pern’s vision of bringing “a taste of the countryside to the city.” The Star Inn The City reviews in 2026 praise the same elements we loved in 2018.
Final Verdict: The Star Inn The City Reviews Summary (2026)
Having now dined at The Star Inn The City multiple times since 2018, I can confidently say it deserves its reputation as one of York’s finest restaurants. The Star Inn The City reviews across Tripadvisor, OpenTable, and Google consistently rate it 4.5+ stars, and that’s a fair reflection.
Who Should Visit:
- Celebrating special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, graduations)
- Food enthusiasts wanting to experience quality Yorkshire cuisine
- Visitors wanting a memorable York dining experience
- Sunday roast lovers (seriously, book this)
- Anyone who appreciates riverside dining
Who Might Not Enjoy It:
- Budget-conscious diners looking for everyday meals
- People who prefer large portions over refined cooking
- Those wanting casual, drop-in dining (booking essential)
- Diners who don’t eat meat/game (options exist but limited)
My Rating:
- Food Quality: 5/5
- Service: 5/5
- Location/Atmosphere: 5/5
- Value for Money: 4/5 (excellent quality, but expensive)
- Overall: 4.5/5
The only reason I don’t give it 5/5 overall is the price – at £100+ for two people, it’s a special occasion restaurant rather than somewhere most of us can afford regularly. But for what you get, The Star Inn The City reviews from myself and hundreds of other diners agree: it’s worth every penny when you’re treating yourself.
Book ahead, arrive hungry (but not starving given the refined portions), and prepare for a properly good Yorkshire meal in one of York’s most beautiful restaurant settings.
Alternative York Restaurants If The Star Inn The City Is Fully Booked
Can’t get a table? The Star Inn The City reviews might convince you to try these similar quality alternatives:
For Similar Quality & Price:
For Better Value:
- Skosh (Micklegate) – Excellent food, smaller plates, more affordable
- The Rattle Owl (Micklegate) – Quality British cooking, mid-range prices
For Sunday Roasts:
- The Whippet Inn (North Street) – Excellent Sunday roasts, more casual
- The Star Inn at Harome (20 miles away) – The original Michelin-starred sister restaurant
All worth booking ahead, but generally slightly easier to get tables than The Star Inn The City.
Originally reviewed March 2018. Fully updated January 2026 with current prices, menu details, and booking information. Based on multiple visits between 2018-2026.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Lendal Engine House, Museum Street, York YO1 7DR
- Phone: 01904 619208
- Website: starinnthecity.co.uk
- Best for: Special occasions, Sunday roasts, riverside dining
- Price: £££ (£50-80 per person with drinks)
- Booking: Essential – use OpenTable or phone 1-3 weeks ahead
Opening hours 2026:
| Monday | 11 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 9:30 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 9:30 am–8 pm |
Last updated: January 2026. Prices, menu items, and opening hours subject to change. The Star Inn The City reviews are based on multiple personal visits and aggregated from Tripadvisor, OpenTable, and Google Reviews. Always check the official website for current information before visiting.
Have you visited The Star Inn The City? Share your own review in the comments below!
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The food looks so good!
Candice | beautycandyloves.co.za
sounds really good! xx