If you live in York or are just visiting, finding places to eat outside can be surprisingly tricky – lots of the best outdoor dining spots in York are hidden away from the main streets. Here’s my guide to the best outdoor dining York has to offer, from riverside terraces to tucked-away beer gardens.
I love eating outside in York on a warm summer evening when the air is calm and cool after a busy day of sightseeing. There’s something different about sharing starters over a glass of wine outdoors – it’s so much more relaxing than being inside. The only challenge is that most of the best places to eat outside in York are hidden from view, so you’d never find them unless you knew where to look!
Here are some places in York with outdoor restaurant seating.
The Best Places for Outdoor Dining in York
Ate O’clock
Ate O’clock has such beautiful decor. We went there a few years ago and the food was delicious. You can check out the menu on their website. It was beautifully done when we went, though the menu was slightly different. They have a section for outdoor dining, so be sure to ask about this when you book.
Ate O’clock in York is hidden away but is worth looking out for if you’re wanting a delicious meal. You can see what I got when visited Ate O’clock here.
The Star Inn the City
Now, if you’re on a budget this is NOT the place to go. Star Inn the City is a place you want to go for a special occasion. It is expensive but the food is beautiful and you can see why is priced higher than a normal restaurant. You can dine outdoors on the decking where you get beautiful views of York and the river Ouse, it’s the perfect place in York for outdoor dining. You can read my review of the food from when we ate at Star Inn the City, York here.
The Star Inn the City often has a menu by Michelin star chef Andrew Pern, one of the top chefs in the UK!
The Fat Badger York
Previously known as the Lamb and Lion Inn, The Fat Badger York is the place to go if you want a typical pub lunch. It’s a bit out of the way, another hidden gem you may say. You would only see this place if you were walking that way in and out of York. It’s on High Peter Gate between the York Minster and York art gallery.
As I said, the food is very typical of a pub meal but there are limited vegan options. The beer garden is lovely. It’s right on the York Walls so you can see the walls as well as the minister. You can view the menu here.
If you do prefer to dine inside here, there are lots of little cute cubby holes as it’s an old pub with lots of nooks to enjoy food in. It’s easy to get lost on the way to the toilet!
Lucia Restaurant
If you’re craving Italian food, then take yourself to Lucia restaurant on Swinegate. Lucia is an Italian in York. Lucia is known for its authentic Italian cuisine, friendly service, and cosy atmosphere.
The menu at Lucia features a range of traditional Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and meat and fish dishes. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, featuring both Italian and international wines.
Lucia has a dedicated vegan menu if you’re a vegan or just trying to reduce your meat intake. How nice does that mushroom risotto sound? They also do Sunday roasts and have lots of cocktails.
Las Iguanas
Las Iguanas is a Latin American restaurant chain with a location in York, England. The restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere and colourful decor, which includes hand-painted murals and tropical plants. It’s great from some spicier outdoor dining in York.
The menu at Las Iguanas features a range of Latin American dishes, including fajitas, burritos, and tacos, as well as traditional dishes from Brazil and Argentina. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options and has a dedicated gluten-free menu. You can view the menu here. The bar at Las Iguanas serves a range of cocktails, including classic and signature drinks, and also has a selection of Latin American beers and wines.
I went to Las Iguanas in York on Christmas eve and it was delicious, though we did not eat outside as it was December. I’ve also been to the Las Iguanas in London. The Latin American restaurant and bar has a great outdoor dining area and the food is delicious. We went for the tapas and sides when we visited, but they do some amazing-looking mains also.
Which restaurant would you like to try? Do you like sitting in outdoor seating areas? Hope you enjoy some York outdoor dining! If you want to venture a little further, there are lots of lovely Restaurants in Helmsley also.
Outdoor Dining York – Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best outdoor dining in York?
The Star Inn the City is probably the most spectacular spot for outdoor dining in York – the riverside decking with views of the Ouse is hard to beat. For something more casual, Spark:York has a brilliant outdoor area with street food and drinks from multiple independent vendors.
Which York restaurants have beer gardens?
The Fat Badger York (formerly Lamb and Lion) has a lovely beer garden right on the York Walls with views of the Minster. It’s a hidden gem and well worth seeking out on a warm day.
Is there outdoor dining in York city centre?
Yes – several of the restaurants listed here are right in the city centre, including Star Inn the City and Ate O’clock. Spark:York on Piccadilly also has a large outdoor seating area that’s very central.
What is the best area in York for eating outside?
The riverside area around Museum Gardens and Lendal Bridge is great for outdoor dining – Star Inn the City is right there. The city walls walk also takes you past several pubs and restaurants with outdoor seating.
Before you go..
Check out my ultimate guide for visiting York and a review of Little Italy York.
These all sound like great restaurants, Corinne! I need to make my way to York soon – very tempting post here!
Hi! What a great post, I’ve never been to York before but I would love to visit it when I’m in England. Las Iguanas sounds right up my street. Thanks for sharing! Alicia
Wow, these restaurants seems amazing. The view looks so great in The Star Inn the City. I hope to travel there someday and able to taste their food. *.*
We absolutely love York, so we’ll be swinging by a couple of these for sure! Love the Star Inn and never been to the Lamb And Lion – but will on your recommendation. Not one for outdoor seating but we recommend Ambiente on Fossgate as one of our go-to places to eat in York.