There’s something brilliant about tapas, isn’t there? The whole idea of ordering plenty of small plates to share, trying loads of different things, having a relaxing lunch or a Friday night out where you can take your time over a glass of wine and lovely food. It’s become properly popular in York in recent years, and we’ve got some fantastic tapas restaurants and small plates places scattered around the city.
I’ve tried most of the tapas bars in York over the years, and I’ve got my favourites. Whether you’re after traditional Spanish tapas, Thai cuisine with a twist, or North African small dishes, York’s got you covered. Here’s my guide to the best places for tapas in York.
Ambiente Tapas
Let’s start with the obvious one – Ambiente Tapas is probably the most well-known Spanish restaurant in York, and for good reason. They’ve got three locations across the city, each with its own vibe.
I’ve written a full review of Ambiente Tapas York if you want the detail on one of the best spots on the list.
Ambiente Fossgate
Address: 31 Fossgate, York, YO1 9TA
Phone: 01904 638252
Website: ambiente-tapas.co.uk
The Fossgate branch is my favourite of the three. It’s got this stripped-back industrial feel with exposed brick and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs working. There’s loads of space, so it’s brilliant for groups or families. The atmosphere is buzzing, especially on a Friday night when it’s packed with people enjoying great food and fine wines.
The tapas menu is extensive – we’re talking padron peppers, patatas bravas, tortilla espanola (Spanish omelette), tiger prawns, crispy pork belly, and loads more. They do excellent paellas too if you fancy something more substantial. Everything comes drizzled with quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and the portions are generous.
What I love is they’ve got a huge dietary requirements menu, so vegetarians and vegans are properly catered for rather than just having one or two token options. The attentive service is consistently good, and the knowledgeable staff can recommend wine pairings if you’re not sure what to go for.
It’s perfect for a relaxing lunch if you’re shopping in town, or for a proper evening out. Book ahead though – it gets busy, especially weekends.
Ambiente Goodramgate
Address: 14 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LQ
Phone: 01904 689784
Website: ambiente-tapas.co.uk
This one’s more intimate than Fossgate – better for couples or smaller groups. There’s a lovely tabanco bar at the front serving Spanish wines, sherries, and cocktails. The atmosphere is a bit more relaxed and romantic.
The menu is the same great Spanish cuisine, but this branch has a cosier feel. It’s also dog-friendly in the bar area, so you can bring your four-legged friend along.
Tabanco by Ambiente
Address: 59-63 Walmgate, York, YO1 9TY
Phone: 01904 809565
Website: tabancobyambiente.co.uk
This is Ambiente’s newest spot, inspired by the rustic tabancos of Southern Spain. It’s got a lovely courtyard for outdoor dining when the weather’s nice, and the whole vibe is a bit more laid-back than the other two.
They do a music quiz on Sunday afternoons which is good fun if you fancy something different. The tapas menu focuses on authentic Spanish dishes – think Galician steak, Iberica pork, and traditional sharing platters. It’s the sole purpose of this place to make you feel like you’ve been transported to Spain for an evening.
Sotano
Address: 1 Little Stonegate, York, YO1 8AX
Phone: 01904 620230
Website: sotano.co.uk
Sotano is tucked away on Little Stonegate (which is on the smallest street with the longest name – Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate is just around the corner). It’s this underground bar that’s got such a relaxed atmosphere. Low lighting, exposed brick, really cosy.
This is proper Mediterranean tapas with a modern twist. The menu changes seasonally, but you’ll find things like fresh tomato and bread (pan tumaca), Spanish wild sauce dishes, and beautiful charcuterie boards. They’re really proud of their Spanish omelette, and rightly so – it’s gorgeous.
What sets Sotano apart is the drinks. They’ve got over 60 different beers, 27 gins, and an excellent wine list. It’s the perfect spot for a combination of European indulgence – great service, lovely food, fantastic wine. The atmosphere gets quite lively later in the evening, but it’s still intimate enough for a date night.
They don’t take bookings for drinks only, so if you want a guaranteed table, book for food. Worth it though – this is one of the best places in York for that proper tapas bar experience.
Phranakhon Thai Tapas
Address: 19 Grape Lane, York, YO1 7HU
Phone: 01904 636366
Website: phranakhon.co.uk
Right, so this one’s a bit different. Phranakhon revolutionised Thai dining in York by doing Thai tapas rather than traditional large dishes. It’s such a clever concept and it works brilliantly.
The restaurant is in one of those gorgeous old York buildings on Grape Lane, tucked into a very quaint street in the heart of York. It’s cosy and atmospheric, with really friendly staff who make you feel properly welcome.
The menu is full of authentic Thai tastes – we’re talking pad Thai, green curry, crispy duck, Thai fish cakes, all served as small dishes perfect for sharing. The portions are decent sized too, so you get proper value.
What I love is you can order loads of different dishes and try a proper culinary journey through Thai cuisine without committing to one massive plate. The flavours are fresh and vibrant, and you can tell everything’s made with care.
It’s not cheap, but for the quality of the food and the welcoming dining experience, it’s worth it. Book ahead because it’s small and gets packed, especially on Friday nights and weekends.
Los Moros
Address: 15-17 Grape Lane, York, YO1 7HU
Phone: 01904 636834
Website: losmorosyork.co.uk
Los Moros started out as a street food stall at Shambles Market (which they still run), and now they’ve got this lovely restaurant on Grape Lane. It’s North African and Middle Eastern food served tapas-style, and it’s absolutely gorgeous.
The small plates menu includes things like falafels, boureks, trio mezze platters, and whipped feta. Everything’s got these amazing spices and flavours – it’s properly authentic stuff. They make their own merguez sausages and pickles, and all their meat comes from Yorkshire suppliers.
What’s brilliant is how veggie-friendly they are. There’s a large vegetarian selection and loads of vegan options too. The atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious – they describe it as “special food without the song and dance” which sums it up perfectly.
The food is colourful and beautifully presented, and the taste buds get a proper workout with all the different flavours. If you’re at Shambles Market during the day, pop by their stall for a quick wrap. But for the full experience with the complete menu, book the restaurant for dinner.
Pairings Wine Bar
Address: 7 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RN
Phone: 01904 848909
Website: pairingswinebar.co.uk
Pairings is tucked away on Castlegate behind the Coppergate Shopping area. It’s quite elegant and sophisticated – definitely more of a special occasion spot than a casual Friday night place.
They specialise in food pairing experiences, where your meal is matched with specific wines. The staff are really knowledgeable about wine and can guide you through different pairings. It’s a welcoming dining experience that feels a bit more refined than your average tapas bar.
The small plates menu is Mediterranean-inspired with seasonal dishes. Everything’s beautifully presented and the quality is consistently high. It’s the perfect gift for someone who’s really into wine, or just a lovely treat for yourself.
Trio Mezze
Address: Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, York, YO1 8BL
Website: Check latest news on social media for opening times
This little tapas bar sits on York’s smallest street with the longest name, which makes it quite the tourist attraction just for its location. But the food’s brilliant too.
Trio Mezze does Mediterranean small plates – Greek and Turkish inspired dishes like patatas bravas, meatballs, calamari, moussaka, and halloumi. There’s also some more interesting options like aubergine soufflé and marinated octopus if you fancy being adventurous.
The atmosphere is friendly and casual. It’s a perfect stop-off if you’re wandering around the city centre and fancy a quick bite. Portions are generous and the flavours are spot on. Pair everything with some Greek wine and you’ll have a great time.
What Makes York’s Tapas Scene Special
What I love about the tapas restaurants in York is how diverse they are. You’re not just limited to traditional Spanish tapas (though there’s plenty of that if you want it). We’ve got Thai tapas, North African small plates, Greek mezze, and everything in between.
The quality is consistently good across all these places too. York’s got this brilliant independent food scene, and the tapas bars really showcase that. Knowledgeable staff, fresh ingredients (lots of places use local suppliers), and proper attention to flavour and presentation.
The whole small plates concept works so well for groups. You can order loads of different things, share everything, try dishes you might not normally pick if you were ordering a main course. It’s social and fun and you end up trying way more variety.
Tips for Eating Tapas in York
Book ahead – Seriously, especially for Friday and Saturday nights. Most of these places are small and get packed. Ambiente Fossgate is bigger so you might get lucky walking in, but everywhere else, book.
Order more than you think you need – Small plates are small. Budget for about 3-4 dishes per person as a starting point. You can always order more if you’re still hungry.
Share everything – That’s the whole point of tapas. Stick everything in the middle of the table and everyone tries a bit of everything.
Ask for recommendations – The staff at all these places know their menus inside out and can suggest the best dishes or good wine pairings.
Check the dietary requirements menu – If you’re veggie, vegan, or have allergies, most places have specific menus or can adapt dishes. Just ask.
Go at lunchtime for better value – Several places do lunch deals that are cheaper than evening prices. It’s a good way to try somewhere new without spending a fortune.
Don’t rush – Tapas is meant to be leisurely. Order a few dishes, have some wine, chat, order more food, have more wine. Make an evening of it.
Final Thoughts
York’s tapas scene has properly come into its own in recent years. Whether you want traditional Spanish tapas at Ambiente, Mediterranean small dishes at Sotano, authentic Thai tastes at Phranakhon, or North African flavours at Los Moros, there’s something for everyone.
My personal favourite? Depends on my mood. For a Friday night out with friends, Ambiente Fossgate is brilliant – buzzing atmosphere, loads of space, great food. For something more intimate and special, Sotano’s underground vibe is perfect. And for trying something a bit different, Phranakhon’s Thai tapas concept is genuinely unique.
The best experience is trying them all and working out your own favourites. York’s small enough that you can easily visit all of these places over a few months and have your own tapas tour of the city. Trust me, it’s a great culinary journey.
So next time you’re planning a meal out in York, skip the standard restaurant and try tapas instead. Order too much food, share with your friends, have a glass of wine (or several), and enjoy the whole leisurely, social experience of eating small plates. That’s what tapas is all about.
Have you tried any of these places? What’s your favourite tapas spot in York? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
For a wider look at York’s food scene, check out my guide to 24 amazing places to eat in York — tapas is just the start. And if you’re planning a full evening out, the best pubs in York guide is worth a look for pre- or post-dinner drinks.
All information correct at time of writing. Opening hours and menus may change, so always check websites or call ahead before visiting.
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