Five visits in, The Cut and Craft has become our default for a proper steak night out in York. That’s not something I say lightly about anywhere, especially a city with as many places to eat as York. But every time we go, it delivers — the flat iron steak at a price that makes you feel smug, the atmosphere that manages to feel buzzy without being noisy, and staff who actually seem pleased you’re there. I first heard about it years ago and we’ve been going ever since.
- About Cut and Craft York
- Where is The Cut and Craft York?
- The Cut and Craft York Menu 2026
- My Cut and Craft York Review: First Visit
- The Cut and Craft York Reviews: What Customers Say
- The Cut and Craft York Drinks
- Opening Times and Booking at The Cut and Craft York
- The Cut and Craft York FAQ
- Before You Go to The Cut and Craft York…
About Cut and Craft York
The Cut and Craft is a popular steakhouse and cocktail bar in the heart of York, England. Located in St Sampson’s Square, a historic part of York’s city centre that’s been known for selling great meat since the 12th century, The Cut and Craft York is where it all began for this small chain (they now have restaurants in Leeds and Manchester too!).
What Makes The Cut & Craft York Special:
House-Butchered Steaks: The Cut and Craft York features an in-house master butcher who hand-selects and prepares their steaks. They specialise in 60-day aged Aberdeen Angus steaks and their signature flat iron steak (10oz), which you can get for £10 – incredible value for such quality meat!
The Menu: The Cut and Craft York menu features a range of meat dishes, including steak, pork, and lamb, all sourced from local suppliers and of the highest quality. What makes them special is their house-butchered steaks – they really know what they’re doing when it comes to meat!
Award-Winning Location: The Cut & Craft York has received a Travellers’ Choice award from TripAdvisor, ranking within the top 10% of restaurants on the platform. With over 1,600 reviews on TripAdvisor and a 4.3-star rating, plus 4.4 stars on OpenTable from over 1,300 diners, the Cut and Craft York reviews speak for themselves.
The Renovation: The venue has been newly renovated to the highest standards. Comfortable, casual and stylish, the atmosphere is sophisticated but inviting. Think sumptuously comfortable seating in a relaxed setting – it’s the kind of place that feels special without being stuffy.
The Cocktail Bar: One of the highlights of The Cut and Craft is its cocktail bar, which offers a wide selection of classic and creative cocktails, as well as a variety of wines, beers, and spirits. The bar has a sophisticated atmosphere, making it a popular spot for a night out or a pre-dinner drink.
Perfect Location: The restaurant is close to the famous medieval York Shambles and under the shadow of York Minster, so it’s perfectly positioned if you’re exploring the city centre.
Where is The Cut and Craft York?
The Cut and Craft York is located at 8 St Sampson’s Square, York YO1 8RN, right in the heart of the city centre. The location is brilliant – you can’t miss it if you’re wandering around the historic streets!
Getting There:
- By Foot: Close to all the main tourist spots but tucked away in the square. It’s a short walk from York Minster, The Shambles, and most hotels in the city centre
- By Car: The nearest car parks are Piccadilly Car Park and St Saviourgate Car Park, both just a short walk away
- Public Transport: York Railway Station is about a 15-minute walk
Contact Details:
- Telephone: 01904 593500
- Website: www.thecutandcraft.co.uk
- Instagram: @thecutandcraft (great for seeing The Cut & Craft York photos and current specials)
Location Specifics: Located in St Sampson’s Square, next to Browns. The square itself is pedestrianised, making it easy to find on foot.
The Cut and Craft York Menu 2026
As The Cut and Craft is a steakhouse, the star of the show is steak, but they do offer other dishes including some vegetarian and vegan options. Although it would be nice to see more vegan options as at the time of writing this, there are still only a few. There is also a dedicated gluten-free menu which is very impressive. They also have a lunch menu and offer Sunday lunch.
Current Menu Options (2026):
Signature Steaks:
- Flat Iron Steak (10oz): £10 – the signature dish and absolutely brilliant value
- Fillet Steak: The most tender cut
- Ribeye: For those who love marbling and flavour
- Sirloin: Classic choice with great texture
- All steaks are 60-day aged Aberdeen Angus
Sauces (served separately):
- Peppercorn sauce (my personal favourite – though I always want more!)
- Blue cheese sauce
- Other sauce options available
Sides:
- Skin-on chips (these are amazing with the peppercorn sauce)
- Sweet potato fries
- Various seasonal vegetables
- Salads
Burgers:
- Gourmet burgers with various toppings
- Falafel burger (vegan option)
Other Mains:
- Daily fish specials (often from the East Coast)
- Fresh oysters
- Seasonal offerings
- Lamb dishes
- Pork options
Weekend Brunch (Saturday & Sunday 9am – 11:45am):
- Bottomless brunch options available
- Classic brunch dishes
Sunday Roast:
- Sirloin Sunday roast (renowned and highly recommended in The Cut & Craft York reviews)
- Available on Sundays
Set Menus (2026 Pricing):
- Set Lunch Menu (Monday-Friday, 11am-4:30pm, excludes December and Bank Holidays):
- One Course: £19
- Two Courses: £24
- Three Courses: £28
- Winter Set Menu (Monday-Thursday, 4:45pm-10pm, 5th January to 31st March 2026):
- Two Courses: £26
Dietary Requirements:
- Vegan options: Falafel burger, salads, edamame (though limited)
- Vegetarian options: Available but could be expanded
- Nut-free options: Available – alert your server
What I Think About The Menu: The Cut and Craft York is widely considered one of York’s best steak restaurants, and after trying it multiple times, I can see why! They specialise in house-butchered steaks and their burgers are incredible too. The £10 flat iron steak is genuinely unbeatable value for the quality.
However, the vegan options are still limited. They have a few choices, but for a restaurant of this calibre, I’d like to see more creativity with plant-based dishes.
You can view the most up-to-date Cut and Craft York menu here.
My Cut and Craft York Review: First Visit
The Atmosphere: Initial thoughts of the place were that it looked very ‘modern and trendy’. It was packed and they were playing loud pop/chart music. This ruined the mood a little bit as it made it seem more like a Revolutions or Wetherspoons than a nice place to grab a steak. This was due to us going on the weekend where the city was gearing up for nights out.
This instantly lowered both of our expectations of what was to come.
The Food: We both ordered fillets, mine medium rare with peppercorn sauce, while my boyfriend had rare with a blue cheese sauce.
It was actually delicious. I’ve had lots of steaks and I can tell you, that was a good steak. My boyfriend agreed. I just wish there were a little more peppercorn sauce and a little less loud music!
The Free Wine Incident: I also got a free glass of wine. To be honest, I don’t know what happened. I think the waiter thought we both asked for a new drink but I didn’t, but she told me just to keep it so he didn’t get in trouble with his boss and he wouldn’t charge us for it! So I drank two large glasses of Shiraz. Oops! I’ve quit drinking and have like one glass of wine a month with a meal out, but I wasn’t going to say no to free wine! I was a bit tipsy but thankfully not hungover the next day.
Our Return Visits to The Cut and Craft
We have been back to The Cut and Craft York five times since writing this post, and honestly, it’s become one of our favourite steak places in the city.
Midweek vs Weekend: We went on a midweek early evening and it was much quieter. It seemed more relaxed without the music playing as loudly. The atmosphere was completely different – much more what you’d expect from a steakhouse. I’d definitely recommend going midweek if you want a more chilled vibe!
The weekend atmosphere is buzzy and energetic, which some people love, but if you’re after a romantic dinner or quiet meal, definitely book midweek.
The Lunch Experience: We’ve also been for lunch and had a steak sandwich from the lunch menu which was delicious! The lunch menu is great value, and if you’re looking for something quick but still want quality, it’s perfect. The set lunch menu (£19-£28 for 1-3 courses) is brilliant value considering the quality.
The Flat Iron Steak: On our most recent visit, we tried the famous £10 flat iron steak. For a tenner, you get 10oz of quality, house-butchered steak. It’s genuinely incredible value. Yes, you pay extra for sauces and sides (about £22.50 total with peppercorn sauce and chips), but it’s still very reasonable for what you get.
What’s Improved Since 2019:
- The renovation has made the space even more comfortable and stylish
- Service has been consistently excellent on all visits
- They now do weekend brunch and Sunday roasts
The Consistency: What impresses me most about The Cut & Craft York is the consistency. Over five visits spanning several years, the quality has never dropped. The steaks are always cooked to perfection, the service is friendly and attentive, and the overall experience is reliably excellent.
The Cut and Craft York Reviews: What Customers Say
Looking at The Cut and Craft York reviews across different platforms, it’s clear we’re not the only ones who love it!
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 1,600 reviews OpenTable Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 1,300 diners Award: Travellers’ Choice award (top 10% of restaurants on TripAdvisor)
What Recent The Cut & Craft York Reviews Say (2025-2026):
Positive Reviews:
- “We had an amazing time here. The staff were so attentive and friendly. The food was wonderful and came out in good time.”
- “The steak was cooked to perfection”
- “Lovely atmosphere and the young girl serving our meal was friendly and attentive”
- “Called in here for lunch, very happy with both the quality of food and the service”
- “Comfortable atmosphere, quick service, all served cooked just as we asked”
Common Praise:
- Quality of the steaks – consistently mentioned as excellent
- Value for money, especially the £10 flat iron steak
- Friendly, professional staff
- Stylish, inviting decor
Common Criticisms:
- Music can be too loud, especially on weekends
- Some reviewers find it pricey (though most say it’s worth it)
- Mixed reviews on portion sizes for sides
- Service charge automatically added to bills (though it’s optional)
- Children under 10 not allowed for dinner service (lunch only)
What The Cut & Craft York Photos Show: Looking at The Cut and Craft York photos on social media and review sites, you’ll see:
- Beautifully presented steaks with perfect grill marks
- Stylish, modern interior with comfortable seating
- Vibrant cocktails and craft beer selection
- Generous portions (especially the steaks)
The Consensus: Most The Cut and Craft York reviews agree: it’s one of York’s best steak restaurants. The quality of the meat, the friendly service, and the stylish atmosphere make it a firm favourite. The main criticisms (loud music on weekends, pricey) are subjective and many people don’t mind them at all.
The Cut and Craft York Drinks
Cocktails: The Cut & Craft York is known for its excellent cocktail menu with both classic and signature cocktails crafted by their expert bartenders. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a night out.
Craft Beers: A curated selection of local and international craft beers. They rotate these regularly, so ask your server for current options.
Wine List: An extensive wine and champagne list designed to complement their steaks and seafood. Wines available by the glass or bottle.
Other Drinks:
- Full bar with spirits and liqueurs
- Soft drinks
- Non-alcoholic cocktails
The drinks menu is just as impressive as the food – whether you’re after a perfectly mixed cocktail or a craft beer to go with your steak, they’ve got you covered.
Opening Times and Booking at The Cut and Craft York
Opening Times (2026)
All Day Opening: The Cut & Craft York is open all day, every day:
- Daily: 11am – 11pm (midnight on some days)
- Food served: Until 10pm
- Weekend Brunch: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 11:45am
This is brilliant if you fancy a steak lunch or an early dinner! They’re open throughout the day, so you’ve got plenty of flexibility.
Booking at The Cut and Craft York
How to Book:
- Online: Via their website (www.thecutandcraft.co.uk) or through OpenTable
- Phone: 01904 593500
- Walk-ins: They operate a no-quibble walk-in policy
Walk-In Policy: The Cut and Craft York operates a first-come, first-served policy for walk-ins. They will always try to seat you swiftly. If there’s a short wait for your table, you can enjoy drinks at the bar or go explore York – they’ll text you 15 minutes before your table is ready. Genius!
Should You Book? I would advise booking, especially on weekends, as The Cut and Craft York is always busy. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. For large groups, booking is definitely recommended.
Children Policy (IMPORTANT):
- Dinner Service: Children under 10 cannot attend dinner reservations
- Lunch Service: Families with children under 10 are welcome for lunchtime bookings
- This is a newer rule (wasn’t in place when I first visited with my baby years ago)
Dress Code: Smart casual. Guests are asked to dress for the occasion:
- ✅ Smart jeans and fashion trainers are welcome
- ❌ Beachwear and gym wear (tracksuits, flip flops, caps) are not permitted
Special Occasions
If you’re celebrating something special (birthday, anniversary), let the reservations team know when booking. They’ll make sure your visit is extra-special.
The Cut and Craft York FAQ
Is Cut and Craft York expensive?
The Cut and Craft York is on the pricier side for York, but it’s a proper steakhouse so you’re paying for quality. Here’s what to expect:
- Budget: £30-50 per person depending on what you order
- Flat Iron Steak: £10 (incredible value!)
- Other steaks: £20-40 depending on cut and size
- Sides: Around £3.50-5 each
- Sauces: £3.50 each
Yes, it’s expensive compared to a chain restaurant, but the quality of the steaks justifies it. The £10 flat iron is genuinely great value. If you’re celebrating something special or just fancy treating yourself, it’s worth it!
Does Cut and Craft York do lunch?
Yes! They have a Set Lunch Menu available Monday-Friday, 11am-4:30pm (excludes December and Bank Holidays):
- One Course: £19
- Two Courses: £24
- Three Courses: £28
The lunch menu is perfect if you want quality food without the full evening menu prices. We had the steak sandwich and it was delicious!
Is there a dress code at Cut and Craft?
Smart casual. You don’t need to dress up too formally, but it’s a nice restaurant:
- ✅ Smart jeans and fashion trainers welcome
- ✅ Smart trousers and nice tops
- ❌ Beachwear
- ❌ Gym wear (tracksuits, flip flops, caps)
Most people wear jeans and a nice top, or smart trousers. It’s relaxed but stylish.
Can I just walk in to Cut and Craft York?
Yes! They operate a no-quibble walk-in policy. They’ll always try to seat you swiftly. If there’s a wait, you can:
- Enjoy drinks at the bar
- Go explore York (they’ll text you 15 minutes before your table is ready)
However, I’d still recommend booking, especially on weekends, as it gets really busy and you might have to wait.
Does Cut and Craft have vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes, they have vegetarian and vegan options:
- Vegan: Falafel burger, salads, edamame
- Vegetarian: Various options available
However, I’d like to see more vegan choices on The Cut and Craft York menu. They have some options, but for a restaurant of this calibre, more creativity with plant-based dishes would be welcome.
What’s the best thing to order at Cut and Craft York?
Based on my five visits and reading The Cut & Craft York reviews:
Best Value: The £10 flat iron steak (10oz) – incredible quality for the price Best Overall: Fillet steak with peppercorn sauce Best Sides: Skin-on chips with peppercorn sauce Don’t Miss: The cocktails – expertly crafted For Lunch: Steak sandwich from the set lunch menu
Is Cut and Craft good for special occasions?
Absolutely! The atmosphere is sophisticated and the food is excellent. From The Cut and Craft York reviews, loads of people go there for birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations.
Top Tips for Special Occasions:
- Book midweek for a quieter, more romantic vibe
- Tell the reservations team you’re celebrating
- Ask about their private dining options for larger groups
- Weekend evenings are buzzy and energetic if that’s your thing
Before You Go to The Cut and Craft York…
The Cut and Craft York is definitely worth a visit if you love steak. Just go midweek for a more relaxed atmosphere, or embrace the buzzy weekend vibes if that’s your thing! Either way, the steak quality is consistently excellent.
My Verdict After Five Visits: The Cut & Craft York has earned its reputation as one of York’s best steak restaurants. The house-butchered steaks, the £10 flat iron deal, the friendly service, and the stylish setting make it a firm favourite. Yes, it can be loud on weekends, and yes, it’s pricier than chain restaurants, but the quality justifies it every time.
Top Tips from My Experience:
- Book ahead, especially for weekends and special occasions
- Try the £10 flat iron steak – genuinely incredible value
- Go midweek evening for a more relaxed vibe
- Extra peppercorn sauce is always worth it (trust me!)
Looking at The Cut and Craft York reviews across TripAdvisor, OpenTable, and social media, the consensus is clear: this is a top-quality steakhouse that delivers consistently excellent food in a stylish setting. After five visits over several years, I completely agree.
Whether you’re celebrating something special, treating yourself to a quality steak, or just want excellent food in the heart of York, The Cut and Craft York won’t disappoint.
If you’re looking for more steak places in York, check out my post about El Gaucho Steakhouse. You won’t be disappointed! Check out some other places to eat in York in my ultimate guide to York article.
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