15 Best Cafes In York

Yorkshire is not only famous for its beautiful landscapes but also for its awesome cafes with their speciality teas and coffees. One of the most important parts of the English culture is the English breakfast and tea, which has evolved into Yorkshire Tea. In this blog, we have curated a list of the best cafes in York with their specialities and how to reach there.

‍1. Bettys 

Location: 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Fat Rascal
Average Cost (per person): £12-£15

Bettys is a famous café and tea room that has been serving customers since 1919. Now, Bettys is sort of a separate category. It's not truly a restaurant or a café, either. Although it's called a tearoom, it's much more than that in practice. A landmark in Yorkshire, Bettys has two sites in York: the larger one in St. Helen's Square and the smaller one on Stonegate. Bettys is a classic, elegant, fancy restaurant with a line that frequently runs around the entire plaza. However, their Champagne Afternoon Tea is excellent, as are the cakes. The café has a rich history and is known for its elegant and traditional atmosphere.

Review: “Perfect Afternoon Tea for celebrating friends 70th birthday . We were made to feel very special and each given an individual fondant cake. All staff were fabulous.”

2. Crumbs Cupcakery 

Location: 10 College St, York YO1 7JF, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Gourmet Cupcakes
Average Cost (per person): £3-£4

York's best cupcakes? Yes, that is a good way to describe Crumbs Cupcakery. Indeed, it's a pretty good spot, and the beverages are excellent. They are in a great location, right behind York Minster. And certainly, having such great and helpful personnel is also beneficial to the company, which started in 2009. But the cupcakes—which are GREAT—are a major attraction. They have some of the greatest cupcakes I've ever had, so run, don't walk, to Crumbs. I've also consumed a lot of cupcakes. The café offers a variety of cupcake options, including vegan and gluten-free choices.

Review: “Great little cafe with pretty decor and with plenty of outdoor seating. The staff are all lovely and the cupcakes are delicious 😍 perfect spot of a sugar pick me up.”

3. Partisan 

Location: 112 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Eggs Benedict
Average Cost (per person): £8-£10

Partisan is a trendy, independent cafe in York located on Micklegate. Owner Florencia had long desired to open the café. Every day of the week, they provide a contemporary menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea. Later in the week, they also provide nighttime hours for a relaxed dining experience. The majority of the furniture and art that are on display in Partisan are for sale, and Partisan frequently hosts exhibitions for local and national artists. On the counter, there is usually a "too hard to resist" assortment of handcrafted cakes, and they serve coffee brewed with beans from Monmouth, a London-based coffee roaster.

Review: “We always eat here either breakfast of brunch as the menu offers more that the standard breakfast fair. On this occasion we eat the Eggs Benedict and Bibimbap, both were excellent. My wife commented on how the salad with the Eggs Benedict was so full of flavour even though it was simple.”

Pumped up on caffeine and nowhere to go? Read our 35 Things To Do In York blog to spend that extra energy!

4. Spring espresso 

Location: 45 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Avocado Toast
Average Cost (per person): £7-£9

Serving consistently excellent artisan coffee handcrafted by champion baristas. This cafe in York's city centre, Spring Espresso operates two coffee shops, one on Lendal and the other on Fossgate. Both locations of this cafe in York offer coffee, cake, and brunch, and they are ideal for business meetings or catching up with friends. Spring espresso is a trendy café that focuses on specialty coffee and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. These people live up to their reputation as one of the best cafes in York.

Review: “Called in as we were passing - very helpful and friendly staff making superb coffee. Small and welcoming - lovely, refreshing drink. Great atmosphere.”

5. Dyls 

Location : Skeldergate Bridge, York YO1 9WJ, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Pancakes
Average Cost (per person): £6-£8

Look no further than Dyls if you're searching for unique cafes in York. There are four uniquely furnished dining rooms at this modern cafe, which is housed in the famous Motor House on Skeldergate Bridge. The cafe has views of both the infamous Clifford's Tower and the River Ouse. They have a fantastic assortment of breakfast, lunch, and late-night snacks in addition to a superb selection of teas and freshly roasted coffee. Without some homemade pastries, an English cafe is obviously incomplete. In addition, a wide variety of gin is available, along with wine and beer on tap. The ideal location to eat, drink, and unwind is on their spacious outside patio (with heated lamps and cosy blankets for those crisp days). The café has a cozy atmosphere and is a favourite breakfast spot for locals and visitors making it one of the best cafes in York.

Review: “Super great location, food was incredible its based within the bridge itself really fun if you love history, a slight walk from our hotel and the city centre but definitely worth it would recommend 100%”

6. Robinsons 

Location : 7 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Full English Breakfast
Average Cost (per person): £8-£10

Robinsons is a traditional café that has been serving customers since 1979. Robinsons is situated on Bishy Road, which has been dubbed the "Notting Hill of York" for its ultra-hip atmosphere. Robinsons has enlarged their space, allowing more of us to routinely appreciate the nice things they have to offer. Robinsons is a family-run, independent business with a laid-back atmosphere, just like many other cafes in York. It is well-liked by both locals and visitors, and on the weekends you can frequently see a queue of customers excitedly waiting for a table and is of the best coffee shops in york. But be assured it will be worth the wait!

Review: “I may not be an expert in these things, but that is the best smoked salmon and scrambled eggs I’ve ever eaten. Lovely atmosphere and great staff.”

7. Brew & brownie  

Location : 5 Museum St, York YO1 7DT, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Eggs Benedict
Average Cost (per person): £8-£10

Brew and Brownie's chic, modern decor is the perfect place to unwind while you eat, drink, and relax. This cafe in York, which is across from the Museum Gardens, is a popular hangout for both brunch and coffee. In fact, they have become so well-liked that they have B&B Bakeshop, a second location, just a few doors away. Here, they provide the same delicious pastries, coffee, and pre-made meals for eating in or taking out. The café's welcoming atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and tourists.

8. Bison coffee house 

Location : 17 Heslington Rd, York YO10 5AR, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Flat White
Average Cost (per person): £3-£4

This charming cafe in York, which is well-liked by students, offers great coffee along with a variety of bagels, toasties, and cakes. Since it first opened in November 2011, Bison Coffee House has earned a reputation as one of the best cafes in York. At Bison, they don't have a "house mix," and prefer to switch things up frequently. They think that by doing this, customers will have the opportunity to sample the great range of flavours present in many types of coffee from around the world. The café has a laid-back vibe and is a great place to enjoy a quality cup of coffee in a relaxed setting. 

Review: “Quality coffee, lovely bagels and such a brilliant artsy atmosphere. Every time I visit, I Shazam some of the music The decor in step with the rest. Highly recommended for a slight deviation out of the hustle and bustle of York city centre.”

9. Fossgate Social 

Location : 25 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Fossgate Burger
Average Cost (per person): £10-£12

One of the best cafes in York, Fossgate Social, is virtually right across from The Hairy Fig. This is the kind of place you can go to whenever you want and have a good time because during the day it has a very definite coffee shop atmosphere. But in the evening, it easily transforms into a lively pub with a wide selection of excellent local beers and delicious cocktails. A little area in the backyard and an upstairs room are also included. Therefore, if the front room is crowded, don't automatically give up looking for a seat! 

Review: “This is a nice little spot, down a nice busy street. It is great sat outside for people watching. You never know who you might see.. :) Reasonably priced.. :)”

10. Stanley & ramona 

Location : 30A Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1JJ, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Chicken and Waffles
Average Cost (per person): £10-£12

Stanley & Ramona is a trendy café that combines American and British flavours. The mother-daughter team of Val & Emma manage this charming little cafe in York. Since mid-2017, when they acquired control of the business, they have been serving mouthwatering pastries and superb coffee. It has accommodation for around a dozen people in this charming little coffee shop. However, on a nice day, you can relax in the outside seating area and gaze out at Bishy Road. This is the ideal location to stop for a takeaway coffee when you're in a hurry.

Review: “lovely staff. fine array of cake & pastries. the best coffee. A credit to the ever popular Bishy Road”

11. Plush cafe 

Location : 30A Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1JJ, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Smashed Avocado on Sourdough Bread
Average Cost (per person): £6-£8

Without a doubt, Plush Cafe in York is the city's most Instagrammable spot. This independent café is situated on Stonegate, a street that is in the heart of the city and is lined with stores and bars. Three themed dining areas can be found at Plush Cafe: the Garden Room, which features floral walls and swing chairs, the Neon Room, which is decorated in an Art Deco style, and the opulent, floor-cushioned Bohemian Room. Expect to find extravagant pastries and a cuisine buffet fit for Instagram. The menu is designed with everyone in mind and includes selections that are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. Make sure to have a Plush colourful latte to go along with your meal for the entire experience!

Review: “Such an amazing place! Food was excellent and had the most amazing tea! Turmeric and chai tea! Also very instagrammable if you’re into that! There are rooms to pick from too! Just a lovely place! Would go back and recommend!”

12. York Cocoa House 

Location : The York Cocoa Works 10, Castlegate, York YO1 9RG, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Hot Chocolate
Average Cost (per person): £4-£6

Who doesn’t love chocolates! The York Cocoa House cafe in York has all the chocolate treats you could possibly desire. They now provide tours and classes for making chocolate as part of their chocolate factory tour! There are still several chocolate-themed drink and meal options at The York Cocoa House. They almost have an entire page of hot chocolate options on the menu! Making it one of the sweetest cafes in York! The café's chocolate-themed ambiance creates a delightful experience.

Review: “Fabulous day with the children making lollipops. Well thought out and easy for the children to follow. Staff friendly and helpful. Delicious coffee for the adults as well. Everyone happy . Thank you”

13. Pig and Pastry 

Location: 35 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Pork Belly Sandwich
Average Cost (per person): £7-£9

The Pig and Pastry cafe in York, which is a favourite among locals, is situated in the popular residential neighbourhood of Bishopthorpe Road. It has a quaint cottage interior and with choices for everyone on the menu, it is a café that welcomes families. The cafe serves a variety of delicious dishes, such as paninis, breakfast entrees, and a variety of desserts. Additionally, the café bakes fresh baked bread and other deli treats daily. The café's rustic charm and delicious food make it a must-visit spot for brunch in York.

Review: “We were recommended to try the Pig & Pastry for breakfast and it did not disappoint. The staff were very friendly and the service brilliant. Well worth a short walk out of town.”

14. The Dark Horse espresso bar

Location : 5 Silver St, Shambles Market, York YO1 8RY, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Espresso and Croissant
Average Cost (per person): £4-£6

The Shambles Markets' espresso bar is unlike any other cafe in York because it is housed in a unique horsebox. Thanks to owners Laura and Mark, who combined their love of coffee and passion for quality, you can now enjoy handcrafted, wholesome meals with an Australian flair. They also offer delicious ANZAC Biscuits, banana bread with cheese, and ham scrolls in addition to excellent coffee.

Review: “Great coffee everytime from Laura and Mark makes a mean toastie, the specials are always a welcome addition to my regular ham & cheese. But there’s always room a chocolate Anzac biscuit or a piece of banana bread.”

15. Coffee Culture 

Location: 41 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS, United Kingdom
Top Dish: Breaky Butty
Average Cost (per person): £10-£12

One of the city's best-kept secrets is an inside-the-city-walls cafe in York on Goodramgate. An Australian woman named Annalise works with her husband to operate the business. Along with delicious breakfast, lunch, and cakes, they serve great coffee. You will be welcomed by courteous employees as soon as you enter the modest shop front. Inside the quirky café in york, you can find a comfortable area to sip your coffee and relax!

Review: “Really nice coffee & cakes, kids loved the milkshakes! Lots of dietary options for food & drinks and reusable straws. Found a water bowl for our dogs too”

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It is no secret that Yorkshire is a beautiful place. Whether you are visiting or living there, there are so many wonderful places to visit and explore. One of the best ways to do this is to stop at one of the many cafes in Yorkshire. No matter what part of the region you are in, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate at any of these 15 best cafes in York. If you are planning to move to York, find out some of the best student accommodations in York with amber!