Where To Eat As A Student In York | [UPDATED 2022]

One thing is for sure, whilst living in student accommodation in York  you have the widest menu selection when it comes to choosing great places to eat.  

Renowned for its history, Vikings, Romans, beautiful Minster, walkable city walls, the world-famous Shambles – York has it all.  

And it has a growing reputation as a great place for nightlife, food-life, and more.  

Check out our list of the best York restaurants you need to try whilst living here, you and your belly won’t wanna miss out on this one! 

restaurants york

1. Gatehouse Coffee 

First up on our list of where to eat in York is Gatehouse Coffee.

This lovely little cafe is located in one of York’s famous bars or barbicans – the gateways into the mediaeval city.

Stumble out of bed after a night on the town or after a heavy overnight studying session and head here for a re-boot. 

You can expect excellent friendly service from skilled baristas and a great choice of light bites, paninis, and a wide choice of cakes.

Get there early if you want to savour a Biscoff Brownie, they’re open 6 days a week from 10am until 4pm. 

Free Wi-Fi and a great ambience and of course delicious food make it a favourite go-to destination for students.

Give this place a try for yourself! 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Address: Walmgate Bar, Walmgate, York YO10 2UB

2. Brew & Brownie 

Brew & Brownie has made a real name for itself in the city since it launched in 2013.  

With a cafe and bakeshop to choose from along Museum Street in the heart of York, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

For us, when it comes to places to eat in York, this is one of our FAVE places. 

If you love a nice brunch and a catch up with your friends, then you’ll be a fan of this place too. 

Their menu offers tons of brunch and lunch dishes to choose from, with our favourite being their American Pancake Stack with maple syrup, streaky bacon and blueberries. 

Ain’t your kind of dish? Go for their Brioche French Toast it’s absolutely mouth-watering. 

If you’re in a rush grab one of their tasty cakes and a warming coffee before uni! 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Address: 5 Museum St, York YO1 7DT

3. Goji Cafe Vegetarian Cafe & Deli

Goji Cafe is a vegetarian café, deli and takeaway, with tons of veggie and plant-based options to choose from. 

Situated on Goodramgate just a 2-minute walk from York Minster, this place is a must try when it comes to eating out in York.  

The food here is made from locally sourced natural ingredients, without additives, colourings and flavourings. 

You simply MUST order one of their legendary hot dogs when you go here. 

Or, try one of the famous platters – Middle Eastern, Indian, salad or mezze.

If you’re after a light bite, simply feast on a slice of delicious homemade quiche.

The best part is, there’s both indoor and outdoor seating with a suntrap courtyard to enjoy some lunch when the weathers nice. 

Trust us, the vibes here are super wholesome and the food is just amaaazing. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Address: 36 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF

4. Skosh

Skosh is an award winning restaurant that has built up a reputation not only within York, but nationally. 

They serve eclectic food in the form of snacks and small plates allowing you to graze as you go. 

So if grazing playful food is what you are into, Skosh is the place to be.

Whilst the menu changes frequently, a highlight of ours is their tandoori monkfish with red cabbage slaw, lime and vanilla. 

Although, it’s not cheap but you’re paying for the quality and the food here is gorgeous. 

Don’t just take our word for it, head down for a meal when you’re family or friends come to visit. 

Remember to book in advance though! 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Address: 98 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX

5. Shambles Kitchen

Where to eat in York you say? Well it has to be the legendary Shambles Kitchen.

This place describe their craft as ‘famously good sandwiches’ and they’re SO right. 

Whilst studying here you simply have to give their smokey butties a try, they’re the definition of comfort food! 

Our number 1 order is the ‘Harry Trotter’ with low and slow pork collar smoked for 8 hours with zingy slaw, shambles mayo and SK apple BBQ sauce in a focaccia.

The food here is something you dream about for days after having it, with daily soups and wraps also on the menu. 

The only thing is, there isn’t that many seats inside so it’s better to grab a takeaway and wander around the medieval streets. 

You’re perfectly placed for that compulsory selfie in the Shambles! 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Address:  28 Shambles, York YO1 7LX

6. Yak & Yeti Gurkha Restaurant, Goodramgate

York’s first Nepalese restaurant, blends quality authentic Nepalese food with typical Gurkha warmth and hospitality. 

You’ll find this vibrant eatery, The Yak & Yeti Gurkha Restaurant, on Goodramgate. 

Try one of their set and inclusive vegetarian meals like the traditional all time classic Dal Bhat Tarkari. 

The food here is incredibly good value for money and full of rich flavours.  

The stunning interior and buzzing atmosphere will make you feel like you’re in Nepal. 

This family run restaurant is certainly playing its part in extending the cultural diversity of York’s eating experience. 

Go for a feast with your flatmates – you know you want to! 

 

Address: 63A Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS

7. The Rattle Owl, 104 Mickelgate

The Rattle Owl is another of the growing new wave of independent restaurants which have added to York’s impressive reputation as a food-lovers’ destination.  

For those who like their history, it boasts Roman ruins in its cellar but there is nothing out of date about its menu.

Start with a smoked eel tart with pear seaweed, lime, and oyster ice cream, if you dare.  

For your main try their Chicken Dopiaza with Senshyu onions, yoghurt and butter sauce – mmm! 

They also do a Sunday lunch menu if you’re after a tasty roast dinner.

Whilst it’s for sure on the higher end in terms of prices, it’s a great place to go for a special occasion or for when you want to treat yourself! 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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8. The Blue Barbakan, 34 Fossgate

Here’s more of that international eclectic mix that is York’s dining scene. 

The Blue Barbakan is a Polish restaurant which is warm and full of eastern European good cheer.

No matter if you’re wanting breakfast, lunch or dinner this place is worth a try any time of the day. 

Don’t be tempted too early by the dazzling array of deliciously rich cakes and deserts behind the serving counter – however hard they are to resist.  

You may not have the room for them that you imagine after enjoying a hearty starter and a main course.  

Your starter simply has to be their Courgette Fritters with coriander, chive and Grana Padano. 

For an evening delight, we’d recommend their Cider braised pork belly with apple & black pudding hash, sauerkraut and tarragon sauce.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Address: 34 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA

Wow, we sure are jealous of any of you students living in York with all these amazing places to go for a munch! 

Give us a shout out if you try any of these places, or if you’ve got any recommendations of where to eat in York @_homesforstudents. 

Read next: The Student Guide: 6 Things To Do In York. 

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