Al Fresco in York: A Local's 2025 Guide To Some Of The Best Outdoor Dining Spots for Sun, Sips & Stone Walls
Places to Dine Outside in York, From Riverside to Rooftop
As the cobbled streets of York warm under spring sunshine, the city awakens to one of its most delightful pastimes: al fresco dining. Whether you’re a local seeking a fresh view or a visitor falling for York’s historic charm, the chance to dine outdoors here is irresistible. From riverside spots and tucked-away gardens to buzzing rooftops and sun-drenched courtyards, these are my favourite places to eat and drink outside in the city I love.
SORA – Rooftop Cocktails and Elevated Pan-Asian Plates
If you like your sushi with skyline views, SORA is your spot. Perched on the rooftop of Malmaison York, this sleek, modern stunner brings a whole new meaning to “top floor dining.” The outdoor terrace is lush with greenery, stylishly set up for cocktails, sharing plates, and smug Instagram moments.
Expect Asian-inspired small plates (bao buns, sashimi, skewers) and a cocktail list that’s as sharp as the view over York Minster and beyond. It’s bougie in the best way – perfect for date nights, celebrations, or just pretending you’re in Tokyo, not Toft Green.
St. Sampson’s Centre Café – A Hidden Gem with Heart
Tucked away in the heart of York, the St. Sampson’s Centre Café offers more than just a cup of tea. This charming café boasts a beautiful courtyard, providing a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Beyond its inviting atmosphere, the café is renowned for its strong community spirit, often hosting local events and gatherings. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful spot for your morning coffee or a friendly place to connect with locals, St. Sampson’s Centre Café embodies the warmth and character that make York so special.
The Judge’s Lodging – Georgian Chic and Sun-Soaked Courtyards
Right off Lendal, just steps from the Museum Gardens and York Station, The Judge’s Lodging delivers classic pub food and proper cocktails in a surprisingly spacious outdoor courtyard. Think elegant Georgian townhouse meets laid-back beer garden – perfect for a lazy afternoon pint, lunch with the parents, or a post-work spritz in the sun.
The walled courtyard is a proper sun trap, the menu’s solid, and the atmosphere is that lovely blend of casual and classy. Bonus: it’s one of those spots that feels tucked away even though it’s right in the middle of everything.
The Fat Badger – Classic Charm with Minster Views
Right in the heart of York, The Fat Badger serves up one of the city’s finest beer gardens. Hidden just behind the city walls, this garden is bigger than it looks—and far more magical. Think twinkling lights, heated parasols, and views of York Minster. Whether it’s lunch with friends, date night under the stars, or a pint with a view, The Fat Badger balances tradition with relaxed elegance.
Spark:York – Urban Cool with Global Bites
Al fresco doesn’t have to mean formal. Spark is York’s hub of indie spirit—crafted from upcycled shipping containers and packed with communal seating and colour. From Neapolitan pizza and Brazilian barbecue to Korean fried chicken and vegan soul food, it’s a street food paradise. Head upstairs with a craft beer or cocktail and take in the buzz of the city from your perch.
Love Cheese – The Hidden Garden You’ll Never Want to Leave
This one’s a secret worth sharing. Just off Gillygate, Love Cheese hides a peaceful courtyard behind its cheese shop and speakeasy-style bar. Rustic tables, vines climbing the walls, and a sliver of Minster skyline peeking over the top—it’s an oasis. Their legendary cheese boards and wine pairings are best enjoyed with sunshine and quiet conversation.
Los Moros – From Market Buzz to Courtyard Cool
Los Moros brings bold, North African flavours to York in two very different al fresco settings. At their Grape Lane restaurant, expect colourful dishes served in a stylish courtyard. Or grab something fresh and flavourful at their Shambles Market stall, where communal benches and market energy add a dose of casual joy to your day.
The Star Inn The City – Riverside Elegance
Set against the backdrop of the Museum Gardens and nestled beside the River Ouse, The Star Inn The City is hard to beat for scenic sophistication. Whether it’s brunch in the sun or an evening meal by the water, this award-winning spot combines fine food with a front-row seat to the river.
The Churchill Hotel – Fireside Feasts in the Garden
Bootham’s Churchill Hotel gives garden dining a glow-up. Picture this: wood-fired pizzas, deli boards, and cocktails served under heated parasols with a roaring firepit nearby. Their Churchill Bothy adds an extra touch—ideal for private celebrations or just a special evening outdoors.
Waterfront Café – By the Water’s Edge
Down at York Marina, the Waterfront Café is all about laid-back luxury. With grassy riverbank seating and covered terrace tables, it’s a scenic spot to relax from breakfast to sundown. Seasonal dishes and the gentle lap of the River Ouse make this a must for those who love dining with a view.
Bosuns at The Riverfront - Also by the water
If you’re after a proper meal with a proper view, this riverside spot just outside York needs to be on your radar. Tucked next to the boatyard, it’s all big skies, calm water, and the kind of setting that makes your food taste even better.
Grab a seat on the terrace and tuck into something solid off the à la carte menu – maybe the Pork Tomahawk, maybe the Confit Poached Salmon – either way, it’s going to hit the spot.
And if you’re feeling adventurous (or just slightly tipsy), you can even hire a boat after lunch and float it all off in style. Just try not to drop your pudding overboard.
SOPHiE – Where Style Meets River Calm
SOPHiE is one of York’s best-kept secrets. Tucked into the iconic Motor House on Skeldergate Bridge, its quirky riverside setting offers great coffee, hearty brunches, and excellent cocktails—all with Clifford’s Tower in the distance and the river right below.
Lucia – Mediterranean Vibes in the City Centre
Lucia is a York institution for a reason. Its leafy terrace in Swinegate is a vibrant, stylish spot to sip a spritz and enjoy Italian favourites. Come for pasta or pizza, stay for the people-watching and the buzz of the city around you.
Shambles Food Court – A New Kind of Food Court
Imagine this: you’re in the heart of a medieval city, sat beneath a massive canopy that shelters you from the occasional Yorkshire drizzle. You’re perched on communal benches, surrounded not by plastic but by character. And instead of fast food giants, you’re flanked by independent food vendors serving wood-fired pizza, handmade crêpes, Indian snacks, Moroccan wraps, proper fish and chips, and much more.
That’s Shambles Food Court—a family-friendly, all-weather open-air dining spot that hits the perfect balance between street market soul and sit-down satisfaction.
York Minster Refectory – Cathedral Views and Polished Plates
If you want to eat somewhere that says “York, but make it swish,” this is it. Sitting right next to York Minster, the York Minster Refectory mixes historic views with modern British dining. It’s classy but not stuffy, with smart service, thoughtful food, and an outdoor terrace that gives you a front-row seat to one of the most iconic buildings in the country.
It’s perfect for a long lunch, an indulgent afternoon tea, or a “we’re not usually this fancy, but why not?” kind of day. Great food, cracking wine list, and yes, that view.
Rowntree Park Reading Café – Coffee, Cake, and Ducks
If you like your coffee with a side of ducks and your book with a biscuit, Rowntree Park Reading Café is the one. Set inside York’s beautiful Rowntree Park, this café is part library, part pit stop, and all charm. Sit outside with a latte, watch the world (and the geese) go by, and let the city noise melt away.
Ideal for families, dog walkers, and people pretending to write novels. There’s Wi-Fi, loads of green space, and a chilled-out vibe that makes it very easy to “accidentally” spend all afternoon there.
Robinsons – Brunch Royalty on Bishy Road
If brunch were a competitive sport, Robinsons would already have the trophy. This Bishy Road gem is famous for its banging breakfasts, stellar coffee, and next-level cakes – and when the sun’s out, their outdoor seating becomes prime real estate.
It’s a relaxed, stylish spot with a strong local following, and for good reason. Whether you’re in for a full plate of eggs and avo or just a flat white and a flick through the paper, Robinsons hits the sweet spot between casual and cool. Get there early if you want a table in the sun – York’s brunch crowd moves fast.
Riverside Café Bar – Hidden Views and Laid-Back Drinks
Tucked away at the back of City Screen Picturehouse, the Riverside Café Bar is one of York’s best-kept outdoor secrets. The terrace juts out over the River Ouse, offering peaceful, slightly arty vibes with a pint, a flat white, or a slice of cake in hand.
The food is OK (I would stick to sandwiches and burgers) but it’s the ideal spot for a pre-film drink, a post-lunch wind-down, or an afternoon that quietly turns into evening. Low-key, independent, and never too crowded, it’s one of those “once you know, you know” places. Bonus: it’s good for people-watching and goose-spotting in equal measure.
Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine with a chilled rosé or huddled under a patio heater with a spiced negroni, York knows how to do outdoor dining so go and book a table and as always if you are coming to York to do some out door dining and need a place to stay then check out our 3 holiday homes at www.houseofyork.org.
Want to read about more great places to eat for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
You can download it for free from the Apple iBooks Store here
You can download it for free from the Google Play Books Store here
This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
Beautiful photography accompanying every recommendation.
Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
A fab podcast for tourists and locals looking to find out more about York History, must do York Top 10's and money saving tips to do it all for less.
Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.