Dubbed as one of the best places to live in the UK, York is a fascinating city characterized with a long history, culture, and most importantly: food. There is no other place like York where you can find mouth-watering dishes in nearly every step you take all over the town. British sweets have even originated from here! Either you live in the city or are only strolling along with your friends and family for a weekend gateway, picking a place to eat or drinking a cup of coffee could bring you trouble, especially when every single restaurant/café seems like a treat! Even if randomly picking a cafe in York can never disappoint you, there is no harm in finding the ones that are closest to your heart. Whether you are a student or professional, a vegan or chocolate lover, read more to find out some of the best cafes in York for you to choose, according to your taste and style!
1. Brew and Brownie
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located in the city center, Brew and Brownie is undoubtedly one of the best places to have a quick brunch with your friends. Their artisan coffee is believed by the locals to be one of the best in town, along with the pancakes. Not a fan of pancakes? No worries, because they have a wide selection of food from simple pastries and porridges to the signature Yorkshire’s black pudding on the menu. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are also available upon request, as well as a customized menu for people with allergies. Their spectacular service is widely spread among the locals, making the tiny place always busy during the peak hours. If you don’t have much time, go and visit their bake shop which is placed only two doors away from the cafe for takeaways.
Brew and Brownie
Address: 5 Museum St, York YO1 7DT, UK
Website: Brew and Brownie
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (Monday-Saturday), 10:00-16:00 (Sunday)
Average price for two: 15-20 GBP (19-26 USD)
2. The Perky Peacock
Sitting in a medieval turret with a direct view to river Ouse, The Perky Peacock becomes one of the favorite spots to chill in the warm, summer afternoon. With the cozy interior and prime location, which is only five minutes’ away from the train station, it becomes a popular choice between tourists. What can be better than having an afternoon tea on a comfy leather chair, gazing at the exposed wooden beams and stone walls? A seat with the view to the historic buildings in York? You may experience both at The Perky Peacock! Just prepare your schedule well since the place can be pretty crammed with tourists. For non-coffee drinkers, their signature London Fog (Earl Grey tea with vanilla syrup and steamed milk), rated by many as one of the best all-over the UK, is worth a try.
The Perky Peacock
Address: North Street Postern Tower, York YO1 7DJ, UK
Website: The Perky Peacock
Opening hours: 8:00 - 16:00 (Monday-Friday), 9:00 - 16:00 (Saturday)
Average price for two: 8-10 GBP (10-13 USD)
3. Goji Cafe, Deli and Restaurant
An excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans, Goji Cafe uses only organic and fair trade ingredients with an extensive range of gluten-free options that are freshly-cooked on site. Both of their savory munchies and desserts are worth to try and, rumor has it, even the carnivores are in love with the food! Mushroom burger and chocolate cake are everyone’s favorite, but other dishes also won’t disappoint you, for sure. Does anyone care for tea? Be ready. The endless choice of loose-leaf, flowering and wellness tea will blow you away!
Goji Cafe, Deli and Restaurant
Address: 36 Goodramgate, Yor, Y01 7LF
Website: Goji Cafe
Opening hours: 11:00-16:30 (Monday-Thursday, Sunday), 9:30-17:00 (Friday-Saturday)
Average price for two: 15-20 GBP (19-26 USD)
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4. Bison Coffee
Unlike any other cafes, Bison Coffee has no Wi-Fi. Located in between the city center and the University of York, it is ideal for students who want to study, read books, or have an intimate chat with friends without disruptions from the ‘disturbing’ technology. Its cozy interior gives a feeling of hanging out at a friend’s house. They also provide a wide selection of tea for non-coffee drinkers and decaf is available upon request.
Bison Coffee
Address: 17 Heslington Rd., York, YO10 5AR
Website: Bison Coffee
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (Monday-Saturday), 11:00-16:00 (Sunday)
Average price for two: 10-12 GBP (13-15 USD)
5. York Cocoa House
The city of York, once known as a Chocolate City, used to be filled with chocolate scent, accompanied by the thick chocolate dust that permeated the air from the city’s numerous chocolate factories. History records that every family in York had a connection to Terry’s, Rowntree’s, Cravens or Lazenby, some of the major chocolate business owners. This place is reminiscent of the glorious moment with its wide range of chocolate-based menu - even the savory ones! Excited to try already? Wait until you hear that chocolate workshop and factory tour are also available for all ages and abilities! York Cocoa House is a must visit for all chocoholics who want to pamper their palate and see their beloved food in the making, right inside the factory. Named as the only ethically sourced bean-to-bar chocolate makers in York, there is no reason not to love this place.
York Cocoa House
Address: 10 Castlegate, York YO1 9RN, UK
Website: York Cocoa House
Opening hours: 9:00-18:00 (Monday-Saturday), 10:00-17:30 (Sunday)
Average price for two: 15-20 GBP (19-26 USD)
Let's step in and try some coffee

Do you get to choose the one that matches your taste buds from the list? Most restaurants and cafes these days serve a wide variety of food and drinks. In York, we do believe that any eating places can never go wrong. But when you go to the ones that harmonize with your character, it will bring a different experience other than filling your stomach. Be it the strong coffee, fair trade ingredients or cool ambiance, know your motives before deciding to grab a meal. It is all right to be picky sometimes, especially when you are in York!
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