Restaurants and Bars

York is not only a place of infinite historical interest but also a bustling metropolitan city. This is a duality reflected in the many and varied places to eat and drink in the city. By day there are a multitude of cafes and old fashioned tea rooms which shoppers and tourists flock to and by night there are bars and pubs galore. Dining in York is a particularly rich experience due to the sheer variety of restaurants on offer. The majority of York's pubs and restaurants are located in the winding snickleways and lanes of the ancient city centre, although such places as Frankie & Benny's Italian/American diner and The Flying Legends pub can be found at the out of town Clifton Moor Retail Park.

Probably the most vibrant part of York is its ever growing coffee shop culture. In the city centre there are such places as the colourful Cappuccinos, popular amongst students and young people, as is Victor J's with its notably laid back, trendy atmosphere. Close to York's most famous landmark, The Minster, is Coffee Culture, another fashionably small cafe with an excellent range of baguettes and light snacks for those on the go. Harking back to more traditional times are the splendid tea rooms found throughout the city, such as the Earl Grey Tea Rooms, James' Tea Rooms or the ever popular Betty's Tea Rooms. This elegant establishment offers a wide range of teas from around the world, all served up in 1920s style. For those who prefer a more European flavour, there is Cafe Rouge, which serves continental food as well as fine tea and coffee, all within easy reach of the city centre.

Ask any local and they will tell you that there are 365 pubs in York, one for every day of the year. Although in reality the actual number may vary from year to year, this figure is never far from the truth. From traditional English-style pubs like The Five Lions, The Golden Ball and The Three Tuns, to the more modern, clubber-orientated bars like McMillan's and Harry's Bar. For the real ale aficionado, York has a wealth of watering holes, such as The Ackhorne, The Bluebell and The Maltings.

The city is also host to several annual beer festivals, which as well as showcasing the nation's lesser known breweries, often gives beer drinkers a chance to sample international ales. The most popular pubs in York are found along the famous student pub-crawl known as the Micklegate Run, which runs down the middle of the city centre; local favourites like The Windmill and The Punch Bowl are joined by popular chain pubs like The Phalanx & Firkin. Although many have attempted to drink a pint in every pub on "The Run," few have succeeded. In fact as the chain has grown over the years, most tend to skip a couple along the way. Having run the gauntlet of Micklegate, some people may manage to venture in to one of York's nightclubs while others may find they've built up a hearty appetite.

Those who enjoy international cuisine will be well suited in York. For the Italian food lover, there are places like, Bella Pasta, La Piazza and La Romantica. South American and Mexican meals are served in establishments such as El Piano, Fiesta Mehicana and Plunketts. As curry is one of Britain's most popular dishes, it is only fitting that York should have plenty of top class Indian restaurants for those that like their food with a little spice. The Jinnah Balti House and Akash Tandoori both serve authentic Indian meals which will satisfy newcomers and old hands alike. The Jade Garden, The Phoenix and The Willow will satisfy those with a taste for Cantonese. As well as all this, people who like more traditional English fare will be well catered for and the likes of 19 Grape Lane, The Patio and Oscar's have varied menus that will have plenty to satiate most tastes. Some of the finest seafood can be found at The Blue Bicycle and the fish and chips specialists at The Wetherby Whaler serve the old favourite par excellence.

It's fair to say that York has something to offer for just about every taste and has enough places to eat and drink to satisfy the most diverse of appetites. Though its roots may be in the distant past, its eyes are set on the future, ensuring an enjoyable gastronomic experience for anyone visiting York.