The Michelin Guide represents the pinnacle of culinary merit, with its prestigious accolades bestowed upon the world’s most respected restaurants. Each Michelin star signifies a level of exceptional quality, with judges employing criteria such as food quality, creativity, consistency and overall experience. If you’re a gastronome in search of innovation and excellence, these are the Michelin Star Restaurants to visit in and around York.
Roots
This is the place for Michelin-starred food in York city centre. It’s the work of Tommy Banks — who you may recognise fhelas the three-time winner of the BBC’s Great British Menu and host of The Big Family Cooking Showdown — and his right-hand man, Will Lockwood. Roots’ tasting menus are constructed on the principles of seasonality and sustainability, using ingredients from the kitchen garden, Banks’ family farm and local producers.
Each course is imaginatively and impeccably presented and can be accompanied by a choice of no fewer than 130 wines. Roots offers a dinner service from Wednesday to Saturday, with lunches on Friday and Saturday. You’ll find it housed in a heritage Arts and Crafts building, adjacent to the Museum Gardens and beside the river.
It’s well worth the 24-mile journey from York for a meal at this 14th-century thatched inn in Helmsley, on the perimeter of the North York Moors. Packed with character, the building survived a fire at the end of 2021; its charred beams remain as a testament to its endurance Fortunately many of its features are intact, with low timber ceilings, dark wood furnishings, oil paintings and a roaring open fire creating an old world ambience.
The dining room looks out onto The Star’s enchanting onsite garden, from which many of the dishes’ ingredients are plucked on demand. Choose from an a la carte menu with daily specials or a tasting menu, the latter with an optional premium wine pairing. Alternatively, book for the Sunday roast with impressively fluffy Yorkshire pudding. Chef Director Stephen Smith oversees the kitchen with classical-meets-modern flair.
This restaurant is found along a rural lane in Tommy Banks’ village home, 23 miles from the city centre. It was in and around Oldstead that the local celebrity observed the process of farming from a very young age, through his own family. In 2006, the Banks clan purchased the then down-at-heel village watering hole, breathing new life into it and adding a food menu. Within six years The Black Swan had received a Michelin star. And when a year later Tommy took the helm in the kitchen, retaining the star, he became the youngest-ever chef to receive the gong.
The Black Swan has gained international acclaim for its innovative and skilled approach to farm-to-table cooking, with almost no wastage thanks to the chef’s range of preservation techniques. Offering fine dining in a rustic setting (think exposed beams, flagstone floors, candlelight and an open fire), its menu showcases the best Yorkshire food. The venue also boasts a Michelin Green Star for its eco-credentials.
Nestled amongst the spectacular scenery of the idyllic Howardian Hills is this Hovingham treasure. Restaurant Mýse, with its name derived from the Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‘eating at the table’, demonstrates the historical influence through simplicity in its style and ingredients. The restaurant itself is housed in a charming, newly renovated 19th century inn and is characterised by a cosy and relaxing atmosphere.
Mýse boasts the expertise of chef and sommelier team, Joshua and Victoria Overington. They pride themselves on sustainable cuisine, supporting Yorkshire farmers, and in-house specialties and techniques to perfect their sublime tasting menu. Plenty of non-alcoholic paring options are also available to ensure everyone can fully appreciate and enjoy. Locally sourced produce and rich Yorkshire tradition are at the heart of the exquisite dining experience. Be sure to experience firsthand this unique blend of home comfort and luxury gastronomy.
Awarded a coveted Michelin Green Star for its sustainable practices and sourcing of seasonal ingredients from its own 2-acre garden and nearby suppliers, Forge offers fine dining with a focus on environmental friendliness. Found in the 200-acre Middleton Lodge Estate in Richmond, the warm and welcoming restaurant is housed in the expansive estate’s once functioning forge – hence its name.
Jake Jones, the talented and experimental head chef, has curated a six- and ten-course tasting menu. Available to book in the evenings from Thursday to Sunday, these mouth-watering menus are also available to be made fully vegetarian and vegan without compromising the bold, full flavours. An eco-friendly, candle-lit dinner by a crackling fire in a spectacular estate just outside of the rolling landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, what’s not to love?
Operating since 2019, Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall was awarded its first Michelin Star in 2020. This Ripon restaurant showcases the talent and vision of Chef Patron, Shaun Rankin through his excellently executed tasting menu which is complemented beautifully by a range of drink pairing menus. Local Yorkshire produce, including seafood from the nearby coast and specifically selected cheeses, is used to ensure freshness and authenticity in every dish.
The venue is a luxurious, formal setting for any occasion with event spaces to hire including the deluxe Dales Suite which can host up to 18 guests to celebrate in style. Parties hosted in the intimate, 6-person Kitchen Table include a dedicated Head Sommelier to elevate your fine-dining experience. Bookings can be made between 18:30 and 20:30 from Wednesday to Sunday and it is open to guests and non-residents of this gorgeous 17th century country house – although walk-ins are not accepted.
After having the highest culinary honour bestowed upon the restaurant just 12 months after its grand opening in 2018, The Angel at Hetton epitomises exquisite dining experiences. Located in the historical town of Skipton in the verdant Yorkshire Dales, this tastefully modernised 15th century inn is the perfect place to enjoy the wonderous creations of Michelin-starred Chef Patron Michael Wignall and his wife Johanna.
The culinary selection has been praised for its simplicity and for highlighting and complimenting the flavours of each individual (often locally sourced) ingredient. Diners can choose between a thoughtfully crafted À La Carte menu with vegetarian-friendly options or a tasting menu with an optional drink pairing. A range of offers are available to book through their website as well as a seasonal lunch and Sunday roast menu.
This former coaching inn next to the glorious Dalton Estate’s gatehouse was taken over by husband-and-wife team, James and Kate Mackenzie in 2006 and has since won an array of accolades – including a Michelin Star in its first four years in operation. With parts of the building dating back as far as the 17th century, be prepared to expect a sophisticated dining experience in a wonderful historic setting.
The Mackenzies recognise the importance of giving back and contributing to the South Dalton community. Every care and consideration is taken throughout the journey made by the food and drink to your table. The divine house wines are proudly sourced from a family-run vineyard in Hérault, France. The fruitful gardens of the estate are to thank for the selection of fresh herbs as well as other produce. The Pipe and Glass uniquely offers anything from a casual snack from their ‘Afternoon Savouries’ menu to a Michelin-quality culinary journey under one roof.
These culinary treasures reflect the region’s rich food culture and evidence of its strong relationship to the terroir. They’re perfect for a special occasion or as a highlight of your stay in the county. Early booking is recommended due to each of the restaurant’s enduring popularity.