Vegan and Vegetarian places to eat in York, a street-by-street guide
We know that finding the best local eateries in a new city can be a lengthy task and throwing healthy eating or dietary requirements like gluten free or plant based, can make it longer. Luckily York offers a wide variety of cafés and restaurants with vegetarian and vegan options. So, whilst we’re still in January, and with a rise of people opting for plant based diets, we thought we’d create a list of the best Vegan and Vegetarian places to eat in York to help inspire you.
Church Street
Our manager Chris, a vegan himself, highly recommends Humpit Hummus bar on Church Street. This new and exciting restaurant has made its way onto our historic streets and has made its mark serving up a delicious selection of freshly prepared vegan salads, falafel, pitta bread and of course lots of hummus! Dine in and soak up the great relaxed atmosphere, and enjoy refillable filter coffee, or if you’re in a hurry and just crave a hummus fix you can take out so you can continue exploring the streets of York.
One of the great things about Humpit is it’s open until late at 8pm on Saturday’s, so there’s even more reason to indulge in a big bowl of moreish hummus and warm pitta and if you’re lucky you might be able to grab one of their scrumptious vegan brownies which are ever so popular!
After proving popular at Spark York, a city centre hub for independent traders to begin their business journey, Once Across the Garden has opened their first permanent café! The contemporary new café offers a tasty range of vegan street food from veggie burgers and vegan fish and chips. To satisfy that sweet tooth, there’s a delicious selection of the finest cakes including a raspberry Bakewell and chocolate truffle torte.
You can also find Once Across the Garden at food festivals that regularly take place across York. If you’re about on a Saturday make sure you pop along at Shambles Market! Or fancy a night in and have no time to cook? Order tasty dishes right your door via the Deliveroo App - they will be able to deliver to most of our properties in central York!
If you’re in the mood for an indulgent sweet treat, visit Double Dutch Pancake House. Choose from a mouth-watering selection of authentic Dutch recipe pancakes made fresh in front of you whilst you wait! Our favourite is the Amsterdammer Pancake which includes: Facon (vegan bacon) with thinly sliced apple and maple syrup, and to wash it down a vegan Biscoff Milkshake made with Soya milk and Swedish glace – yum!
Lord Mayor’s Walk
One of our favourite hidden gems is True Story Café on Lord Mayor’s Walk. Part of York’s Indie scene, the family run business is like a home from home fit with comfy sofas and stunning views of York Minster and the city walls. As a vegan, or even someone who is health conscious, you certainly will be spoilt for choice with the delicious offerings on the 100% plant based organic menu. Why not try tasty scrambled tofu on sourdough with avocado and mixed peppers or treat yourself to an indulgent beetroot and vegan dark chocolate torte.
One of the great things about True Story Café is the multipurpose setting - from family meals, to business meetings, and of course a catch up with friends, or why not take a moment to enjoy your favourite book with a fresh coffee.
If wellness is your cup of tea, why not try out a Yoga and Guided Meditation class, or if you’re local on a Friday evening try out ‘supper clubs by candlelight’ a three-course set menu for £25 with live music performed by local musicians.
Stonegate
A fantastic new addition to York’s cobbled streets that is already proving popular with local residents due to its three unique themed dining rooms and Instagram-worthy food and drink menu.
Discover the Garden Room decorated with yes you guessed it beautiful flowers, and a swing seat – perfect for snapping a candid picture. Or try the Art Deco inspired Neon Room, complete with neon signs and flamingos, whilst you tuck into a rainbow cake decorated with signature edible flowers. Or if you fancy feeling a bit more ‘zen’, get comfy on luxurious cushion-filled floor in the Bohemian Room – it’s the perfect spot for a catch up over a pita and dip sharing board.
Castlegate
‘Source’ restaurant specialises in vegan and vegetarian options but also serves an appetizing selection of non-vegetarian dishes, great for the health-conscious and for anyone who loves seriously delicious food!
Vegan? Choose from an extensive ‘minus the meats’ menu jam-packed full of tasty dishes like pulled BBQ jackfruit and a whole roasted cauliflower with tahini dressing and pomegranate!
Vegetarian or just fancy being a bit healthier? Try the halloumi stack – a cheese lover’s dream complete with roasted vegetables!
Grape Lane
A restaurant we have all visited together is ‘Los Moros, a Middle Eastern vegan friendly tapas restaurant with the best street food we have ever tasted. A few of our favourite dishes include the whipped Feta with smoky Urfa pepper oil, the Zaalouk aubergine dip with warm pitta bread and the garlic, chilli and white wine king prawns. We love this restaurant due to its local produce, great healthy menu choice and friendly service.
Heading into the spring months, enjoy a refreshing alcoholic tipple in the courtyard with a few small tapas plates or bring along the whole family and choose as much or as little food as you want. The food is great value for money, which is ideal if you’re also on a bit of a budget.
Goodramgate
For over 10 years Goji Café has been serving fantastic Vegetarian and Vegan Food. Located close to the York Minster on Goodramgate, Goji is a great option for lunch in between sightseeing. This café sells local homemade dishes to eat in or takeaway. A favourite winter warmer dish amongst the Veggies in our office is the Vegan Leek, Mushroom, Chestnut French stew with red wine, garlic, fresh herbs served over creamy mustard mash and kale!
You can even head over to their website to discover some recipes they use in their café, for example the Goji Aubergine Mille-feuilles or Tofu Fish and Chips so you can make them all within your holiday home!
Stonebow
A favourite amongst the Stays staff is the Supersonic Café which is based below the new Supersonic Gym. The café prides itself in using locally sourced nutritious produce to create a taste-bud tingling menu! Including a fresh salad bar, frittatas, and delicious homemade smoothies - you are guaranteed to leave feeling refreshed and nourished!
Clifford Street
We love this independent family run business. Serving the most excellent breakfast and brunch dishes, from Avocado, feta and chilli on Haxby Bakehouse sourdough toast to Organic Side Oven Bakery granola, yoghurt and homemade berry compote.
The great thing about this café is that their ingredients complement the seasons and are locally sourced from York’s independent bakeries and deli’s.
Our Castle Chambers apartments are situated opposite The Daughter café; therefore, it makes a perfect breakfast spot if you’re staying in these centrally located apartments.
We could go on with our recommendations, as York has so many great places for foodies! We hope our suggestions help inspire you with great places to eat throughout your stay or visit to York. Take a look at our properties and book a stay with us soon so you can get sampling all of these delicious menus!