It’s Yorkshire’s second National Park – known for its rugged, heather-strewn landscape, its stunning hikes and rare wildlife. But the North York Moors is so much more than all of that. It’s the real food capital of Yorkshire – home to three Michelin Star restaurants, more must-visit gastropubs than I can count on my fingers, and is a hub for produce such as root vegetables, dairy, wheat and shellfish – being the nearest inland destination to the Yorkshire coast.
So, where to start? If you’re looking to eat your way around the North York Moors, here’s our guide to the best pub grub, stylish restaurants and fine dining spots in the National Park.
1. The White Horse Inn, Ampleforth
It doesn’t matter if it’s the height of summer, The White Horse Inn is the kind of pub that you’ll want to hang your boots and warm your cockles by the fire – pint in hand with the scent of rich gravy blessing your senses.
A quintessential venue with stone walls, open fires and Yorkshire hospitality, guests can tuck into the most beautifully crafted upmarket ‘pub grub’, with classic dishes including sausage and mash, burgers, pies and more. This isn’t just any ‘pub grub’, however. Expect elevated flavours across the board (I’m looking at you, cheddar mash) and a creative approach to delicious Yorkshire dishes. Don’t skip the chocolate creme brulèe.
The White Horse Inn, West End, Ampleforth, York, YO62 4DX.
2. Homestead Kitchen, Goathland
A firm favourite of food lovers in the North York Moors, Homestead Kitchen has long been impressing diners with their relaxed approach to fine dining – served within their cottage-style restaurant that brings a real warming, family feel.
Reflecting the seasons of Heartbeat Country (the restaurant is situated in the village of Goathland, where the beloved TV series was famously filmed), guests can enjoy ever-changing menus that reflect the produce available in the surrounding North York Moors, with locals even donating surplus produce, too – a sustainable and creative effort to use as much from the local area as possible. There’s really only one word for it: exceptional.
Homestead Kitchen, Prudom House, Whitby, YO22 5AN.
3. The Durham Ox, Crayke
While not technically in the North York Moors (it’s on the edge, ok, forgive us!), The Durham Ox is one of the cosiest pubs in the area. Encapsulated by moody red walls, the pub is as classic as they come, and home to some fantastic food to boot.
Steak and seafood are must-orders here, with huge sharing boards taking centre stage and an extensive, carefully curated wine menu to wash it all down with. Kinda French and very Yorkshire all at the same time. For the rest of the menu, expect everything you’d hope for from a quintessential pub menu, including perfect burgers, fish and chips and much more.
The Durham Ox, West Way, Crayke, York, YO61 4TE.
4. The Abbey Inn, Byland Abbey
Tommy Banks’ more casual entry into his Yorkshire pub empire, The Abbey Inn is the pinnacle of archetypal Yorkshire pubs. Flagstone floors. Roaring fires. Snug seating by said roaring fires. And most importantly, hearty food.
Head chef Charlie Smith keeps it classic – similarly to the cooking style of Roots and The Black Swan at Oldstead, Banks’ other nationally-renowned venues (both of which just so happen to hold Michelin Stars) – but don’t be mistaken. Classic doesn’t mean basic. Even the burger took months and months to perfect, with even the late Dave Myers being one of the first to taste test (he loved it, by the way, as did we).
Meat is sourced from the family farm just a stone’s throw away from the pub, in keeping with the hyperlocal ‘Made in Oldstead’ ethos that pumps through the veins of any Tommy Banks venue. It’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates Yorkshire’s culinary scene and most certainly one of the best North York Moors restaurants.
The Abbey Inn, Byland, York, YO61 4BD.
5. The Star Inn at Harome
On the topic of Yorkshire’s Michelin Stars, The Star Inn at Harome is one of the region’s most famed Michelin Star holders (11 years in a row!) – offering fantastic fine dining in a stunning thatched pub in the North York Moors.
Chef Andrew Pern is at the helm, a born and bred Yorkshireman, putting memorable, high-end twists on Northern cuisine. Think seasonally changing spins on things you wouldn’t expect to see in a Michelin star restaurant – including black pudding and Yorkshire puddings. Our kinda fine dining.
The fine dining is, of course, The Star Inn’s pièce de résistance, but even the bar menu made us ‘ooh’ in delight. The breadsticks are surprising showstoppers, and even the butter is memorable. And that’s before we get into anything a la carte. Enjoyed in the warmth of their cosy traditional pub, this is a lunchtime well spent – and an accessible way to enjoy the venue’s landmark food if fine dining isn’t your thing.
The Star Inn at Harome, Main St, Harome, Harome, YO62 5JE.
6. The Owl, Hawnby
A beautiful, large pub with impressive modern decor (that honours the pubs 19th-century past), The Owl is in the highly talented hands of chef Sam Varley – of Bantam Helmsley acclaim – pairing the village pub atmosphere with European dishes that are cleverly offered a North York Moors edge.
It’s a true countryside escape – rural, views for miles, and only great food and beer for comfort (because what else would you possibly need?). A fantastic place to visit if it’s a memorable meal you’re after or a country escape that embraces its middle-of-nowhere nature.
The Owl, Hilltop, York, YO62 5QS.
7. Myse, Hovingham
There’s something about Myse… And it’s definitely the food. The Hovingham restaurant broke ground when it opened back in the summer of 2023, securing it’s first Michelin Star just nine months after opening.
The village pub has been lovingly refurbished – light and airy with cosy finishings – with the most charming dining room embellished with dried flowers that tumble from the ceiling. An intimate space that puts focus on the food, guests are able to watch each and every course come to life in the open kitchen – which, if you ask us, dials up the anticipation threefold.
The food is memorable. It’s been two years since my first visit, and I can still tell you how rich, yet delicate the beef cheek in Yorkshire pudding batter was – and how hearty and addictive the chicken drippings were. How savoury ice cream in a soup changed my view on what temperature should look like forever, and how utterly perfect the huge, hand-picked scallops were.
Everything here is hyper local, with the team working with local, small-scale producers to bring the very best, hand-selected produce to the restaurant. It’s a place that respects and honours each and every ingredient that passes their hands, which shows in the experience. A must on your Michelin check list.
Myse, Main St, Hovingham, York, YO62 4LF.
8. The Plough at Wombleton
If it’s a classic you’re after, this is it. A 15th-century pub complete with timber beams and wood burning stoves, The Plough is adored by foodies, thanks to its upmarket Yorkshire offering that puts the ‘home’ in homely. And when I say ‘Yorkshire’, I’m talking posh sausage rolls as starters, tender rumps of lamb and moreish rhubarb puddings.
Nestled just on the edge of the National Park (albeit outside of it, but again, forgive us here, it’s worth it), the pub is nearby to highlights such as Harome and Hutton-le-Hole, with plenty of stunning countryside walks to enjoy – the perfect way to earn your grub.
The Plough, Main St, Wombleton, York, YO62 7RW.
9. Fox and Hounds, Sinnington
Found within one of the most picturesque villages in the North York Moors, the Fox and Hounds is a local favourite – and it’s easy to see why. The pub offers various spaces for dining, drinking and relaxing, transporting guests from their traditional wood panelled pub to a bright and airy country-style restaurant overlooking the garden. The best of both worlds.
It’s Sunday roast is an attraction every weekend, all year round, and on it’s main menu, you can expect the kind of pub grub you’ll fancy all the time – including fish and chips, sausage and mash and beef lasagne.
The perfect, bustling-yet-friendly local where you can truly unwind after a weekend wander.
The Fox and Hounds, Main St, Wombleton, York, YO62 7RW.
Read more: 12 Of The Best Circular Walks In The North York Moors
