As always here at The Yorkshireman, this year, we’ve taken great responsibility in sampling all of the wonderful food and drink Yorkshire has to offer. Over 200 restaurants, in fact, so we reckon we’re pretty well placed to tell the world about some of the very, very best.
From unassuming street food to hidden gems in Yorkshire’s most underrated towns and cities, we’ve travelled to all corners of Yorkshire this year – cementing our ethos that anyone, anywhere can make good food. Read on for The Yorkshireman HQ’s top restaurants of 2024 (including a hidden restaurant above a bakery and a secret pizzeria behind a cheesemongers).
1. Med at Olana, Barnsley
Leading the pack for us this year was the Med at Olana – an unassuming, intimate restaurant tucked away down a Barnsley side street. And while this list isn’t ranked, this restaurant definitely stole our hearts the most – because it has heart.
The small restaurant is warm and welcoming, with twinkling lights and a charming trattoria-style layout that surrounds the open kitchen – which naturally had us sitting in complete anticipation for our food to arrive. And when it did arrive, we were practically like two kids on Christmas morning.
Inspired by some of the best dishes across the Mediterranean – from hearty pasta to French-style steak – Med at Olana champions fresh dishes with bags of flavour, with a carefully curated (and concise) menu of truly perfect dishes – all of which you can’t go wrong with.
Med at Olana, Tobacco Warehouse, George Yard, Barnsley, S70 2FA.
2. The Abbey Inn Byland, North York Moors
Tommy Banks’ The Abbey Inn only opened last year, but it’s firmly on the foodie map. Unsurprisingly so, of course.
The Michelin star chef’s old local from his childhood, The Abbey Inn has been restored to boast that traditional pub feel and traditional pub dishes to boot – with a proper upmarket twist, of course. It’s the perfect place to get a taste of Banks’ famous (and faultless) pies, while getting an unexpected dose of nostalgia while you’re at it.
The menu ties together traditional Yorkshire with modern dining – from huge ice cream sundaes with grown-up flavours such as rhubarb and parkin, alongside yet more famous Banks dishes including the Byland burger (which even the late Dave Myers loved). It’s a burger I think about often.
The Abbey Inn, York, YO61 4BD.
3. Fifty Two, Harrogate
There’s a lot of tasting menus out there now, but very few are this show-stopping. Adam Degg and team have created pure magic with Fifty Two at Rudding Park: an intimate shipping container restaurant that’s inspired by the Estate’s Kitchen Garden.
The menu is not revealed until after each course has been served, making this a truly immersive experience as you watch (and try to guess) what the team is creating right before your eyes. Everything is created with what’s in season in the Kitchen Garden, while other produce is sourced as locally as possible for maximum flavour and quality.
We loved the surprise element of the experience and how each table is seated facing the open kitchen, making for a more theatrical experience. Everything has been well-thought-out to make the guest experience as special as possible, and this is certainly a dining experience I won’t be forgetting in a hurry.
Fifty Two at Rudding Park, Rudding Ln, Harrogate, HG3 1JH.
4. The Old Liquor Store, York
So good, we ate here on numerous occasions. The Old Liquor Store benefits from a truly unique location (and one that particularly appeals to me): the former Terry’s chocolate factory in York. Retaining original features such as gorgeous Victoriana tiling, the beautiful space has such as warming feel, with both families and couples joining to enjoy genuinely great food together.
Drawing inspiration from Italy, The Old Liquor Store serves up an extensive menu – from classics such as pizza, pasta and arancini, to seafood dishes and Mediterranean-inspired veggies (that surprisingly steal the show). The menu changes regularly, so expect something fresh and exciting during each visit. And save room for dessert. We warned you.
The Old Liquor Store, Bishopthorpe Rd, York, YO23 1FT.
5. Simonstone Hall, Yorkshire Dales
Found in a tranquil location outside of Hawes, Simonstone Hall offers a proper country retreat in the Yorkshire Dales, with incredible panoramic views of the National Park.
The venue is one of the most serene we’ve stayed at to date – but that wasn’t just down to the location and classic decor. In the restaurant, the team champions home-grown and seasonally-foraged ingredients – giving a true taste of the Dales in each and every dish.
From game to Yorkshire beef, each dish combines seasonal flavours, with gorgeous presentation making each course *almost* too pretty to eat. Even the bread course here blew our minds – thanks to their ever-changing ‘daily bake’ ethos where the team gets the chance to be creative with different flavours and styles.
Simonstone Hall, Hawes, DL8 3LY.
6. Embers, Scarborough
Embers became a fast favourite of ours last year when we uncovered what is – in our opinion – Scarborough’s leading dining establishment. Their USP is that everything is wood-fired, resulting in the most tender meats – including fire-roasted chicken, juicy steak and smoky brisket.
The intimate restaurant is one of those places where you have to be ‘in the know’ as it’s not exactly in the tourist-driven town centre. And it has a limited number of tables available which are regularly snapped up on weekends, in particular – resulting in a really homely atmosphere, amplified by great service and truly exceptional food. It’s a carnivorous dream, but with style.
The menu is meat-leading and that is the beauty of Embers, however, guests can also enjoy fish and limited vegan specials, too.
Embers, 138 Victoria Rd, Scarborough, YO11 1SL.
7. Livin’ Italy, Leeds
Livin’ Italy most definitely isn’t a secret in Leeds, and after seeing their delicious-looking pasta online for years, we finally had to try it in 2024. And thank God we finally did.
One of their most exciting dishes is prepared and served tableside – the cacio e pepe – with parmesan cheese melted under a flame, before pasta is tossed in the sauce and served. And trust us, this dish is absolute heaven. But it’s not just style Livin’ Italy has to offer.
The family-run business started life back in Milan, before coming to Leeds to give us a taste of Italy, and today, guests can expect pasta made freshly in-house, paired with the best Italian ingredients straight from the homeland for a truly authentic experience. This is certainly up there as one of the best Italian restaurants in Yorkshire (with extra kudos for the fantastic deli on the ground floor!).
Livin’ Italy, Granary Wharf, Wharf Approach, Leeds, LS1 4BR.
8. The Inn South Stainley
Out of all the cosy, laidback gastropubs we’ve visited this year, The Inn South Stainley has been one of our favourites. Found just outside of Harrogate, the large pub is food-led, combining the classic warming feel of a pub with modern dining.
Continually refreshing and innovating, the team here loves food and it shows – with their grill offering, in particular stealing the show. Everything we’ve eaten here in 2024 has been more than memorable – from their flat iron steak sharing board to our current favourite, the tandoori chicken skewer.
The Chef has a trustworthy sweet tooth, too, with the desserts worth saving room for. Their recent creation of the jam roly poly cheesecake was genius, to say the least, and we can’t wait to see what their 2025 menu brings.
The Inn South Stainley, Ripon Rd, South Stainley, Harrogate, HG3 3ND.
9. Bosun’s, York
Beautiful all year round thanks to its riverside location, Bosun’s is equal parts beautiful and stylish – thanks to its fresh, botanical theme that brings the outside in. Helped, of course, by the panoramic windows encircling the restaurant.
The riverside becomes the wallpaper of Bosun’s, with guests able to drink on the veranda overlooking the water, or tuck into Yorkshire-inspired dishes while surrounded by greenery inside. Executive chef Kurtus brings flavours to life in a refreshing way here at Bosun’s – with unlikely dishes such as the sherry-infused beetroot with chive emulsion and curried celeriac becoming must-order dishes.
Bosun’s, The Riverfront, Ferry Ln, Bishopthorpe, York, YO23 2SB.
10. Rind, Yorkshire Dales
A true hidden gem tucked away behind a cheesemongers off the A65, Rind is the creation of the cheese Gods behind London’s acclaimed The Cheese Bar – bringing a British approach to Naples-style pizza.
Teaming up with The Courtyard Dairy – who runs the cheese shop at the front – Rind specialises in wood-fired pizzas with that classic, fluffy leopard-print crust – with the menu led by the best British cheeses on offer.
Expect British Mozzarella, Old Winchester, Devon Blue Cream and more, adding rich flavours and an unexpected twist to the Neapolitan classic. The restaurant leans into its Yorkshire Dales location, with wrap-around windows showcasing the surrounding countryside and stripped-back decor putting the view front and centre.
The Yorkshire Parkin tiramisu is a must-try, and the perfect bastardization of a classic Italian dessert – if you ask us at Yorkshireman HQ, at least.
Rind at The Courtyard Dairy, Crows Nest Barn Near Settle, Austwick, LA2 8AS.
11. Hearth, Hull
Hearth has frequented our annual list every year since its inception, and if you’ve visited already, you’ll likely know why. Hidden away above their Old Town bakery, this unsuspecting bistro-style restaurant serves up some of the best food in Hull – with an ever-changing menu constantly spotlighting the team’s exceptional talents.
Overlooking both Hull Minster and the colourful, old-worldly Prince Street, the quaint yet buzzy restaurant surrounds the small, open kitchen, where each dish is cooked hot and fast by fire on their own custom hearth.
Tuck into an array of small plates to try a bit of everything, or large plates to indulge. Our order, however? Whatever special steak is on offer to share between two, with braised greens and crispy potato with truffle and parmesan. Indulgent and pure perfection. Every time.
Hearth, 10.5 King St, Hull, HU1 2JJ.
12. Samuel’s Restaurant, Masham
The epitome of grandeur, Swinton Estate‘s Samuel’s Restaurant brings dining fit for a Royal – set within the stunning former ballroom of the beautiful castle, which just so happens to boast a gold-leaf ceiling.
The opulent restaurant glimmers by candlelight, bringing fine dining from ‘Estate to Plate’, with a seasonal menu designed around produce grown and made at Swinton.
Head Chef Struan Macintyre takes the reigns with his current residency – which brings British classics to life with his ever-changing brasserie-style menu, from Swinton Estate Pork Wellington to East Coast Cod Loin. Every bite at Samuel’s is made to be savoured, making it the perfect fit for special occasions and celebrations.
Samuel’s Restaurant, Swinton Park Hotel, Ripon, HG4 4JH.
13. The Social Distortion, Hull
The Social Distortion in its current guise may well be the ‘new kid on the block’, but the Humber Street restaurant’s concept is perfectly formed.
Taking inspiration from Thailand and South East Asia, The Social Distortion offers a ‘umami-driven’ menu, with ever-changing dishes keeping us on our toes. It’s fast-paced, punk rock – like the beating heart of Bangkok, with counter-seating overlooking the completely open kitchen, punchy flavours that aren’t afraid of a little heat, and Asian-inspired cocktails.
It’s the place that’ll sweep you up in the atmosphere, make you want to throw caution to the wind, get a little pissed and try everything on the menu. And long may they reign.
The Social Distortion, 25 Humber St, Hull, HU1 1TU.
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