As Autumn and Winter loom, our tummies can’t stop craving the homely, delicious traditional Sunday roast dish. An institution here in Yorkshire – and an absolute signature on the cooler days – nothing screams ‘wholesome day out’ more than ending it with a plate swimming in gravy complete with all the trimmings. So next time you’re out on the York cobbles be sure to try the best York Sunday lunch options that you can find, according to The Yorkshireman.
A proper Sunday Roast must have rich gravy served with Yorkshire puddings, roasties and succulent meats. And, we don’t mind going around Nana’s house for boiled veggies, but if we are eating out we want them roasted with herbs and spices. And, these York Sunday Roasts have a bit of something for everyone – so add them to the list for your next venture into the city centre.
So, what are the best York Sunday Lunch spots for your next trip into the city?
1. The Star Inn The City
The Star Inn The City is well-known for its genius Yorkshire-themed menu, so it’s no surprise they also serve up a bloody good Sunday roast. And, with its beautifully decorated restaurant, it’s a real experience to visit on a slow Sunday when you want to meet with family and friends and enjoy company in a relaxed atmosphere.
Sitting on the side of the majestic River Ouse by Lendal Bridge, you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop for a chilled Sunday roast with friends & family. The charming restaurant offers up an elegant-looking plate of Yorkshire-sourced beef, with meats including sirloin of beef and Yorkshire lamb, served with huge Yorkshire puddings, roasted, braised and even stock vegetables, all finished off with a tasty ale gravy. The Star Inn The City, Museum St, York, YO1 7DR.
2. Cut and Craft
The luxurious restaurant Cut & Craft known for all things steak found in York city centre is a top spot to enjoy a York Sunday lunch with all the trimmings and then some. To go with your fantastic roast they serve a range of cocktails that are a cut above and help add to that Sunday fun day vibe. And, make for a perfect accompaniment to the steak roast.
You can go for a sirloin beef roast that includes all the trimmings including roast potatoes, carrots, parsnips, Yorkshire pudding, charred hispi cabbage, onion purée, broccoli & a jug of homemade gravy. And, if you’re feeling extra boujee you can enjoy the Sunday Sharing Roast, which includes a selection of sirloin beef, roasted half chicken and pork belly served with all the above. 8 St Sampson’s Sq, York YO1 8RN
3. The Botanist
A classic choice for a cosy York Sunday lunch, The Botanist boasts a beautiful venue, oozing traditional, medieval charm right on the city centre’s most beautiful street Stonegate. The popular chain is known for its cocktails, but they also serve up great food and an especially good roast.
There, guests can indulge in a choice of sirloin of beef, roast chicken, pot roast lamb shoulder, honey glazed pork belly or a vegan Wellington, with each dish finished off with a Yorkshire pudding, maple glazed carrots, roast potatoes, minted veggies, and, of course, plenty of gravy.
The decor is just as beautiful as the roasts, too, with quirky English charm flowing throughout, and plenty of botanical nods with florals and cottage touches. The Botanist, 15-19 Stonegate, York, YO1 8ZW.
4. Roots
The Michelin Star spot, Roots is, unsurprisingly, right at the top of our list when it comes to good grub in York. They announced the 3-course Sunday Feast menu that is coming on September 15th and features succulent meat as well as a delicious non-meat option. There’ll be fluffy Yorkshire puddings, wild garlic roast Potatoes, Tunworth and mustard cauliflower cheese, damson glazed beetroot and barbecued brassica.
Roots host an ever-changing menu for the occasion, guests can expect a rotation of delicious meats and excellent flavour options. These guys know their food, so you know you’ll be in for a treat. Roots, 68 Marygate, York, YO30 7BH.
5. The Whippet Inn
Considered ‘Yorkshire’s finest steak house’, The Whippet Inn is a solid choice for a fantastic Sunday lunch in the city. Boasting a classic steakhouse interior with plenty of beers and wines on the menu, guests can dig into plates filled with British beef or Brandy buttered chicken breast, with sides such as roast potatoes, honey and fennel roast carrots, sautéed spring cabbage, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire puddings and lashings of gravy.
Keeping it classic, for dessert guests can choose from sticky toffee pudding, dark chocolate parfait, or a refreshing strawberry cheesecake pavlova for the fruit lovers among us. The Whippet Inn, 15 North St, York, YO1 6JD.
6. The Fat Badger
The Fat Badger is a Sunday Roast in York city centre that you’re not going to want to miss. Offering up delicious roast beef or slow-cooked pork loin that can be washed down with real ales. Served with a classic selection of roast potatoes, seasonal veggies, red wine gravy and more. The Sunday lunch in York is enhanced by the quirky character of this great pub that’s a stone’s throw from the York Minster.
Sat within the historic bar walls, it’s also known to have one of the best beer gardens in York with fantastic views of the minster, with that in mind it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most loved Yorkshire Inns in the city. 2-4 High Petergate, York YO1 7EH
7. Bosun’s
Located on Bishopthorpe Road at the Boatyard, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding nature as you perch next to the River Ouse, whilst you enjoy a tipple with your York Sunday lunch. These guys are serious about their food showcasing the finest local produce Yorkshire has to offer, and it shows with their roast offerings. You can enjoy either a two or three-course experience that is sure to leave you satisfied.
From a chicken liver pate to a classic prawn cocktail to start, followed by roast pork, topside of beef and a pork loin all served with duck fat roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and seasonal vegetables & gravy. And, after all that, if you’ve got room, then there is a range of desserts to finish off your Sunday roast. The Boatyard, Ferry Lane, Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 2SB
8. Guy Fawkes Inn
Another pub just a stone’s throw from York Minster, the Guy Fawkes Inn has all the wonderful old-fashioned features you’d expect from one of York’s old pubs. And, it’s the perfect spot to get stuck into a York Sunday roast in the city centre. The roast features all the classics including roast sirloin of beef, a butter roast chicken breast and a vegetable nut roast to choose from. All are served with homemade Yorkshire pudding, roast and mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a jug of gravy.
And, it wouldn’t be a York pub without a range of ales to choose from to help wash down that tasty Sunday Roast offering in the city centre. 25 High Petergate, York, YO1 7HP
9. Impossible York
Situated in St Helen’s Square in the heart of York, Impossible Restaurant & Wonderbar has quickly become a popular destination. Housed inside the Grade II listed former Terry’s Chocolate Orange building, the venue pays homage to its heritage with chocolate orange-themed cocktails.
But back to the main event—the Sunday Roast Fondue. You can choose from roast beef, chicken, or a celeriac steak for vegetarians, all served with roast potatoes, giant homemade Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables, and a fondue of beef gravy for dipping. 3 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QN
So, there you have it. If you’re craving a York Sunday lunch, then we are sure that one of these bad boys will hit the spot. With all the wholesome meats, veggies and gravy make your sleep Sunday a success. They’ll leave you satisfied and ready for a night in front of the tele waiting for work the next day. York is full of fantastic restaurants, and these are just some that we think will hit the spot on York’s next visit to Yorkshire’s capital city.
Read more: 13 Of The Best Restaurants In York You Need To Try
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