City Chic, Essential Food

Bettys Tea Room

Found on Parliament Street in Harrogate and St Helen's Square or Stonegate in York, Bettys specialise in tea and dainty bites but there is more to this cafe than scones and cream. Try the Yorkshire rarebit or one of their devine Swiss rostis. Other delights include the warm Yorkshire Fat Rascal (a huge scone full of wonderful things) and the butter-drenched Ripon spiced bread. They are licenced too if you fancy something stronger than a cup of tea!
Courtyard Restaurant

Set in a cobbled corner of the Montpellier Quarter the Courtyard restaurant is a lovely spot for lunch or informal dinner. The modern European menu has plenty of tasty treats like the pan fired halloumi and creamy chicken pie. If the weathers good dine Al fresco in the pretty courtyard.
Harrogate Grille

Harrogate’s version of the Hoxton Grille, oozing the same sophisticated style as its hip London counterpart. Part of the Balmoral Hotel, Grille opened a few years ago in line with the completion of the hotel’s elaborate make-over. Tucked away in a leafy suburb just outside the town centre, it has a lovely, intimate feel.
J Baker's Bistro Moderne

Something of an institution in York, J Baker’s Bistro might look run of the mill from the outside but the food inside is anything but. With a string of awards and accolades, the talented Michelin-starred Jeff Baker has created an impressive menu for lunch and dinner sittings. The food is served in modest, simple surroundings in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. For dessert take a journey into chocolate heaven in the restaurant’s own chocolate room.
Lucia Wine Bar & Grill

Nestled away in Swinegate Court in York, Lucia’s is a classy little Italian joint with an excellent menu and good looks to match. You also have the option of dining Al Fresco if you wish in the tidy little courtyard out front.
Middlethorpe Hall

If you want to push the boat out and enjoy fine dining in opulent surroundings, Middlethorpe’s panelled dining rooms are the place to go. Overlooking the hotel’s manicured gardens and parkland beyond, this is a dining experience you will want to linger over. The food is traditional and top class, with starters like Roasted Diver-caught Scallops and mains like the Slow Cooked fillet of Yorkshire Beef. If you fancy a drop of afternoon tea this is also a good spot.
Nineteen Restaurant

Good looks and a great location, Nineteen has a lot going for it. Just a stone's throw from York Minster tucked away down Swinegate, this restaurant has a rustic simple interior housed in a 15th Century building. The food is modern British with a European twist and you have a choice of two menus.
Quantro

Found on Royal Parade opposite the Montpellier Quarter in Harrogate, this award winning modern European restaurant is a firm local favourite. Recommended by industry heavy weights including Michelin and Hardens, Quantro is a good choice for lunch or dinner. The interior is fresh and contemporary, with an innovative menu to match.
St William's College Restaurant

If you fancy a slice of history with your lunch then you can't really beat St Williams. This atmopsheric restaurant is housed within the 15th Century St Willam's college next to York Minster. You can dine by candlelight indoors or choose to sit in the pretty courtyard in the summer months.
The Blue Bicycle

Located in Fossgate, York, this restaurant is rightly established as one of the best eateries in town. With its sumptous hedonistic decor it comes as no real surprise that this building once housed a brothel; the old pictures include some of the girls who used to work here. The food is award winning with lots of exciting fish and meat dishes on the menu. Try to get there early and enjoy the vista over the river Foss with a glass of something cold in the bar.