The North York Moors is a national park with lush green valleys, historic castles, and idyllic hilltop villages. As well as its spectacular scenery, there are plenty of fine dining restaurants in the North York Moors for you to enjoy.
With gastro pubs, grade II listed coaching inns, coastal fish and chip shops, and swanky new restaurants, North Yorkshire certainly knows a thing or two about good food. After a gruelling trek, there is nothing better than heading to a local restaurant for a wholesome dinner beside an open fire. So whether you are looking to treat a loved one at a Michelin-starred restaurant or wish to try some good Yorkshire cuisine in a typical local pub, we have rounded up the best gourmet dining experiences with these 8 North York Moors restaurants.
1. The Black Swan, Oldstead
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Starting our list with a fabulous fine dining experience is the renowned Black Swan, nestled within the sleepy village of Oldstead. Regarded as the ‘Best Restaurant in the World by Trip Advisor, it should be no surprise that this gastropub offers something extraordinary. Featured on the BBC’s Great British Menu in 2016 and 2017, chef Tommy Banks helped transform his parent’s modest restaurant into one of Britain’s best fine dining destinations and became the youngest chef in Britain to receive a Michelin star. The Black Swan boasts a charming setting within a countryside inn surrounded by two and a half acres of farmland. The ingredients on the menu are farmed and foraged in and around Oldstead, with fruit and vegetables grown directly on-site. So if you want an unforgettable dining experience with a down-to-earth atmosphere, this renowned little inn is precisely what you need.
How to get there: The Black Swan, Oldstead, North Yorkshire, YO61 4BL
2. The Hare Inn, Scawton, near Helmsley
The Hare Inn dates back to the 12th Century and is located in the beautiful North York Moors. Head Chef Paul Jackson and his team create incredible food and make the most of the local produce. The setting is intimate and perfect for celebrating a special occasion or treating a loved one. They offer a tasting menu, a popular option for each dish individually designed by the team. We cannot recommend this restaurant enough.
How to get there: Scawton, Helmsley, Thirsk, YO7 2HG
3. Ditto Restaurant, Whitby
For an intimate gourmet dining experience, Ditto Restaurant only serves up to 18 guests daily, making it perfect for romantic evenings. Located in the heart of Whitby, this restaurant offers an exciting menu with influences from worldwide. The menu changes throughout the year to take advantage of the best locally sourced seasonal ingredients. With only four sittings per week, this is an exclusive dining experience and a perfect way to mark a special occasion. The food here is reasonably priced and some of the best we have ever eaten.
How to get there: Ditto, 26 Skinner St, Whitby, YO21 3AJ
4. The Star Inn at Harome
Established by the same chef as The Star Inn The Harbour, this luxurious restaurant opened its doors in 1996, receiving a Michelin star shortly afterwards. The Star Inn at Harome is set within an idyllic thatched roof cottage in the beautiful village of Harome; this restaurant and inn offer delicious Yorkshire cuisine using fresh fish, local games, and herbs from the on-site garden. The award-winning menu is regularly updated to showcase the finest seasonal ingredients. For vegetarians and vegans, there is a specially dedicated menu with a range of tasty options. For those who want to stop over for a drink, the Pub Bar boasts a massive open fire with oversized comfy chairs that are ideal for a cosy winter’s evening.
How to get there: The Star Inn at Harome, Main St, Harome, YO62 5JE
5. The Coachman Inn, Snainton
Situated within a beautiful 18th Century building, The Coachman Inn is a lovely restaurant offering good ale and even better food. Just ten miles from the seaside town of Scarborough, the Coachman Inn finds itself in an excellent position for those seeking to explore the North York Moors. This restaurant is proud of its 2 Rosette Awards for the quality of its products and the presentation of its food. The extensive menu comprises wholesome dishes that the restaurant’s highly skilled chefs carefully create. Complete your meal with one of Coachman’s brilliant draught beers, cask ales, or a selection of wines.
How to get there: The Coachman Inn, Pickering Rd, Snainton, YO13 9PL
6. Fox & Hounds Country Inn, Sinnington
Located right on the tip of the North York Moors National Park, the Fox & Hound’s Country Inn is a fantastic place to relax and unwind after a day of hiking. This cosy countryside inn creates a natural home-from-home dining experience with armchairs, a fireplace, a log burner and classic oak beams. A private dining room is also ideal for birthdays and family gatherings. The a la carte menu is simple and filling, with fresh Yorkshire ingredients and a lovely children’s menu with roast turkey, sausage and chips, fish and chips, or pizza. All food is sourced from local suppliers, and the inn boasts an authentic Yorkshire charm.
How to get there: Fox & Hounds Country Inn, Main St, Sinnington, YO62 6SQ
7. Restaurant Number 20
Located in Port Mulgrave between Whitby and Staithes is Restaurant Number 20. Here you can get all the delicious food you would expect from fine dining but with a more relaxed atmosphere. The intimate restaurant has only 24 covers, so it’s perfect for celebrating an occasion. Fish and shellfish are their specialities. You will regularly find Turbot, halibut, monkfish and local sea trout on the menu. The food here is raved about.
How to get there: Restaurant Number 20, 20 Rosedale Ln, Port Mulgrave, TS13 5JZ
8. The Pheasant Hotel
The Pheasant Hotel is an elegant country house hotel and an incredible restaurant in the North York Moors. The interior of this restaurant is simply stunning; think candles, silver, log fires and polished oak. Here you can tuck into delicious food in the dining room or conservatory. The signature dish combines braised oxtail and squid served with hash browns, sugar snap peas and cornbread. The restaurant currently holds 2 AA rosettes with various menus. They all take advantage of the wealth of local, seasonal produce. There is even a tasting menu with an optional matched wine package.
How to get there: The Pheasant Hotel, Mill Street, Harome, YO62 5JG
These North York Moors restaurants are renowned for their incredible food and welcoming atmosphere. If you visit any of these restaurants, let us know about your experience in the comments below.
I sadly had a very disappointing meal at The Star Inn Whitby this week. I chose a special – salmon in a Japanese sauce – the sauce was much too salty and the wine – a South African Chenin I think – was not very pleasant. I might have been better sticking to the more regular dishes such as fish n chips.
Perhaps i was unlucky but I left disappointed.