Brunch in York isn’t merely a meal, it’s a ritual. From the aroma of freshly brewed artisan coffee in some of the best cafes in York, drifting through cobbled streets to the clatter of cutlery over plates of soft poached eggs and thick, syrupy pancakes, the city awakens each morning to a symphony of flavour. York, with its storied charm and modern verve, has quietly cultivated one of the most eclectic and satisfying brunch scenes in the county.
Whether you’re seeking a cosy corner in a neighbourhood café, a riverside terrace bathed in sunlight, or a themed nook that has the best breakfast in York and feels plucked from a dream, these venues deliver with flair. Our favourite of the lot? Brew & Brownie—a crowd favourite for good reason, with consistently rave reviews praising its legendary pancakes and rich, locally roasted coffee. Still, every spot on this list promises its own kind of morning magic.
The Best Breakfast & (Bottomless) Brunches in York in 2025
Partisan
What We Love: Cosy, artsy vibes with top-notch brunch classics
Located on Micklegate, Partisan is a beloved independent café renowned for its all-day brunch menu. Dishes like French toast, eggs Benedict, and skillet-cooked breakfasts showcase their commitment to fresh, local ingredients.
The food is wonderful, but it’s the quirkiness of Partisan that really makes this a must-visit. The café’s cosy ambiance and artistic décor make it a real favourite among locals and tourists alike, which is not an easy thing to pull off.
Menu Highlights: French toast, eggs Benedict, skillet-cooked breakfasts
Address: 112 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
Insider Tip: Arrive early to avoid peak brunch queues and check out the rotating art displays.
Brew & Brownie (Most Loved for the Best Brunch in York)
What We Love: The best pancakes in York and a true local gem
Situated near the Museum Gardens, Brew & Brownie is famed for its fluffy pancakes and artisan coffee. Their menu features a delightful mix of sweet and savoury options, from stacked pancakes drizzled with maple syrup to hearty breakfast sandwiches.
This is a proper local hotspot. They endeavour to use quality local ingredients and suppliers as much as they can, like Johnson’s of Terrington free-range eggs, Raydale preserves from Stalling Busk, Staal’s Smokehouse from near Beverley and local bakers, butchers and grocers around York. Word of warning, however: be prepared for a wait during peak times, as its popularity often leads to queues.
Menu Highlights: Stacked pancakes, artisan coffee, breakfast sandwiches
Address: 5 Museum St, York YO1 7DT
Insider Tip: Peak times can bring long queues—visit mid-week for a quieter experience.
Rise
What We Love: A modern, health-conscious all-day brunch spot
On Fossgate, Rise offers an all-day brunch experience that’s both delicious and health-conscious. Their menu boasts a variety of options, including smashed avocado toast, smoothie bowls, and breakfast rolls. Kudos to the many different ways you can have your eggs, and on our visit one dish in particular blew us away: Ras El Hanout Shrooms – chestnut and oyster shrooms, garlic bechamel, chard and poached eggs.
The York café opened in 2022 and quickly became a popular spot for brunch lovers, with its modern interior and commitment to quality making it a must-visit spot.
Menu Highlights: Avocado toast, smoothie bowls, Ras El Hanout Shrooms
Address: 33 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF
Insider Tip: Great for vegans and vegetarians—don’t miss their house-made cashew cream.
The Pig & Pastry
What We Love: Inventive dishes with a loyal local following
Nestled on Bishopthorpe Road, The Pig & Pastry is a charming café known for its inventive brunch dishes. Favourites include “The Benedict Cumberland” (you will have to visit to find out exactly what it is) and other creative takes on classic breakfasts.
Its warm atmosphere and friendly service have earned it a loyal following, and deservedly so. Every time we visit, it puts a smile on our face.
Menu Highlights: Benedict Cumberland, gourmet takes on brunch staples
Address: 35 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA
Insider Tip: Arrive early on weekends—this is a neighbourhood favourite.
Plush Café
What We Love: Whimsical interiors and Instagram-worthy dishes
For a whimsical brunch experience, head to Plush Café on Stonegate. With themed dining rooms like the Garden Room and Bohemian Room, it’s as much about the ambiance as the food. Prepare yourself for a colour frenzy that, if you needed it, will give you a perfect wake up call.
Menu highlights include rainbow bagels (and they have a whole host of options on the menu) triple-stacked pancakes, and a very tasty granola bowl.
Menu Highlights: Rainbow bagels, triple-stacked pancakes, granola bowls
Address: 6 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS
Insider Tip: Choose your room wisely—the Bohemian Room is a fan-favourite.
The Ivy
Located in St Helen’s Square, The Ivy offers a tasty brunch setting. Their menu features classics like Eggs Royale and buttermilk pancakes, complemented by a selection of cocktails and smoothies.
But, really, it’s the experience that makes this. The Ivy St Helen’s Square Brasserie brings friendly, sophisticated dining, with five-star service. Within easy reach of the city’s most iconic sites, including York Minster and the National Railway Museum, the restaurant offers a perfect spot to fuel up before a day of investigating.
The Ivy, St Helen’s Square Menu
Why Visit: Upscale atmosphere in the heart of York
Menu Highlights: Eggs Royale, buttermilk pancakes, brunch cocktails
Address: 2 St Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP
Insider Tip: Reserve ahead for weekend brunch—tables go fast.
The Star Inn The City
Why Visit: Riverside dining with high-end food
Set along the River Ouse, The Star Inn The City combines picturesque views with a delectable brunch menu. From traditional English breakfasts to refined dishes like Eggs Benedict, it’s a perfect spot for a leisurely weekend meal.
Inspired by the vision of Andrew Pern from the Michelin-starred Star Inn At Harome, their team is dedicated to delivering exceptional cuisine in an idyllic riverside setting, all year-round, and the charming outdoor terrace provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion. Whether you’re marking a special milestone or simply enjoying a meal with loved ones, The Star Inn The City offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Menu Highlights: Full English, Eggs Benedict, seasonal specials
Address: Museum St, York YO1 7DR
Insider Tip: Their riverside terrace is unbeatable on a sunny day.
Double Dutch Pancake House
Why Visit: Sweet and savoury pancakes galore
Here’s one that does exactly what it says on the tin… For pancake enthusiasts, Double Dutch Pancake House on Church Street is a dream come true. Offering an extensive menu of sweet and savoury pancakes, including unique options like granola pancakes, it’s a family-friendly spot that’s sure to satisfy. Top marks, too, to their shakes, especially on a warm summer’s day.
Double Dutch Pancake House Menu
Menu Highlights: Granola pancakes, Dutch-style treats, thick shakes
Address: 9 Church St, York YO1 8BG
Insider Tip: Perfect for families—kids love the fun menu and vibe.
Robinsons Café
Why Visit: Michelin-star experience meets laid-back café
Located on Bishopthorpe Road, Robinsons was launched out of a love for great food and efficient, non-intrusive service. They have used a background in Michelin Starred restaurants to create a place that consistently delivers both.
Unsurprisingly, then, Robinsons is celebrated for its diverse brunch offerings, from sweetcorn fritters to croque madame. The café’s emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and its inviting atmosphere make it a standout choice.
Menu Highlights: Sweetcorn fritters, croque madame, quality coffee
Address: 7 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA
Insider Tip: Grab a seat by the window for great people-watching.
Bill’s (The Best Bottomless Brunch in York)
Why Visit: Consistent quality and cosy interiors
We at Absolutely are always keen to champion independents, which dominate this list, but we do have room for the brands who just simply do brunch very well indeed. Whether you’ve just completed one of the city’s spooky walking tours or indulged in retail therapy along the medieval Shambles shopping street, Bill’s is the perfect stop. The York brunch menu brings contemporary flair to historic surroundings, with squidgy sourdough, smoked streaky bacon and the sizzling 6oz minute steak, just a few of our favourites.
Menu Highlights: Sourdough toast, smoked bacon, 6oz minute steak
Address: 12 Coney St, York YO1 9NA
Insider Tip: Ideal pitstop after shopping—book ahead during holidays.
How Absolutely Picks the Best for You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
