Latest reviews in York, United Kingdom

Melton's Too - Melton's Too - Still Poor by iand777

iand777 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:12:40 +0000

Review by iand777

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01904 629222

Tags: brasserie, family & home feel, cosy

We stopped going to Melton's Too a couple of years ago, as the food was consistently disappointing. However it is a really nice building/ambience, so we tried it again.

I can report that the food is still of a poor standard. Came away with the same old impression that the menu has been put together by someone who knows what they are about but the cooking is executed by someone with zero interest in and/or knowledge of food.

We were served partridge that looked like it had just come out of the mortuary - pale, tough and tasteless. Thank goodness the friendly Waitress had the insight not to charge us.

Hugely mediochre.We stopped going to Melton's Too a couple of years ago, as the food was consistently disappointing. However it is a really nice building/ambience, so we tried it again.

I can report that the food is still of a poor standard. Came away with the same old impression that the menu has been put together by someone who knows what they are about but the cooking is executed by someone with zero interest in and/or knowledge of food.

We were served partridge that looked like it had just come out of the mortuary - pale, tough and tasteless. Thank goodness the friendly Waitress had the insight not to charge us.

Hugely mediochre.

La Vecchia Scuola - Niiiiiiiiiiice!!! by nicoo

nicoo — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:33:37 +0000

Review by nicoo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01904 644600

Tags: italian, romantic, good value

Came in yesterday for lunch while in York for a couple of days and my wife and I went back for dinner too.
The nice lunch offer got us in in the first place, but we had too go back as there are so many appealing things on that menu.
see you soon guys!
N OrzelekCame in yesterday for lunch while in York for a couple of days and my wife and I went back for dinner too.
The nice lunch offer got us in in the first place, but we had too go back as there are so many appealing things on that menu.
see you soon guys!
N Orzelek

Vudu Lounge - by VIPme

VIPme — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:57:00 +0000

Review by VIPme

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01904 627627

Website: http://www.vudulounge.co.uk

Tags: late license, live music, food

Best bartenders in York, fantastic atmosphere, best cocktails I've ever drank! Overall, definately my favourite place to end the night. And start it! Always feel welcomed. awesome djs most nights particularly saturday and Sunday.Best bartenders in York, fantastic atmosphere, best cocktails I've ever drank! Overall, definately my favourite place to end the night. And start it! Always feel welcomed. awesome djs most nights particularly saturday and Sunday.

Michael's Brasserie - by ails38

ails38 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:18:35 +0000

Review by ails38

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01904 622478

Tags: brasserie, vegetarian dishes, non-smoking area

The food was good - BUT ..... I was in York with 5 female freinds for a well deserved break. We decided on Michaels Brasserie for our Saturday Night meal - wish we hadnt. As a group of six we were sat at 2 tables of 3 and asked if we would mind ordering seperately as this would quicken the service HA - the first table of 3 received their meals at a reasonable time - however the other 2 guests and myself had to wait an hour between a starter and the main meal . Only one of us had ordered a stater and we were told it was due to this fact that it took so long for the main meals to come along. There was no apology made or explanation given - at one point when our other table were being served the dessert we were offered the dessert menu ( WHILE STILL AWAITING OUR MAIN COURSE) so a night that started well and at 7.50 pm became a disappointment and ended at 10pm - York is full of resturants with just as good quality food but better service - so I would not recommend Michaels Brasserie to anyone.The food was good - BUT ..... I was in York with 5 female freinds for a well deserved break. We decided on Michaels Brasserie for our Saturday Night meal - wish we hadnt. As a group of six we were sat at 2 tables of 3 and asked if we would mind ordering seperately as this would quicken the service HA - the first table of 3 received their meals at a reasonable time - however the other 2 guests and myself had to wait an hour between a starter and the main meal . Only one of us had ordered a stater and we were told it was due to this fact that it took so long for the main meals to come along. There was no apology made or explanation given - at one point when our other table were being served the dessert we were offered the dessert menu ( WHILE STILL AWAITING OUR MAIN COURSE) so a night that started well and at 7.50 pm became a disappointment and ended at 10pm - York is full of resturants with just as good quality food but better service - so I would not recommend Michaels Brasserie to anyone.

Plunketts - our favourite york restaurant by squirralnut123

squirralnut123 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:01:07 +0000

Review by squirralnut123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01904 627722

Website: http://www.plunkets.co.uk/contact/index.html

Tags: good value, family & home feel, lively

what only 2 people have reviewed this place and its our favourite in the city full of gorge eateries .gavin lisa and dot lovin it.what only 2 people have reviewed this place and its our favourite in the city full of gorge eateries .gavin lisa and dot lovin it.

J.Bakers Bistro Moderne - by Sofar

Sofar — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:22:12 +0000

Review by Sofar

Rating: 4.00

Tags: expensive, british

I had to leave a review for J Bakers because it is one of the best restaurants in York and it's crazy it only having a one-star review.

I've only eaten there a couple of times but both were very good. The desert in particular was impressive with a variety of chocolate deserts served on a slate plate.

The staff seemed to be different each time I've been there. On two occasions there was a very good, friendly and attentive waitress.

But my gf and I went there recently and didn't even get seated. Some waitress I've never seen before said they were fully booked, despite there being lots of empty tables and it was still early. Rejected, we went to the loch chain down the road which wasn't very good. Walking back past J Bakers later there were still empty tables, which is annoying so I'll think twice before going back there, or maybe just book. :)

But seriously, the decor isn't bad at all, nor were the staff for me (apart from that one time). Ultimately the food more than makes up for these minor faults, so four stars from me.I had to leave a review for J Bakers because it is one of the best restaurants in York and it's crazy it only having a one-star review.

I've only eaten there a couple of times but both were very good. The desert in particular was impressive with a variety of chocolate deserts served on a slate plate.

The staff seemed to be different each time I've been there. On two occasions there was a very good, friendly and attentive waitress.

But my gf and I went there recently and didn't even get seated. Some waitress I've never seen before said they were fully booked, despite there being lots of empty tables and it was still early. Rejected, we went to the loch chain down the road which wasn't very good. Walking back past J Bakers later there were still empty tables, which is annoying so I'll think twice before going back there, or maybe just book. :)

But seriously, the decor isn't bad at all, nor were the staff for me (apart from that one time). Ultimately the food more than makes up for these minor faults, so four stars from me.

The Biltmore - looks nice but disgusting food by clar

clar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:22:27 +0000

Review by clar

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01904 6100 75

Website: http://www.thebiltmorebarandgrill.com/

Tags: cool & smart, posh, trendy

very nice inside and out and in a lovely part of York but oh dear what a disaster on the food side. Portions are tiny (avoid the scallop starter!), service is slow alrhough waiter was very friendly. But we were in there for the food and it flatters to deceive - sounds lovely on the menu but it all tasted rubbery, over cooked and in a place with so many fantastic restaurants I'm surprised its kept going as long as it has.Very very expensive and just not worth it. Desperately in need of a change in thinking on the food side, a pretentious place that doesn't live up to its imagevery nice inside and out and in a lovely part of York but oh dear what a disaster on the food side. Portions are tiny (avoid the scallop starter!), service is slow alrhough waiter was very friendly. But we were in there for the food and it flatters to deceive - sounds lovely on the menu but it all tasted rubbery, over cooked and in a place with so many fantastic restaurants I'm surprised its kept going as long as it has.Very very expensive and just not worth it. Desperately in need of a change in thinking on the food side, a pretentious place that doesn't live up to its image

Lal Quila - Lal Quila by jvh100

jvh100 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:31:43 +0000

Review by jvh100

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01904 670684

Tags: indian, vegetarian, international

The shop looks ok from the outside, but god - I'll never use this place again. Have you seen the kitchen area? Go around to the back of the shop and see for yourself - it looks like - no it IS - a wooden shack BOLTED to the back of the shop. As if thats not bad enough they block peoples cars in for parking to close to where the manager likes to park ( ask dominos pizza drivers) - it is a car park not a private area and the staff can be downright rude, arrogant and stroppy to say the least.The shop looks ok from the outside, but god - I'll never use this place again. Have you seen the kitchen area? Go around to the back of the shop and see for yourself - it looks like - no it IS - a wooden shack BOLTED to the back of the shop. As if thats not bad enough they block peoples cars in for parking to close to where the manager likes to park ( ask dominos pizza drivers) - it is a car park not a private area and the staff can be downright rude, arrogant and stroppy to say the least.

York Spice - Yorkspice restaurant and takeaway by jvh100

jvh100 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:06:41 +0000

Review by jvh100

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01904 628886

Tags: romantic, indian, vegetarian

Simply Brilliant. I've been again tonight and the and quality of service, food, and huge variety of menu choices is beyond expectations.Simply Brilliant. I've been again tonight and the and quality of service, food, and huge variety of menu choices is beyond expectations.

Alice Hawthorn Inn - Alice Hawthorn - excellent Sunday lunch by stecat

stecat — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:53:51 +0000

Review by stecat

Rating: 5.00

Tags: cool, relaxed, friendly

My husband and I happened upon this lovely pub in a beautiful village near York. We had a lovely Sunday lunch with very friendly service. I was very impressed by the food, I'd say it is all freshly prepared. My husband had the soup and sea bream and I had the pate and veggie lasagne, all the food was excellent. Sadly I couldn't quite manage a dessert although I really wanted to try the "Alice Mess". Good selection of wines and beers too. Next time we're in the area we'll be heading back, great setting, friendly atmosphere and good grub/drink. Big roaring fire in the winter making it nice and cosy, they had a beer garden which I'd like to check out in summer too...My husband and I happened upon this lovely pub in a beautiful village near York. We had a lovely Sunday lunch with very friendly service. I was very impressed by the food, I'd say it is all freshly prepared. My husband had the soup and sea bream and I had the pate and veggie lasagne, all the food was excellent. Sadly I couldn't quite manage a dessert although I really wanted to try the "Alice Mess". Good selection of wines and beers too. Next time we're in the area we'll be heading back, great setting, friendly atmosphere and good grub/drink. Big roaring fire in the winter making it nice and cosy, they had a beer garden which I'd like to check out in summer too...

Copmanthorpe Motor Sales - by Copycars

Copycars — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:39:48 +0000

Review by Copycars

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01904 703467

Website: www.copycars.co.uk

Tags: used car sales

Great local business, large selection of used cars and friendly service. Has been selling cars in York for over 30 years.Great local business, large selection of used cars and friendly service. Has been selling cars in York for over 30 years.

Harkers - food and service at harkers bar by danthemann1987

danthemann1987 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:53:42 +0000

Review by danthemann1987

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01904 672795

Tags: live music, posh, food

very poor service and very rude to people. was waiting over half an hour before i had to go up to the bar and ask where my order of food was and noted everyone who had ordered after me had been served food. and the food was over cooked and coldvery poor service and very rude to people. was waiting over half an hour before i had to go up to the bar and ask where my order of food was and noted everyone who had ordered after me had been served food. and the food was over cooked and cold

Peter Ward's Coffee House & Tea Rooms - good times by truthteller

truthteller — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:32:14 +0000

Review by truthteller

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01759 304868

Tags: cosy, amazing brew, proper food

i was welcomed with a friendly hello and asked to sit befor ordering. the drinks we ordered (latte and a yorkshire tea) arrived quickly followed by a slight wait for the food which was because the cafe was busy and when it came had clearly been made to order!! a lovely find.i was welcomed with a friendly hello and asked to sit befor ordering. the drinks we ordered (latte and a yorkshire tea) arrived quickly followed by a slight wait for the food which was because the cafe was busy and when it came had clearly been made to order!! a lovely find.

Bombay Spice - Handy back up if Vicerory or Bombay are full !! by oogywawa

oogywawa — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:33:49 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 01904 613300

Tags: indian, lively, takeaway

We visited this bustling Indian on a Race Day so this may excuse the ditzy, but nevertheless, very obliging service.

Nothing was really wrong with the food but then again, nothing sparkled. The shish kebabs were not offensive and the accompanying sauce arrived when we had finished them. The pickle tray that accompanied the poppadoms came with 2 of the containers empty from a previous recipient and had to be refilled, albeit slowly.

The curries (Chicken Tikka Balti and King Prawn Balti) were both OK, but the sauce was tired and lacked any hint of freshness or the combination of spices & flavours that would raise it out of its safe blandness.

The naan breads were of the bonsai variety sadly and we couldn't be bothered to order extra so made do.

I'm sure most people in the place would have been contented with what was served, but very few would have left marking is a "must revisit soon" destination.We visited this bustling Indian on a Race Day so this may excuse the ditzy, but nevertheless, very obliging service.

Nothing was really wrong with the food but then again, nothing sparkled. The shish kebabs were not offensive and the accompanying sauce arrived when we had finished them. The pickle tray that accompanied the poppadoms came with 2 of the containers empty from a previous recipient and had to be refilled, albeit slowly.

The curries (Chicken Tikka Balti and King Prawn Balti) were both OK, but the sauce was tired and lacked any hint of freshness or the combination of spices & flavours that would raise it out of its safe blandness.

The naan breads were of the bonsai variety sadly and we couldn't be bothered to order extra so made do.

I'm sure most people in the place would have been contented with what was served, but very few would have left marking is a "must revisit soon" destination.

1331 Cafe Bar & Restaurant - Poor, poor, poor. by vsj

vsj — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:13:41 +0000

Review by vsj

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01904 641750

Website: http://www.1331-york.co.uk

Tags: international, live music, bar

We waited over 1.5 hours for a very below average Sunday lunch. Veggies not cooked properly and things missing off plates. No one bothered to ask if it was OK. To their credit they did take off the soft drinks off our bill, but this was small compensation given the huge wait. Give it a wide berth...We waited over 1.5 hours for a very below average Sunday lunch. Veggies not cooked properly and things missing off plates. No one bothered to ask if it was OK. To their credit they did take off the soft drinks off our bill, but this was small compensation given the huge wait. Give it a wide berth...

The Parvin - These guys really know what they're doing...! by WombleUK

WombleUK — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:41:27 +0000

Review by WombleUK

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01904 788295

Tags: indian, good value, family & home feel

I have been to the Parvin at Haxby several times now and cannot wait to go back again as the menu is fantastic. As you would expect all the traditional favorites are there but their specials are excellent. I consider myself a bit of a curry connoisseur and have tried most Indian restaurants in and around York. This one really is special, authentic and very, very tasty.

The only negative point I could make is that the only Indian beer they have on draught is Cobra which may not be a negative for some, but I prefer the crisper Kingfisher with a curry. The wine selection is average (although I must admit to not trying many).

I think the Parvin offers good value for money it's prices are about right when comparing to other restaurant in York. If anything for food of this quality I would expect to pay slightly more.

The service I experienced was very good indeed. The waiters were very polite and punctual and were smart of appearance. My last visit was on a very busy Friday evening and although slower than mid-week (which I think can be expected) there was still no hanging around. I also liked that although it was busy I was not rushed from my table. I think I could have stayed as long as I wanted.

For such a large dining room which can get quite noisy when busy I thought it worked well. My wife and I had a table for two near a window and it was not too noisy at all even though it was busy.

To summarise: Great food, good value, I can't wait to go again.I have been to the Parvin at Haxby several times now and cannot wait to go back again as the menu is fantastic. As you would expect all the traditional favorites are there but their specials are excellent. I consider myself a bit of a curry connoisseur and have tried most Indian restaurants in and around York. This one really is special, authentic and very, very tasty.

The only negative point I could make is that the only Indian beer they have on draught is Cobra which may not be a negative for some, but I prefer the crisper Kingfisher with a curry. The wine selection is average (although I must admit to not trying many).

I think the Parvin offers good value for money it's prices are about right when comparing to other restaurant in York. If anything for food of this quality I would expect to pay slightly more.

The service I experienced was very good indeed. The waiters were very polite and punctual and were smart of appearance. My last visit was on a very busy Friday evening and although slower than mid-week (which I think can be expected) there was still no hanging around. I also liked that although it was busy I was not rushed from my table. I think I could have stayed as long as I wanted.

For such a large dining room which can get quite noisy when busy I thought it worked well. My wife and I had a table for two near a window and it was not too noisy at all even though it was busy.

To summarise: Great food, good value, I can't wait to go again.

The Perky Peacock - Fantastic coffee & home-made cakes by satsu

satsu — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:35:15 +0000

Review by satsu

Rating: 5.00

Website: http://twitter.com/theperkypeacock

Tags: cosy, quick bite, quiet & relaxed

Nicola used to zoom around York in a smart car with an espresso machine in the back, but now she's decided to settle down in Barker Tower, just under Lendal Bridge.

She does great coffee (the best I've had in York), home made cakes and biccies, bacon butties, bagels from Via Vecchia (the mystery bakers on The Shambles) and ice cream in case you're still not full.

I work in the office next door and usually just pop in for a take-away, but whenever I have the chance I will come over here for a "meeting" away from the bustle of the office.Nicola used to zoom around York in a smart car with an espresso machine in the back, but now she's decided to settle down in Barker Tower, just under Lendal Bridge.

She does great coffee (the best I've had in York), home made cakes and biccies, bacon butties, bagels from Via Vecchia (the mystery bakers on The Shambles) and ice cream in case you're still not full.

I work in the office next door and usually just pop in for a take-away, but whenever I have the chance I will come over here for a "meeting" away from the bustle of the office.

Alley Cats - Sadly now shut and for sale by oogywawa

oogywawa — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:08:45 +0000

Review by oogywawa

Rating: 1.00

Tags: cosy, quiet & relaxed, proper food

Shut due to the parting of the waves of the owners - a sad lossShut due to the parting of the waves of the owners - a sad loss

Strada - York - DON'T GO VERY BAD!!!!!!!!!! by mary1

mary1 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:47:46 +0000

Review by mary1

Rating: 1.00

Tags: italian, expensive, business

The only think good is the tesco voucher 2 for 1. but the rest is rubbish.The only think good is the tesco voucher 2 for 1. but the rest is rubbish.

The Red Lion Inn - by Sofar

Sofar — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:19:19 +0000

Review by Sofar

Rating: 5.00I recently went here for the first time for Sunday carvery and was pleasantly surprised to see how nice it was inside (I was expecting drab old pub feel, but it's quite modern). I often gauge a place by their toilets (odd I know) and the mens was one of the nicest I've been in.

I'd read via a Google search that the food is meant to be good here and I think the owner used to be head chef at Meltons.

Anyway, Carvery isn't a proper test of the normal food offered there I suppose but it was very good. If I had to criticise I'd say the mash could be a better consistency but otherwise nothing could be faulted. The price was around Â£9 per head. We didn't have desert as we were too stuffed.

It does seem to get busy on a Sunday as you'd expect but we didn't book so had to wait quite a while for our table. In fact I'm a bit hesitant to leave a positive review in case it gets even busier still!I recently went here for the first time for Sunday carvery and was pleasantly surprised to see how nice it was inside (I was expecting drab old pub feel, but it's quite modern). I often gauge a place by their toilets (odd I know) and the mens was one of the nicest I've been in.

I'd read via a Google search that the food is meant to be good here and I think the owner used to be head chef at Meltons.

Anyway, Carvery isn't a proper test of the normal food offered there I suppose but it was very good. If I had to criticise I'd say the mash could be a better consistency but otherwise nothing could be faulted. The price was around Â£9 per head. We didn't have desert as we were too stuffed.

It does seem to get busy on a Sunday as you'd expect but we didn't book so had to wait quite a while for our table. In fact I'm a bit hesitant to leave a positive review in case it gets even busier still!