Latest reviews for Restaurants in York, United Kingdom

Sam Houstons Tex Mex Restaurant & Bar - by Dpreeves

Dpreeves — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:25:06 +0000

Review by Dpreeves

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01904 62 00 00

The meal started well with friendly service and the nacho starters were ok, but it's hard to get a nacho starter wrong. The main meal was very poor. A chicken burrito that was swimming in a watery tomato "soup". The chicken tasted odd too. Like the chicken you would find in a cheap ready meal. I complained to the waiter who was unable to deal with the complaint and could only shrug. A very disappointing meal and service. Resturant is best avoided.The meal started well with friendly service and the nacho starters were ok, but it's hard to get a nacho starter wrong. The main meal was very poor. A chicken burrito that was swimming in a watery tomato "soup". The chicken tasted odd too. Like the chicken you would find in a cheap ready meal. I complained to the waiter who was unable to deal with the complaint and could only shrug. A very disappointing meal and service. Resturant is best avoided.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Asia Gourmet - by Sofar

Sofar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:39:15 +0000

Review by Sofar

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01904 622728

I went here this week because it now seems to be the only place doing sushi in York.

I'd been before, about 5 months ago and although I didn't leave dis-satisfied, I wasn't rushing to come back.

The positives are: Low prices (6 salmon maki Â£2 I think), average to good quality of food, or excellent when taking into account the price. The place also has a charm about it, a bit like eating in someones living room almost. The staff are friendly. The menu also seems improved dramatically since I last went.

The negatives: The only reason I really marked down is service was a bit slow when I went. But I think they were just busy and I saw other tables getting served quicker later. Also, it's not a big issue for me but some people may not be impressed by the toilets, as there is cleaning equipment, bottles of cleaning fluid, mops etc. left out there. But they are reasonably clean otherwise.

Overall I wouldn't hesitate to go back there now and they also do takeaway, which will be great for a sushi addict like myself, providing it's delivered quickly!I went here this week because it now seems to be the only place doing sushi in York.

I'd been before, about 5 months ago and although I didn't leave dis-satisfied, I wasn't rushing to come back.

The positives are: Low prices (6 salmon maki Â£2 I think), average to good quality of food, or excellent when taking into account the price. The place also has a charm about it, a bit like eating in someones living room almost. The staff are friendly. The menu also seems improved dramatically since I last went.

The negatives: The only reason I really marked down is service was a bit slow when I went. But I think they were just busy and I saw other tables getting served quicker later. Also, it's not a big issue for me but some people may not be impressed by the toilets, as there is cleaning equipment, bottles of cleaning fluid, mops etc. left out there. But they are reasonably clean otherwise.

Overall I wouldn't hesitate to go back there now and they also do takeaway, which will be great for a sushi addict like myself, providing it's delivered quickly!

Buzz - Now closed by Sofar

Sofar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:50:58 +0000

Review by Sofar

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 01904 640222

Tags: japanese, lively, expensive

Sadly this restaurant now seems to have closed. I'm putting this message on to stop anyone wasting a journey to go visit, like I had tonight.

I say sadly, because there's now very few places in York for sushi and I am a sushiholic. There's now only Pret a manger, if you can even call their sushi sushi. With branches in Parliamant street and one at the Designer outlet.

Then there's Asia Gourmet on Gillygate. I've only had sushi once there and can't remember it very well, but it could be worth trying.

Indochine is good for other Japanese food + Korean, Chinese, Malay and I'm going to write suggesting they start doing sushi too, now there's a gap in the market.

FWIW, I'm not that surprised Buzz closed down. They had quite a big restaurant so rents were probably quite high and the food standard wasn't really there. Sure it was OK but the menu never appealed to me that much and the sushi I did have there never stood out. I even prefer Yo Sushi to there and I think if they had better footfall and a smaller place with a conveyor belt and cheaper prices it could have worked.

On the plus points, the interior was nice and the staff seemed good too.

I don't know why I'm writing a review of a closed restaurant lol...

Edit 19/11/2009 - This restaurant seems to be re-opening named as Tokyo Joe. Hopefully it will be a big improvement. I will visit and add a review when it's open.Sadly this restaurant now seems to have closed. I'm putting this message on to stop anyone wasting a journey to go visit, like I had tonight.

I say sadly, because there's now very few places in York for sushi and I am a sushiholic. There's now only Pret a manger, if you can even call their sushi sushi. With branches in Parliamant street and one at the Designer outlet.

Then there's Asia Gourmet on Gillygate. I've only had sushi once there and can't remember it very well, but it could be worth trying.

Indochine is good for other Japanese food + Korean, Chinese, Malay and I'm going to write suggesting they start doing sushi too, now there's a gap in the market.

FWIW, I'm not that surprised Buzz closed down. They had quite a big restaurant so rents were probably quite high and the food standard wasn't really there. Sure it was OK but the menu never appealed to me that much and the sushi I did have there never stood out. I even prefer Yo Sushi to there and I think if they had better footfall and a smaller place with a conveyor belt and cheaper prices it could have worked.

On the plus points, the interior was nice and the staff seemed good too.

I don't know why I'm writing a review of a closed restaurant lol...

Edit 19/11/2009 - This restaurant seems to be re-opening named as Tokyo Joe. Hopefully it will be a big improvement. I will visit and add a review when it's open.

Mirchiz - Extreme value for only money by aflhankee

aflhankee — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:31:12 +0000

Review by aflhankee

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01904 637553

Tags: indian, good value, crowded

If only there were other places like this but Mirchiz trully is unique in it's own perfect right. Bravo bravo bravo!If only there were other places like this but Mirchiz trully is unique in it's own perfect right. Bravo bravo bravo!

The Sanctuary Bar & Garden - Lovely restaurant, amazing wedding reception venue by lesley7

lesley7 — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:51:33 +0000

Review by lesley7

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01904 613 061

Tags: food, british, beer garden / outside seating

Lovely restaurant, amazing wedding reception venue!
We had our reception at The Sanctuary this summer - recommended by friends actually, & we had a wonderful day. The food was delicious, staff were attentive & friendly & we even avoided rain so got some lovely pics in the garden!
We saw the review before & felt compelled to respond! Suzy (the manager?) arranged our event & was very organised. We talked to a lot of hotels before we decided on The sanctuary & none of them seemed to offer the same kind of personal attention to detail that we were looking for.
Highly recommended!Lovely restaurant, amazing wedding reception venue!
We had our reception at The Sanctuary this summer - recommended by friends actually, & we had a wonderful day. The food was delicious, staff were attentive & friendly & we even avoided rain so got some lovely pics in the garden!
We saw the review before & felt compelled to respond! Suzy (the manager?) arranged our event & was very organised. We talked to a lot of hotels before we decided on The sanctuary & none of them seemed to offer the same kind of personal attention to detail that we were looking for.
Highly recommended!

The Tudor Rose Bistro - Bad customer service by Peace_frog

Peace_frog — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:05:40 +0000

Review by Peace_frog

Rating: 1.00My companion ordered the plaice dish from the menu but found it so revolting he couldn't eat it. He thought the fish was off so told the staff who responded in a thoroughly unpleasant manner, asking agressively "what do you want us to about it? Noone else has had a problem with it" We were quite shocked at how rude they were to us both, making us feel as if it was us that had done something wrong. They did eventually agree that we didn't have to pay for that dish but the customer service was some of the worst I have ever experienced. Avoid!My companion ordered the plaice dish from the menu but found it so revolting he couldn't eat it. He thought the fish was off so told the staff who responded in a thoroughly unpleasant manner, asking agressively "what do you want us to about it? Noone else has had a problem with it" We were quite shocked at how rude they were to us both, making us feel as if it was us that had done something wrong. They did eventually agree that we didn't have to pay for that dish but the customer service was some of the worst I have ever experienced. Avoid!

Kapadokya - Only for big buffet lovers by mazphd

mazphd — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:20:13 +0000

Review by mazphd

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01904 622500

Tags: turkish, lively, crowded

if your's is for a fine dining, sedate and leisurely experience. Here is not the place.

Everything is ordered buffet style. You'll find that the staff aren't really 'that bover'd' and it isn't that fresh either.

However, good for families wanting a quick hit and large portions.

Oh and the vino is absolutely terrible. Everything about Kapadokya says 'I can't be bothered'. Perhaps thats what Kapadokya means in turkish.if your's is for a fine dining, sedate and leisurely experience. Here is not the place.

Everything is ordered buffet style. You'll find that the staff aren't really 'that bover'd' and it isn't that fresh either.

However, good for families wanting a quick hit and large portions.

Oh and the vino is absolutely terrible. Everything about Kapadokya says 'I can't be bothered'. Perhaps thats what Kapadokya means in turkish.

One19 The Mount - by zola

zola — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:38:43 +0000

Review by zola

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01904 619444

Website: http://www.one19themount.com

Tags: garden, mediterranean, good value

food and service was fatastis.very romantic place with the piano.visited 6'th of aug.recomend to everyonefood and service was fatastis.very romantic place with the piano.visited 6'th of aug.recomend to everyone

Saffron Desi - Prince William went - so what! by Lacuin

Lacuin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:09:19 +0000

Review by Lacuin

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 01904 659999

Tags: indian

You can't miss it, Prince William once ate here - and well that's it. The local paper's coverage is still all over the entrance. So the food - well it's better than average but not sensational. You can find interesting things - I had a chicken liver dish and there is an interesting dish with haddock. For the most part it your standard Korma, Chicken Thika etc. generally fairly well done, the lamb is tender, and often they get away form they gloopy quality of so much "Indian" food. the Handi dish is good in this regard.

Decor rather too glossy-black and the customers, mixed and very respectable, early on and midweek - but this place is on Mickelgate which gets a bit rowdie late at night.You can't miss it, Prince William once ate here - and well that's it. The local paper's coverage is still all over the entrance. So the food - well it's better than average but not sensational. You can find interesting things - I had a chicken liver dish and there is an interesting dish with haddock. For the most part it your standard Korma, Chicken Thika etc. generally fairly well done, the lamb is tender, and often they get away form they gloopy quality of so much "Indian" food. the Handi dish is good in this regard.

Decor rather too glossy-black and the customers, mixed and very respectable, early on and midweek - but this place is on Mickelgate which gets a bit rowdie late at night.