Guest blogger Sean O'Connor takes us through some of his favourite breakfast spots in York...
Enjoying a scrumptious breakfast is the perfect way to start the day and if you’re visiting the historic of city of York you’ll be spoilt for choice.
From charming riverside restaurants that serve up syrup-soaked pancakes, to cosy cafes that whip up a traditional full English, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Some of the best restaurant spots in York are better suited to pre-office outings whilst others make for a dazzling early-morning data destination; all promise a top-notch menu.
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day but if you dine at any of the five eateries below it may just be the best. Set your alarm early and make a beeline for these great breakfast spots in York.
Betty’s Café
Betty’s Café in York has developed a reputation for elegant dining and it’s not hard to see why. The service here is first-class and the plush and charming interiors add a sense of grandeur to any dining occasion.
Most people who have heard of Betty’s probably associate the café with its famous afternoon tea, but did you know that they also serve a delicious breakfast?
That’s right, breakfast diners are Betty’s are in for a real treat. Choose from a diverse mixture of scrumptious early-morning dishes including their acclaimed Swiss Breakfast Rosti, a dish consisting of a gorgeous pan-fried rosti served with tomatoes, mushroom, dry-cured bacon and a poached egg.
If you’re vegan you can enjoy a crushed avocado and toast, made with warm toasted Yorkshire Millers bread. No trip to Betty’s would be a complete without a cup, or three, of tea. Wash down your breakfast with a delicious cup of Betty’s cha.
The Star Inn The City
Situated on the banks of the River Ouse, this charming brasserie-style restaurant is one of York’s most prestigious restaurants, offering city visitors and locals the chance to enjoy exquisite dishes dreamed up by Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern.
The restaurant prides itself on serving up the freshest and finest locally sourced produce and the breakfast menu includes the glorious ‘Full Yorkshire’, a plate that showcases award-winning local sausages accompanied by smoked back bacon, field mushrooms and more.
If you’re after a sweeter breakfast bite you can also indulge in fresh Danish pastries or delicious pancake stacks complete with a range of tasty toppings, including seasonal berries and wildflower honey; it’s little wonder The Star Inn The City is recognised as having one of the best breakfasts in York.
Café No 8
For our next entry we turn our attention to Café No 8. Although this breakfast spot is smaller than some of the other restaurants included in this list, it’s certainly still worth a visit.
Located on the bustling Gillygate in York, which is home to several independent shops, this charming bistro serves up an eclectic mix of early morning dishes that are guaranteed to please even the fussiest of eaters.
Take your seat and enjoy a tasty ‘Full Yorkshire’, complete with thyme roasted tomatoes, black pudding, eggs, and dry-cured bacon. If you’re after a lighter bite then how about trying their take on the classic beans on toast, served with salmon, crème fraiche, watercress and capers?
Finally, Café No 8 diners rave about the bistro’s French Toast which is a toasted brioche accompanied by mascarpone and a zingy blackcurrant compote.
The Blue Barbakan
York’s food scene is both vibrant and varied and visitors to this ancient city will find a mixture of brilliant restaurants influenced by flavours from all over the world.
Nowhere is this more acute than at The Blue Barbakan, an independent restaurant that serves up exceptional Polish and Eastern European cuisine with Western twists.
Breakfast diners here will be greeted by a breakfast menu comprising of traditional British classics such as a Full English, but you can also sample their delicious Polish toast (eggy sourdough with fried bacon and eggs).
The omelettes served at The Blue Barbakan are a real triumph too and the good news for those wanting a lie in is that breakfast is served until noon. Takeaway is also available if you’re in a rush.
The Naked Deli
Last, but certainly by no means least, it’s The Naked Deli; a newbie to the York breakfast scene that has won plenty of admirers since it first opened its doors earlier this year.
The Naked Deli places a lot of emphasis on healthy, fresh and nutritious food and drink. None of the menu items here contain chemicals, hidden sugars or E numbers, and all the breakfast options are packed full of vitamins.
Choose from tasty breakfast bagels and bowls that include smolked salmon or baked halloumi or tuck into a protein pancake with toppings such as maple syrup and peanut butter sauce available.
If you need to refuel after an early morning workout grab a superfood smooth or protein shake.
Do you agree with Sean's choices? Do you have some recommendations of your own? Drop us a note in our comments, we would love to hear from you...