As the last day of the summer holidays loomed, it was tempting to channel our gloom into sorting out the school bags and embarking on a giant game of Hunt The PE Kit. But that’s no way to celebrate surviving (and sometimes actually enjoying) another six-week school-free stint, so we headed to Ambiente Tapas in Fossgate, the best spot in York for tapas, for a family lunch instead. We’ve always loved Ambiente – it’s independent, serves delicious food and has relaxed, family-friendly vibes – but this was our first visit for a while so we hoped that everyone would still like it. Spoiler alert: they did.
A short stroll along Fossgate, one of York’s coolest streets, this branch of Ambiente is York’s newest and has recently had a smart but cosy makeover. While Ambiente’s Goodramgate restaurant has more traditional Spanish vibes, we love the space and atmosphere of Fossgate (and it’s more buggy-friendly if you have younger kids). We were greeted warmly, and it was clear that kids aren’t just tolerated but welcomed at Ambiente. Families with children of all ages were dotted around the restaurant, happily tucking into their lunches, which is always a good sign.
With three children to feed, who rarely agree on eating the same thing (pizza aside, obviously), Ambiente’s menu was a lifesaver. We ordered a selection of tapas so that everyone could – in theory – try everything and find something they liked. Ambiente’s menu is a real crowd-pleaser, with a well-curated selection that spans everything from traditional Spanish favourites to more adventurous options, catering to vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike.
For our family, being able to mix and match dishes was ideal. We tucked into patatas bravas, vegan meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, chorizo and potatoes, and vegan enchiladas (or Spanish spring rolls, as our youngest insisted they were). The kids’ highlights were the hot, crispy patatas bravas with spicy sauce, the surprisingly convincing vegan chorizo and potato and even vegan ‘calamari’ rings. They had a fork-fight over the last meatless meatball, so it’s fair to say they were a hit, too.
What’s particularly impressive is how the restaurant transforms even the simplest of vegetables into something that kids will happily devour. The green beans, for instance, were a standout dish – crisp, perfectly seasoned, and a surprise hit with the kids, who normally avoid anything on the green spectrum (apart from cucumber, obviously). And the aioli? Well, let’s just say we would have happily smothered everything on the table with it. And if sherry’s your thing, Ambiente is the place. There’s a fantastic selection of the best handpicked sherries, so we’d definitely recommend a glass (or two).
By the time we polished off the last of the tapas, we thought we wouldn’t have room for pudding, but the lure of the dessert menu was too strong. The Northern Bloc ice cream was a hit with the kids, while the adults indulged in a decadent brownie and a lovely crème brûlée. If you’re looking for a place to eat out as a family in York, Ambiente Tapas is one of our top recommendations. We love the relaxed, stylish atmosphere, faultless food and family-friendly service. All the pleasures of the perfect Spanish family meal without digging out your passports. Perfect.
Ambiente, 31 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA
