Breakfast is a parent’s dream, isn’t it? It’s the one mealtime that’s usually stress-free, especially when you’re out and about. After all, who can be grumpy when there are pancakes on the menu? Start your day in York right by heading to one of these fantastic breakfast and brunch spots. York’s food scene is booming, with plenty of family-friendly cafes and restaurants to choose from. Here’s our pick of the best. Enjoy!
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1. Robinsons
Robinsons, on York’s famous Bishopthorpe Road, is legendary for its delicious all-day brunch menu and often its all-day queues! With a relaxed vibe, friendly staff and space for buggies, it’s worth the wait. On a sunny day, take one of the outside tables or window seats and watch the world go by.
We love – The pancake stacks, Mexican eggs and cracking coffee.
Address – Robinsons, 7 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA
2. The Bluebird Bakery
The Bluebird Bakery’s Acomb cafe, about a mile from York city centre, is a spacious, stylish and inviting space with a delicious selection of pastries and other baked goods. Children are warmly welcomed, and they even have a children’s corner with books and toys.
We love – The almond croissants and epic cheese straws.
Address – The Bluebird Bakery, 201 Acomb Rd, Acomb, York YO24 4HD (the bakery in York city centre is at Little Shambles, York, YO1 L1Y)
3. The Pig & Pastry
Another reason to walk the ten minutes from York city centre to Bishopthorpe Road, breakfast and brunch at The Pig and Pastry is hard to beat. Expect expertly cooked brunch favourites and imaginative specials with a twist at this neighbourhood favourite. No bookings, so expect to queue at peak times.
We love – We struggle to choose between the waffles and porridge – so good.
Address – The Pig & Pastry, 35 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA
4. Brew and Brownie
The only thing we’d change about Brew & Brownie is that everyone knows how good it is! If you’d like to try it for yourselves, you’ll need to be organised (we’d recommend getting there before it opens, especially at weekends). It’s a lovely family-run place that deserves its reputation.
We love – The fluffy pancakes, Big Brew Veggie Breakfast and the sweetcorn fritters.
Address – Brew & Brownie, 5 Museum St, York YO1 7DT
5. Heppni Bakeri
Brand new to the York bakery scene, Heppni Bakeri is a bright, welcoming place to pick up a freshly made bake or sit in and enjoy a coffee and cake with the family. There’s a Scandi-inspired twist, and everything is handcrafted with love.
We love – The Paddington pastry, with marmalade, is unbelievably good, and the banana bread is a favourite with our kids.
Address – 14 Swinegate, York YO1 8AZ
6. Flori
This lovely little neighbourhood bakery is a popular spot for early-rising parents in need of a caffeine and pastry fix. Expect beautiful handcrafted pastries, good coffee and queues on a weekend morning. There’s only a tiny amount of outdoor seating – this is mostly a takeaway place – but it’s worth a bit of lap-sharing.
We love – The cardamom rolls and seasonal specials using fruit from the Flori allotment.
Address – 9 Scarcroft Rd, York YO23 1ND
7. Bettys
Breakfast at Bettys is the ultimate traditional York experience, so it’s a popular way for visitors to start their day. If your kids are patient enough to wait in the (almost inevitable) queue, you’ll be rewarded with a family-friendly welcome. The Little Rascal children’s menu has some lovely options, including a little version of the Bettys English breakfast!
We love – The cinnamon toast and buttery scrambled eggs on English muffins.
Address – 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP
8. Tabanco by Ambiente
For something a bit different, head to Tabanco by Ambiente on a Sunday (10am to 2pm) for a Spanish-themed brunch. Even our kids – not always the most adventurous – enjoy the pan con tomate and freshly cooked tortilla.
We love – The baked eggs, tortilla and, for the kids, the churros (it’s never too early for churros, apparently).
Address – Tabanco by Ambiente, 59 to 63 Walmgate, York YO1 9TY
9. Little Arras
One of our absolute favourites, Little Arras is a real hidden gem and a great spot for breakfast in York. The coffee is good and strong, and there’s always an array of delicious pastries and interesting cakes, if you decide it isn’t too early in the day to indulge. Take it away to enjoy in the sunshine (you never know!) or there’s seating and enough space for buggies if you’d rather sit in.
We love – Everything
Address – Little Arras, 50 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF
10. Brew and Brownie Bakeshop
Heart set on brunch at Brew and Brownie, but can’t face the queue? Good news – the Brew and Brownie Bakeshop is just a couple of doors along the road and it’s a lovely place for breakfast. It’s a lovely bright space to sit in, or take away and head to the Museum Gardens.
We love – Blueberry-topped porridge and cinnamon buns.
Address – Brew and Brownie Bakeshop, 9 Museum Street, York YO1 7DT
11. Rise Brunch
Rise is one of the most popular places for brunch in York and, yes, again you might find yourselves in a bit of a queue. But good things come to those who wait, which in this case means generously-filled breakfast rolls, eggs of every variety and pretty acai bowls.
We love – The Mexican eggs and French toast
Address – Rise Brunch, 44 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF
12. Dark Horse Espresso Bar on Bishy Road
Serving breakfast favourites, tasty pastries and excellent coffee, The Dark Horse Espresso Bar is a welcoming place for breakfast or brunch. Children are warmly welcomed, and there’s a terrace outside if the weather’s good enough. It’s just two minutes from the river and Rowntree Park if you just want a takeaway to enjoy while you stroll.
We love – The toasted banana bread is so good.
Address – The Dark Horse Espresso Bar, 147A Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NZ
13. Partisan
Partisan is a beautiful, independent family-run cafe on Micklegate serving delicious locally sourced food and good coffee. It’s a great option for a classy but relaxed breakfast or brunch in York. Gluten-free and vegan options are always available.
We love – The French toast and shakshuka are both delicious
Address – 112 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
14. Double Dutch Pancake House
Pancakes are the perfect start to the day, and York is lucky to have a cafe that’s entirely dedicated to one of the world’s most popular breakfast foods! Choose from sweet, savoury, vegan and gluten-free.
We love – The Full Dutch Vegetarian for the adults, and the Monkey Magic (bananas and salted caramel) or Rocky Road for the kids.
Address – Double Dutch Pancake House, 7 Church Street, York YO1 8BG
