York’s food scene is booming, with excellent French, Thai, and Indian options, as well as Chinese, Nepalese, and Japanese. When it comes to eating out in York with kids though, one cuisine beats them all: Italian. Pizza, to be precise. It can’t just be our kids who disagree on almost everything except their favourite dining out option: a tasty margherita in a nice relaxed space. No worries about being on their smartest behaviour or having to try something they might not like. While it’s great to gently persuade them out of their crusty comfort zone sometimes, in the interests of an easy life, we often find ourselves in one of York’s many pizza joints tucking into yet another slice. And if everyone’s happy, who are we to complain? After plenty of research, these are our top places for pizza in York.
Pizza in York – Our pick of the best
1. Cresci Pizzeria
For an authentic taste of Italy without leaving the country, head to Cresci Pizzeria where you’ll find genuine Neopolitan pizzas, warm service and a relaxed vibe. If you’re still hungry after your main (unlikely), why not ask for the secret tiramisu that you won’t find on the menu? Cresci is really popular, so do book ahead if you can. Cresci, 20 Piccadilly, York YO1 9NU
2. Rudy’s Pizza York
The newest kid on the block, Rudy’s is a welcome addition to the York pizza scene. In the heart of the city centre, this large, open restaurant is big on relaxed vibes and authentic Neapolitan pizzas. There’s no kids’ menu, but plenty of choice and options to customise your pizza so everyone’s happy. Customers are encouraged to eat with their hands, which is music to little ears. Rudy’s Pizza York, 5 High Ousegate, York YO1 8RX
3. Dough Eyed Pizza
Nestled in York’s Shambles Market, Dough Eyed is a favourite with locals in the know. As well as cracking woodfired pizzas, they serve delicious cocktails and mocktails, and even Nutella dippers (baked dough strips, with Nutella to dip them in!) for pudding. Dough Eyed, 7 Jubbergate, York YO1 8RT
4. Trinacria
In the heart of legendary Bishy Road, Trinacria is a much-loved neighbourhood Sicilian restaurant that’s known for its delicious pizzas. There are plenty of other options on the menu, too, from fresh pasta to tasty salads and arancini. Leave space for a scoop or two of their famous homemade gelato, which is every child’s dream come true. Takeaway and eat-in available. Trinacria, 27 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA
5. Rad Pizza Shop at Spark:York
York’s answer to a box park, Spark:York has long been one of our top recommendations for a relaxed family-friendly place to eat. There’s a host of street food to choose from, all ordered through an app so you can all eat from somewhere different if you can’t agree (ideal if you can’t agree on what to eat). Our kids love the pizza from Rad, and even if we choose something more exotic, we’ll often get a garlic pizza bread from Rad to share as a starter. Spark:York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
6. Pizza Express
We can’t do a round-up of places to eat pizza in York without mentioning the OG: Pizza Express. It may not be local or independent, but it does what it does well and the Museum Street restaurant is a lovely space for a family meal. It’s a popular pick for family birthdays, and the dough balls are the stuff of legend. There are three Pizza Express restaurants in York: River House, 17 Museum Street, York, YO1 7DJ, 10 St Sampsons Square, York, YO1 8RN and York Designer Outlet, St Nicholas Avenue, Fulford, York, YO19 4TA.
7. The Block
A relaxed option for the cool kids, The Block is a pizza bar with an ever-changing selection of toppings. Served by the slice, expect interesting toppings, plenty of options for veggies and vegans, and a good range of beers for the grown-ups. The Block, 54 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF
