Firmly established as a foodie hotspot, Helmsley and the surrounding area boasts a seriously impressive collection of eateries. In and around town you’ll find everything from fine dining restaurants to cosmopolitan cafes and hearty Yorkshire gastro pubs.
So in no particular order, here’s our choice of the Top 10 Places to Eat in Helmsley…
#01 Pignut & The Hare
A relative newcomer to the food scene in Helmsley but already listed in the Michelin Guide, Pignut is an intimate little restaurant. It’s just moved from it’s original location on Bridge Street a few miles out of town to a lovely old building in Scawton. Diners have the choice of a 4 or 8 course tasting menu, with dishes championing locally produced and foraged ingredients from places like Helmsley Walled Garden and the nearby Castle Howard Estate. Imaginative cocktails and an excellent wine list complete the experience.
12 Scawton | 01845 597769
https://pignutandthehare.co.uk
#02 Mannion & Co
An absolute favourite, we rarely visit Helmsley without popping in for at least a coffee. This upmarket cafe is a sister to the team’s other outlets in York and Easingwold. The brunch menu is superb – you really must try the Yorkshire Rarebit with bacon at least once! Fabulous (huge) scones are another speciality, along with excellent roasts on Sundays.
5 Castlegate, Helmsley | 01439 770044
mannionandco.co.uk/helmsley
#03 The Star Inn
This Michelin-starred 14th Century thatched Inn set in the neighbouring hamlet of Harome is something of a Yorkshire institution. Under Chef Andrew Pern’s ownership since 1996, it has been a magnet for discerning diners for decades with its charming character-filled interiors and hearty food. Expect a Yorkshire-led menu featuring local game, fresh fish from Whitby and seasonal ingredients from its own kitchen garden. You can book a table in the restaurant or opt for dining by the fire in the pub – available on a first come, first served basis.
High Street, Harome | 01439 770397
thestaratharome.co.uk
#04 The Vinehouse Cafe
Harder to imagine a more idyllic setting for this cafe, tucked away inside the vine-clad Victorian Glass Houses of Helmsley’s Walled Garden. Hearty soups, gorgeous summer salads and deeply indulgent cakes are just some of the delights which await. In the warmer months dine al fresco to enjoy uninterrupted views of the walled garden, Helmsley Castle and the Duncombe Park Estate beyond – just heavenly! Great option for doggies as the whole cafe is very dog-friendly.
Helmsley Walled Garden, Duncombe Park | 01439 771194
vinehousecafehelmsley.co.uk
#05 Coopers of Helmsley
This bright and welcoming bistro is a favourite with families and has a charming ‘neighbourhood restaurant’ vibe. Set right in the heart of Helmsley its locally inspired menu has a nice mix of seafood, vegetarian and meat dishes like the classic steak and chips.
8 Bridge Street, Helmsley | 01439 770479
coopersofhelmsley.com
#06 The Pheasant Hotel
Just around the corner from The Star Inn at Harome, The Pheasant has created a real buzz about its food in recent years. The tasting menu is particularly good and we love the old school country house hotel atmosphere – perfect for a special occasion. There are a few different options for eating including a huge light-filled conservatory and the more traditional dining room. There’s also a pleasant outdoor terrace overlooking a duck pond for the warmer months.
Mill Street, Harome | 01439 771241
thepheasanthotel.com
#07 La Trattoria
This delightful little bistro and pizzeria sits in the market square in Helmsley. It serves authentic Italian inspired dishes like fennel sausage ragu, chicken with wild mushroom risotto and of course a great selection of pizza and pasta dishes. It’s also open in the mornings and has an excellent breakfast menu available up to 11am. Yummy desserts and cocktails too…
Market Place, Helmsley | 01439 771044
fatchefcompany.co.uk/la-trattoria-helmsley
#8 The Feathers Hotel
Last but not least in our Top 10 Places to Eat in Helmsley! This 16th Century Coaching Inn is the beating heart of Helmsley’s town square with its wisteria clad sandstone frontage and traditional country interiors. Serving food from breakfast to supper a hearty meal is guaranteed whatever the time of day. You can pre-book in the restaurant or just show up for a meal by the fire in the bar. The food is traditional English pub grub done very well, we particularly love the cooked breakfasts and Sunday roasts.
Market Place, Helmsley | 01439 770275
feathershotelhelmsley.co.uk