The Dawnay Arms, Newton On Ouse
This riverside gastropub can be found in the picturesque village of Newton on Ouse, near the gates to the National Trust’s Beningbrough Hall. The Dawnay Arms is housed in an elegant 16th century building that oozes character with crackling open fires and beamed ceilings. The pub serves a carefully-curated menu that skilfully combines classic British flavours with those found elsewhere around the globe. These include starters like a Twice Baked Crab Souffle or Duck Liver Parfait. You can then move on to mains such as Pork Fillet and Belly, featuring crispy black pudding, celeriac and buttered hispi cabbage with apple puree and cider sauce, or the Katsu Chicken Kiev, which is accompanied by sweet potato saag aloo, green beans, coriander and mint yoghurt. The Dawnay Arms offers plenty of choice for vegetarians, as well as a tempting dessert board with options like a Pineapple Tart Tatin with coconut and lime ice cream.

1882 Bistro, Northallerton
Residing on the first floor of Barkers department store, this inviting bistro takes its name from the year in which the family-owned business was founded. The 1882 Bistro offers table service and has three beautifully designed seating areas, which have a Scandi feel with natural wood, hanging ferns and large windows that offer a great view over Northallerton’s high street. 1882’s menu changes with the seasons and dishes here are prepared using ingredients sourced from local farms and suppliers. To start, you can try options like St Jacobs Scallops in a garlic and chilli butter, or a Frittata with your choice of fillings. Mains include such delights as a Roasted Pine Nut and Sultana Salad, which is vegan, or a ‘Posh’ Fish Finger Sandwich, featuring breaded haddock goujons, tartare sauce and lettuce on toasted ciabatta.

Joplins, Great Ayton
Located on the edge of the North York Moors, this popular village restaurant is perfect for a romantic night out. Joplins has an intimate feel created by mood lighting and its richly coloured walls. The menu here keeps it simple with a considered selection of quality dishes. Among the starters, you’ll find options like Black Pudding with apple, onions and garlic butter or Dressed Whitby Crab. These can then be followed by King Prawn and Monkfish in Malibu sauce or a Duck Breast on a bed of carrot and parsnip mash, accompanied by redcurrant sauce. Desserts here include a Warm Sunken Chocolate Cake, served with Swiss vanilla ice cream, or a scrumptious Raspberry Crème Brulee.

The Bay Tree, Stillington
Situated in the pretty village of Stillington, not far from the beautiful Howardian Hills, this former coaching inn has a cosy interior that has been updated to add an arty, modern twist. The Bay Tree’s menu has a ‘heavy focus on Yorkshire’, and champions the best produce the area has to offer. To begin your meal, you can enjoy starters like Oriental-style Sticky Beef, which can be followed by mains such as Pan Fried Seabass with caper butter sauce, crushed new potatoes and seasonal greens, or a 10oz Yorkshire-reared Rump Steak, accompanied by roasted tomatoes, confit wild mushrooms, dressed leaf salad, handcut chips and a choice of Harrogate blue cheese or peppercorn sauce. Desserts here include Cherry Bakewell Tart, served with cherry Whim Wham ice cream, or a Brownie Sundae with clotted cream.

The Truffled Hog, Stokesley
This luxurious modern cafe and bistro can be found on College Square, in the heart of the historic market town of Stokesley. The Truffled Hog offers casual dining in a stylish space and its cocktail list is as good as its food menu. Brunch is served all day here and there’s an eclectic range of options to choose from. These include the Whole Hog – a cooked breakfast with bacon, pork and apple sausage, egg, truffled black pudding, a flat cap mushroom and thyme roasted tomato. You can also try Pistachio Eggs Florentine, a Yorkshire Pudding Wrap or a Fluffy Pancake Stack with caramelised apple, sticky toffee sauce, an apple crisp and double cream.

The Durham Ox, Crayke
The Durham Ox has been owned by the Ibbotsons family since 1999. This 300-year-old pub in the picture-postcard village of Crayke is full of charm with flagstone floors and oak panelling. You can even stay overnight here in one of its five converted farm buildings. The pub serves an ever changing menu that features lots of fresh fish, meat, game, seafood and seasonal vegetables. Firm favourites, it says, are asparagus, wild garlic and wild mushrooms. Starters here include Goat’s Cheese and Pea Fritters or Baked Queenie Scallops in garlic and parsley butter. You can then enjoy dishes like a Maple and Thyme Caramelised Shallot Tatin, served with new potatoes, vegetables and a pickled salad, or the Ox’s “Lobster & Chips” Thermidor. If you have any room left afterwards, you can choose from a range of puddings including gluten-free Orange Frangipane Sticky Cake or a Coconut and Mango Sorbet.

Bianco Ristorante, Thirsk
Located in Thirsk’s marketplace, the secret to this popular Italian’s success is its extensive menu, which features ‘good food and quality ingredients at great prices.’ Bianco serves a selection of ‘lite bites’ through the day before switching to its full offering at 4:30pm. From this point on, you can tuck into a range of delicious antipasti, such as Cozze Marinara – seafresh mussels sauteed with garlic, tomatoes, shallots and a hint of chilli – or Bruschetta al Caponata, Sicillian roasted vegetables served on toasted bread. You’ll also find pizza with a variety of toppings here, from the Kiev with chicken and garlic to Bianco’s house special, which features baby mozzarella, prosciutto crudo and cherry tomatoes with rocket and parmesan. Alternatively, if you prefer pasta you can sample options like black ravioli filled with scallops and chives. Bianco Ristorante has a lively, sociable feel and many of its dishes can be made gluten free if requested.

Images: @thetruffledhog @biancoristorantethirsk @thedurhamox