Treat yourself to piri-piri chicken at Tasca Frango

Authentic Portuguese cooking is all about humble ingredients brought to life with flavour – something York’s Tasca Frango does incredibly well. Situated on Colliergate, this down-to-earth eaterie replicates the convivial feel of a real Portuguese tasca. The Frango team have perfected their boneless, skin-on piri-piri chicken but their menu also features offerings like crispy grilled sardines, sliced steak in a chimichurri sauce and blackened spiced hispi cabbage. A Tripadvisor review says: ‘This really is a super spot. Really impressed by the menu, especially the signature dish which is the Portuguese grilled chicken thighs… The place has a lovely relaxed buzz about it [and] the playlist was awesome.’

Drink your way to 5-a-day at Drift-In

If you’re looking for vitamin-packed smoothies, Drift-In on High Ousegate is the place to head. This creative café is the perfect hangout for those who want to catch up with friends over lunch or treat themselves while working remotely. The food menu here boasts sweet and savoury options such as pancakes, toasties, grilled sandwiches and ‘super salads’. Many of these can be made dairy-free, gluten-free or vegan, and they can all be accompanied by an invigorating cup of direct trade coffee or a nutritious shake made with fresh fruit and veggies. A Google review says: ‘[Drift-In has] the most welcoming staff and an amazing menu which has such good vegan and vegetarian options. The coffee is always great and there’s some really cool drinks too, like matcha, chai, turmeric and a blue pea latte!’

Choose a scrumptious salad from Lucky Days

Established in 2012, York chain Lucky Days offers hearty and healthy deli-style lunches. At their cafés on Parliament Street and Low Petergate you can choose from a range of freshly made sandwiches, paninis or dishes such as Moroccan chicken casserole, lamb and rosemary meatballs or a fig and stilton slice. These are all served with a green side salad and your choice of three other accompaniments from the café’s well-stocked salad bar. A Tripadvisor review says: ‘[Lucky Days deserves] a five star rating. This is a quirky, bohemian-like set up in a narrow building on several levels. The range of food is amazing…[and the café has] lovely staff, we had a bit of friendly banter which makes an enjoyable visit.’

Fill your fridge with Shelia’s Greengrocer

If you need to stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, why not visit Sheila’s on the Shambles? Founded in 1971, this family-owned greengrocer sells produce from Yorkshire growers as well as tropical fruit from further afield. On their jam-packed stall, you can also pick up herbs, local preserves and affordable boxes of seasonal greens that will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen. Doing your shop on the market is a great way to cut down on excessive packaging but if you’re pushed for time Sheila’s now offers online ordering with home delivery. A Google review says: ‘As always, fantastic fresh local produce.’

Enjoy guilt-free cake at Remedy Coffee Shop

Remedy’s yummy cakes and all-day brunches aren’t just good for you – they’re made and served in a way that’s kind to the planet, too. Since it opened on Fossgate in 2022, this plant-based coffee shop has been on a mission to show York what truly sustainable hospitality can look like. The team here work to zero waste targets and prepare their food using organic local ingredients. If you’re craving a sweet breakfast treat, Remedy’s vegan French toast with cheesecake topping and rhubarb always proves popular. Alternatively, you can tuck into a sarnie or salad followed by your choice from the shop’s constantly-changing selection of vegan cakes. A review on their website says: If you’re a vegan visiting York then this place is a MUST! The food is delish and divine [and] the staff are soo passionate about their food and cafe… Everything is eco friendly as well as vegan . Can’t recommend this place highly enough.’

Images- @driftinyork, @luckydays_1, @risebrunch