The Star Inn at Harome

A traditional thatched inn situated on the edge of the beautiful North York Moors, the Star Inn at Harome has won a host of prestigious awards over the last two decades, including Top UK Gastropub and a much-coveted Michelin star. The Star offers a wonderful tasting menu for £125pp but you can also dine à la carte. You can treat yourself to their options of Whitby lobster and organic salmon ravioli and herb-roasted crown of partridge with gamekeeper’s haggis. The inn’s dessert offering includes ‘banoffee re-worked’ in the form of a ‘caramelia’ made with Filey rum, Blue Mountain coffee, Madagascan vanilla and roast banana ice cream. 

Starters: £9-28 – Mains: £24-£38 – Desserts: £8.50-£15

La Trattoria, Malton

This contemporary bistro on Malton’s Wheelgate boasts a modern yet cosy interior and serves authentic, seasonal Italian food. From 5-9pm, you can enjoy a dinner of hearty favourites, including pasta dishes such as lobster ravioli or pappardelle. You’ll also find pizza and risotto on the menu here, along with mains like ‘Saltimbocca alla Romano’ – pork tenderloin with sage, prosciutto di Parma and a rich gravy. La Trattoria offers plenty of choice for both vegetarians and meat eaters alike and those with a sweet tooth may well be tempted by the restaurant’s desserts list, which features Italian classics like Affogato or a Limoncello flute. 

Mains: £13-£23 – Desserts: £3.50-£6.50

The Feversham Arms, Helmsley

A Mediterranean-inspired oasis in Helmsley, The Feversham Arms boasts its own spa, hotel and AA Rosette Award-winning restaurant. The Weathervane restaurant also has wood-burning fires to warm up next to on the coldest days. Here, you can sit down to an exquisite meal, made with some of the best ingredients the region has to offer. On the à la carte menu, you’ll find starters such as beef tartare with pickles, butternut squash veloute and a pickled onion toastie. You can then move on to mains like poached and rolled skate wings with chicken butter sauce, or guinea fowl supreme. Dessert options here include spiced pumpkin panna cotta or a selection of enticing petits fours, which are handmade locally by a charity which supports Autism Plus. The Feversham serves a children’s menu throughout the day, featuring a range of wholesome dishes for little ones.

£64 for three courses (à la carte) – £18.50 for three courses (children’s menu)

The Talbot, Malton

Once a private mansion associated with horse racing, the Talbot reopened as a coaching inn during the 17th century and became a popular stop on the route from York to Scarborough. In 2010, the hotel underwent a £4 million renovation and nine years later it was updated again, drawing on the building’s rich history and period features to create an elegant, inviting interior. Diners can start their meal with a smoked haddock scotch egg with watercress salad or a chicken liver parfait. The Talbot’s seasonal mains include beetroot risotto with charred goat’s cheese or slow braised ox cheek. If you’re a fan of dessert, you can then finish with options like blueberry clafoutis with lemon sorbet or upside down plum and hazelnut pudding with crème fraiche and plum syrup.

Starters: £5.95-£8.95 – Mains: £14.95-£32 – Desserts: £5.95-£6.96

Mannion & Co, Helmsley

Founded by the Mannion family over 30 years ago, Mannion & Co started life as a traditional greengrocers in York and evolved to become a much-loved cafe serving dishes inspired by cuisine from around the world. This welcoming bistro is only open until 4pm, but makes a great spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Here, you can sample dishes like ‘beef cheek’ macaroni cheese or harissa roasted cauliflower. Mannion & Co are known for their artisan baked goods, which include delicious bread, cakes and pastries and the Helmsley restaurant has a rustic feel with stunning views over Helmsley Castle. Those looking for a lighter bite can choose from a range of freshly made sandwiches with inventive fillings to suit most diets.

Mains: £6.95-£14.50

Willowgate Bistro, Pickering

A relaxed restaurant with a modern interior, the Willowgate Bistro in Pickering offers an intimate dining experience with friendly, attentive service. The menu here changes every few months, enabling the bistro’s chefs to use the freshest seasonal produce. Starters include pan seared scallops or slow braised pork shoulder with bubble and squeak. You can then get stuck into one of the bistro’s beautifully presented mains, like duck breast or a cod fillet. If you have some room left after all of that, there’s a selection of heavenly desserts to choose from, such as chocolate and nut baked Alaska or a lemon panna cotta with mixed berry compote. 

£36 for two courses – £42 for three courses

Bantam, Helmsley

Situated on Bridge Street in the picturesque market town of Helmsley, Bantam has earned itself a place in this year’s Michelin Guide thanks to its friendly, laid back atmosphere and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. Dinner is served here from 5-9pm and you can begin your meal with one of the restaurant’s imaginative takes on classic starters like oxtail and saffron arancini or whipped chicken liver parfait. Mains here come in the form of sharing plates. These change throughout the year due to the availability of certain ingredients but seafood and vegetarian dishes make a regular appearance. For afters, you can enjoy such delights as a grapefruit and Campari granita. The restaurant’s wine list is in keeping with its wider ethos and features low-intervention wines from small and independent vineyards. 

Starters: £4-£8 – Sharing Plates: £12-21 – Desserts: from £5-£7

Photos: Bantam, The Feversham Arms, Mannion & Co