In the last few years, restaurants serving menus of small plates have increasingly appeared across the UK. The popularity of ordering a selection of dishes to be shared by the table may have had a recent rise here, but this social way of eating is rooted in ancient traditions. Most famously associated with Spanish tapas, which dates back centuries and has been imported here for decades, you’ll now also find cuisines from India to Italy providing similar small plate experiences on the British high streets. York has kept up with this trend and has a fine array of eateries cooking up small plate collections. Here’s where to go for tapas in York…
Trio Mezze
On the smallest street with the longest name is a tapas bar which provides a perfect stop off for the throngs of visitors to Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate. Trio Mezze serves Mediterranean small plates including classic favourites patatas bravas, meatballs and calamari. Whether you choose these or other delicacies, weekday daytimes offer three tapas for a bargain £12.95, or perhaps feast into the evening with accompanying cocktails.
Phranakhon
Tapas comes to Thailand at this lovely location on York’s Grape Lane. Phranakhon is a unique delight in the city, creating Thai twists on authentic classics such as Pad Thai, Red and Green Curries, as well as more unexplored flavour sensations. The extensive menu moves from meat to fish to greens, and will make you glad you can sample plenty of them in their small plates format, or pick up three for £12.95 on their every day lunch special.
Sotano
This underground low-lit bar on Little Stonegate gets the mood just right for an evening that is as laid back or lively as you like. The cocktails, wines and beers are great, and you’ll not resist the mouthwatering menu of Mediterranean tapas. From Galician steak and Iberica pork to Spanish wild sauce and Spanish omelette, you’ll feel transported to a taste of their homeland.
Los Moros
Los Moros is a North African eatery which began life at Shambles Market feeding York’s lunchtime revellers with delicious street food wraps. They still treat folk to that there, but now also have a charming restaurant on Grape Lane with a menu of equally excellent and authentic food. This includes a small plates section, where falafels, boureks and zaalouks can be devoured alongside whipped fetas and rose harissas. It’s very veggie friendly and it’s very very nice.
Skosh
Since opening on Mickelgate in 2016, Skosh has been lauded with praise, locally and nationally. Sample their small plates and you’ll agree; creative dishes mixing local ingredients with Asian influences result in a menu full of sensational flavours in a setting that is both relaxed and refined. The food at Skosh evolves with the seasons to constantly keep a fresh choice of veg, fish, meat and raw that is often surprising and always amazing.
Ambiente
A success story of Spanish tapas in York, Ambiente has grown from its Fossgate original to add another site on Goodramgate and one in each of Leeds and Hull. The look is both elegant and industrial, and the food is authentic and elevated, covering classics and specialities from specific Spanish regions. And for a relaxed and rustic Ambiente experience, try their Walmgate bar Tabanco, inspired by southern Spain and serving equally excellent tapas.
Tah Tien
Thai street food tapas style is the USP of Tah Tien and we’re sold. Favourites spring rolls, spicy soups and coconut curries are added to by ancient Thai food and traditional street food in a simple stylish setting on North Street. Order three dishes for £14 all day until 7pm, or celebrate with their set meal special to enjoy even more.
Wine Stories
New to York in the last year, Wine Stories arrived on Parliament Street from Corfu and brought with them the true flavours of Greek cuisine. As well as traditional moussakas and klefticos there is a tapas list which veers from better known favourites such as zucchini and halloumi to lesser eaten expertise like aubergine soufflé and marinated octopus. Share a selection with some Greek wine and you’ll be pleased to meet this York newcomer.
Images: Wine Stories, Sotano, Phranakhon, Los Moros
