Best restaurants in Yorkshire 2026: Our food critics' five best casual dining restaurants in Yorkshire
Yorkshire may have scooped 10 Michelin stars at the most recent ceremony in Dublin - but many of us are happier with a more casual dining experience.
As part of their role in running the rule of the Yorkshire culinary scene, our food reviewers make sure they cover a cross section of restaurants, bars, cafes and even sandwich shops to keep you in the know when it comes to food in our great county.
So yes, while Forge at Middleton Lodge has been named our restaurant of the year as part of our Best Restaurants in Yorkshire 2026 launch, there is something for the casual diner too.
Whether it’s a sandwich shop that turns into a burger joint in the evening, a hip restaurant which started out life as a taco truck or a classy cafe serving up incredible cake and pastries, our critics have run their eyes over all sorts of venues.
Here are the five best casual dining spots where they ate in 2025.
Mary's Sandwich Shop
Our reviewer says: “I have to stop myself getting lyrical about Mary’s. It is, after all just a sandwich shop that turns into a burger joint on Friday and Saturday. But … they are fabulous sarnies and brilliant burgers, and just as importantly they’ve created a place with such a sweet vibe I can’t stay away.
“Eating at place like Mary’s is fast becoming my favourite way to spend time. Of course I enjoy the theatre of fine dining now and again and a tasting menu is welcome when I can’t be bothered to choose.”
Our reviewer says: “Along with their focaccia sandwiches and sharing boards, the speciality here is the fondues. The fondues here, served for a minimum of two people, come with slow roasted potatoes sprinkled with rosemary and paprika, confit garlic, cornichons, balsamic pickled onions, plum and port jam, hot honey and bite sized pieces of bread perfect for dipping. All the good stuff.
“The Cheesy Living Co isn’t fancy or expensive, which just shows that good food doesn’t have to be. I’d happily come here at any time of the year, but on a glacial winter’s evening it really did warm the old cockles.”
8 Dyson Pl, Sharrow, Sheffield S11 8XX
Our reviewer says: “Antojitos (‘little cravings’) turn up in no particular order; we’ve ordered a number of tacos, and a soy and sesame cauliflower is first to arrive, and if it’s any indication of what’s ahead, it’s going to be a good night.
“The tacos are clearly recently made and have quite a strong tell-tale corn taste and these are beautifully soft, and stuffed with feather-light tempura cauli, and a zingy bright green avocado salsa for dipping – so simple, and delicious.”
22-124 King's Rd, Harrogate HG1 5HY
Our reviewer says: “It’s very easy on the eye from the get-go: blonde wood, calming, neutral colours and a long comfortable bench along the far wall, above it shelves with an impressive collection of well-thumbed cookery books and jars of preserves.
“But my eyes land immediately on the shelf groaning with home baked goods: pistachio swirl, cinnamon roll focaccia and a loaf of shokupan, a pillowy, slightly sweet Japanese milk bread. Heck it’s a good looking menu.
“The plates are generous, interesting and different, bringing a frisson of joy to this jaded old palate. There’s no wonder folk are queueing to get in.”
Our reviewer says: “Rare is it that there is nothing to complain about at an eatery, but I cannot think of a single negative with the Old Lifeboat Station.
“Robert has created the best way to enjoy seafood along the Yorkshire coast and easily the best way to kill an afternoon in Brid. I left with a full belly, an undented wallet and a free tan.”