Robinsons

Situated on Bishopsthorpe Road, Robinsons keeps the same menu throughout the day with just a few options that are only available until 12pm. This neighbourhood restaurant was founded by chefs who have previously worked at Michelin-starred eateries, but its feel is pleasingly unfussy. You can keep breakfast simple here with a warm bakery basket or treat yourself to a twist on a traditional favourite in the form of black pudding and smoky bacon hash, or try breakfasts from around the world like Bombay-style potato or Turkish eggs. Those with a sweet tooth will also love Robinsons’ American pancakes, which come with a choice of toppings. On the restaurant’s drinks menu, you’ll find coffee and speciality lattes, freshly squeezed orange juice and teas from Brew and the Birdhouse Tea Co..

The Pig & Pastry

Another Bishy Road favourite is The Pig & Pastry. This lively, arty café has been named many times as one of the best places to eat in York – including by The Guardian and Buzzfeed. The Pig serves breakfast, brunch and lunch from a regularly changing menu that’s written on large blackboards on its walls. This features enticing specials such as a pulled pork sandwich, Italian chickpea soup, or a pakora burger with Indian spiced fritters, raita, lime pickled onions and homemade chutney. The team at this family-owned cafe bake their own bread and their counters are always filled with different homemade cakes that can be eaten in or enjoyed elsewhere with a takeaway coffee.

The Hand

This modern bar and bottle shop opened a year ago on Acomb’s York Road. Boasting a cool, minimal feel, The Hand is all about great wines and its carefully curated wine list features bottles with a ‘sense of place’. These are sourced from growers who often work using organic and biodynamic methods, while The Hand’s food menu is equally considered and evolves following ‘the ancient wheel of the year’. The dishes that it serves are crafted using sustainable, seasonal ingredients from small local producers. Recent highlights have included options like January King cabbage with celeriac puree, miso butter, crispy bacon and a pistachio crumb, or the ‘28 Mile’ bistro salad, which is made entirely from North Yorkshire produce.

Sojo Bistro

Also located on York Road in Acomb, Sojo Bistro offers delicious breakfasts and brunches with platters to share in the afternoon and evening. This fully-licensed bistro opened earlier this year and it is owned by sisters Sophie Armstrong and Josephine Leffler, who wanted to give the area a sit down restaurant as popular as those found on Bishopsthorpe Road. You can start your day here with a cooked breakfast or a scrumptious dippy egg with bacon jam, butternut squash puree and cheese twists. After 12pm, you can then choose from social boards or small plates like raclette hash browns with smoked paprika and garlic mayo, Sojo fried chicken, or festive pigs in blankets with mulled wine. These can all be accompanied by fresh coffee, wine or cocktails. The restaurant is also currently offering a special Christmas menu that can be booked in advance.

Bruberrie

The beautifully-styled Bruberrie is reminiscent of a French patisserie with its dreamy pastel interior and pistachio-coloured shop front. This independent café and bar can be found on The Mount and it sells all kinds of baked goodies, including crisp pastries and pretty cakes. These can be enjoyed by themselves or as part of an afternoon tea. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to tuck into something more substantial, Bruberrie serves an all-day brunch or lunches like a Yorkshire beef or lamb burger, which is served on a brioche bun with onion slaw, tomato, spinach, cheese and fries. You can also take your pick from a selection of paninis, wraps and toasties. To drink, the cafe sells flavoured coffees and shakes, along with wine and other alcoholic beverages.

Images- @robinsonsyork, @sojobistro, @thehandyork