Here in York, three restaurants are putting bold, underrepresented cuisines firmly in the spotlight. Each of these restaurants are offering authentic tastes of homegrown traditions from Portugal, Mexico, and Syria. If you’re seeking something different, deeply flavorful, and made with passion, Tasca Frango, Batanga, and Damastique are must-visits.
Tasca Frango
Tucked away on Colliergate is Tasca Frango, a celebration of honest, hearty Portuguese cooking. It’s a love letter to Portugal’s tasca culture with intimate eateries where locals gather to share plates and stories. The star of the show? Frango piri-piri. Chargrilled over flames, their chicken is juicy, smoky, and fiery in just the right way.
But there’s so much more here than just chicken. Ranging from homemade croquettes, batatas bravas and creamy custard tarts that rival any pastel de nata you’ll find in Porto, to their signature goan curry and a delicious basque pistachio cheesecake. Tasca Frango captures a comfortable, relaxed pace of dining that invites you to stay for a while whilst you sip on your drink and fall in love with Portugal’s rustic, sun-soaked flavours.
Batanga
Batanga offers vibrant, flavourful Mexican street food rigjt in the heart of York. This isn’t Tex-Mex, it’s the real thing. Batanga will transport your taste buds across the Atlantic with authentic Mexican flavours. Experience smoky salsas, marinated meats, and zingy freshness. Their tacos are delicious and piled high, with juicy pork belly, beef birria, or crispy cauliflower.
Batanga is also home to some of the city’s strongest (and most delicious) margaritas. It’s the kind of place that invites celebrations and a second round of drinks. Batanga is the perfect venue for catch-ups with friends or casual dates, where you can taste your way through the menu with every bite offering something bold and exciting. And if you’re local, you can take advantage of their exclusive discount programme where you can get 30% off all food with a valid voucher. What more could you ask for!
Damastique
Damastique brings the authentic flavours of Syria to the heart of York and with it, a deep sense of tradition, hospitality, and care. This family-run spot offers a menu that’s both rich in heritage and beautifully prepared, as well as being fully halal meaning every guest can dig in and enjoy. Expect fragrant rice dishes, spiced lamb, grilled halloumi, and the creamiest hummus in town.
What makes Damastique so special isn’t just the food, it’s the atmosphere. Every plate feels personal, and every dish tells a story full of culture. At Damastique you can enjoy the kind of meal that nourishes in every sense, with an inviting spirit that makes you truly feel like part of the Damastique family.
Images – @tascafrango, @batangayork
