Sunday lunch in York

[AnnaQuayRules]

We are going to York for a family event. None of us are very familiar with the city although we've all visited on day trips etc.

I'm looking for a nice restaurant or pub in the city centre which does a great Sunday lunch. Cost isn't an issue. Preferably we'd like somewhere that isn't too noisy (2 of the party are in their 80s and slightly deaf). There will be 8 of us, all adults.

Someone recommended Star In The City to me but I can't access their Sunday lunch menu. Any other recommendations from MNers who know York?

TIA

Stonegate Yard is fab for Sunday lunch or even just their normal menu. Very reasonably priced.
Seating inside or there is a covered heated outside part as well

The Pearly Cow - lovely Sunday lunch and a quieter pub. It is down steps though, in case accessibility is an issue

https://www.starinnthecity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Sample-Sunday-Menu-2025-1.pdf

I wouldn't go to Stonegate Yard - it's more of a younger people on a budget than a spendy place to take your gran!

Fat Badger is really nice, its a higgledy piggledy old building with lots of rooms and nooks, so they should be able to find you a quite corner if you ring them up in advance and explain.

I personally haven't gotten on with Star Inn the City - the location is great but it's just a bit meh.

Minster Refrectory might be a good shout - really lovely old building that should fit the bill.

The main thing is to get booked in!

Not been for Sunday lunch but had a nice ‘normal’ lunch! We were on the terrace outside but it was 35 degrees!

Yes- also the Minster refrectory.

Yes to Minster Refectory

The Fat Badger

Thanks for all the suggestions. It's to celebrate a "big" birthday, hence price not being an issue (within reason!). Is York Minster Refectory "special" enough for that?

Thanks @SW19pimms . When I tried the link earlier it told me it wasnt available. That menu looks great.

Is the food good?

I've had a few dud meals at the Refectory- when they are good they are great but more have been 'meh'. Same with Star- not good value for the money sometimes.

The Whippet Inn does an incredible Sunday Roast.

The Fat Badger is also a good shout, lots of cubby rooms available too.

The Chopping Block is also great, although the building isn't as wow as the other two.

Whippet Inn is fab and has a private dining room if you fancy that

@AnnaQuayRules- we did have a nice meal but to be honest it was so hot that I’m not sure I can really remember it- was peak heatwave! Skosh is also fab but maybe not the vibe you’re looking for.

Thank you

I love the Minster Refectory! For a special event it’s comfortably the nicest venue in York, the Star is probably next but the Refectory is really very beautiful and if you book the private room upstairs you look directly over The Minster.

The Sunday lunch here is excellent. https://www.thecutandcraft.co.uk/

We had a decent lunch at the refectory but for something special I’d go to cafe no 8 on Gillygate. Very good food indeed and a lovely little place with delightful staff.

I absolutely love the star inn the city. Food is wonderful, great service, really nice setting. The refectory is lovely too (same owners) but i prefer the star. Puddings are 10/10 too.

The guy fawkes also does a great traditional pub style offer.

The Whippet would always be my first choice for a high standard Sunday lunch, followed by Refectory. I agree with others that Star is a bit meh!

we like the The Old White Swan!

Roots in Yorks "Sunday feast" is basically a roast and is spectacular, although it is quite fancy and a bit more fine dining, so might not suit the older members. Otherwise the suggestions you have are good!
rootsyork.com/sunday-feast/

I'd highly recommend the Guy Fawkes Inn for Sunday lunch. We have been a few times and it has been fabulous. It's a lovely historic building, but also has a great "secret" garden at the rear. It's totally covered so you can sit out in poor weather, with heaters and cozy blankets. I've done lots of the places recommended but would chose the Guy Fawkes over all of them.

I find that my older relatives like The Ivy or Betty’s as a treat. The Milner Hotel or The Grand could also be good choices.

The Whippet Inn

Thanks everyone.

Roots Roast looks good but there's not enough choice.

The Whippet probably ticks most of our boxes but I'll also look at the Guy Fawkes Inn.