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Hours
Sun
9:30 - 22:00
Mon
11:00 - 23:00
Tue
11:00 - 23:00
Wed
11:00 - 23:00
Thu
11:00 - 23:00
Fri
9:30 - 0:00
Sat
9:30 - 0:00
MICHELIN
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2023
MICHELIN
View more on MICHELIN GuideRATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Special Occasion Dining, Romantic, View, Groups, Business meetings
MICHELIN Guide's Point of View
This buzzy all-day brasserie sits within an old brick-built engine house and boasts a lovely terrace overlooking the river. Carefully cooked dishes are...
Read more on MICHELIN GuideDetails
About
Located in the Old Engine House on the edge of York's Museum Gardens in a riverside setting close to the historic Lendal Bridge, The Star Inn The City has an enviable position, which we aim to match with the best produce God's Own Country has to offer and genuine Yorkshire hospitality for the 'whole package'.
PRICE RANGE
£12.00 – £32.00
CUISINES
British
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.0
4,209 reviews
Excellent
2,072
Very good
844
Average
684
Poor
369
Terrible
240
emma a
Barnsley23 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Can’t recommend this place enough, visited for lunch today and the food was beautiful. We had the fixed price menu and every course was delicious,just enough on your plate with out you feeling stuffed. I had emailed before we went as we went for both my husband and my birthdays and requested a good table and would like to say that they went above and beyond. We had a lovely view of the river and park around us and after our meal were treated to an amazing plate with happy birthday written in chocolate and some chocolate fudge which we weren’t expecting. Our waiter was -Archie I think he was called was polite and friendly , made us feel really at home. So thank you for an amazing lunch we will definitely be back.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashleigh U
3 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
I Visited this restaurant on my birthday with my partner on the 9th September. The food was absolutely spot on however the service was not great. When we entered the restaurant there was a woman who seemed to be upset by something she had been told by the waitress on shift and she left the restaurant before going to her table. The staff then celebrated when she left, high fived eachother, laughed and shouted “thank f*ck for that” and other similar phrases. When we were seated there was a couple across the way from us who possibly worked In the restaurant or at least knew the staff there and were getting free drinks and food. The banter between the male seated at the table and the male on shift was relentless and they were putting their middle fingers up at eachother, laughing and joking and being very in appropriate. This did ruin the experience in the restaurant and completely took away the relaxing atmosphere we hoped the restaurant would provide. The waitress serving us was brilliant and managed to stay out of the staff banter that evening however it was difficult to not be distracted by what was going on. I have never experienced this with staff in a lower level chain restaurant never mind somewhere where your bill comes to over £100 for 2 people.
To top it off at the end of the evening, my partner went and stood outside whilst I went to the restrooms and he held my coat, bag and phone. I was then told by the waitress in charge that evening that I needed to go onto the terrace, walk down the steps, along the canal and back up steps to get to the front of the restaurant to exit due to covid one way systems. I explained my partner was outside the front of the restaurant with my coat and all of my things and asked if she could shout him for me as I could see him through the door and she shrugged in response. I then had to walk this route alone whilst pregnant without a coat. Some staff on shift really did not want to do anything that was beyond the bare minimum of their role to help you.
I hate complaining however the food really was faultless in this restaurant and the service/staffing issues are something which can be easily changed as they really let this setting down. I may have attended on a night where a manager was not on shift and the staff were left to their own devices, however I would not recommend this place if you want a pleasant environment to dine in as it really did ruin the whole experience.
Written 10 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David L
Bromley209 contributions
Feb 2020 • friends
I booked the Star Inn for a special dinner for two, looking for a place a cut above the usual chains but not the full on silver service five star nonsense. In this respect, it delivered. On a February evening, with the flood water lapping against the bottom of the patio area, inside it was delightful, spacious and clean decor-wise with low lighting, candles and a fire burning in the grate. Good for romance or just that special occasion.
The menu is mainly British with a Yorkshire slant, with reasonable vegetarian and vegan options. I had the Yorkshire pudding with onion gravy, followed by heritage potato salad. Dining Companion had chicken liver parfait and lamb. Mostly the food was very good, well presented and decently cooked. If I’m honest I think my food was second best to DCs, but since tonight’s DC wasn’t my usual DC and it was my treat I didn’t feel able to ask for honest feedback. What I will say is that there is good cooking on this menu but on this evidence the strength is in the meat options.
Service was friendly and professional, absolutely spot on for me. Two starters and mains plus a bottle of low end white wine from the wine list came to around £80. Which was about par for my expectations of a place at this level.
This is a decent place for a meal when you want somewhere a bit special. It’s in a great location and when the weather allows you can just enjoy a drink and a snack on the patio. They also do a lot of special things like set menus, special events, guest chefs etc. Probably something for everyone if you are a local and want to support just another of the many independent restaurants in York.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanna B
Nottinghamshire14 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
I reserved a table for this restaurant weeks ago for Valentines night as we were visiting York and to say i was looking forward to it was an understatement.
The setting is beautiful and the surroundings were great - that is where the good experience finished.
We arrived at 7.30 for an 8pm booking and asked if we could have a drink at the bar before our meal.We were advised we could and they would come and get us when our table was ready. My husband went to the bar and ordered our drinks and asked if we could put them on a tab. We were advised that "it would be better if you paid now" this was by a man in a blue shirt ( i can only presume a supervisor). My husband thought this was odd but never less paid and we enjoyed our drinks. we waited for our 8pm table to become available, noticing they were sitting people who had come in after us straight away. At 8.15 my husband went and asked the man at reception if our table was ready and basically they had forgotten about us! We were told someone would be with us shortly to take us to our table. After being taken to our table we were left again for another 10 minutes with menus but not drink menus. A waitress passed and asked if we would like some water!!! About 10 mins after that we ordered our main course and a glass of wine. The service again being exceptionally poor. The food was ok at best. I had chicken with garlic, that's the best way to describe it, in fact garlic with chicken would be better, whilst my husband had fish and chips. We do like fine dining but found the menu to be poor with not a very good selection. I am Gluten free as i have a severe allergy and found the menu to be one of the worst i have seen.
When we finished our food we again had to wait a long amount of time for our plates to be cleared and then probably another 10 mins for someone to come and ask if we would like coffee or dessert. We declined and opted for the bill and to go somewhere else.
Above all the complete lack of customer service in this place was exceptionally poor and i would not recommend to anyone.
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S2008YKalisong
North Yorkshire74 contributions
Dec 2019 • couples
The whole evening was perfect. Seated at a circular table for four. Service was spot on from beginning to end - couldn’t fault it, asked about drinks and they arrived quickly, not rushed choosing but ordered as soon as ready.
Starters came quickly and were Delicious, salmon and ginger, chestnut risotto and celeriac soup. Good sized portions and tasted 👌🏼.
Again the service was pitched just right and the main courses were equally delicious, certainly well above average food quality , the Ox cheek fell apart , the lamb , pork and sea bass we all said were superb, not one morsel was left.
After a short break , delicious , artistic deserts also well sized.
For an incredibly busy New Years Eve , the service and food was faultless, I haven’t thought that in a long time and am not prone to writing reviews! With drinks and coffee was £50 a head and we all thought good value for money . We haven’t eaten here for ages , just had drinks as I love the atmosphere of the place , we’ll be back soon .
Written 31 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M4LCOLM
Linlithgow41 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
My wife and I discovered this restaurant on Wednesday, stopped for a drink on the terrace overlooking the river, then booked dinner for this evening (Thursday). This was our last night of a four night break in York, so we pushed the boat out and had three courses - they were all excellent.
Imaginative and really high quality dishes. Three courses, two vodkas, two wines and a bottle of sparkling water set us back £101 - worth every penny.
Written 9 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue
10 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
After calling 5 times (without anyone picking up) we were forced to go to the the star inn in person to alter our online booking. No apology was offered for this inconvenience, but they did manage to bring our booking forward.
The location is nice, but there are better views elsewhere along the river.
Menue was interesting and we both enjoyed our food and the wide selection of drinks.
Our main issue was with the inflexibility of the staff when it came to our table. We were sat outside but due the the awnings were in the shade. We repeatedly asked to move to a table in the sun, when other guests departed, to be told this wasn't possible (although you cannot book a specific table...). Our frustrations reached a peak when for the last 50 and 25 minutes respectively we sat looking at two empty tables right in the glorious sunshine. This meant we left with a bad taste in our mouths, as it would have been an easy switch, the staff just weren't willing to put in a small amount of effort.
The food was the best bit, if you are after good river views you can find better, and certainly find staff more willing to accommodate guests wishes elsewhere. Sad to say we won't be returning given our experience because this place could have been really good.
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick H
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
Having booked a table here pre-COVID in February, my wife and I were looking forward to eating at such a well reviewed restaurant.
The disappointment started upon arrival; despite booking a table with a view over the river 5 months earlier, we were sandwiched on to the end of a bench with less room and comfort than you'd expect in a sub-par American diner. When my wife raised this point, the waitress explained "well, you can't have been promised a table...".
Eventually we moved to another table (that was free the whole time, incidentally). We ordered our mains - a celeriac "parmo" and the lamb.
The celeriac was rock hard. The lamb was cold and my wife is relatively sure the bout of sickness she experienced soon after leaving the restaurant was due to this. The food was also salted to high heaven, it was nearly impossible to discern flavours from the amount of salt. We did not complain as our experience was already poor and we couldn't bear the embarrassment of further confrontation on what was our belated wedding anniversary celebrations.
The waitress was relatively accomodating but the whole evening seemed 'off'. The most disappointing aspect was that this restaurant clearly has delusions of grandeur, I have honestly have food cooked with more care from McDonald's. We have had a much better meal this evening in a much cheaper restaurant in York.
In summary, a very disappointing evening and I wouldn't return despite the setting by the river.
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
inwest24
Kingston-upon-Hull16 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Found the experience rather underwhelming.
There were empty tables available throughout our meal and yet we were allocated a table next door to other diners and also right on the exit door from the eating area so rather than being in a quiet area we were unnecessarily placed in the busiest part of the dining area. Just dont get this at all.
When the food came , the plates it was served on were ridiculously small, the only place you could put your cutlery was DIRECTLY on the table with no cloth. This cant be safe and was extremely irritating. In addition, we asked for ketchup with a 'gourmet' burger and were given about 5 of those hideous sachets you can't open.
This place is supposed to be high end but I wouldnt rush back.
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan Burton
England469 contributions
May 2021 • couples
A bit hit and miss. The food was tasty, and the location was good but the portion size was just too small and service was too slow. My main bone of contention was the service charge, automatically adding 10% to the bill is not big or clever.
Written 10 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick
Scarborough116 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
First time visiting for food. Visited on a Saturday afternoon, managed to get a seat outside.
The service was slightly above average with some very assertive managers who need to tone it down a bit. The waitresses were great though.
We ordered some grazers, including the mussels which my wife said tasted like “deep fried nothing” to be honest, I have to agree there was no taste.
For mains we ordered steaks for the which came at £25 each, they were incredibly tough and a bit tasteless.
The setting, building itself and everything else is excellent. Unfortunately I won’t be rushing back.
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LM_1922
20 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
The restaurant is in a brilliant location and looks great but sadly the food and service let it down.
We ordered two main courses and a bottle of wine - the food came out in less than ten minutes from ordering (we had to chase the bottle of wine up which finally arrived when we were halfway through our mains). The food was nice but disappointing for the price (and clearly mostly pre-assembled/not cooked to order as there's no way you could cook a chicken breast that size in under ten minutes!). The braised venison haunch was £24 was more like a meatloaf that had been grilled. For £20+ a main course we just expected a little bit more. The wine was really good and fairly priced.
We complained and our waitress kindly arranged to take the venison off the bill but we were disappointed that she was left to run back and forth between her manager and our table and that nobody senior came over to talk to us about the food/service. We felt our waitress was let down and unsupported by the restaurant management. We also noticed that the tables either side of us (who appeared to be regulars) were getting much more attentive service with free items being brought out from the kitchen which didn't make us feel welcome.
Overall the food and wine (minus the venison) came to just over £40 which we felt was fair, we probably wouldn't come back though as overall the food and service didn't justify the cost.
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ria
50 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
We booked well ahead for the excellent value fixed price 2 course lunch which was tasty with good portion sizes. Good service and super river views made it a lovely lunch. Would return
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan J
Sheffield Green3 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
We visited Star in The City York on the above date. A massive disappointment to say the least. 1st of all the good things the waiter who served us was exceptional and knowledgeable. The drinks menu excellent choices offering something different. Then we get to the food etc 1st thing I noticed was the cheap poor quality cutlery which was well used my knife also had a smudge mark on. The food I had the honey glazed chipolata sausages they were just about warm and nothing to write home about. My wife had the mussels which she enjoyed. Onto the main course I had the chicken with smoked bacon mash Broad beans and Asparagus very tasty though the mash was bland and the sauce from the chicken was only a glorified chicken chasseur at best a bit of chopped asparagus and few broad beans doesn't justify £21 cost. My wife had the lamb with hassellback potatoes and gem heart and a few peas. Now all of this was cold (my wife wouldn't let me complain). The sweets can't really fault them. Let's go back to the mains and starter these all came out very quickly so in my opinion the sausages were pre cooked and warmed up (though not enough as previously stated). My chicken was definitely pre cooked and warmed up a breast that thick would take longer to cook. My wife wasn't asked how she wanted her lamb cooked this came blue she would have preferred medium rare if asked. The hassellback potatoe also warmed up and looked old to me had that grey colour. We spent just over £95 and would of probably spent another £30 or so on drinks had we been happy with the food. The 2 stars are for the waiter and the sweets.
Written 29 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul T
Waterlooville458 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We recently had lunch in this restaurant and whilst it was expensive our table overlooked the river, they also fully complied with the latest Covid 19 regulations and have adopted a one way in and out system which consisting they get very busy was very appreciated.
They also had a very restricted menu which covered for all tastes but on a smaller scale.
The staff were very helpful and friendly, the service and food was excellent, would certainly go back the next time we visit York.
Written 9 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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