Cafés · York
Tucked into a small, quiet spot in York, this is the kind of café where breakfast becomes a holiday habit — several families come back every morning of a trip. Portions are big enough to set you up for a full day of walking the city, and prices sit well below what most of York charges for this quality. The full English gets rave notices for properly runny eggs and fresh tomatoes rather than tinned, and the pancakes — smores, Nutella, berry compote — arrive soft and generously loaded. Turkish eggs and zaatar chicken have their own following. Staff are friendly and happy to swap things around if a child wants scrambled instead of poached. High chairs, a kids' menu and buggy access are all there, plus outdoor seating. Two honest snags: it's small and fills up fast at weekends, and the back room has little natural light.
A little something creative for your next meal out. Filled with colouring, simple drawing prompts for cute animals, origami and conversation starters designed to bring more play, laughter and connection to the table. 3 free printable packs for toddlers, preschoolers and primary-aged children.
Warm, generous Italian just outside York's centre, with a kids' menu, high chairs and staff who make a birthday feel like an event.
A well-liked York restaurant with outdoor seating and a solid 4.6 rating, easy on the family and easy on the wallet.
Smart-but-relaxed French bistro in a York hotel, with a kids' menu, high chairs, buggy access and a much-praised cod schnitzel.