I love going out to eat as much as the next person, so when Boris Johnson introduced the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme in an attempt to help the British economy I, for one, was thrilled.
I personally impressed myself and did really take advantage of the 50% deal, managing to eat out, since I moved into my second year uni house a fortnight ago, a grand total of 8 times (the scheme only applies to three days a week lol).
Cheers BoJo xoxo
Here's a ranked list of all the places in York I went to in order to put the government issued discount to good use!
8.) Pizza Express
Ranked as number 8 but definitely not because it was bad! In my humble opinion, you can never go wrong with a Pizza Express, but it's only marked down due to the fact that it is such a reliable staple!!
I got a tap water with lemon and a Romana Padano pizza which came to well under a tenner, which, for a pizza of that size and quality is more than impressive. The service was so quick here as well and we got lucky enough to sit in the window seats with a good view of Sampson's Square in order to people watch.
Overall a great experience with fab company, I would rate this a solid 6.5/10!
7.) The Press Kitchen
Coming in at number 7 is The Press Kitchen, a completely different vibe to Pizza Express, with a slightly boujee-er a la carte menu. I was really impressed by the obscure flavours in the menu, but was less impressed by the pescatarian options offered, with only one fish dish and one veggie dish, us pescatarians weren't exactly spoilt for choice...
Having said this. I ordered the Planchered Hake on a Golden Beet and Radish Salad with Buttermilk and enjoyed every bite of it, it also helped that it looked amazing as well! The service was rapid despite there being 8 of us eating there at once I honestly couldn't fault it.
With the 50% discount, the food was definitely good value for money, but I would probably be hesitant to go back there to eat after the scheme has finished as it would definitely break my little student bank account ://.
I would rate the overall experience a 7/10. Amazing!
6.) Drift-In York
Number 6 has to be Drift-In York, which I was disappointed I hadn't discovered before now as it is so cute!! It is more of a brunch/lunch or coffee and cake place rather than an evening restaurant, but it has a very varied menu (for both food and drinks), from pancakes to topped toasts or quesadillas to granola pots, there really was something for everyone.
I got the Mexican Quesadilla which also came with a little pot of salsa and tortilla chips and it was DELICIOUS. (And an iced coffee of course).
The interior is so cute and the staff there are the nicest, I would definitely consider going in again either for a little brunch date or a study session with a large iced coffee and a slice of lemon drizzle. I'd rate this place a high 7.5/10!
5.) Little Italy
Weighing in at number 5 is a MASSIVELY underrated independent Italian that looks pretty unassuming from the street. I must have walked past this restaurant many times thinking that it was a small Italian Deli, however, upon closer inspection the food inside is insane! A classic Italian with food you can tell is made by traditional Italian chefs.
I got Mozzarella Di Bufala to start which was just so tasty and fresh and then followed it with Spaghetti Aurora (which may actually now be my favourite pasta dish). Whilst both the presentation and service couldn't possibly be faulted, the pièce de résistance for me was the fact a litre of house white was only £17!!!! STOP.
I'd definitely rate this restaurant highly and would 100% recommend if you are ever in York for a day! 8/10!
4.) D'Vine
At number 4 is another fantastic Italian that we found out on a limb as we were frantically trying to find a table for 7 on a busy Wednesday night, however, it did not disappoint! The front of house staff were second to none, so considerate and helpful, they even let us have a table to sit and drink at until the initial food rush had gone down in order to accommodate our large group order, then, once we'd ordered the service was lightning fast.
The drinks menu was extensive and perfect for meals with friends as there are a wide range of cocktail pitchers available, on top of that the food was amazing too! I went for a Salmon Fillet on a bed of smashed potatoes and hollandaise sauce and it was delicious as well as being such good value for money (the THICKEST fillet), I enjoyed every bite.
Overall I'd rate this on par with Little Italy at a 8/10 as it was another amazing little Italian.
3.) Ambiente
In Bronze medal place has to be Ambiente Tapas in Fossgate, this decision is slightly biased based on the fact that tapas is my all time favourite food so it can literally do no wrong in my eyes.
We got a variety of different dishes but my favourites were the los calamares fritos and los champiñones rellenos. The service and atmosphere of the whole place was faultless mainly because it reminded me of Spain and I, for one, love Spain (don't know whether Ive mentioned it before lol). Personally, I think that tapas is a great way of sharing an experience with friends as you get to taste a bit of everything which is ideal if you enjoy food as much as me!
I would rate this a solid 8.5/10 and will definitely be returning very soon!
2) Spark CIC York
The Silver medal goes to Spark which is an outdoor community of small independent businesses and street food vendors, which I think is just a perfect idea for food as a group of students. The street food varies from Tacos to Pizza and Burgers and Dirty fries to Ramen, there is literally something for everyone there. The process is super easy as well, when you order from any of the vendors you are given a gadget that beeps when your food is ready from that particular stall so you can tour around them all whilst you are waiting.
In the warmer months they have removed the roof canopy so that you can catch the rays while you scran which allows a lovely setting for a day drink I must say...
I ordered a Beanie Burger and some Curry Mayo and Mango Chutney dirty fries from the street food vendor 'Sloppy's Burgers'. It was honestly one of the best veggie burgers I've ever consumed I found myself not even being jealous of my companions meaty options which is always the best sign!
I would award this a very respectable 9/10 as I couldn't fault the whole experience, very very impressed and will definitely return for yet another tray of loaded fries.
1.) Bill's
In first place (yes I did go here twice it was that good) is Bill's, which, if you haven't been whilst in York yet I would definitely recommend a book. The food is amazing with such an extensive menu even for pescatarians!!
The first time I went was for lunch and I got Calamari to start, I was already off to a fantastic start, the BEST calamari with the right amount of spice, zest and crispiness there was not a fault in sight, I then followed this with the Halloumi Burger which came with crispy but fluffy chips, it was a triumph overall. After this experience I then decided to book for a girls brunch date and was impressed yet again by just the best Eggs Royale. (I also got a pot of tea which ended up producing a hefty 5 cups of tea which is never a bad thing!)
I think that the prices here are super reasonable as the presentation and service is top notch and you still feel like it's affordable, will 100% be returning here without a doubt! I'd give it a whopping but well deserving 9.5/10!
I will now be returning to the average student week of meals like beans on toast and pesto pasta with cheese as the scheme has unfortunately came to a close and I do not have the facilities to fund this obsession to eat out normally, I have thoroughly enjoyed every morsel of food I have consumed though, it's been a blast.
:)) xxx