York Food & History Tour: 5 local eateries with guide

The eateries themselves are part of the story: each one chosen because of what it says about York right now.

A 3.5-hour walking tour of York city centre with a local guide, visiting five independent eateries for tastings while hearing stories about the city's long history. The walk covers less than a mile on flat cobbled streets, ending on Castlegate. Groups stay small, and all food is sourced locally with influences from around the world. Arrive with a light breakfast so you have room for the tastings.

Step-by-step itinerary

York city walk and food tastings

• Meet guide at Exhibition Square
• Walk around York city centre
• Hear stories about York's history
• Visit 5 independent eateries
• Taste locally sourced food
• End tour at Castlegate

The experience

You meet your guide Kay in Exhibition Square and walk the city centre on a route that stays flat, though some streets are cobbled. The walk itself is less than a mile: short enough that the focus stays on the five independent eateries and the stories woven between them. Kay knows the history of York and how that history shaped what people eat here now, so the food and the city are not separate things you are seeing. They are one conversation. Minimal stairs appear at the eateries themselves, though some have restrooms accessed by stairs if that matters for your visit.

Each of the five stops serves food sourced locally, and each one has been chosen because it reflects something about York's food scene right now: the influences, the independence, the care. You taste as you go, which means eating small amounts across the afternoon rather than one large meal. The host recommends arriving with only a very small breakfast so you have appetite for what comes. You will also meet other people on the tour, all of them interested in food and the places that make it, so the group itself becomes part of the experience. By supporting these independent eateries, you are also supporting the people who run them.

The tour ends on Castlegate. You have the chance to buy local specialties if something caught your taste, and you leave with a sense of what York's food culture actually is, not a highlight reel, but the real independent places where locals eat.

What’s included

• Small group tour with a personal local guide.
• tastings at five independent eateries.
• lunch across the five stops.
• the chance to try and buy local specialties.
• stories about York's history and food culture.
• the company of other people interested in food and local cuisine.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SundayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7, United Kingdom”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by eatwith

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you follow the commentary and the stories about each place without translation. This works for anyone comfortable walking a mile on cobbled streets at a leisurely pace, stopping to eat and listen rather than to cover ground.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Do I need to tell the guide about food allergies or dietary restrictions before the tour?

Yes, guests need to communicate any food restrictions, allergies or special diets to the operator in advance so the guide and the eateries can plan accordingly.

How much walking is involved, and are there stairs?

The walk covers less than a mile total and is entirely flat, though some of York's city centre streets are cobbled. Minimal stairs appear at the eateries themselves, though some have restrooms accessed by stairs.

What time does the tour start, and how long does it take?

The tour lasts 3.5 hours and starts at Exhibition Square in York city centre. You will meet your guide Kay there to begin.

Will I be in a large group, or is this a small tour?

This is a small group tour with a personal local guide, so you will be with other foodies but not in a large crowd.