Ask
York's Ask, of pizza and pasta fame, is no ordinary chain restaurant. Situated in the Grand Assembly Rooms, possibly the earliest neoclassical building in Europe, the interior threatens to overwhelm the food - lofty ceilings, giant chandeliers and opulent marble pillars garnish this Palladian space.

The Grand Assembly Rooms, Blake Street
Tel: (01904) 637 254.
Website: www.askcentral.co.uk
Price: $-$$

The Blue Bicycle
Housed in a building that used to be a brothel in the early 20th century, The Blue Bicycle has capitalised on its saucy heritage by swathing its walls in provocative (but tasteful) pictures. Soft candlelight, private vaulted booths and a red and rustic design maintains this air of sensuality. Taste buds will be tickled too - gourmet food, with fish specials, relies on local and hearty produce.

34 Fossgate
Tel: (01904) 673 990.
Website: www.thebluebicycle.com
Price: $$$$

Café Concerto
This café-bistro hybrid serves up delicious homemade dishes, often with locally sourced and fair-trade ingredients. Inside is a soundtrack of jazz and a slightly arty vibe, with wooden tables, a handwritten menu and musical sheets pinned up to the walls; outside is a spectacular view of York Minster.

21 High Petergate
Tel: (01904) 610 478.
Website: www.cafeconcerto.biz
Price: $$$

J Baker's Bistro Moderne
Critically acclaimed chef Jeff Baker launched the Bistro Moderne in 2006, a contemporary modern bistro with a cosy, informal atmosphere in the centre of historic York. The food is simple yet bold, and every dish brings the very best produce from the greatest Yorkshire suppliers.

7 Fossgate
Tel: (01904) 622 688.
Website: www.jbakers.co.uk
Price: $$$

Plunkets
Plunkets is a lively restaurant with a multitude of Mexican and Southwest-American dishes, and a décor that bewilderingly succeeds in being both romantic and rock 'n' roll, with large black and white posters of Hollywood icons and rock legends intermixed with candlelight and wooden alcoves. The cocktail bar bears the original signatures of The Rolling Stones.

9 High Petergate
Tel: (01904) 637 722.
Price: $$-$$$

Vanilla Black
Forget any preconceptions and happily gorge on innovative British dishes in this classy vegetarian restaurant, which oozes elegance circa the 1930s - all dark wooden furniture, antique chairs and ornate mirrors.

26 Swinegate
Tel: (01904) 676 750.
Website: www.vanillablack.co.uk
Price: $$

Wackers
This large and casual cafe-restaurant serves what are arguably the best fish and chips in North Yorkshire. Great value for money, but diners should be warned that what they save in pounds in the wallet, they may gain in pounds around the waist.

45-49 Gillygate
Tel: (01904) 672 279.
Price: $