Forest in York

Ok so this was our first time here and it is an amazing place. It has a calm rustic appeal - cosy might be a better word. We parked at the Shambles which was about an 8 minute walk and was pretty straight forward. The staff were attentive and the times between ordering, finishing and following up were perfect. You never felt rushed but you also never felt like you had been forgotten either. The food was delicious and well presented, the main portions were generous. Pricing was really good as well, we had starters, main course, dessert and some drinks with the price coming in at a tad over £100 which was really reasonable. We really enjoyed the whole ambience of the place and will definitely come back again. Highly recommend.

18 quid burger with posh chips. Wow, what a rip-off. I wish i had the balls to tell them how bad it was to their face but i have manners, so im doing it online. Posh chips had an awful taste to them, weird, dull, and covered in cheese that didnt melt cause the chips were mild in temperature. The burger i finished, cause 18 quid, you have to. It was bland, dry and only saved by the bacon jam. My partner didnt finish her burger and hid the meat in the chip bowl. Ive never have tried air fried food and i can only guess this was how it was cooked. It was just so weird. Never will return, even if the waitress was an absolute babe.

This was my second time at Forest. I had an excellent time the first time, so was keen to come back again. However, this time whilst the food was excellent. All 3 waitresses working looked absolutely miserable and like they didn’t want to be there. Certainly no service with a smile. When our cutlery was brought to the table it was more or less thrown on the table. We also had a table near the door to the courtyard at the back. We asked if the door could be closed as we were cold, the waitress kindly obliged. But then the door was propped open again shortly afterwards by another waitress. For us, although the food was excellent, the experience was tainted by the service which was adequate but nothing more. I’m not sure I would come back a third time.

Super cute place, good food, and the staff were honestly great

Nice and strange place with interesting decor. Really good food and nice and different. Would recommend and would go again. Food was brilliant thanks very much.

The food was reasonable but nothing too spectacular for the price.

Had a really lovely and chilled brunch at Forest. The place is very unassuming on the out side, but once inside it's very cosy. The food was brilliant and the local beer is really worth trying as well.

A wonderful meal here on a wet Tuesday in October. We were easily able to get a 6.00pm booking but when we arrived there were plenty of other tables occupied. This was in contrast to many restaurants we saw whilst in York. The food options for dinner were pretty good and we ordered the Yorkshire pig/black pudding starter and the lentils and for mains the salmon and house burger. All well presented and tasty. Volume was such that we couldn't manage the sticky toffee pudding. Reasonable prices. The young girls looking after us were really lovely.

I am in LOVE with this place! The food was AMAZING. It’s so cute and unassuming from the outside, but once inside, it’s extremely cozy and welcoming. Every course I ordered was delicious, and plated beautifully. The portion sizes were perfect, well balanced and seasoned. I thoroughly enjoyed everything I ate. The seasonal soup (mushroom soup when I went) was rich and hearty, without being too heavy. The duck breast for my main was cooked to perfection. The sticky toffee pudding (my favorite!) was moist, warm, and decadent. I will definitely be going back the next time I’m in York

Very tasty food we got a coffee, hot chocolate with a pancake stack and a full English it came to around £30 which isn't bad for the quality of the food the restaurant is very cozy with a great atmosphere.

Awesome food. Well worth the visit

Wow! Lovely, cosy aesthetic. AMAZING food. We got the Salmon, spicy cauliflower wings and roasted root veg. The salmon was so tasty and the dish was balanced perfectly with veg/potatoes. The sauce was lovely, but maybe a little too salty. Would definitely recommend dining here! If going on a weekend make sure to book, we called at 3 to reserve the evening and got the last table! Good value for money as well

Great food, knowledgeable and great service! Would 100% recommend, I’ll definitely be back to visit, the Crab Thermidor and chocolate fondant is a must! Absolutely delicious

Fantastic lunch, the sausage&mash was delicious, my hubby loved the Crab, Perfect friendly service, lovely atmosphere, would return in a heartbeat 🥰

Wonderful service with lovely food in quirky woodland setting. A must eat place when in York. It is actually quite difficult to find this lovely restaurant, the outside present with a wealth of green foliage hides FOREST sign. Once inside, the service is a delight and food is just about perfect. We had the forest sharer for starters; this was simply delicious..I fact we kept the remaining mushroom sauce for our steak - yea there was just to much for the two of us! Our main was the rump steak from the local farm. While the med-well steak was closer to well done and the cheese sauce was a little to rich. Everything else was spot on; pepper sauce had lovely kick to it, the home cooked skin on chips where lovely too. Even the onion rings, crispy yet melt in the mouth. The steak, even though slightly over cooked, was tender and full of flavour and everything just worked. If we were staying longer, I would go again.

Went here with my wife for some food and will be going back when we stay in York again. Place looks amazing, great staff and to top it off the good is amazing and not expensive considering how good the food is. They even brought pudding with a candle in it for my wife after asking what we were their for that night which I thought was a nice little touch.

Lovely little spot, was disappointed for £4 to receive a Yorkshire pudding from a frozen bag pre bought I was expecting a home made one if it’s on a menu it should be homemade, the cauliflower cheese was also tasteless could use more of a tastier cheese than Motzerella and it was watery. Gravy was good so were chips.

Quite a nice spot for a pre dinner drjnk

Just had breakfast sandwiches but really great food

I've been to Forest a few times now and I have to say, the service has been absolutely amazing every single time! The food is incredible and the atmosphere inside is so lovely and cozy On my most recent visit for Afternoon Tea, one of the people I was with had an allium sensitivity, which we had let Forest know about beforehand, and they were honestly incredible about it! My friend often ends up having to eat around onion and garlic and hoping she isn't going to end up ill, but Forest provided her with an amazing selection of allium free dishes that were just as tasty as what everyone else had! it was truly lovely and inclusive The two other times I've been (both for my birthday), the service and the food was just as incredible. And the price is great too, especially compared to other places of similar quality in York. I rave about this place to everyone who asks me for recommendation in York and I do honestly think this is the best Afternoon Tea in the city (Yes! Including Betty's!!) Love this place, 10/10!!!

Restaurant-pub of the Galtres Lodge Hotel. Very friendly staff, calm atmosphere and reasonable prices.

Came in for dinner with my partner while visiting York for my birthday, around 6pm busier than usual, food was well worth the wait and the staff were lovely, lamb was very succulent and there was gluten free options that were better than most :)

Bit noisy and cramped but food was excellent

I really recommend this hotel the food is amazing hospitality extremely kind people the hotel it's very clean and everything it's amazing I really will be come back again modern five stars definitely 😁😁😁 Very good location

The food was absolutely amazing, so delicous, both of us had the rump steak (medium rare) which was cooked perfectly, compliments to the Chef. The staff were very lovely and the service was excellent and very quick. We would highly recommend Forest. We will definitely visit again to try the rest of the menu, probably the rack of lamb first 😊.

Excellent all round. Friendly service. Great atmosphere and decor - unique and enjoyable setting. Food was amazing. We had the burger, gnocchi, grilled halloumi and cauliflower wings. All brilliant. Would definitely visit again if in York.

Amazing venue to meet for an informal training event - wonderfully attentive staff, fantastic atmosphere - thank you Rebecca & Team!

Service - This was undoubtedly the worst aspect, we were in there for nearly 75 minutes for 2 sandwiches, a cup of coffee and an orange juice. Even waiting for the bill was nearly 10 minutes after a waitress ignored 2 of my partners previous attempts to get the bill. As a result we we're late to our first activity of the day. If there was more staff I'm sure this aspect would improve. Food & Drink - The food and drink was very nice and cooked well. Atmosphere - The name is very apt. The forest theme spreads throughout the original beautiful Victorian building and due to the design rooms we're nicely divided meaning we never felt cramped or impeded by others. Overall - Nice food in a wonderful setting, just be prepared to wait until they have more staff. Do not recommend if you have booked activities.

Really lovely lunch in a nice environment. We had the eggs and smashed avocado and the heritage tomatoes- both excellent.

Really nice place, cool decor, food was spot on and represented a fair price for the quality. We will def go back

Visited 8 August 24 for dinner, after watching Gary's eats on Utube, excellent steak, wine and beer, efficient and charming service, great evening THANKS

Dirty glasses. Most miserable waitress. Had to ask 3 times for a drink and the waitress handed over the bottle without taking the lid and said " you can just use the same glass, " . Using the same glass is fine but we were a little surprised by the surly and rather rude attitude.

Even though the atmosphere is amazing and looks like a fairy village the food is pretty awful and in small portions not worth your money. We got the pancakes (awful and couldn’t finish) & the eggs Benedict (the flourentine one was just sponge that started to make me feel queeze & felt like a spit to the face of ppl wanting a non meat option lol). The staff showed an absolute lack of interest when we went and there was hardly anyone there in the early morning. Go to the scone place around the corner if you want an amazing atmosphere and actually good food, anywhere but here unless you just want coffee in a cool looking place. Maybe dinner or lunch is better.

Absolutely fantastic. Our party of 8 and a dog were well accommodated in a fantastic venue. Our server, Nina, was attentive, genuine and one of the funniest people I’ve ever met in this industry. The food was delicious, can’t really say more in that regard. If you have any doubts about coming here, just give it a go, you’ll love it

Best food great place to eat and drink 🍻 stake was so good and cauliflower buffalo wings were amazing

Best steak and dessert had in ages very nice defo go back hats off to the chef food very nice spot on

Excellent food setting and staff highly recomend

We walked in off the street to discover a gorgeous restaurant, with a delightful rustic and foresty atmosphere. We shared three starters, a good wine and the service was just right. Vegetarian options are imaginative. We would not hesitate to return - thank you!±

Lovely breakfast, relaxed comfortable atmosphere. Docking a star for half a slice of black pudding rather than a full slice!

The Forest was a great little find in York, decor inside is unique, but charming. There is a lovely secret garden outdoor space. We went for breakfast and we wasn't disappointed, service was very good and quick. Looking forward to coming again.

The Forest Cafe and Bar in York is a delightful spot that combines a cozy, rustic ambiance with a diverse menu, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Located in a charming part of the city, this establishment offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal or a leisurely drink. Upon entering, patrons are greeted with a warm and welcoming interior that features wooden furnishings, lush greenery, and subtle lighting. This decor creates a serene environment that feels like a tranquil retreat from the bustling city outside. Whether you’re looking for a quiet corner to enjoy a book or a place to catch up with friends, the Forest Cafe and Bar provides a comfortable setting for all occasions.

Lovely little restaurant with plenty of seating inside and a few outside tables in a courtyard. Prompt service and delicious food.

Looked like a nice place for breakfast but was turned away by a surly front desk saying it was for hotel guests only. Edit: Well, you can see the reply from the restaurant and I hope that steers your decision whether to stay there, or the hotel. One thing's for sure my description of 'surly' fits beautifully and the response just confirms my first impression. Well done Forest, I've done many reviews and this is the first that has proved me correct first hand 👍

Come here each time we go to York. Love the filled Yorkshire puddings.

Very nice dinner! Very good family address! We recommend

The food was bland, even the cocktails. The chair I was on was creaky/wobly, and I asked for a change, but there wasn't one, I sat very still!! As the tables became empty, it was left to a companion to find me a replacement chair. People were nice but they were students about to move on and weren't invested.

Great value breakfasts with quality ingredients

Ambience is nicely done. Secret garden covered with camouflage tent

This was a really nice restaurant that I have been wanting to visit for a long time. It is very nice decor and the food was excellent. I had the goats cheese croquettes for starters and a steak for the main. Very good quality and I would highly recommend visiting. The service was excellent as well.

Went here on the back of a Gary Eats You Tube recommendatio. Wasnt dissappointed . Had the steak which was very very nice.

Went for two cocktails. Shown to very small table close to other twosome tslking loudly. Asked to move to another of many empty tables. 'NO'. One cocktail returned as horrible. Replaced with no charge. Fine. Other cocktail fine. Witnessed customer after customer being turned away 'fully booked', when place was clearly empty. Not a smile from any staff. Cocktail bartender girl was pleasant. Others cold distant and clueless. Avoid.

Lovely Sunday roast, generous portions, all perfectly cooked. Prawn cocktail to start was delicious. Great service, highly recommend

Amazing breakfast. Stunning surroundings. Friendly excellent staff. I had egg with soldiers.. brought back memories of breakfast as a kid. Partner had a bacon sandwich which again thick cut bacon on a toasted bap. recommended 5* Will be returning when next in York.

The staff are wonderfully polite and accommodating but the food and cocktails are bland beyond totally tasteless. I have allergies so was delighted to feel confident that I wasn't going to be poisoned (that's a genuinely BIG deal!!!) but I was extremely disappointed that the food was so utterly insipid. The "posh" prawn cocktail was defrosted straight out of the (supermarket value line?) freezer with a wack of pre-prepared mayo/tomato sauce and little gem. Totally tasteless. The chips didn't have any flavour from truffles at all; despite the menu's description. The cocktail that I ordered (cosmopolitan) was super-syrup-sweet (yuk) and lacking any of the major core ingredients or nuance (where was the Cointreau?) and their essential flavours; quite joyless; which is the only point of a cocktail! I would add that the wines are nothing to write home about either but some are tolerable. We actually had a good evening despite the food that we ate failing to contribute to our evening's enjoyment.... honestly; not a great strapline for a restaurant.

Gorgeous food, luscious wine. Loved it.

Popped in for drinks and could have been tempted into having dinner here but it took over 20 minutes to get one cocktail at 4pm, staff just seemed to be milking around the place wasn't busy at all. When we finally got seen and served we just drank up and left sadly never to return. Had higher hopes but service just lets it down, plenty of competition in York to avoid this level of disappointment.

First night in York and stumbled across this place. I must say, it has genuinely been the BEST meal I have ever had. The lamb was absolutely incredible and my husbands burger was fantastic. Service was first class, even opened the door when they noticed I was too hot. I live 5 hours away but will drive back here again purely for the food. Wish I could rate it higher!

Great find in York . Lovely food. Steak was perfectly cooked

We really enjoyed our meal at Forest. The food, service and interior decor were all great. Would recommend the 'whole hog' starter (pork 3 ways with an apple sauce) and the Sunday lunch beef roast. Good portion sizes and the roast was reasonably priced (£18). Would definitely go back!

Delicious breakfast in a very cosy cafe. The service was very friendly and attentive.

a real gem of a place, food was delicious and service was excellent, highly recommend

We stayed at the hotel next door, Galtres Lodge which is the same business, so we just went down stairs for meals. The food is excellent, service really good, the staff are very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our stay very much and hope to return some day. York is a beautiful place to visit, with some lovely shops etc. Highly recommend Galtres Lodge and Forest Restaurant.

Food was delicious. The restaurant decor is great.The table we had was a wee bit small however it was a last minute booking.

Friendly staff and good food. Really nice feel to the place so great atmosphere.

This restaurant is very charming and cute with friendly staff. The pesto pasta I had was overcooked (mushy) and pretty bland. It's a pretty basic dish so it should have been easy to execute well.

Like a forest inside, food amazing and reasonably priced. Serves alcohol too 👍🏻

Lovely place - excellent food with a great relaxed ambience and friendly staff.

World class food, brilliant atmosphere, can’t fault forest, consistently brilliant!

The food was delicious and the staff were very friendly. Deco was what made us book it !

Excellent food atmosphere, highly recommend

Really enjoyed our meal here, staff very patient whilst we decided what to both eat and drink, good portion sizes, sadly didnt have space for pudding, maybe next time

My husband and I dined hete on my birthday 15th march, food was outstanding and service very friendly. Great atmosphere would highly recommend

We (4 adults 1 x7 year old) found Forest through other recommendations. We came for an evening celebratory meal. Starters were delicious and the steaks were incredible! Perfectly cooked and really tender. The 2 ladies serving us were great with our 7 year old, answering all her questions. Desserts all round were amazing, as were the cocktails! The restaurant is very cosy and we didn't feel rushed in any way. The 2 staff even helped us to find a taxi company to take us back to our hotel. Totally delicious and amazing, we will be back. Thankyou We visited at the end of February.

Beautiful place, magical and cozy. Food is delicious (lamb with fondant potatoes was really good, burger looked delicious, and dessert was nice) waiters were lovely!

On a little getaway to York and popped here for a quick snack - we liked it so much we came back for dinner for my partners birthday the next day! Aside from the food being fantastic, the general vibe and feel of the place is so cosy and all the staff were so lovely and funny! Cracking music too! They gave my girlfriend a complimentary dessert as it was her birthday too, which is very nice of them 🫶 Definitely will be back!

Characteristic place in the center of York

Believe all the really great reviews of Forest - this place isnt just good it’s exceptional The staff are lovely, the food is superb And easily the best breakfast in Yorkshire Very highly recommended and for good reason

Really interesting and wonderfully different food served by friendly people in a cosy chic atmosphere. Highly recommended!!

Beautiful food, every element of the dishes was well paired, fresh and divine. Staff were very friendly and it was a realy nice atmosphere.

Nice breakfast and beautiful place.

Fantastic Sunday lunch! Food portions were big and it was delicious. Staff could be a little bit more attentive as it was hard to get theirs attention.

Lovely bar and restaurant 2 minutes from the Minster and the shambles

I was chatting to a friend about what a lovely evening we had at Forest the other day, despite overhearing a very obnoxious couple at the front of the building, by the window, and low and behold, the male half of this charming duo has left a review, and it’s only fair that I present an alternative account. We were at the back, along with other customers, but as you will see from his review, this jolly twosome clearly thought they were without witnesses to their behaviour, leaving them free to peddle a series of untruths, delivered in a pompous (and loud) manner which is actually quite comical, since in review form it is undermined at every turn by poor grammar and spelling. Using colloquial language to describe the server’s speech (“gonna”, etc) is clearly designed to convey an image of this couple as a pair of civilised and educated types, dealing with an uncouth ‘girl’, when in fact it was the very opposite. They raised their voices to a professional young woman doing her job and tried to intimidate her, believing they were free of witnesses. They were not expecting her to hold her ground, and I expect they are used to the poor folk in the hospitality industry indulging their delusions, terrified as everyone is of a poor review, however untrue it might be. I notice that this classy pair have left a total of four reviews on here, and every single one is negative. In his review of Forest, K tells us that they are customer service teachers, and yet in the restaurant we overheard them saying that they were “body language experts” to the server, whilst they gave an unimpressively rudimentary analysis of her, in a further attempt to undermine. The professional young woman (yes, young woman, not ‘girl’) had to withstand numerous attempts at bullying and intimidation, and it was crystal clear to all of us that this couple are that most vulgar of people; the “where shall we go tonight for a free meal?” type. They ate the lot, and then refused to pay. Naughty naughty, reviewer with too much time on his hands and sidekick.

Thursday 8th February at 5.30pm. Called in with my wife, we were only ones in restaurant, which was cold. Got two drinks. Ordered the Camembert as a sharer starter and this was fine but can't really screw that up can you. I ordered just two sides as I wasnt that hungry so I would have room for a dessert after. Got a Yorkshire pud with 'real pot of gravy' and the 'posh' chips. Gravy was bitter and tasted burnt and the chips were smothered in cheese and truffle oil which made them quite unpleasant, but I did eat some of them but not all. Told the server my opinion and she apologised. My wife ordered a steak with onion rings, tomato, mushroom, chips and separate blue cheese dressing. This came but plate was cold, along with the food being just luke warm and the onion rings burnt. Told the server who took it away to replace. After a few minutes another server (only two girls front of house) brought the plate back. My wife asked if it had been merely microwaved but she said it had been put in the oven to warm up. My wife said you should have given me a complete new meal not a reheated plate (this plate of food was £22, not cheap). The server threw her hands out and said abruptly 'you never said that' (this is not our place to suggest, it should be standard practice). My wife ate the steak which was passable but not the rest of her food. We thought we would go and went to pay but told the second server, now on the till, that we were not paying the full bill for this sub-standard meal and she flew off the handle and straight away said if you dont pay it (£58) she would call the police. Wow. Unbelievable stroppy, grotty attitude. I said good let them come and see what they say. She went to the back and said she had rung the police and then stood with her side to us at the till and arms folded in a defensive attitude and said 'I am not talking to you'. End off her conversation. I said how long will they be. She grunted 'I dont know' and leant on wall. We asked to see the chef but the answer was 'that's not gonna happen'. After about ten minutes the first server asked if we could sort this out. She knocked the price of the steak off but it was still £47. I said I would pay this as a compromise and then we left. Unbelievable bad customer service with sub standard food. My wife and I have taught customer service for 30 years but she was unbelievably bad and with her attitude will damage the business. Serious customer service and professional attitude training lacking in this restaurant, needing to be addressed. Would never go back here. I look forward to your constructive reply as we both were shocked at this episode. We know the British public can be awkward and give staff a hard time but we did not and the second we criticised the food at the till we were instantly threatened with the police and then told they had been rung and were on their way. We had not raised our voices once and were not nasty in any way to anyone as we are experienced in customer service and how to deal with a situation. But really, she was bad!!!!!! I got the impression that these two girls were running the establishment on their own and possibly cooking the food as well (hence no chef available). Possibly Uni-students not trained. One girl was fine and we sorted it amicably with her in the correct way, good for her. The other girl was appalling in every way. Top tip - Do not criticise the food in any way or you will be immediately threatened with the police and arrest. 12th February, 21.30pm. - Still no response to this review. That tells you a lot.

Another lovely place in York for food and drinks. Quiet, cosy atmosphere, staff are friendly and helpful.. not a bad thing to say here

Lovely little place, tasty food and good cocktails with friendly staff

Just absolutely fabulous great atmosphere, amazing dinner, really good service would recommend it to anyone.

Such a delight to find a character filled place with great food and exceptional welcoming and attentive service. Right bang in town, do go and have a good time.

Nice, was expecting more from reviews I had read. Will return to try something different.

Refused entry because I am a tradesman. Requested a table, and was told by Maitre D, that they were fully booked, even though tables were empty. Snootily dismissed due to my attire. Shame on you???

A bit dated thanowt places in York..the food was good. I had fish and it was great..The toilet is upstairs. The tables are a bit small but cosy. I would recommend with kids. It has a nice kids menu. Very good location close to York Minster

Great food, and some unique options, in a really interesting environment. Worth booking though as took a couple of attempts to get a table

Food was amazing. Staffs are very nice and lovely. Place is very cozy. We been there for christmas eve! Definitely going back:))

Excellent restaurant good food and good service.

Could have just been a bad day in the kitchen but the breakfast was thrown together and cold. You expect a certain level when you pay £12 for a breakfast and this was quite far off the mark. My egg was undercooked in the first instance then the replacement egg also clear and runny on the top. The rest of the breakfast was cold old and tired. I kindly asked for the breakfast to be removed from the bill and was obliged. The staff were lovely and the coffee was great. But as a York local I won’t be returning.

The food was delicious. The staff were ok but not really friendly. We requested champagne and got Cava. We ordered a second bottle and got something different. We did tell the staff but didn't get much bonhomie. We liked the menu which was small but interesting with food for all tastes

Had a lovely meal here while on a short trip with my partner. The staff were friendly, the food was delicious. It's a lovely quite atmosphere with nice decor. Would definitely visit again the next time we're in York.

Wonderful restaurant with fantastic service and ambience. Food great. Can't fault. 5 stars.

Really good food, good selection of drinks and very friendly and helpful staff

Fantastic meal, we enjoyed the baked camembert (two to share) and the Lamb. Both dishes were fantastic. Service was also quick, probably too quick, it was a Friday night (usually a very busy evening) and you only get the table for 90minutes. We were in and out in 45 minutes. Very Friendly staff and nice atmosphere.