Star Inn The City in York

Superb Sunday lunch. Food plentiful and excellent. Service was also wonderful, with amazing staff. My friends and I were very well looked after.

So today I booked for Sunday dinner in a pub I love & as dining as a solo person felt it would be seamless. I was sat on a table that very close to the bar & very busy with people passing . The Sunday dinner was well below par, very little chicken & veg & unbelievably frozen roast potatoes ! For what they charge it was disgusting. I told the waitress that I thought frozen potatoes wasn't good but no response! Never again

This was a unique and very pleasurable experience made so very enjoyable by our waiter Sebastian who was a joy throughout and very attentive. He is a credit to his profession and l wish him all the very best for the future. A very nice young man . Thank you .

What a great restaurant. Our server, Sebastian, was amazing. He bent over backwards to accommodate our needs. Good jokes and brilliant contact with our table. What a star. The food was incredible too. Thanks to Sebastian and his colleagues for a great evening out.

What a great spot for Sunday lunch . The roast dinners were amazing, Yorkshire puds incredible. Our server, Katy, was fabulous. Friendly and attentive with a sense of humour. Would definitely recommend and will go back if ever come back to York

All I can say this is a must visit if your in york great food

As us from Yorkshire might say nowt flash! For starter I had fishcakes which were nearly all potato and very dry, for main we had a beef dinner which cost £26 one overcooked roast potato and very little other veg tbh it seemed like we got what was left at the end of the day. We did get £20 off the bill but still won't be returning.

Quality cooking but the food was a little rich and heavy for my tastes

20/10/2024 Everything else was good, the food ( a bit pricey for a sunday roast) , the atmosphere ( some of the 2 seater tables are in squeeze between the big tables, the girl in the front desk was helpful and the service was really good and fast , except for the girl who was wearing a white top, sky-blue trousers with braces in her teeth, blond long hair. She was rude. The way she told off my husband " step away from the table, someone is going to sit there". It was really not nice and she was loud. I know they were busy that day but the attitude of the rest of staff was way better than her. Everyone else was nice, friendly and helpful except for her. She didn't say thank you, please or even a smile on her face and just walk away. We are very disappointed with it. It was an experience but will never come back Anymore. We will definitely reach to the management with her attitude.

Appalling nobody came to take our order

Fantastic Sunday lunch with high quality good and drinks and excellent service. Will certainly be back soon

Can't comment on food and drinks prices at the higher end of reasonable (£30 for 4). Could recommend many more, better value drinkeries in York-that said this place is really set up for food.

Excellent food and beautiful setting

The experience here was top notch, the food was great and our server Sebastian was really good, accomodating and created a perfect atmosphere for the evening.

Went to The Star Inn The City as I have been before. Whilst we were in York lucky with the weather and the sun was out. Knowing about this place I knew a nice outside table would be good overlooking the river. The waitress took us outside and unfortunately the last table at the front had just been taken. I asked if we could move to the front if a table became free. I was immediately shot down that this was never acceptable. What sort of service is this - I've never been anywhere where the customer experience isn't cared about and talked to like a moron. Anyways, a table two minutes later was free so we hopped across. The view from the tables at the front are lovely of the river and one of the only reasons guests want to be here. We were then told off by the manager, and then subsequently again fifteen mins later, and then we could hear her moaning to other guests about us moving. Such a strange business decision. Other reviews online look to be for similar feedback regarding service. We then opted to have lunch somewhere else in the city.

Been waiting a while to get seated, sat down, only to be moved again back into the queue. Not recommend, poor service

We have been a few times when visiting York absolutely excellent food,service and surroundings

Lovely staff, a bit run down. Great food though

Went for Sunday lunch and wasn't disappointed.

Perfect Place for an afternoon drink and snack

We spent our wedding anniversary meal at this fab York restaurant a couple of Sundays ago, the food was so fresh, and really really tasty! That chicken skin butter and that bread has to be believed, and the Yorkshire pudding starter was incredible. The wine list was great too. We were served by the most wonderful young guy called Seb (I think) who went out of his way to offer recommendations and explanations on the menu in a casual but knowledgeable way! He even managed to convert us from our usual Bombay Sapphire and Tonic pre dinner drink to York Gin, which was so good we went to the York Gin Shop the next day to grab a bottle. Above all, he shared his memorable wedding winning story with us, which really was a great highlight of our York trip. At the end of the evening, Seb and his manager even gave us a list of top pubs to try on our travels the following day, which we gladly did. The staff and of course the food make The Star Inn The City a winning place to enjoy a fabulous and fun evening - thanks guys xx One tiny comment, maybe update the playlist, some of the tracks were very retro, but maybe thats the idea, it just didnt feel like it always matched the room, but of course I get that music is a personal thing!

Top notch food in the centre of York in an old historic building with great views onto the river. Expensive but well worth it. The venison was ace and so was the lamb.

Great place,great food,great service defo be back.

Our table was booked for a special family dinner . We were left waiting for an hour beyond the booked time before being shown to our table which meant members of the party were rushed and had to leave part way through their main course to catch their train. The gluten free option roast beef dinner simply came with no Yorkshire-not good enough. The Yorkshires were over done and dry, the beef was frankly lacklustre. The roast potatoes were also dry and seemed to have been cooked a long way in advance. Sadly the service was also poor. We had to remind staff repeatedly about drinks orders - there weren’t apologetic about any of this. Really disappointing - all had looked forward to the experience-which was poor in the event and very overpriced.

Superb Staff Excellent Food Seven of us came for Sunday lunch and we were looked after by the most amazing staff who made the experience so special. The Sunday lunch was delicious if anything we would have liked two pieces of beef instead of one. One slice of beef didn't feel sufficient. Everything was wonderfully presented and beautifully cooked.

The restaurant situation is one of the best in york, right by the river and cleverly converted from an old building. It comes with a good pedigree from the original Star at Harome, and the quality of the food and service does not disappoint, It is quality over quantity, for example vegetables are not always included in the prices for main courses, and thecheapest wine is £30 a bottle. But beware, it is expensive, and that is before they add 12.5% service charge. At their prices, I am sure that they are already paying their staff a premium. But apart from that winge, they provided a meal to remember.

Rude staff.Would not let us move tables to near the balcony despite 2 tables being free (company policy) and this was before we received our drinks. like being back at school

Sunday Lunch. Food was not the best. Waiting Staff were fabulous. Front of house greeter was awful! No dress code, which was unfortunate. Smart casual would have been lovely, but quite chavvie for an expensive (ish) restaurant, on the River. The majority of dishes I was asked to recommend on this Google Review were not available. I would check the menu before reserving. Not impressed.

We was just passing by and let’s stop there for some drinks. We were happy and delighted we did staff was very friendly and welcoming. We all recommended this place

Came here for an evening meal. As we were in a larger group we had to have a set menu. The restaurant was busy, the food was good and service was ok. The main dish was smaller than we expected and the dessert was cold and hard, it could have been served warm. The portion sizes could be slightly larger and speed of service could be improved.

Often seen this place from the river and wondered how to get here. Super cosy at night. But it is pricey at £7/pint!

Really great food and service, highly recommended

If you are looking for a special place to eat, with great views of the river, excuisite food and attentive staff, this is the place to be! Although we were an hour late for our reservation the staff fitted us in immediately, and from beginning to end to had the best service, especially from Sebastian and Luminita. Food was out of this world and the athmosphere was cosy and inviting. Definitely worth a try if you are in York!

There is no other place in the city. the best

Great location with lovely outdoor seating area by the river. Staff were excellent. Would recommend highly to friends and family.

Fantastic location on the River ouse. Picture perfect and very romantic and intimate.

Excellent food in lovely surroundings.

Lovely outside setting with great views. Staff are smart and well versed in all aspects. However we only realised after leaving the establishment that a 5% service charge had been added to the bill without our knowledge and the prices are not that cheap before that was included.

I booked the Star Inn the City for a large group for a hen party. The staff could not do enough for us especially Sebastian our waiter who made us feel like a real group of VIPs. He made sure he memorised our names and where we were sat and made the experience feel so special and personal. This along with how incredible the food was. Absolutely fantastic. The Yorkshire pudding starter was amazing!! I already can’t wait to go back the next time I’m in York!

Beautiful in the sun! Albeit a little pricey for drinks!

appallingly poor service from an incredibly arrogant and rude young male manager who has more style over substance and needs to learn his trade a little better. we were given a table next to a large table of people and as I was hospitalised with COVID, I was very nervous of being sat next to such a large table so asked to move to the next table along when it became vacant. the manager flatly refused to move us except to a table at the back, which I didnt actually mind except it was his tone, that we were trying to get a table closer to the waterfront so therefore all he would offer us was a "demotion (as it came across from him) to the back. I went to discuss it with him and explained about the COVID issue where he started accusing me of not accepting the table at the back because I was lying about the COVID. "IF your reasons are what you say they are..........". I took the table at the back because I never HAD a problem being at the back because we were NEVER trying to push to to the front, I just wanted to be at a table not surrounded by lots of others and a large group. it was his attitude I had a problem with and it felt like he was sticking us to the back as a "punishment". I've never been to a restaurant before where you cannot move without a fuss due to feeling uncomfortable of the close proximity of other tables. appalling and the manager is terrible. stuck up, pretentious, rude. avoid.

Service was fantastic, the atmosphere and setting was lovely, the food was very disappointing :( and not worth the money which was a shame

Incredible food, excellent service, really nice location. Recommended for a fancy meal out.

Stopped in for cocktails on a beautiful sunny day. Staff were lovely and recommended good places to go in the city. Atmosphere was so chilled and totally gorgeous. Expensive. Automatically add a service charge, so allow for that, but genuinely lovely!

Today we visited this restaurant, and unfortunately, the experience fell short of our expectations, especially given the prices. The dishes we ordered arrived cold, which was disappointing. Additionally, the service left much to be desired: the wine we requested was not served until after we had started eating, as they apparently ran out of wine glasses. Overall, the quality of the dishes and the service does not justify the price. Therefore, we cannot recommend this place, as there are better options where the experience is more in line with the cost

Fab location and our waitress, Deebida, was so nice. Our starter was Pheasant, and while tasty, it was tough and dry. Mains were Duck leg, which was fab, and chicken Schnitzel, which was just OK, a little dry and lacking flavor. Cocktails are lovely and the setting is fab. Will I be back, no. But happy to have gone.

While everything was nice about our evening, good service and a nice feel to the place, the food was disappointing for the price point. There was nothing wrong with it, it tasted nice and was nicely presented but the portions are fairly small and the quality was nothing special. Most mains are around £25 and someone in my party ordered a Yorkshire pudding starter which was £9 for a Yorkshire pudding in gravy? Overall nice experience but not worth the cost for average food

We had a large family meal here after a wedding. The restaurant went out of their way to seat 32 of us comfortably and the staff were so friendly and helpful. We had one serious allergy for them to navigate and they did so beautifully Food was delicious a.d the surroundings were so nice. Also worth mentioning that the accessible toilet was ideal for a wheelchair user. Thank you to you all

Lovely Sunday Lunch with a very special person and a second visit just as good with family

Amazing cocktails and service as always 🍸 💫 With most gorgeous river views 📸

Average food. Much overpriced. At the end of the meal, I asked for a single espresso... I waited 25 mins and asked twice. Eventually got a double espresso, with minimal apology for the wait. Following my feedback, the waiter suggested he take it off the bill, but I still ended up paying for the double espresso, which tasted really bad anyway. I never complain or bother writing bad reviews, but I would have expected much more for what I paid.

A good restaurant, one of the best by the river. Busy, great atmosphere, great outdoor seating fkr summer, beautiful views. Staff attentive and helpful. Food was good but I was expecting more. Came a tad too fast and therefore not the best but not bad. My chicken snitznel was a large piece but chicken over cooked and vegetables went cold very quickly. Shame

Beautiful place. A definite if you're voting York. I have dined and had cocktails. I have also popped in for coffee by the river. The staff are lovely and the food in amazing.

Ambience is great and service is attentive and prompt. However, the pork belly Sunday roast was very average. The pork skin was soft, not a tiny bit of crackling to be seen. The portion was small. Vegetables consisted of carrots and green beans, both cold. Yorkshire pudding was slightly burnt but on the positive side, it was drenched in delicious gravy

I wrote a review on another site and got a rude response from, whom I can only presume, was management. I originally gave them three stars out of five but reduced my review to one star, after their response. So am rating the same here. I've visited several times for coffee only but, on this occasion, I'd decided to treat myself despite the high prices. I really should've treated myself elsewhere. York is full of great pubs, cafes and restaurants. This one obviously gets away with murder due to the fact that it neighbours the gorgeous Museum Gardens and overlooks the river. It really is a delightful location. So, I'd complained about hard, overpoweringly vinegary tasting poached eggs, a sticky table that took two requests to get wiped (we even said we'd do it ourselves if they just gave us a cloth), an un-named server with strong B.O. and a tenner price tag for an espresso martini. In their response, I was told that I could've asked for the eggs remade (didn't have time), that the table was sticky cuz it was a busy Bank Holiday (I can't ever use that excuse in my barista job), that all prices are listed but that they simply won't 'engage' in discussions about prices cuz, well... I don't know their overheads (!!!), and that I'd "humilated" a member of their staff by mentioning his B.O. (I hadn't named him... and... who here wants their food served in that manner, please?). They went on to state, that due to the B.O. comment, I wouldn't be invited back. That's just horrendous customer service in my view. I can't imagine any of my bosses over the years ever answering a bad review in such a way. I work in this type of industry and am horrified by this response. Please, given everything mentioned in my review, avoid this place. But do so moreso because of the awful attitude in their response. It simply highlights that they don't care about return custom as their site is prime real estate for charging tourists and day trippers OTT prices for a drink with a view and if they complain??? Tough. They probably won't be back anyway. It's such a shame, as it is such a pretty spot. (Originally written and posted in spring 2019. Edited summer 2024). NB: Jay Rayner wasn't keen either. Just Google his review in The Guardian.

Went for lunch so quite quiet. Superb location. Really enjoyable food.i loved the way that the room is set up. Very smart but still informal. Definitely returning. Oh and the licorice ice cream is heavenly.

We had as a dinner here - the setting and decor is lovely. Staff are very attentive. Our starters were excellent but mains a bit underwhelming. Lots of interesting flavours but they didn’t blend for us. Our most expensive meal of the week but not the best

Our second visit to this lovely resturant ,the food is fantastic the staff are so polite & helpful & the atmosphere is great ,we highly recommend

Great dining. Tried some things out of my comfort zone and they were amazing. Don’t pass up the braised Ox cheek. Definitely worth making a reservation.

Amazing restaurant, right on the river and the food is outstanding alongside the service from the staff, I highly recommend visiting and will return again as soon as possible

Our Sunday lunch - high welfare beef, cooked perfectly, with all the trimmings- was delicious. The restaurant was busy but not overcrowded and service was friendly and prompt.

The space is lovely with a very nice riverside patio. The food was only mediocre however (dinner). I predict brunch might be better. Lots of vegan options. Service was very attentive.

Held my daughter’s wedding reception there! Great place and great service from Sebastian.

We only popped in to escape the train due a warning drink. You could tell it's a great place to eat but I'm annoyed to pay a service charge when only staying for just one drink and a snack of almonds to nibble on.

Superb restaurant. Great food, super wine list, terrific ambience and lovely attentive waiting staff.

Service was perfect and we were served and advised quite well. Dessert were great.

Fabulous recommendations, made by Sebastian, who is a very attentive and enthusiastic waiter, followed by incredible food! The atmosphere is great too! We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to The Star Inn.

We had Sunday lunch at the Star. We both enjoyed our starters but found the main courses sadly lacking. I had beef, and it arrived on a plate hidden beneath a huge tasteless Yorkshire pudding. The beef was a slender slice of rib, which was tasty but mean portioned. There were two small roast potatoes and some unremarkable vegetables. My partner had a Lamb rump, which again was skimpy even if it was tasty. Her plate had a meagre portion of vegetables but again an enormous Yorkshire pudding. The greeting when we arrived was offhand, but the table server was very attentive. This was a special treat, so we picked a special place. Sadly, starters aside, it was most disappointing. I am happy to pay for special, but this was not, and as such a bit of a rip off. Less tasteless Yorkshire puddings and more of the substance of what a Sunday lunch should be would make a welcome improvement.

Went for Sunday roast, we had duck and beef. Small portions of meat but very good. The water carafe had mold or mildew in it and the cocktail was pretty diluted. The order of food and drink was backward, making the experience sub-par. We got our roasts, then she came back with my drink and the appetizer. Absolutely backwards. I expect my drink and appetizer before the lukewarm dinner. Was there a mention of Michelin? I assure you it is not worth any stars. Beautiful atmosphere and good service. The value was 1 star. I’m sure there are better options for better value in York.

Booked up for the wife's 40th. Greeted immediately by friendly staff, and even though we were 20 mins early, the table was ready for us. Decor was modern, striking and bright. Staff were very attentive and helpful. We had Slow roasted duck leg which was fantastic, perfectly roasted and seasoned beautifully, and the Chicken Schnitzel with a roasted tomato sauce which was breaded superbly and served with a side of buttered jersey royals. All the food was expertly cooked, and stunning in its presentation. A complimentary cake was brought out for the wife, and we had Chocolate set custard with Liquorice ice cream, which was a revelation! Can't recommend enough. Looking forward to returning next time we're in York! 5 star!

Just enjoyed a reunion dinner for 12 at The Star Inn. Food, staff and atmosphere were superb. Really slick, friendly but unobtrusive service and food was spot on.

Fabulous food and very nice and welcoming team.

Booked an outside table but weather was bit cloudy so asked to be moved inside, staff was very accommodating as we were a table of 8 and they made us up a table in bar area. Waiting staff was amazing and very attentive (Deepika) was patient and very knowledgeable and we was all very impressed with her service ⭐️ food was very good would say one of the best roasts we’ve all had and the cauliflower cheese was amazing. Would highly recommend this restaurant 🤩

Been here a few times ,always been a pleasant experiance .I was disappointed on my return ,spoken to like you were a naughty child and asked , had you not read the big sign ,which you wouldn't see if someone was stood in front of it .Which we didn't ,we .headed to the bar and outside ,got told to move and go back to reception, by then there was a massive queue, told them I was there before them ,so just sat in the bar area .It all was very confusing ,lots of people did the same thing has we did, only wanting drinks .Lots of people walked out without being served .Think the sign needs to read wait here to be seated for drink and food .Doubt very much I would return

Lovely luncheon today, scallops in risotto are delicious, the other courses were equally delicious, & the drinks too. Outstanding, friendly service from Victoria! The vibe & view from the terrace is lovely. Will certainly be returning! Highly recommended. Steve & Sue from Brayton.

Lovely Riverside bar/restaurant

The last twice we have visited we have been greeted by, well you can’t even call it greeted, the woman who appears to be front of house is unbelievably rude. On both occasions she has been like this, the first time we gave her the benefit of the doubt but she was exactly the same yesterday. It’s very strange for someone in this position to have such a bad attitude anywhere never mind a place of this calibre. The young man who served our table is the complete opposite, very welcoming & professional.

Great all round meal and specialty drinks. Wonderful food.

Very good with a few imperfections at the level it's pitched at. Nice service and ambience, lovely dining room and friendly smart staff. We were fortunate to be seated by the window - these are the tables to hope for. Pinot was served at about 23 degrees, if you're going to charge almost £60 inc. service for an £18 bottle of wine at least buy a fridge and care about the drinks as you do the food. An ice bucket fixed things. Lamb fritter starter was good though the jus was reduced to treacle. Sourdough with chicken butter was great. Scallops good if expensive at almost £20 for just two very small ones. Perhaps that's what they cost these days. Lamb main was good, minted ravioli withe the pork worked really well. Beef cheek was nice though I didn't detect the 'pickled onion' in the onion rings, just a lot of salt. I had the butter cake to finish which was good and a decent size. 3 courses for four, one modest bottle of wine and a jug of tap water - don't be embarrassed folks - came to £275 and we all left feeling nicely full. It's not the cheapest but I'd eat there again.

Our party of 8 had brunch there this morning and it was lovely. I had smashed avocado on toast and it was superb, eggs cooked just right and a fab pickle. The service was excellent, the staff were great and the prices very reasonable especially sitting outside next to the river.. would recommend…

A great location but a little expensive

Great spot in the heart of York. Pigeon is not to be missed. Ox cheek was tender and flavorful. Brilliant meal!

If you’re a vegetarian the go elsewhere. The vegetarian options here are very ordinary and grossly overpriced.

Delayed review (sorry!) - visited on 15th November 2023 Booked in for my 30th Birthday meal and had a lovely time, food was delicious and was made to feel very welcome by Lumi who was very cheery and helpful and made our visit even better than we hoped and she is an asset to the team! My boyfriend has since visited again with his mum for her birthday and again really enjoyed their visit - hoping to visit again in September this time with my boyfriend's Nan in tow!

Beautiful views from this beer garden, overlooking the river. You pay for the view though with a service charge to boot. Beer was lovely, tank beer, but £15.75 for two pints is a bit naughty. Nice for one beer but you'd need to remortgage to spend all afternoon in here.

Four of us had a late lunch here last Saturday. The food was excellent and the staff friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming and we're looking forward to our next visit.

Excellent restaurant, service from Sebastian was absolutely incredible and we had a lovely evening

Visited this restaurant on Saturday evening , it is a lovely place ,the only thing that spoilt it was the waitress we had serving us to start with .She was abrupt ,short,and basically gave us the wrong information regarding drinks .Then we asked another waitress on passing if we could have someone else, and luckily, we got Jade and Katy who were fantastic , the food was delicious .

Fabulous food last night, Lumi looked after us so well, the food was Michelin star standard, loved the whole vibe of this restaurant, sadly back to Hereford, so won’t be returning, that young lady is a great asset to this business.

1. We got turned away by front of staff as they were full inside and we had no reservation. Literally outside their door I proceeded to make a reservation online, miraculously there were free tables! 2. My meal comes with an uncooked chicken. It was pink and sticking to my teeth, yet the serving staff argued with me that it was normal when I sent it back to get it cooked more. I was tired and hungry hence we remained there but it was a very unpleasant experience. I do not recommend. We were treated very poorly and the food was mediocre, also obligated to pay 12% tip for this "service". Maybe it was our accent that made us unwelcomed.

Average service, tiny portions, expensive ...

The meal was very good and very enjoyable. But the best part of the evening was our server, Katy. She was able to answer our food questions easily, she was personable, and she was friendly. She clearly loves her job and she is very good at it. She is a keeper!!!

Lovely place down by the river in York. We arrived late but they still served us a drink and we sat outside under the patio heaters but they also had blankets if we needed them. Great spot for food or and evening drink!

Cozy restaurant in a particular location in very centric York. I was with a large group and we had a nice table in a separate room to ourselves. The service and the food was excellent, very tender ox cheeks!

I booked a table for 2 outdoors in advance. When we arrived , they made us sit far in the back with no view of the river or any view at all. What’s the point! Even though there was a table closer to the river available they said we cannot let you sit there. They let groups of 3-4+ sit by the river And tables of 2 people sit far away from the river It’s all about the money And customer satisfaction comes last.

They messed up the order and charged the full amount. They charged the optional tip automatically and still accepted more. They don't care about Pilsen beer...

Myself and the wife had a wonderful meal Thanks

We had an amazing lunch at The Starr Inn the City on Saturday 11th May. Great food in a great location with an amazing atmosphere, did the sun help... Of course it did. Would I do it all again tomorrow.... absolutely. If the weather is good make sure you book.

Had lunch with friends. Two of us had pork dish, very disappointing - very chewy and little flavour. Told waiter but no acknowledgement from anyone. Other friends were happy with their choices. It is expensive and previous experiences had been good so disappointed this time.

Always a place to come back , good quality food,service and ambience.a must go even only for a drink