Ate O'Clock: York's Charming Modern European Bistro
A charming modern European bistro in York’s historic heart, offering locally sourced dishes in a whimsical, cozy setting with a unique clock-themed ambiance.
Nestled in a fairy-lit alleyway on High Ousegate, York, Ate O'Clock is a unique modern European restaurant offering locally sourced British and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. With a cozy courtyard and stylish interiors featuring whimsical clock-themed decor, it serves an inviting atmosphere perfect for romantic dinners, family meals, or casual catch-ups. The menu includes steaks, seafood, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, complemented by an extensive drinks list including York Gin and craft cocktails.
A brief summary to Ate O'Clock
- 13a High Ousegate, York, YO1 8RZ, GB
- +441904644080
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-10 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-10 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-10 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-10 pm
- Friday 12 pm-10 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-10 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-10 pm
Local tips
- Book ahead, especially for weekends or if dining with dogs, as pet-friendly tables are limited.
- Try the set menu for excellent value, available daily from noon to 10 pm, with options for two or three courses.
- Enjoy drinks at the adjacent Social8 Lounge Bar for a stylish pre- or post-dinner experience.
- The heated courtyard is perfect for outdoor dining year-round, offering a cozy atmosphere even in colder months.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Information Boards
Ate O'Clock location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Ate O'Clock
A Hidden Culinary Gem in Historic York
Tucked away down an arched alleyway adorned with fairy lights, Ate O'Clock presents a delightful surprise upon entry. This independent, family-run restaurant is located at 13a High Ousegate, in the heart of York's historic city center. Its unique entrance and whimsical clock-themed interiors, where many clocks are set to 8 o'clock, create a wonderland-like ambiance that immediately sets the tone for a memorable dining experience.Atmosphere and Dining Spaces
Inside, the restaurant offers a stylish yet comfortable environment with elegant modern European and British influences. Guests can choose between indoor seating or a cozy courtyard that has been thoughtfully adapted for year-round use, featuring heating for colder months and a retractable roof to enjoy summer dining al fresco. The atmosphere balances warmth and sophistication, making it ideal for romantic dates, family gatherings, or casual meals while exploring York.Menu Highlights and Culinary Excellence
Ate O'Clock’s menu showcases a blend of modern British and Mediterranean-inspired dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Signature offerings include pan-roasted chicken, rump of beef, sticky toffee pudding, scallops, lamb cutlets, and halloumi fries. The restaurant caters to diverse dietary needs with dedicated vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus. The set menu, available daily from noon to 10 pm (with some evening restrictions on weekends), offers excellent value with two courses at £23.50 and three courses at £27.50, allowing diners to mix starters, mains, and desserts.Drinks and Social8 Lounge Bar
Complementing the food is an expertly curated drinks menu featuring classic and signature cocktails, a wide selection of wines, and local specialties such as York Gin and Rudgate Brewery beers. Adjacent to the restaurant is the Social8 Lounge Bar, a stylish space perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks, offering a relaxed vibe with the same high standards in food and beverage.Accessibility and Family-Friendly Features
Ate O'Clock is fully accessible, with a small ramp at the entrance and ground floor restroom facilities. Families are warmly welcomed, with a kids’ menu available all day and provisions for high chairs. Dog-friendly tables are offered in the heated courtyard, though booking is recommended due to limited availability. The restaurant’s attentive and friendly staff enhance the welcoming atmosphere.Location and Nearby Attractions
Situated close to York’s Grand Opera House and other central landmarks, Ate O'Clock is an excellent choice for a pre-theatre meal or a leisurely dining experience while sightseeing. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for visitors exploring York’s rich history and vibrant cultural scene.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Parliament St
0.1 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
St Crux
0.1 km
Explore the echoes of medieval York at St Crux, where a grand church’s legacy lives on in a historic parish hall and poignant tales of martyrdom.
The York Ghost Merchants
0.2 km
Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
Ouse Bridge
0.2 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Ghost Hunt of York
0.2 km
Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
The Stonebow
0.3 km
A historic gateway blending medieval charm and architectural evolution at York’s vibrant city heart.
York Castle Museum
0.4 km
Explore the captivating history of York at the York Castle Museum, where the past comes alive through immersive exhibits and engaging displays.
Roman Column
0.4 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
The Norman House
0.4 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
Bedern Hall
0.4 km
Experience the enchanting Bedern Hall in York, a perfect venue that beautifully blends history and elegance for unforgettable weddings and events.
St Michael Le Belfrey
0.4 km
Discover the enchanting St Michael Le Belfrey, an Anglican church in York, rich in history and architectural beauty, perfect for spiritual reflection.
Shadows of York Ghost Walk
0.4 km
Experience York's haunted history with the Shadows of York Ghost Walk, a thrilling journey through the city's ghostly past and chilling legends.
Locked in Games York
0.4 km
Experience the thrill of escaping at Locked in Games York, a top-rated escape room center perfect for families, friends, and adventurers!
Sundial Column
0.4 km
An elegant 18th-century sundial column on stone lions, quietly marking time just east of York Minster in a peaceful corner of the cathedral precincts.
Black window cat
0.4 km
Victorian architectural gem showcasing French Renaissance design and meticulous Victorian craftsmanship in historic York.
Unmissable attractions to see
Coppergate Shopping Centre
0.1 km
Historic York’s vibrant open-air shopping centre blending culture, retail, and dining in the city’s ancient heart.
JORVIK Viking Centre
0.1 km
Step into Viking-age York at JORVIK Viking Centre, where history comes alive through immersive rides, artefacts, and interactive experiences.
Ghost keeper - Meeting point
0.1 km
Explore York’s haunted streets with the Ghost Keeper tour—a thrilling blend of history, spooky tales, and theatrical storytelling.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience York
0.1 km
Step inside Van Gogh’s world with immersive projections and VR at historic St Mary's Abbey, York’s captivating digital art experience.
The Spurriergate Centre
0.1 km
A historic 12th-century church transformed into a vibrant community café and Christian centre in the heart of York.
28 Shambles
0.1 km
Discover the historical allure and vibrant atmosphere of 28 Shambles, York's iconic medieval street filled with charming shops and local delicacies.
Wizard Walk of York - WINNER Best Tour and Best of York Award!
0.1 km
Experience the magic of York with the Wizard Walk, an award-winning tour that blends history, folklore, and captivating storytelling in a charming setting.
St Mary's Church
0.1 km
Discover York’s ancient St Mary's Church—where medieval history meets contemporary art in a stunning Castlegate landmark.
The Shop That Must Not Be Named
0.1 km
Step into York’s enchanting Shambles and discover The Shop That Must Not Be Named, a magical Harry Potter emporium filled with wizarding wonders and immersive charm.
Shambles Market
0.1 km
Discover York's vibrant Shambles Market, a historic covered marketplace blending artisan crafts, fresh food, and lively atmosphere daily from 9am to 5pm.
The Potions Academy
0.1 km
Step into a magical classroom in York’s historic Shambles and craft your own enchanting potions in an immersive family-friendly adventure.
Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow
0.1 km
A modest yet powerful shrine in York’s Shambles honoring Saint Margaret Clitherow, the courageous Catholic martyr known as the Pearl of York.
Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop
0.1 km
Your welcoming gateway to York’s history, culture, and attractions, offering expert advice, tickets, and unique local gifts.
Shambles
0.1 km
Step into York’s medieval heart on The Shambles, a narrow, timber-framed street rich with history, charm, and magical inspiration.
Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate Sign
0.1 km
Discover York’s quirkiest tiny street marked by the Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate Sign, nestled near the medieval charm of the Shambles.
Essential places to dine
Ate O'Clock
0.0 km
Enchanting modern British dining in York’s fairy-lit alley, blending classic flavors with stylish charm and warm hospitality.
Pavement Vaults
0.1 km
Experience York’s vibrant grill and bar scene with generous smoked meats, craft beers, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere at Pavement Vaults.
Wine Stories
0.1 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and an extensive wine selection in the cozy heart of York’s historic center at Wine Stories.
Rustique Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience authentic French flavors and vibrant bistro charm at Rustique, York’s beloved French restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and great value.
Marzano Italian & Grill
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of York’s vibrant Fossgate district.
Cosy Club
0.2 km
Historic charm meets stylish dining and cocktails in York’s iconic Cosy Club on Fossgate, perfect for all-day indulgence and special celebrations.
Corner Grill House
0.2 km
Award-winning Yorkshire steakhouse serving premium beef and local ingredients in York's vibrant city centre.
Valhalla York
0.2 km
Experience hearty Viking-inspired tapas, unique ales, and a lively atmosphere at Valhalla York in the heart of the city.
Ambiente Tapas Fossgate
0.2 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant atmosphere in York’s stylish Ambiente Tapas Fossgate, perfect for sharing, sipping, and socializing.
31 Castlegate Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience refined modern European dining in the historic heart of York, blending seasonal flavors with warm hospitality.
The Cut & Craft York
0.2 km
Stylish steakhouse in York’s historic St. Sampson’s Square, famed for premium cuts, craft beers, and inviting modern ambiance.
The Blue Barbakan
0.2 km
Experience hearty Polish classics and warm hospitality in York’s vibrant Fossgate at The Blue Barbakan.
D'vine Restaurant And Social Bar
0.2 km
A vibrant York venue blending British, Italian, and Mediterranean flavors with a lively social bar atmosphere.
Bill's York Restaurant
0.2 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
Las Iguanas - York
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Latin American flavours and lively cocktails in York’s historic city centre at Las Iguanas.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gift Gallery
0.1 km
Discover unique gifts and charming souvenirs in the heart of York’s historic Shambles, where tradition meets thoughtful shopping.
Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts
0.1 km
Discover quirky, unique gifts and playful treasures in the heart of York’s historic Shambles at Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts.
York Souvenir's
0.1 km
Discover authentic York treasures and charming souvenirs at this friendly, independent gift shop in the heart of York.
Pride of York Souvenirs
0.1 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs in the heart of the historic Shambles at Pride of York Souvenirs.
Dog & Bone Vintage
0.1 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique homewares in York’s charming Dog & Bone Vintage, where style meets sustainability across two floors.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.1 km
Scandinavian creativity meets quirky British charm in this beloved gift and lifestyle shop.
Give The Dog A Bone
0.2 km
Discover York’s quirky gift haven with two floors of unique treasures, from funky homeware to pop culture collectibles on historic Fossgate.
Take One Gifts
0.2 km
Explore Take One Gifts in York for unique souvenirs, artisan crafts, and memorable collectibles reflecting the city's charm.
Barghest
0.2 km
Discover Barghest, a quirky gift shop in York’s historic Shambles, offering unique film, TV, and music merchandise in a medieval setting.
Fenwick York
0.2 km
Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and homeware at Fenwick York, a boutique department store nestled in the heart of Coppergate Centre.
Cello by Collectables
0.2 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
The Medieval Scribe
0.2 km
Discover unique medieval-inspired crafts and artisanal treasures in the heart of York’s historic Church Street.
Sterling Souvenirs
0.2 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs at Sterling Souvenirs, your friendly gift shop in the heart of King’s Square.
Paper Doll
0.3 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
Pandora
0.3 km
Discover elegant, hand-finished jewellery crafted with care and inspired by timeless style at Pandora on Low Petergate, York.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Social 8 Lounge
0.0 km
Stylish York lounge bar offering crafted cocktails, small plates, and boozy brunch in a relaxed, elegant setting with a courtyard garden.
The Three Tuns
0.1 km
Step into The Three Tuns, a centuries-old timber-framed pub on Coppergate offering historic charm and hearty Yorkshire hospitality in York’s heart.
Golden Fleece York
0.1 km
York’s oldest haunted pub offering historic charm, classic ales, cozy rooms, and a lively social atmosphere in the heart of the city.
The Stone Roses Bar
0.1 km
York’s premier indie music bar, blending iconic memorabilia with lively vibes and friendly service in a central city location.
The Blue Bell
0.1 km
York’s smallest and most beloved Edwardian pub, famed for its authentic atmosphere, quality ales, and warm community spirit.
The Hop York
0.2 km
A lively York city centre bar known for its craft beers, stone-baked pizzas, and vibrant live music in a historic Victorian setting.
Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
0.2 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York offering cocktails, casual dining, and vibrant social vibes with scenic river views.
Pivní York
0.2 km
Historic 16th-century timber-framed pub in York offering an exceptional selection of local and global craft beers in a cosy, multi-floor setting.
The Fossgate Social
0.2 km
A lively independent bar and coffee shop on York’s Fossgate, known for craft drinks, specialty coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Plonkers
0.2 km
Family-run riverside wine bar and bistro in York serving home-cooked meals, fine wines, craft beers, and lively live music events since the 1980s.
Vudu Lounge
0.2 km
York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
Victor J's
0.2 km
Eclectic art-inspired bar and restaurant in York’s heart, offering cozy seating, creative vibes, and lively weekend nights.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.2 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Dusk
0.2 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Oscar's Wine Bar & Bistro
0.2 km
A lively and welcoming wine bar in York offering quality food, diverse wines, and a charming atmosphere for all occasions.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly