Partisan
Artistic café serving seasonal brunch and lunch in a bohemian Parisian-inspired setting on historic Micklegate.
Partisan is a beloved independent café and arts space located on Micklegate in York, offering an exceptional daytime dining experience. Chef Florencia Clifford's restaurant specializes in seasonal brunch and lunch dishes, from Turkish fig and goat cheese sourdough to fresh seafood creations. The ever-changing interior, curated through partnerships with French antique dealers and indie artists, creates a warm, bohemian atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Parisian café. With consistently high-quality ingredients and inventive presentations, Partisan has become a standout destination for discerning diners seeking authentic, locally-inspired cuisine in a relaxed, artsy setting.
A brief summary to Partisan
- 112 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX, GB
- +441904629866
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-3 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-3 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-3 pm
- Thursday 9 am-3 pm
- Friday 9 am-3 pm
- Saturday 9 am-3 pm
- Sunday 9 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Book in advance, especially for weekend visits, as Partisan is popular and seating can be limited. The outdoor marquee tent is a lovely option in warm weather.
- Try the Haxby sourdough with Turkish figs and goat cheese or the scallop and bacon roll when available. The bread itself is exceptional and worth savouring.
- Visit for brunch or lunch rather than dinner; Partisan operates as a daytime café. For evening dining by the same chef, visit the sister restaurant Brancusi nearby.
- Arrive early to fully appreciate the ever-changing interior décor and artworks. The space is designed to be explored and admired as part of the experience.
- Ask the staff for recommendations on seasonal specials and menu highlights; they are knowledgeable and genuinely engaged with the kitchen's creations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
Partisan location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Partisan
A Culinary Haven on Historic Micklegate
Partisan occupies a cherished spot on Micklegate, one of York's most characterful streets and home to the towering medieval Micklegate Bar, one of the city's ancient gateways. The restaurant sits just ten minutes from York's bustling city centre and five minutes from the picturesque city walls that wind around the medieval core. This location places Partisan at the heart of an up-and-coming neighbourhood that blends historic charm with contemporary creativity, making it an ideal base for exploring both York's heritage and its modern cultural scene.Seasonal Menus and Ingredient-Driven Cooking
Under the direction of chef Florencia Clifford, Partisan's kitchen embraces a philosophy of seasonal freshness and ingredient quality. The menu changes regularly to reflect what is best and most available, ensuring that every visit offers something new. Signature dishes include the Haxby sourdough topped with Turkish figs and goat cheese for vegetarians, indulgent scallop and bacon rolls when in season, and cold roasted sirloin. Recent offerings have showcased stone bass, marinated burrata, roasted cauliflower, and delicate pastries like Earl Grey frangipane. The bread itself—sourced from Haxby Bakehouse—is a highlight, praised for its quality and flavour. Brunch plates typically range from £8 to £16, offering excellent value for the calibre of food and presentation.Bohemian Interiors and Artistic Soul
The interior of Partisan is one of its defining features. Through an ongoing partnership with a French antiques dealer, the décor is constantly evolving, ensuring that no two visits feel identical. Vintage furnishings, carefully curated artwork from independent artists, and thoughtful design choices create a cosy, slightly bohemian atmosphere reminiscent of a quaint Parisian café. The space includes both an intimate indoor dining area and a spacious marquee tent at the back, which is particularly pleasant during warm weather. The artistic backdrop and relaxed vibe make Partisan as much a cultural experience as a culinary one, appealing to those who value aesthetics and creativity alongside good food.Coffee and Hospitality
Partisan has earned a reputation for serving some of the best coffee in York, with knowledgeable staff who can guide diners through the menu and explain what the kitchen is creating on any given day. The café culture extends beyond breakfast and brunch; the coffee programme is taken seriously, reflecting the establishment's commitment to quality across all offerings. The restaurant is owned and operated by chef Florencia Clifford, who also runs Brancusi, a sister restaurant just metres away on the same street, offering dinner service for those seeking an evening experience.A Destination for Discerning Diners
Partisan has earned recognition as one of York's finest daytime dining destinations, celebrated for its combination of excellent food, artistic ambiance, and genuine hospitality. The restaurant attracts both locals and visitors, from families enjoying weekend brunch to groups celebrating special occasions. The quality of ingredients, thoughtfulness of presentation, and care taken in every aspect of the experience reflect a restaurant that takes its craft seriously while maintaining an unpretentious, welcoming atmosphere.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historic England - York Office
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Ouse Bridge
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St. Leonard's Hospital
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Anglian Tower
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Parliament St
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King's Manor - University of York
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Explore the historic King's Manor at the University of York, where academic excellence meets stunning architecture in the heart of the city.
Shambles Market
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The Norman House
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28 Shambles
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The Deathly Dark Tours
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Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow
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Wizard Walk of York - WINNER Best Tour and Best of York Award!
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Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
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Ghost Hunt of York
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The York Ghost Merchants
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Unmissable attractions to see
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York's Tansy Beetle Mural
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The Ghost Bus Tours York
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Hooting Owl Distillery York
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All Saints North Street, York - The Shrine and Parish Church
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York Beach
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Barker Tower
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Discover the medieval charm and historical significance of Barker Tower, a must-visit landmark in the heart of York.
City Screen Picturehouse
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The Original Ghost Walk of York
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York Gift Center
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Dame Judi Dench Walk
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A peaceful riverside stroll in York honoring Dame Judi Dench, blending historic views with tranquil urban nature.
Coney St
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York’s historic Coney Street blends centuries of heritage with vibrant shopping, dining, and riverside charm in the city centre.
The York Cat Trail
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Locked in Games York
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York Mansion House
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Essential places to dine
Partisan
0.0 km
Artistic café serving seasonal brunch and lunch in a bohemian Parisian-inspired setting on historic Micklegate.
Skosh
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Delrio's Restaurant
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Kapadokya
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The Rise
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Casa Brazilian Rodizio
0.3 km
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The Whippet Inn
0.3 km
York’s hidden steakhouse gem offering ethically sourced beef, cozy ambiance, and exceptional Sunday roasts in a stylish adults-only setting.
The Star Inn The City
0.5 km
Elegant riverside dining in York offering seasonal British cuisine with a rustic countryside charm and stunning views of the River Ouse.
Corner Grill House
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Tomahawk Steakhouse York
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Bill's York Restaurant
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The Ivy St Helen's Square York
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Brew & Brownie
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Roots York
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The Olive Tree
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Authentic Mediterranean flavors and fresh seasonal dishes in the heart of historic York, near Clifford’s Tower.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hidden Treasures
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Greybear
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York Souvenir's
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The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
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The Imaginarium
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Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
Dog & Bone Vintage
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Käthe Wohlfahrt
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Paper Doll
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Cello by Collectables
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Fenwick York
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Rookscroft
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The Antiques Centre York
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Jalou York
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The Maltings
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Revolution York
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Lendal Cellars
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Plonkers
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House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
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The Stone Roses Bar
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Dusk
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The Punch Bowl
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Social 8 Lounge
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The Three Tuns
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Step into The Three Tuns, a centuries-old timber-framed pub on Coppergate offering historic charm and hearty Yorkshire hospitality in York’s heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Casual
- Boutique
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Bohemian Styles
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Aesthetic Corners
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
