Roots York: Michelin-Starred Seasonal Fine Dining in a Historic Setting
Discover Roots York, a Michelin-starred gem offering seasonal farm-to-table tasting menus in a historic 19th-century setting with warm, refined ambiance.
Roots York is a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant located at 68 Marygate, York, housed in a charming 19th-century building. Renowned for its seasonal farm-to-table tasting menus crafted by head chef Will Lockwood, it emphasizes local and sustainable produce from the Banks family farm and regional suppliers. The intimate setting features a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, with menus evolving to reflect the freshest harvests and a well-curated wine list. Roots offers a unique culinary experience blending creativity, tradition, and sustainability.
A brief summary to Roots York
- 68 Marygate, York, YO30 7BH, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Luxury
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 6 pm-7:30 pm
- Thursday 6 pm-7:30 pm
- Friday 12 pm-1:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-1:30 pm
Local tips
- Book well in advance, especially for weekend sittings and the popular Sunday Feast.
- Consider the tasting menu to experience the full range of seasonal dishes and culinary creativity.
- Inform the staff of any dietary restrictions ahead of time to receive personalized menu adjustments.
- Allow ample time for your meal, as courses are served at a relaxed pace to enhance enjoyment.
- Explore the wine pairings or cocktails featuring local herbs and foraged ingredients for a complete sensory experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Roots York location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Roots York
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Local Heritage
Roots York stands as a beacon of modern British cuisine, deeply connected to the rich agricultural heritage of North Yorkshire. Situated in a converted Victorian inn beside York’s city walls, the restaurant embodies the ethos of seasonality and sustainability championed by the Banks family. The menu evolves naturally with the seasons, showcasing ingredients sourced from the Banks’ 20-acre farm in Oldstead, alongside carefully selected regional suppliers and foraged elements. This farm-to-table approach ensures that each dish reflects the freshest produce available, offering diners a genuine taste of the local terroir.Atmosphere and Setting in a Historic Venue
The restaurant’s setting is a charming 1800s building with a subdued exterior that contrasts with its warm, inviting interior. Furnished with Scandinavian-style chairs, oak tables supported by metal legs shaped like roots, and kilim textiles, the décor strikes a balance between rustic and contemporary elegance. The open kitchen design allows guests to observe the meticulous preparation of their meals, enhancing the intimate and relaxed dining experience. Despite its Michelin-star status, Roots maintains a welcoming atmosphere that feels accessible yet special.Innovative Menus and Culinary Craftsmanship
Roots offers tasting menus that typically feature a series of small, carefully composed courses. These range from canapés and charcuterie to intricate main dishes and desserts, each plate presenting a refined balance of flavors and textures. Signature dishes often include barbecued asparagus with wild garlic butter, cured bream with pickled turnip, and rich duck liver parfait with rhubarb jelly. The Sunday Feast is a highlight, featuring a lavish roast with generous sides like duck-fat roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, glazed carrots, and Yorkshire pudding, sometimes enhanced with braised ox cheek. The culinary team, led by Will Lockwood, combines creativity with respect for traditional techniques and ingredients.Wine and Beverage Pairings
Complementing the food is a thoughtfully curated wine list, featuring selections by the glass, food-matching packages, and Banks Brothers wines-in-a-can. Cocktails incorporate herbs and foraged ingredients such as lemon verbena and woodruff, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to local flavors and innovative pairings. The knowledgeable staff provide attentive service without being intrusive, contributing to a seamless dining experience.Considerations and Visitor Experience
While Roots is celebrated for its inventive cuisine and warm service, some diners note that the pacing between courses can be leisurely, with meals sometimes extending to around four hours. The price point reflects the high quality and special occasion nature of the dining experience, with tasting menus ranging from approximately £95 to £165 on weekends. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and requires pre-payment or deposits for reservations, underscoring its exclusivity and demand.Legacy and Local Significance
Roots York is more than a restaurant; it is a culinary landmark within York’s vibrant food scene. As the urban counterpart to the Banks family’s rural Black Swan restaurant, Roots exemplifies a successful fusion of farm-driven gastronomy and city dining culture. It continues to attract food enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated yet authentic taste of Yorkshire’s finest ingredients, prepared with skill and passion.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Anglian Tower
0.3 km
Discover York’s rare Anglo-Saxon watchtower, a unique stone relic woven into ancient Roman walls and shrouded in centuries of history.
St. Leonard's Hospital
0.3 km
Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
Bootham Bar
0.4 km
Explore Bootham Bar, York’s medieval gateway with Roman roots, historic portcullis, and stunning views of the city’s ancient walls and Minster.
York Gifts and Souvenirs
0.4 km
Explore York Gifts and Souvenirs for locally crafted treasures and unique gifts that capture the essence of York's rich history and culture.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
0.4 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
Historic England - York Office
0.4 km
Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
The Norman House
0.5 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York
0.6 km
A soaring Gothic masterpiece in the heart of York, where 1,400 years of faith, history, and light-filled architecture converge in one of England’s greatest cathedrals.
Roman Column
0.6 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop
0.6 km
Discover York's rich history and vibrant culture at the Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop, your gateway to unforgettable experiences.
Medieval Walls
0.6 km
Walk England’s longest medieval walls, tracing 2,000 years of York’s history with stunning city views and iconic fortified gateways.
Robin Hood Tower
0.6 km
Explore York’s Victorian Robin Hood Tower, a striking city wall sentinel with historic charm and captivating views of medieval defenses and York Minster.
Micklegate Bar
0.7 km
Explore the historical significance of Micklegate Bar, a majestic gateway that tells the story of York's medieval past.
National Trust - Treasurer's House, York
0.7 km
Explore the grandeur of Treasurer's House in York, a captivating historical museum that unveils the rich tapestry of English heritage.
Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate
0.7 km
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Holy Trinity Church in York, a captivating Anglican landmark and must-visit tourist attraction.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dame Judi Dench Walk
0.1 km
A peaceful riverside stroll in York honoring Dame Judi Dench, blending historic views with tranquil urban nature.
Museum Gardens
0.2 km
Discover York Museum Gardens: a historic botanical oasis blending medieval ruins, lush greenery, and vibrant community life in the city centre.
York Observatory
0.2 km
Explore Yorkshire’s oldest working observatory nestled in York’s scenic Museum Gardens, home to historic telescopes and star clocks.
Yorkshire Museum
0.2 km
Explore Yorkshire’s rich history from prehistoric fossils to Viking treasures in York’s iconic Greek Revival museum nestled in tranquil gardens.
Multangular Tower
0.2 km
Explore York’s iconic ten-sided Roman tower blending ancient military might with medieval defense, nestled in serene Museum Gardens.
King's Manor - University of York
0.3 km
A historic Tudor and Stuart manor in York city centre, blending royal heritage with academic excellence since the 15th century.
York Explore Library and Archive
0.3 km
York’s central library and city archives in a striking 1920s building, with books, study spaces, a café and regular free community events.
Barker Tower
0.3 km
Discover the medieval charm and historical significance of Barker Tower, a must-visit landmark in the heart of York.
Black window cat
0.3 km
Explore Black Window Cat in York, a vibrant tourist attraction blending art, culture, and community in a historic setting.
Invisible Cities - Walking Tours York
0.3 km
Alternative walking tours of York led by local guides with lived experience of homelessness, blending history, personal stories, and social impact.
Locked in Games York
0.3 km
Solve puzzles, beat the clock and escape in York’s clever escape room centre near the museum gardens.
York City Sightseeing
0.3 km
Discover York’s 2,000 years of history aboard an open-top bus with live guides, hop-on hop-off freedom, and multilingual commentary.
Association Of Voluntary Guides Meeting Place
0.3 km
Starting point for free, expert-led walking tours revealing York’s rich history and vibrant culture every day except Christmas.
York Art Gallery
0.3 km
Discover centuries of British art and vibrant contemporary exhibitions in York’s historic and beautifully restored art gallery.
Exhibition Square
0.3 km
A historic and vibrant cultural square in York, blending art, architecture, and community in the city’s heart.
Essential places to dine
Roots York
0.0 km
Discover Roots York, a Michelin-starred gem offering seasonal farm-to-table tasting menus in a historic 19th-century setting with warm, refined ambiance.
The Star Inn The City
0.3 km
Elegant riverside dining in York offering seasonal British cuisine with a rustic countryside charm and stunning views of the River Ouse.
Brew & Brownie
0.3 km
Cozy family-run café in York serving locally inspired breakfasts, artisan coffee, and indulgent brownies in a rustic, welcoming setting.
The Rise
0.3 km
Modern British dining with a Yorkshire twist in York’s only five-star hotel, featuring an open kitchen, terrace views, and award-winning afternoon tea.
Tomahawk Steakhouse York
0.4 km
Savor Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks and vibrant cocktails in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Tomahawk Steakhouse.
The Ivy St Helen's Square York
0.4 km
Elegant British brasserie in York’s historic heart, offering modern classics, vibrant interiors, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
The Botanist York
0.5 km
A vibrant botanical bar and restaurant on York’s historic Stonegate, blending fresh seasonal cuisine with live music and lush, nature-inspired interiors.
Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant
0.5 km
A vibrant York hotspot blending modern British cuisine, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Bill's York Restaurant
0.5 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
Guy Fawkes Inn
0.5 km
Historic inn with cozy period rooms, lively pub, and unbeatable central location near York Minster.
Forage Kitchen & Bar
0.5 km
Refined fire-cooked dishes and inventive Yorkshire cocktails in a lush, intimate setting on York’s historic Little Stonegate.
House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (No table bookings)
0.5 km
A medieval ale house with a vast craft beer collection, quirky charm, and hearty Yorkshire fare in the heart of historic York.
The Whippet Inn
0.5 km
York’s hidden steakhouse gem offering ethically sourced beef, cozy ambiance, and exceptional Sunday roasts in a stylish adults-only setting.
Turtle Bay York
0.5 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant island vibes in the heart of historic York at Turtle Bay.
Kapadokya
0.5 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Imaginarium
0.4 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
0.4 km
A fragrant, playful haven of handmade soaps and scented treats in the heart of York – perfect for gifts and a little indulgence.
Hidden Treasures
0.5 km
Discover unique crystals and spiritual tools in a tranquil metaphysical shop at York’s George Hudson Street.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.5 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
Snowhome
0.5 km
Discover Snowhome, York’s premier independent lifestyle store blending exquisite stationery, niche perfumes, and sustainable home accessories since 2001.
Rookscroft
0.5 km
Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
Shared Earth
0.5 km
Discover ethically sourced treasures and handcrafted fair trade gifts in the heart of historic York.
York Minster Shop
0.5 km
Discover authentic souvenirs and specialist books celebrating York Minster's medieval heritage.
The Cat Gallery
0.6 km
York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
SOCTOPUS
0.6 km
Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
Paper Doll
0.6 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
Fairer World
0.6 km
Discover unique fair trade treasures and support global artisans at York’s dedicated ethical gift shop on historic Gillygate.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
0.6 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
Cello by Collectables
0.6 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
Greybear
0.6 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and unique gifts in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Greybear Vintage Gifts.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Maltings
0.3 km
A quirky, friendly pub in York offering a wide beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Tanner's Moat.
House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
0.4 km
Step into York’s medieval gem where historic ambiance meets an extraordinary craft beer selection in a quirky, lively setting.
York Tap
0.4 km
Discover York Tap, a historic Edwardian pub at York Station, offering 32 rotating craft beer lines and a lively atmosphere for beer lovers.
Eagle & Child
0.4 km
Historic 17th-century timber-framed pub in York offering craft ales, good food, and a charming beer garden in a quaint, lively setting.
Lendal Cellars
0.4 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
Revolution York
0.5 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
Ye Olde Starre Inne
0.5 km
Historic and welcoming pub on York’s Stonegate, serving hearty British classics in a charming medieval setting.
The Punch Bowl
0.5 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
Evil Eye
0.5 km
Quirky cocktails and lively entertainment blend seamlessly in York’s vibrant Evil Eye Lounge on historic Stonegate.
Dusk
0.5 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.5 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.5 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
0.6 km
A lively cocktail bar and casual dining spot in York’s historic centre, perfect for social drinks, events, and weekend late nights.
Oscar's Wine Bar & Bistro
0.6 km
A lively and welcoming wine bar in York offering quality food, diverse wines, and a charming atmosphere for all occasions.
Victor J's
0.6 km
Eclectic art-inspired bar and restaurant in York’s heart, offering cozy seating, creative vibes, and lively weekend nights.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Flares - York
0.4 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Club Salvation
0.4 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
BlueBox
0.5 km
York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.5 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.5 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
Popworld York
0.5 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Kuda
0.8 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
1.7 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.5 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
33.7 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.3 km
Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.5 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
Disco Stu's
34.5 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Key Club
34.7 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
PRYZM
34.7 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
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
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adult Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Senior Friendly