The Blue Barbakan Restaurant in York

Reviews

1. B S ★★★★★

   After a recent trip to Poland and Ukraine, I was keen to introduce my partner to more Eastern European dishes, so we reserved a table for an early dinner on a Friday evening. The Blue Barbakan is enviably located on Fossgate - a street replete with excellent places to dine - occupying a corner position by the bridge. From the moment you enter, you'll feel welcomed by the homely decor and cosy atmosphere. For a Friday in York, the place was pleasantly quiet, and we were seated almost immediately. The menu choices offered a range of cuisine, so we started with a selection of pierogi and borscht, followed by potato pancakes and beef stew. We rounded off with a shared slice of chocolate gateau. Everything was utterly delicious, and the service was fantastic! For 2 starters, 2 mains, extra bread, a carafe of wine and soft drinks followed by dessert, the bill came to a whisker over £90, and it was worth every penny. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening and will undoubtedly return in the near future!

   almost 8 months ago
2. Brady Brady ★★★☆☆

   We visited May 25, 2025, in the evening. This is a very cool looking restaurant, and we got to eat downstairs, next to a door to the River Foss. * Beyond the aesthetics, the rest of the experience was average. * We had mixed reviews about the food (I like mine, she didn't like hers). * The prices were high for what you get. * The service is rude, and forgetful. We interacted with three different hosts or servers--it got confusing who was supposed to be doing what--and who we assumed was the host was about the rudest person we met on nine day trip to England. Our main server, when asked to bring something, would enthusiastically agree, then completely forget what we asked for. This happened multiple times: very friendly, and didn't care one bit about us as customers.

   almost 8 months ago
3. Helen O'Mahony (Helen) ★★★★★

   Amazing experience, Norbert the waiter was absolutely incredible and able to talk us through all the drinks menu and food with charm. We couldnt recommend the food more, the service of the whole team was outstanding. Well able to handle a nut allergy without going OTT, very appreciated. Definitely go with a large appetite and don't leave without taking a slice of cake to go! We'll be back again no doubt

   almost 8 months ago

1. samine27 ★★★★★

   I went there for dinner a couple of days ago. The food was delicious and the service very attentive. I had a mocktail, which was served with very tasty bread and sauce, dumplings as a starter, pan-fried cod with spinach and a poached egg as my main dish along with pear cider, and a latte instead of a dessert. I loved everything! As I was in York for tourism, I won't have the opportunity to go back soon but next time I go to York I'd like to try other food from their menu as they all looked tasty!

   almost 9 months ago
2. Karolina Bąk ★★★★★

   An absolutely wonderful experience with truly delicious food. The wild mushroom soup was a solid 12/10 absolutely outstanding! The rabbit liver could have been a bit crunchier, but the flavor was still excellent. My cousin had the “Gypsy-style pancake” and it was also absolutely delicious. The restaurant’s atmosphere and interior design are beautiful, and the view of the river makes it even more special. It was also great to chat with the staff in Polish - such a nice touch when you’re abroad and can still hear your native language while enjoying authentic, high-quality Polish cuisine. The service was superb: attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience even better. Highly recommended!

   almost 11 months ago
3. Kalman Szabo ★★★★★

   We’ve have been thinking to visit the Blue Barbakan for 2 years, but now we had an excuse to try out this place. We didn’t regret it, it was a great experience, excellent and quick service and food was well cooked and seasoned. The prices are slightly higher than average, but in return you will get quality service and great food. I strongly recommend to everyone.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Luke Horrex ★★★★★

   Amazing little gem hidden away in an unassuming street but this has to be the best food I have tasted in years. Absolutely blew me away. The flavours were so intense and the scallops were to die for. The pork belly was delicious and if I could have managed it, Im certain the desserts would have been delicious too!

   almost 3 years ago
2. Mariella Minder ★★★★★

   Super tasty traditional polish dishes and the waitress was lovely. The atmosphere is superb. The downstairs used to be a middle ages brothel and it is quite interesting eating there. Must have: courgette fritters!

   almost 3 years ago
3. Trudy Young ★★★★☆

   Do yourself a favour and get in here to experience wholesome, homecooked, fresh & delicious dinner! We had booked for the early bird weekday special however we unfortunately had issues with transport and arrived after 7pm so we were given the regular menus. This is our own fault but it ended up costing us about £15 difference on the bill. The bread and dip on arrival is fresh & crisp. It is divine! Between us we ordered the potato & cheese perogies & fish cake starters. The fish cake was delicious however the servings seemed a little unbalanced, as there was only 1 fish cake but 3 perogies. I understand the cost difference of the menu items but just noting our thoughts on it all. For mains we ordered rabbit & goulash. Again, both were delicious and I left probably half of the potato & gravy from the goulash on the plate. The veal options were unfortunately not available, which was what my husband would have ordered so that was disappointing. We did order desserts, which looked delicious however they were unfortunately underwhelming, so from our experience, I would suggest 2 courses - entrée & main. We left extremely full and really satisfied with the service and quality of food. Highly recommend!

   almost 4 years ago

1. Elle Renoir ★★★★★

   Really tasty home-cooked proper food! Very reasonably priced for the amount too! Me & my friend shared 2 main courses which was perfect. It felt very authentic but I am not that familiar with Polish food but it was certainly a bit different for me! Beautiful flavours & presented well. A friendly waitress & the interior & setting of the restaurant was also perfect. I would like to try some other dishes another time X ♥️

   almost 4 years ago

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