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Forest

Forest, 54 Low Petergate, York

4.6
RESTAURANT RATING: 
WONDERFUL
4.6 out of 5 (297 Ratings)
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0.1 miles York Minster
About Forest
The Spotlight on Forest

Stylish British Dining Steps from the Music Scene

Set in the heart of historic York, Forest is a modern British restaurant with a refined yet relaxed vibe. Located on Low Petergate, it's just a short walk from many of the city's main music venues, making it a popular choice for concert-goers looking to dine in style before the show. With its chic interior, cozy lighting, and creative seasonal menus, Forest blends upscale dining with a welcoming atmosphere.

Why Concert-goers love it

Forest is close enough to York’s key venues that you can enjoy a leisurely meal without stressing about the time. The service is quick and attentive, ideal for those with tickets in hand. The ambiance strikes a balance—lively enough to feel part of the night's buzz, but still calm enough to hear your friends talk. While there's no dedicated pre-show menu, the kitchen is known for smooth pacing, and the staff are happy to accommodate time-sensitive diners.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking for a stylish dinner spot before a night out
  • Solo travelers enjoying a special night in York
  • Couples making a romantic weekend of their concert plans
  • Fans wanting a classy, energetic pre-show experience
  • Budget-conscious music fans who still want quality food in a special setting (especially if you stick to the set or early evening menus)

What People Say

Guests on TripAdvisor and OpenTable rave about Forest’s beautiful presentation, flavourful dishes, and friendly, knowledgeable service. The cocktails are a highlight, and the restaurant’s interior is often described as “charming” and “elegantly rustic.” Diners love the relaxed pace and feel it's a great place to unwind before heading to a concert.

Areas for Improvement

Some visitors mention that while the portions are well-prepared, they lean on the smaller side—so if you're heading to a long gig, you might want to consider a starter and dessert. Also, it’s a popular spot, so reservations are a smart move, especially on show nights.

The Bottom Line

Forest is a stylish, centrally located British restaurant that offers the perfect mix of great food, warm service, and relaxed atmosphere for a pre-concert evening in York.

Average Price
£25 and under
Cuisine
British
Opening Hours
Breakfast
Daily 07:30-11:00
Lunch
Mon-Sat 11:30-16:00
Sun 12:00-16:00
Afternoon Tea
Mon-Sat 14:00-17:00
Dinner
Daily 17:00-21:00

Forest Customer Reviews

Many have visited, but none have returned to tell the tale. Will you be the first to write a review of Forest?

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

FOREST Restaurant is #124 of 1031 things to do in York

5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: PaulF109, Aldington, United Kingdom
Sat 5 Jul, 2025
l An independently owned restaurant with real ale? I’m in… we really enjoyed our meal, interesting menu, full of flavour and serviced by very friendly staff from start to finish. Really nice atmosphere...

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2 of 5 stars2 out of 5
By: OonaghMac5, Manchester, United Kingdom
Fri 4 Jul, 2025
l Style over Substance The cafe looks lovely from the outside but the food was really poor. Good points the coffee was lovely and the service was ok. Orange juice was from a bottle and cost a...

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5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: mrslcutler, Nantwich, United Kingdom
Fri 4 Jul, 2025
l After wandering around York on our first night here, we looked at several menus, before finding Forest. Thankfully they had a perfect table for 2, which we were shown to by one of the many friendly...

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Forest 54 Low Petergate, York