Business Details
36 Years
experience
Award-Winning Fine Dining in York
Established in 1990 by Michael and Lucy Hjort, our fine dining restaurant has become a cornerstone of York's culinary scene. Michael's foundational training with Roux Restaurants in the 1980s laid the groundwork for our commitment to excellence, which continues under Head Chef Calvin Miller, who has honed his craft alongside Michael for over 15 years. Recognised in The Michelin Guide and awarded a Third AA Rosette, we pride ourselves on serving modern British cuisine in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Lucy Hjort curates our ever-evolving wine list, featuring over 150 selections from global vineyards and a dedicated page of Yorkshire wines.Our philosophy centres on seasonality, sustainability, and supporting local producers, principles that have guided us since opening. Michael's leadership extends beyond the kitchen, as he has served as Festival Director for the York Food Festival since 2001, further cementing our dedication to the regional food industry. With decades of combined experience, we continue to deliver exceptional dining experiences that balance innovation with tradition.
Services
Fine Dining
Wine Selection
Gift Vouchers
Tasting Menus
Wine Pairings
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in fine dining
- Our Head Chef has trained under Michael Hjort for 15 years
- Awarded a Third AA Rosette for culinary excellence
- Curated wine list featuring over 150 international selections
- Committed to seasonal, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients
Associations and certifications
- Michelin Guide
- AA Rosette
Services
Fine Dining
Our fine dining experience showcases modern British cuisine crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Each dish reflects decades of culinary expertise and innovation, served in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The menu features carefully balanced flavours and presentation that has earned recognition in The Michelin Guide and a Third AA Rosette.
Wine Selection
Lucy Hjort personally curates our extensive wine list featuring over 150 international selections. From classic Champagne and Burgundy to unique offerings from Lebanon, Japan, and Eastern Europe, our collection includes both established favourites and emerging producers. The list also features a dedicated page showcasing Yorkshire wines across multiple varieties.
Tasting Menus
Our tasting menus offer an immersive culinary journey through contemporary British cuisine. Each course demonstrates our commitment to seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques developed over three decades. The experience includes expert wine pairings and showcases the evolving artistry of our kitchen team under Head Chef Calvin Miller.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers provide the perfect opportunity to share our award-winning dining experience. Available in custom denominations, these certificates grant access to our full menu featuring modern British cuisine and extensive wine selections. Recipients can book their experience through our online reservation system for lunch or dinner service.
Wine Pairings
Our wine pairing service enhances each course with carefully selected vintages from our 150-bottle collection. The pairings highlight complementary flavour profiles developed through decades of culinary expertise. The selection includes both classic and unconventional matches that reflect Lucy Hjort's eclectic curatorial approach and our commitment to creating memorable dining experiences.
People
Michael Hjort
Founder/Chef Proprietor
Established Melton's Restaurant in 1990 after training with Roux Restaurants. Pioneered modern British cuisine in York and continues to shape the restaurant's culinary direction while directing the York Food Festival since 2001.
Lucy Hjort
Front of House/Wine Curator
Co-founder managing front of house operations and curating the wine list since 1990. Her expertise has developed an extensive collection featuring global selections and a dedicated page of Yorkshire wines.
Calvin Miller
Head Chef
Trained under Michael Hjort for 15 years before becoming Head Chef nine years ago. His culinary innovations have earned the restaurant a Third AA Rosette while maintaining its Michelin Guide recognition.
Questions
How do I book a table at Melton's?
Reservations can be made through our online booking system for lunch Wednesday-Saturday (12:00-13:45) and dinner Tuesday-Saturday (17:30-20:45).
What is included in the 3-course meal?
The £85 per person menu includes canapés, homemade breads, filtered water, and three expertly crafted courses showcasing modern British cuisine.
Does Melton's offer wine pairing options?
Yes, our curated wine list features over 150 international selections with expert pairings available for each course through our tasting menus.
Are gift vouchers available?
Yes, dining certificates are available in custom denominations. Contact us directly for purchase details and redemption options.
What sustainability practices does Melton's follow?
We prioritise seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and support regional producers. Our menus reflect this commitment to sustainability while maintaining culinary excellence.
Has Melton's received any culinary awards?
We are featured in The Michelin Guide and recently earned a Third AA Rosette for our continued excellence in modern British cuisine.
Reviews (6)
Katie Cole
Jan 15, 2022
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Outstanding food - every dish was beautifully presented and utterly delicious. Clever combinations of ingredients and unusually for me I adored the dessert - a gorgeously understated and not over-sweet quince souffl. Front of house was excellent too - everything perfectly timed and not pretentious in anyway. One of the best restaurant experiences Ive ever had!
Thanakorn Vongphaka
Nov 14, 2021
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We did have lunch at Melton as a start point of our trip in York, which we were not regret it. 3 courses menu was amazing and it was included canaps and breads as well. The food are very good. The portion are good to just fill your tummy perfectly. Dont skip their dessert, it was amazing!
Vanessa Jane
Oct 22, 2021
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The tasting menu was excellent; the paired wines even better! The hosts were all knowledgeable of the food and wine. A wonderful experience!
Sammie Nicholls
Oct 13, 2021
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We went to Melton's for my partners birthday. It was a really lovely meal and the staff are lovely aswell. We did the 7 course tasting menu with the accompanied wine. All the dishes tasted delicious and I would also recommend having them with the wine. We have booked again we liked it soo much. A must visit!
Mags Lawson
Oct 08, 2021
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Lovely food using great selection of ingredients in a quieter part of town. Highly recommend the tasting menu with paired wine
Sarah Baker
Sep 19, 2021
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Amazing little restaurant with incredible food! We did the six course tasting menu and the wine flight. They were really flexible with the menu as I'm not keen on desert, so they swapped it for the cheese for me, which was very much appreciated! We loved every course, and would definitely go again!
