The Blue Barbakan is an independent restaurant at 34 Fossgate in the centre of York. Polish heritage shapes its identity, while wider European influences give the kitchen room to present traditional flavours in a more contemporary way. The intimate setting suits breakfast and lunch as well as a more leisurely evening meal.
The menu is prepared in house and draws on the comforting foundations of Polish cooking. Handmade dumplings, slow cooked meats, soups and seasonal specials allow rich savoury flavours to sit alongside pickled, preserved and fresh ingredients. The kitchen’s modern approach adds refinement without losing the generous character associated with the cuisine.
Morning dishes broaden the restaurant’s appeal before the main lunch and dinner service. Vegetarian choices and changing specials give mixed groups additional flexibility, while staff can guide diners who are discovering Polish food for the first time. Guests with allergies should discuss the current dishes and preparation with the team before ordering.
Homemade cakes are a notable part of the offering and can provide either dessert or a reason to visit in their own right. Polish beers, vodka and thoughtfully selected wines are chosen to complement the food. The Blue Barbakan brings careful cooking, warm service and an independent spirit to one of York’s best known streets for eating and drinking.
Address: 34 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA, United Kingdom
The Blue Barbakan Menu
Barbatacos
3 for £6 / £7.50 each
Braised Beef
Sour cream, dill pickle & red onion.
Smoked Salmon
Horseradish crème fraiche, pickled cucumber, chimichurri & salmon caviar.
Confit Duck
Cherry sauce, pickled cabbage.
Wild Forest Mushroom (V)
Pickled turnip, crispy parsnip, crème fraîche & chives.
Small Plates
We recommend 3 to 5 plates per person, mix and match for the ultimate Polish feast!
Oscypek (V)
Pickled cranberry, candied pecan & pear mousse.
Cabbage (V)
Butterbeans, smoked curds, bistro flake.
Metatras
Tomato, white mushroom, Oscypek.
Bavette
Charred pepper romesco.
Beef Tartare
Parsnip crisp, house pickles, vodka.
Meat Board 2
Polish smoked ham, smoked sausages.
Polish Sausage
Mustard, fried onion, house pickles.
Bacon
Fried sauerkraut, black garlic aioli.
Black Pudding Bon Bon
Apple purée.
Herring
Pickled onion, & Apple.
Pierogi
Spinach & cheese (V) / lentil & tomato (V) / curds & potato (V) / beef.
Silesian Dumplings (V)
Wild mushrooms sauce.
Signature Dishes
Beef Cheek
Braised cheeks, plum jus, velvety mash.
Confit Duck Leg
Sour cherry sauce, Silesian dumplings.
Gołąbki
Cabbage rolls stuffed with your choice of pork & rice or mushroom tomato sauce. (V)
Sides
Silesian Dumplings / Mizeria / Sauerkraut / Fries / Mash / Dill Pickles / Homemade Bread & Butter
Selection of House Mixed Pickles
Desserts
Please ask your server for today’s cakes from our house bakery. All £6.50.
Vanilla Baked Cheesecake
Cappuccino Cake
Salted Caramel Tart
Cheese Board
Hazelnut Blueberry (GF)
Chocolate Orange (GF)
Breakfast
Served till noon / Kids eat free (under 12’s only)
Buckwheat Waffles (V)
Choose from: Apple & pear mousse, salted caramel, pecans & vanilla ice cream. (V); Creamy spinach, smoked quark, poached egg, house pickled onion, lemon aioli. (V); Yoghurt, smoked mackerel, poached egg, chilli brown butter, house pickled radish.; Ham, mushroom, cheese, tomato sauce & fried egg.; Smoked Polish sausage, house dill pickle, house pickled onion, mustard, fried egg.
Full English
Sausage, bacon, black pudding, tomato, mushrooms, fried egg & toasted brioche.
Shakshouka
Tomato sauce, Polish sausage, baked eggs & goats cheese.
Breakfast Sandwich
Sausage, bacon, egg, mushrooms & tomato.
Classic Brioche & Jam (V)
Poached Eggs
Eggs on toasted brioche. Add: salmon, ham, crispy bacon, spinach or pulled pork — £2.00
Scrambled Eggs
Add: Salmon, kabanos sausage, or ham — £3.00
American Pancakes (V)
Maple syrup & seasonal fruit. Add: crispy bacon — £3.00
French Toast
Eggy brioche, fruit compote.
Polish Toast
Eggy sourdough with fried egg & crispy bacon.
Polish Omelette
Choose from: Ham, cheese & mushroom.; Goat’s cheese, ham, roasted peppers & onion.; Spinach, garlic mushrooms & cheese. (V)
For the Little Ones
All £8.50
Pierogi
Spinach & cheese, lentil & tomato, curds & potato or beef.
Goulash
Mash / Fries / Silesian Dumpling & Pickle.
Gołąbki
Cabbage rolls & tomato sauce.
Placek Ziemniaczany
Potato pancakes & sour cream.
Meatballs
Mash or Fries