Best Places to Eat and Drink in Hull — The Local's Guide
Hull's food and drink scene has exploded in recent years. From legendary fish and chip shops to craft beer taprooms, Michelin worthy restaurants to cheap eats at Trinity Market, this guide covers the best places to eat and drink in Hull as recommended by people who actually live here.
Fish and Chips
Hull is a fishing city and the fish and chips here are among the best in England. This isn't an exaggeration. The city's trawling heritage means there's a deep rooted culture of frying fish properly and locals take it very seriously.
Bob Carver's on Spring Bank is the undisputed champion. Trading since the 1950s, the thick batter, fresh fish, and perfectly cooked chips have barely changed in seventy years. There's usually a queue but it moves quickly and it's worth every minute of waiting. Ask for chip spice.
Papas on Holderness Road offers generous portions and consistently excellent quality. Slightly more modern than Bob Carver's but every bit as good.
Dene's on Dene Street is old school in the best possible way. Nothing fancy, just properly cooked fish and chips in a no frills setting.
Best Pubs
Ye Olde White Harte in the Old Town is Hull's most historic pub. The plotting parlour upstairs is where the decision was made that effectively started the English Civil War. Great ales, incredible atmosphere, and a hidden courtyard that's one of the best kept secrets in the city.
The Minerva on the waterfront near the marina is the perfect summer pub. Sit outside with a pint and watch the boats while the sun goes down over the Humber. There isn't a better pub view in Yorkshire.
Polar Bear is Hull's legendary live music venue. Bands have been playing here for decades and the upstairs room on a Saturday night is always a good time.
The Lion and Key in the Old Town is a classic traditional pub. No gimmicks, just good beer and good conversation.
Atom Beers is leading Hull's craft beer revolution. Their pale ales and IPAs are brewed locally and the taproom is a great spot for something different.
Restaurants
Doram on Princes Avenue serves some of the best Indian food in the city. The lamb karahi is legendary among Hull locals. Generous portions, proper spicing, and freshly made naan bread. Not fancy but the food is outstanding.
Marrakech on Princes Avenue is a hidden gem. Authentic Moroccan tagines and couscous dishes in a cosy setting. Most people walk past without noticing it which is their loss. The lamb tagine with apricots is exceptional.
Zero on Humber Street is Hull's small plates and cocktail destination. Located in the Fruit Market area, it offers creative dishes and drinks in a stylish warehouse setting. The tuna tartare is a standout.
1884 Dock Street Kitchen is one of Hull's finest dining experiences. Located in a beautifully converted building near the marina, it serves modern British food using locally sourced ingredients.
Ambiente on Princes Avenue does excellent Spanish tapas. The patatas bravas are addictive and the atmosphere is lively and welcoming.
Cheap Eats
Trinity Market is the best place in Hull for affordable food. A converted market hall housing street food vendors from around the world. Thai, Caribbean, Mexican, Italian, noodle bars, and more. You can eat very well for under eight pounds.
Dope Burger on Newland Avenue does brilliant smash burgers for about seven to eight pounds. The loaded fries are dangerously good.
Hitchcock's Vegetarian Restaurant operates on a pay what you feel basis. Creative vegetarian food where you decide what it's worth. A Hull institution and a genuinely unique dining experience.
Coffee Shops
Thieving Harry's in the Old Town is the standout. Beautiful building, excellent coffee, and a hidden courtyard that locals guard jealously. The cakes are outstanding.
Two Gingers near the Fruit Market serves some of the best specialty coffee in Hull. Good wifi and a nice working atmosphere.
Bongo Bongo on Newland Avenue is a favourite with students and remote workers. Great coffee, decent wifi, plenty of plug sockets, and they don't mind you staying for a couple of hours.
The Avenues Food Scene
The Avenues area, particularly Princes Avenue and Newland Avenue, has become Hull's foodie neighbourhood. Within a short walk you'll find Indian, Turkish, Moroccan, Spanish, Italian, and classic British options alongside independent coffee shops, cocktail bars, and craft beer outlets. It's the best area in Hull for a food crawl.
Chip Spice — Hull's Secret Weapon
If there's one thing that defines Hull's food culture it's chip spice. This orange seasoning, a blend of paprika, garlic, salt, and other spices, is sprinkled on chips at virtually every chippy in Hull. The rest of England has never heard of it. Hull people who move away from the city report chip spice withdrawal as their biggest challenge. It's available in most Hull supermarkets and chip shops. Try it once and you'll never eat plain chips again.
