Caesars@theMinster Italian Restaurants York — Restaurant in England

We were looking for an independent Italian restaurant on a recent trip to York, wanting to avoid the 'usual' big chains. We booked to go to Caesers due to a great star rating on Google Reviews; an extensive menu; and convenient location.

First impressions weren't great as the exterior is looking very tired, but spurred on by the promise of great food, we still chose to dine here. Unlike the exterior, the interior was modern, smart and well-kept. We were given a friendly welcome and shown to a table. We ordered drinks and a bread platter to eat whilst waiting for our main courses. It seemed to be pricier than some restaurants (especially the drinks - eg. over £7 for a pint of draught lager), but I don't mind paying for good-quality food and drink.

After a few minutes we were presented with a generous plate of bread and olives, with some dipping oil. Unfortunately we were half-way through consuming this when we discovered mould on the bread - it was quite obvious once I had picked up the bread in question. I had thought it unusual to toast foccacia bread, and in hindsight I expect it had been frozen and defrosted, but clearly should have been disposed of.

Despite the apologies of the staff, we decided not to stay any longer. If the chef didn't notice that the bread was mouldy, what else would have gone un-noticed in the kitchen? Note that at this point we were the only customers, so I can't imagine the chef was under much pressure.

Fortunately we suffered no ill-effects. Instead, we went into the next Italian restaurant we found. Whilst not especially authentic, the food and drinks we were served in Wildwood were delicious, and much cheaper than Caesars (eg penne arrabbiata £8.75 vs £12.95).

As an aside, looking back I think that the prices shown on their website are lower than those on the menu in the restaurant. I can't be sure as we didn't pay for anything we had ordered, but perhaps the restaurant could...

Fab evening meal here last night - great good, really friendly staff (perfectly on the right side of attentiveness) and very reasonable prices. Unfortunately for this lovely restaurant, its owner and staff, we realised afterwards that we'd seen what is sadly becoming an increasing issue of people running up large bills and then trying to get away without paying: a very loud and entitled family of four were seated near us; we noticed them ordering a lot (and being advised by the staff about portion sizes and what would be arriving, so as not to over-order) and they were very happy, smiling, laughing and talking loudly through their whole meal. The wait staff then took away empty plates at the end. We only saw as they went to pay that the man was now (quietly) trying to create an issue, and after they left, the staff were very upset. We spoke with the owner, and this family had complained that there was a problem with one of the meals - which, to note, they had eaten IN ITS ENTIRETY - so had been trying to blag the whole bill free. Absolutely disgusting behaviour from these obnoxious and selfish diners. From the impact alone on the staff, they should be thoroughly ashamed of...

There is a lot that is good about this restaurant. First of all, there are a bunch of options to eat and drink. There are multiple types of beers, juices, and there is also lemonade and water. I ate the minestrone soup, spaghetti carbonara, and ate 2 scoops of strawberry gelato (also, some pineapple juice). When I ate the minestrone soup, I felt so many flavors in my mouth. It is an incredibly flavorful soup with so many types of vegetables in it. It is very traditional and special; you cannot find something like this anywhere else. The spaghetti carbonara is also great. There is a sauce on the spaghetti carbonara that you might need to wipe off of your lips quite frequently, but that is okay. The pineapple juice is also super refreshing, and same with the gelato. The food portions are also large, so beware of that. It is definitely worth the price. The staff are also very kind. There is traditional Italian music playing in the restaurant as well as some beautiful decorations, so you feel very cozy and almost as if you were in Italy. The location is also great. It is in the old area of York, so it's easy to get to it. The city wall is also close by. Overall, I would...