The Abbey Inn
Byland Abbey, Coxwold, 01347 868204

Byland Abbey may have crumbled, but the ivy-clad hostelry across the road is thriving. The inn boasts stone-flag floors, cosy fireplaces and comfy tapestry chairs without being 'olde-worldy'. Yorkshire puds aplenty, yes, but much else besides, and always a veggie choice. Emphasis is on the local, right down to the ceramics from the pottery at Coxwold in which the vegetables are served. Reserve the table for four in the front room, and dine in the shadow of the Abbey's rose window.
Sarah Turner
London N19

Fox & Hounds
Goldsborough, near Whitby, 01947 893372

In the middle of nowhere on the moors, this proper old drinking pub - think serving hatch and swirly carpets - also happens to serve some of the best food you'll eat all year. The chef is ex-Ivy, and has brought his talents to bear with well-sourced local meat and fish, all imaginatively and perfectly cooked - roast Whitby cod with spinach and new potatoes, wild boar sausages with lentils and fennel, pumpkin risotto - and my lunch, a sublime linguine with crab, chilli and lemon.
Mandy Wragg
Todmorden

The Blacksmith's Arms
Westow, near York, 01653 618365

In the league table of Eternal Struggles, 'Good and Evil' is top, but only on goal difference from 'Gastro and Pub'. The Blacksmith's leans towards nosh, but when the nosh is this good, who cares? A delightful 18th-century building with impeccable wood fittings (no Indonesian rainforest tat here), staff are young, warm and accommodating. Mains at £8-£10 are worth double a York counterpart - magnificent lamb and beef - and starters, though unadventurous, were fresh and well-presented. Leisurely Sunday lunch fare incorporating superb quality and value. Only quibble? Whitney Houston.
Alastair Bevan
Leavening

The Yorke Arms
Ramsgill-in-Nidderdale, near Harrogate, 01423 755243

God's own county has a special place for the Almighty to lunch, where Michelin-starred food is served in relaxed surroundings. From the moment the menus are brought into the log-fired lounge to the point when the ridiculously reasonable bill arrives, the experience is heavenly. Local ingredients are of high quality, and they really know how to cook, present and serve everything from fish and game to vegetarian; desserts are dreamy, too. God's in his heaven and all's right with the world at the Yorke Arms.
Steve Kerry
Bradford

The Milbank Arms
Bedale Road, Well, 01677 470411

Real yorkshire pudding (the sort that rises) with sirloin of beef and a heap of delicious vegetables (£8.95), all locally produced and cooked to perfection at this very old pub. There is a wide choice, with other roasts and imaginative vegetarian dishes. Goat's cheese with mixed leaves, croutons, pinenuts, plums and basil pesto is an excellent starter at £4.25; rhubarb crème brûlée, also £4.25, is a favourite. Bar, restaurant, log fires, local ales.
Christine Gledhill
Ripon