In response to the previous review I would just like to say that we had lunch at El Piano on Tuesday & the servive was excellent, if not a little over bearing! It was the food that really suprised us as we had not been for a couple of years as we always found the food quality a little compromised by the gf & vegan mission. How different it is now. If gf & vegan is this good it should be more main stream! The koftas & eggless tortilla are two of the six dishes that we enjoyed that are worth a special mention. Puddings have got to be the most difficult thing to produce without either dairy, eggs or wheat & not even El Piano had been that successful before but on a purely experimemtal basis we went for the carrot cake - it was fab - served warm it was moist & really tasty & drenched in a wonderful citrous sauce. Meat eaters & more main stream veggies need not fear the place anymore the food is a joy!

Reviewer Zoe P has written no other reviews

El Piano have a new menu. It includes a few more fritter type things, mostly good, some a bit salty perhaps. With all the fritters on the new menu it would have been good to have some knives to cut them up with rather than just a fork. We were there on a saturday and the service was pretty poor. No one came to take our drinks order until after someone had taken the food order. The person (finally) asking for the drinks order asked whether we were going to order food at all! The first bottle of (white) wine was bought over warm so we then ordered another which didn't arrive until a few minutes after the food. We would have liked to have been able to drink some of it while we waited for the food really. The second bottle of wine didn't come with a cooler and wasn't particularly well chilled to start with either.

When it came to desserts they had run out of the one I wanted (and it wasn't that late on) so I asked what the "seasonal fruit" was on the Cheesecake. In early July I was expecting some nice local strawberries or raspberries, however I was told it was citrus fruit! The service was very friendly as always but I do think they need to get things organised a bit better.

Reviewer Kate S has written 7 reviews

El Piano is a great place with amazing food but please be careful with the drinks - they are not necessarily vegetarian. When I queried this they weren't very sympathetic about (most) vegetarians not wanting islinglass etc to filter their wine/beer. Just thought I'd warn people that you will need to check beforehand which drinks you will be able to have. Great food though!

Reviewer John S has written no other reviews

This place is great when me (mostly vegan) and my Dad (coeliac) eat out together. It's so nice for both of to be able to pick anything from a menu without worrying or having to ask!

We chose a "fleet" which is 6 tapas sized boats for £19 and had the pea and potato curry, dahl, onion bajis, aubergine stew, falafels and humous. It came with rice and chutney. Most were excellent and I'd order them all again except maybe the aubergine thing which was cooked without onions and garlic so I found it a bit bland.

For dessert I had a chocolate brownie which was OK and hot chocolate which is always great there. People who drink coffee also say they do really good coffee and the one thing they do that is not vegan is cow's milk with hot drinks if you ask.

In the past I have thought it a little expensive but if you go for the offers it is pretty reasonable. Also if you go for lunch or for an early dinner before 7pm you can get even better offers.

Reviewer Kate S has written 7 reviews

I've lived in York for several years and visited El Piano on and off during that time. Originally I really rated the place, but I think it has gone down and down over time and now I would not go back nor recommend it to anyone. The food is disappointing and expensive, the boat-style serving dishes meaning you have to buy several to attempt to get a decent meal and I usually love desserts but couldn't even finish the last one I ordered here.

I don't have any food intolerances, maybe if you do, this is the best you can get as there is so little choice of places to eat out if you have a non-standard diet, but if you're planning on going here I'd expect to be disappointed and out of pocket.

Reviewer Rebecca D has written 2 reviews

I have mixed feelings about this special place. There's a fantastic atmosphere and ethos, certainly, and some of the dishes are favourites to return for...the chai, or chickpea curry...the hot chocolate or coffee in a spanish ceramic pitcher--lovely and very special.

On the other hand, it has become rather pricy and the gluten-free cooking means that if you aren't expecting it, some baked items can be distinctly disappointing and stodgy, like the carrot 'cake'. The individual small portions are now both small and costly--it's harder to make a varied meal without ordering MANY small items or a more costly dinner. For takeaway, this is no longer the top choice for falafel in York by a long shot. It would also be nice if there were some emphasis on local fresh produce.

Reviewer m g has written 2 reviews

Went here in 2006 and dropped in again last week on a very busy Saturday afternoon. Despite the crush the staff were lovely and the service was surprisingly fast. Between us we ordered a mix of falafels, onion bhajee, corn fritters, chilli and paella rice - a bit heavy on the stodge but i think we've only got ourselves to blame for that! And i know that not everyone likes their chilli with bite but this really was a bit too bland for our liking (or that of many other people's i'm sure). The prices were pretty reasonable for the lovely location i think and i would always go back somewhere and try out something else where the people are so friendly and the focus on a vegan-friendly menu is so strong. Despite pigging out on so much stodge we still managed to find room somewhere for dessert and this turned out to be the crowning glory. I don't think i've had cheesecake since i was 12 and El Piano's version did not disappoint (well, only a little bit - my mom always used to make it with a biscuit base!)

Reviewer DM _ has written 2 reviews

I visited El Piano for the first time this weekend - I had been looking forward to the visit for a couple of months and was not disappointed!

Being a coeliac I was very excited to know that I could order anything on the menu without having to worry at all - it was marvelous!! - I would visit again just for this fact alone.

However, the food itself gives me more than enough reason to go back - its quite simply delicious - I shared 5 small boats with my companion and we both loved everything we had chosen.

The atmosphere was wonderful - relaxing and welcoming - it was like eating in someones home - I only wish I lived nearer so I could hang out here all the time!

Highly recommended for all, not just for vegans/gluten intolerant.

My only criticism was that repeat service was very slow - we wanted to order desserts but had to actively go and grab a waitress to take our order - but they were quite busy as we visited on a Saturday lunchtime and the waitresses themselves were absolutely delightful!

As for the reviewer who complained that they did not allow him to take his bottle of wine with him - the restaurant were correct!:

"'On-licence' is the term describing an establishment where alcohol must be consumed at the point of sale, such as a pub, bar, nightclub or cafe.

The name derives from the distinction between types of licence which could be granted, a distinction now repealed in England and Wales and to be repealed in Scotland in 2009. In England and Wales the magistrates would formerly grant either an "off" licence permitting the sale of intoxicating liquor for consumption only off the premises, or an "on" licence permitting sale for consumption on the premises, which permitted to a limited extent off-sales too (many public houses were permitted off-sales, to sell SEALED alcoholic drinks (e.g., unopened bottles of wine) for consumption elsewhere). A restaurant licence was an on-licence with restaurant condition attached.

Under the Licensing Act 2003 and the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 there is only one type of premises licence, though the conditions placed on each one will determine whether on-sales or off-sales are permitted, which restores in practice what was once a legal distinction."

If El Piano has no "off"-licence element to their liquor licence then they were right to refuse to allow him to take the opened bottle of wine with him!

Reviewer A C has written no other reviews

Like the reviews, our experience of El Piano was mixed. They were very accomodating and welcomed children, but somehow it had the feeling of a club to which we didn't really belong. The menu was extensive and we chose a selection of tapas - all of which were enjoyable. The "bread" was delicious, although I wouldn't call it bread!

We bought a couple of cookbooks and overall spent over £100 - so it rather stuck in our throats that the waitress refused to allow us to take our unfinished wine with us. Perhaps the licensing laws are different in York to the rest of the UK, but we have never been refused a cork anywhere else.

Reviewer Tim P has written 2 reviews

Very happy indeed to know that our gluten-free couscous is so authentic tasting! No coeliac customers need be concerned or 'beware'! Even if El Piano were not diligent, which we are, City of York tests local restaurants regularly to ensure what is claimed is indeed fact. Of course we are always disappointed when anyone dislikes the place and wish them happy eating elsewhere that is more suited to their palate. We are lucky to have had so many happy and loyal customers over our ten years in the UK and hope to see some of you at the new El Piano in Granada in Spain.

Reviewer Magdalena C (connected with place) has written no other reviews

The previous reviewer mentioned lack of taste & texture & I have to concur. Put simply, the food was dreadful. El Piano says it's now also entirely gluten free which has even put paid to getting decent bread there. However, my platter did include a watery couscous salad and couscous isn't gluten free in any version I've ever encountered. Coeliacs beware! I don't mind paying for good food, but El Piano charges a lot for basic stuff. I didn't hang around for dessert. Something has changed here because a few years back it was good.

Reviewer Jonathan S has written 4 reviews

A nice atmosphere with friendly efficient staff and I was reliably informed by a local that it was the best veggie place in York. Interesting menu but most things were gluten-free and thus some had a disappointing lack of taste/texture. There was however a good range of vegan desserts which was a big plus!

Reviewer Roger S (Derbyshire) has written 39 reviews

A great place - especially if you like Mexican style food and a relaxed atmosphere. I went to York for a weekend and ended up eating here 3 or 4 times over one weekend - lunch and dinner!

Reviewer Karen P (Derbyshire) has written 6 reviews

This is a great place to eat.

Their meze type mixed platters can be chosen from different regions (moroccan, indian, etc) and all are delicious, varied and very satisfying. The decor is colourful and cheery with quite a busy feel to it - very comfortable. Its great for lunch or dinner alike and sometimes there is music too. Dont go in wearing a tie as you will feel like you dont belong ... although you will in fact be made very welcome. Great place to finish off after a shopping trip, or go before the cinema/theatre.

Reviewer j c w has written 3 reviews

We visited with my daughter on a Sunday afternoon. The service was friendly if slightly casual. Once we understood the colour coding (veggie, vegan, gluten free, vegan/gluten free), ordering food was easy. The "breakfasts" offered a good mix and balance of dishes - very much a dip in style of eating, each of us eating a bit of each "breakfast". Puds were smallish but after a substantial main course just about hit the spot. Combined with a good choice of vegan drinks we enjoyed a delicious - and reasonably priced - meal.

Reviewer jonathan m (West Midlands) has written 9 reviews

I first started going to El Piano when I was at York University in 1999.

My girlfriend and I returned to York for New Year 2007 and I am glad to say that El Piano was as excellent as ever.

Reviewer Phillip L has written 11 reviews

We only popped in for an afternoon drink but really enjoyed the atmosphere. The lay out of the menu is unusual but is in keeping with the ambience of the restaurant and is very easy to use. It is an unusual restaurant, relaxed, friendly & quirky. We look forward to visiting for a full meal. All the food we saw being served looked and smelt delicious. They also sell their own recipe books. A lot of effort has gone into making this restaurant 'different' and the result, I think, is a great success.

Reviewer Shelagh D (Dorset) has written 4 reviews

Three of us visited El Piano in September 2006 shortly after the new menu was introduced. Firstly I am always wary of laminated menus as they mean that there can be no seasonal specials. We found the menu to be extremely complicated and the food over priced. It didn't help seeing one of the staff ladling what looked like soup or stew into containers for freezing.

Reviewer Andy P (West Yorkshire) has written no other reviews

As we were walking past, the door opened and the enticing smells convinced my friend and I to stop for dinner. I expected to be turned away as the place was packed but the very friendly waiteress offered us 'the sofa'. Seeing our blank faces she said 'come and have a look and then decide'. We follwed her upstairs where they have three more rooms. The sofa turned out to be just that with a low table in front. It reminded me of Arabian dinners where you all sit on cushions on the floor. Great fun for the younger more flexible customers - there was a group sitting on low stools next door having a great time - but not for me. Fortunately there was a spare 'normal' table that we happily accepted. There are no set meals. The menu consists of different dishes all offered in three sizes and you mix and match what you want. Great for sharing. Everything on the menu is colour coded and this makes it easy to choose vegetarian options or those that are vegan or wheat free. The place has a relaxed feel. We has two very friendly, helpful waitresses and the food was delicious. This was a true tapas style meal - a bit of this and a bit of that - which will not be to everyone's taste but for us it was an enjoyable experience and we will be back next time I am in York.

Reviewer Veggie Places

I have been a number of times to this restaurant, and find myself going back there over and over again, even though each time I have been slightly put off by the never changing menu, and the delicious dishes that have been crossed off the menu. The restaurant sets a lovely atmosphere and does give a variety of dishes but perhaps it could be spiced up a little with some different, non-typical meals. All in all I would recommend this to vegetarians wanting to eat in York.

Reviewer Lauren F (Yorkshire) has written no other reviews

What a wonderful place. Very friendly informal atmosphere.

The dishes are extremely well categorised (i.e. vegan, wheat free etc).

The food comes "Tapas" style in different sizes so you can order as much or as little as you want. They have rooms upstairs that can be booked for private parties as well (I had my birthday there last year and it was magical).

Try the Falafels, spring rolls, onion barjee, re fried beans and home made bread...deee lish

Reviewer Helen M (Yorkshire) has written no other reviews