A York restaurateur has opened a new café in the city centre – breathing new life into a derelict Grade II listed building.

Wednesday, 12 March 2025 17:09

By Dylan Connell

Oasis café in Low Ousegate is the latest venture by Wael Garas, owner of Middle Feast in Lendal and Enoteca by L'UVA in Bridge Street, and his business partner, Idriss Abbaz.

It is located in a former nail salon across from the Marrakesh, Wael’s Moroccan-themed restaurant which opened last year.

Inside Oasis café in Low Ousegate (Image: Dylan Connell)Above the café are four holiday lets, called Paradise Apartments, also co-owned by Wael.

The businessman told The Press the Oasis name aims to offer a coastal, holiday theme in the heart of York.

He wants the café, which opened on Sunday (March 9) with an eight-strong team, to become a top venue for breakfast and lunch in the city – even rivalling Betty’s.

“I want it to become a breakfast and lunch place like Betty’s,” Wael said. “Maybe one day I’ll be famous like [Betty’s].”

Wael, fame would be the café attracting people from far and wide to sample its offerings.

All the food is cooked fresh, he said, with quality at the heart of what he does.

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