13 of the best things to do in Whitby
From the The Dracula Experience and the best fish and chips, to must visit beaches and quaint fishing towns. Discover the top things to do in Whitby.
Discover the finest restaurants in Whitby, alongside upcoming events and news
Whitby is a beautiful seaside town situated on the Yorkshire Coast and we’re here to explore the best Whitby restaurants so you don’t have to. From Michelin-recommended fine dining destinations to bustling wood-fired pizza hangouts – it’s not all just sea-front fish and chips.
With a rich local history and many activities in Whitby for all the family, there is always more than meets the eye with this quirky coastal town. Take a drive or catch the train to explore the sights that this town has to offer.
Continue reading for our hand-picked selection of the best restaurants in Whitby.
Written by YFG’s Erin Rofe-Turner
If you’re reading this wondering which Whitby restaurants you can visit if seafood isn’t quite up your street, look no further! Meet Pizza West.
Situated on Whitby’s West Cliff, this modern wood-fired sourdough pizza restaurant is a hot spot amongst pizza and pasta lovers. Check out the menu to find a rich selection of dishes. Expect pizzas galore, from a classic margarita with the best San Marzano tomatoes, to poached salmon and caviar.
West Cliff, Whitby, YO21 3HT – 01947 604 789
Voted the UK’s Best Fish and Chip Shop in 2019, this local treasure is one you sure won’t want to miss on your coastal tour of Whitby. Located on the scenic Whitby harbour-side, it’s the perfect spot for a bite to eat with a view.
Trenchers of Whitby was established in 1980 and since then has become a firm favourite for local residents and visitors alike, with thanks to its traditional British menu.
Expect seafood salads, crab, lobster and some of the best haddock and chips in Whitby. Definitely not one to miss for all you seafood lovers. Vegetarian options are also available, alongside a children’s menu for the little ones.
New Quay Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1DH – 01947 603 212
Overlooking the harbour in its notorious black and white building lies The Magpie Cafe. Allowing its visitors to enjoy some of the finest seafood dishes in North Yorkshire, whilst taking in the beautiful views. On the menu, look out for the high-quality Lindisfarne oysters or the Traditional Whitby Kipper Fillet – all responsibly sourced.
Vegetarians and meat-eaters are well catered for with a great choice of dishes. The Magpie Café is certainly not one to miss if you’re looking for traditional Whitby restaurants.
14 Pier Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3PU – 01947 602 058
Just 10 minutes by car from Whitby centre and 20 yards away from the popular beach in the village of Sandsend, Fish Cottage is a real treat for all the senses. With a stunning interior and quaint outdoor seating area, they have a well-deserved spot in our Whitby restaurants guide.
This menu is bursting with the finest locally sourced seafood dishes. Don’t miss the Monkfish Satay Skewers and their famous Fish Cottage Tacos. If you’re in the mood for something different, the loaded fries will hit the spot! Check out the dessert menu for classic sweet treats, such as a brownie or the homemade cheesecake (chef’s choice).
Sandsend, Whitby, YO21 3SU – 01947 899 342
The Marine opened in 2008 and has since become one of the favourite Whitby restaurants and hotels. Specialising in all things seafood, this venue has a fabulous location – situated right on Whitby’s harbour-side.
Grab one of the outdoor tables when the sun is shining or dine inside their trendy restaurant to enjoy a crisp glass of wine and seafood platter for two.
13 Marine Parade, Whitby, YO21 3PR – 01947 605 022
Pay a visit to Estbek House if you’re looking for classic fine dining. This longstanding restaurant is the Yorkshire Coast’s first 2AA Rosette awarded restaurant. With black napkins folded to look like dinner jackets, this restaurant shows quality across the board.
Their daily changing menu is focused on the high-quality local produce available on their doorstep. From whole Whitby crab and lobster to moorland fillet steak. If you’re visiting Whitby for a special occasion, Estbek House’s restaurant should be at the top of your list.
East Row, Sansend, YO21 3SU – 01947 893 424
Another top contender on our list of Whitby restaurants is Michelin Guide recommended Restaurant No 20. Around 15-20 minutes by car from Whitby centre, this is a restaurant worth venturing out for.
The history of Restaurant No 20 in Port Mulgrave is full of confidence, dedication – and really good food. With a simple menu of three starters, three mains and three desserts, the focus on quality over quantity is clear. Unpretentious dishes where the ingredients take centre stage and are simply cooked.
Their smart open kitchen with state-of-the-art Josper charcoal grill means that No 20 is a great option if you don’t want seafood. Expect prime rib of beef from Ripon’s Taste Tradition and superb Galician beef Carpaccio dressed with a mix of thyme, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic.
20 Rosedale Lane, Port Mulgrave, TS135JZ – 01947 459 647
Last but not least on our list of Whitby restaurants is The Fisherman’s Wife on Khyber Pass looking out onto Whitby Beach and the North Sea.
This friendly restaurant has one of the best views of the bay, and where better to indulge in fresh seafood than here? The Fisherman’s Wife combine the finest produce from the sea and fields of Yorkshire, their crabs and lobsters are caught daily from the Whitby waters and other fish is carefully selected in the market.
With a great range of dishes to suit everyone’s tastes, they are also proud to source fish that were caught using methods that minimise damage to marine wildlife and habitats.
Khyber Pass, YO21 3PZ – 01947 603500
From the The Dracula Experience and the best fish and chips, to must visit beaches and quaint fishing towns. Discover the top things to do in Whitby.
Councillors have approved Whitby Gin Distillery’s £1.5 million plans to renovate two derelict barns on Abbey Lands Farm within the Whitby Abbey grounds.