Looking for restaurants in Whitby?
With its breathtaking views, colourful history and quaint little streets, Whitby is by far one of the most popular seaside destinations in Yorkshire. There is plenty to see and do in the small coastal town. Visitors flock from afar to climb the famous 199 steps to the iconic abbey and see for themselves, the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Whitby was also home to iconic explorer Captain James Cook and there are many fascinating attractions in the town, celebrating his life and voyages.
Once you’ve learned about Whitby’s rich history and heritage, the fun isn’t over! The streets are lined with a whole array of quirky independent gift shops that easily allow for an enjoyable morning of retail therapy before a relaxing stroll along the beach.
With so many activities on offer, your days are likely to be busy. What better way to end a day’s sightseeing than with an exceptionally good meal cooked by someone else? Thankfully, there are numerous brilliant restaurants in Whitby ready to welcome you…
12 of The Best Restaurants in Whitby
Moutreys
9 Grape Lane, Whitby YO22 4BA
Moutreys is a family-friendly, independent restaurant, serving authentic Italian cuisine from an open kitchen. On the menu. you’ll find wood-fired pizzas and an array of tasty pasta dishes plus a number of tasty burgers and freshly prepared salads. A reasonably priced town centre eatery offering a warm welcome and hearty, homecooked grub!
This is one of the most popular and frequently recommended restaurants in Whitby, which is quite understandable as it consistently delivers good service and equally good food at reasonable prices. Begin with a traditional antipasto washed down with a glass of red then move on to a satisfyingly scrumptious plate of Pollo Arrabbiata!
The Magpie Cafe
14 Pier Road, Whitby YO21 3PU
No trip to the seaside would be complete without tucking into a steaming portion of Fish & Chips and people flock from all over to do so at The Magpie Cafe. This iconic Fish & Chips restaurant in Whitby is by far one of the most recognisable restaurants in Whitby. Over the years, it has welcomed countless notable guests and the queues outside are often lengthy.
Pop in for a plateful of freshly battered fish and perfect chips or opt for one of their many other delicious fish dishes. The menu is quite extensive and it’s a fish lover’s dream but they do serve meat and vegetarian dishes also.
Pizza West
West Cliff, Whitby YO21 3HT
Pizza West opened in 2021 and it’s one of the most stylish restaurants in Whitby! As the name suggests, Pizza West specialises in pizza – sensational sourdough creations, topped with authentic and delicious toppings like San Marzano tomatoes, Tuscan sausage, and buratta.
If you’re not in the mood for a ‘pizza perfection’, there are a number of delicious pasta dishes to choose from too, such as a courgette rigatoni with ricotta, lemon and chilli. If you have room for dessert, satisfy that sweet tooth with a generous helping of traditional tiramisu!
Casa Nostra
161 Church Street, Whitby YO22 4AS
Yet another excellent and frequently recommended Italian restaurant in Whitby is Casa Nostra. Housed in a characterful Grade II listed building on Church Street, it’s family-run and a firm favourite with many local residents.
Spacious and stylish, this welcoming eatery offers a wonderful ambience as well as a superb menu packed with perfectly executed Italian favourites like pizzas, calzones, pasta and risottos.
The Garden Room at Sneaton Castle
Sneaton Castle Estate, Castle Road, Whitby YO21 3QN
The historic Sneaton Castle with its spectacular chapel and priory is one of the area’s most popular wedding venues and hotels but it also boasts an excellent on-site restaurant. The Garden Room at Sneaton Castle offers an awe-inspiringly elegant yet unpretentious setting for a celebratory meal or holiday treat.
The short but carefully curated bistro menu at this restaurant in Whitby changes with the seasons but always features something to suit most tastes and palates. On it, you will find a small selection of international mains like Chicken Balti and Teriyaki Salmon and Chicken Cordon Bleu in addition to a number of locally sourced grilled meats like 8oz Prime Fillet and Salt-Aged Gammon Ribeye.
White House Inn
Upgang Lane, Whitby YO21 3JJ
If you’re looking for restaurants in Whitby that are slightly distanced from the bustling streets of the historic town centre then this one’s for you! The White House Inn is less than a mile away, overlooking Whitby Golf Course. The picturesque location and stunning coastal views on offer here are worth visiting for alone but the food is pretty good too!
The cosy, dog-friendly pub serves one of the best Sunday lunches in Whitby and a superb afternoon tea, alongside a menu of homemade pub classics and internationally inspired delights. Lasagne, Scampi & Chips, Steak Pie and Chicken Parmo are all there to tempt, as well as spicer alternatives like Thai Green Curry and veggie dishes such as Mushroom Stroganoff.
Harry’s Lounge Bar & Brasserie
10-11 Pier Road, Whitby YO21 3PU
Harry’s is a vibrant town centre bar and restaurant offering panoramic views of Whitby’s historic harbour. Ideally situated for those enjoying a day’s sightseeing, it’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The brasserie menu is served all day and features light bites like Brioche Crab Sandwich and Southern Fried Chicken Wrap plus larger-sized dishes such as the obligatory Fish & Chips and juicy burger stacks.
Those dining after 5 pm can also order from Harry’s evening menu which includes things such as pasta, fajitas, steaks and hanging kebabs. Daily specials are also available. One of the more laidback restaurants in Whitby and ideal for those wishing to make a full night of it!
Emma’s Diner
36-37 Flowergate, Whitby YO21 3BB
Looking for restaurants in Whitby that the whole family will love? Emma’s Diner is a fun and colourful American diner with 50s-style decor and mouthwatering menus of calorific but oh-so-tasty treats.
Expect gigantic breakfasts, towering pancake stacks, big juicy burgers, fantastic fried chicken and a selection of indulgent milkshakes and creative cocktails. A delicious way to end a family day out in wonderful Whitby!
The White Horse and Griffin
87 Church Street, Whitby YO22 4BH
This homely pub is just a 3-minute walk from Whitby’s iconic 199 steps. Housed in a sympathetically restored 1661 coaching inn that once welcomed Charles Dickens through its doors, The White Horse and Griffin is a must-visit when in Whitby.
Food is served from breakfast until dinner and the laidback ambience and traditional pub vibes make a meal here all the more enjoyable. The main menu primarily focuses on seafood and there are some truly tantalising fish dishes on offer such as Pan-fried Mullet with crispy Monkfish cheek and a delectable fish pie jam-packed with treasures of the sea.
The fish-free alternatives are equally as tempting and certainly varied. If fish isn’t your thing, the Braised pork shoulder, Chicken & leek hotpot or Roasted shallot and tomato tart will undoubtedly delight.
The Marine
13 Marine Parade, Whitby YO21 3PR
The Marine is a contemporary, harbourside boutique hotel with a popular restaurant specialising in serving exquisite fresh seafood dishes. If you love your seafood, you’ll truly be missing out if you don’t book a table at The Marine as it serves everything from chowders and fishcakes to whole lobsters and beautiful seafood platters.
Of course, it isn’t just pescatarians who are catered to here, Although few and far between, there are a number of meat-based mains available too, including Rack of lamb, Ribeye steak and Supreme of chicken. For non-meat-eaters, there’s a rather flavoursome-sounding harissa-marinated Cauliflower steak and Halloumi & Chips.
The Edge
13 Bridge Street, Whitby YO22 4BG
The Edge is a modern bistro-style restaurant in Whitby loved by locals and tourists alike. A relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and a regularly changing specials board offering all manner of delectable dishes combine to make a meal here a memorable one!
Independently owned a boasting a great local reputation, this is a lovely little restaurant in which to enjoy an informal evening meal. The menus are again heavily comprised of seafood dishes but they do some excellent meat and vegetarian dishes too. Oven-baked duck breast, chargrilled steaks and homemade venison meatballs have all made recent appearances on their menu and they do a fab Sunday lunch also!
As with all our articles of this nature, we’ll be adding to this list as and when we discover, are introduced to or visit other businesses. To make a recommendation or to request our media kit, please email business@theyorkshirepress.co.uk
