Whitby’s town centre is small and easy to navigate, meaning many restaurants are within walking distance of each other; strolling around the town deciding what you fancy will never feel like a chore. And as eateries are fairly numerous, there’s a great choice of different cuisines and styles of cooking – you don’t have to stick to fish and chips every day!
Thanks to its coastal location and maritime culture, a plethora of seafood restaurants serve Whitby, most of which use locally sourced fish and seafood. One of the town’s most famous has to be The Magpie located along Pier Road. Known for its fish and chips, the restaurant also serves an extensive menu that features classics including lobster thermidor and steamed mussels.
Further down Pier Road, The Marine features a relaxed dining area in which diners can choose from modern takes on seafood classics like dressed Whitby crab and seafood platters. An outdoor seating area overlooks the harbour and is the perfect place to enjoy fresh oysters when the sun is out.
Don’t worry if you ever get sick of all the fish in Whitby; the town also has an excellent selection of eateries serving up a range of cuisines. For cocktails, burgers and barbecue in a harbourside location, head to The Moon & Sixpence, the sister restaurant of The Marine.
Away from the harbour area, you’ll find Mademoiselles on Skinner Street. This Parisian-themed cafe turns into a chic bistro at night. The French theme continues through its menu which features coq au vin and tarte au citron.
For an intimate dining experience, Ditto Restaurant is known for immaculate service and high-end bistro cooking. Booking in advance is highly recommended as there are just a handful of tables and only one sitting each evening. Highlights on the ever-changing menu include braised ox cheeks and pressed chicken and ricotta dumplings.
For slightly more exotic flavours, Whitby is home to two Indian restaurants: Indian Moments on Church Street and Passage to India, just behind the train station. Located within the train station, Kam Thai is the town’s only Thai restaurant and offers both a takeaway and sit-down menu.
Italian food is another popular choice in Whitby and you’ll find both Moutreys and Cosa Nostra serving up pizza and pasta on the eastern side of the harbour. For those who prefer a bit more spice, Al Taco is a Mexican grill on Baxtergate offering up authentic nachos, tacos and loaded fajitas.