Scarborough, the oldest seaside town in England, is home to some of the best places to eat along the Yorkshire Coast. But, that doesn’t mean its food scene is set in the past. New independent food places and craft ale spots are popping up all the time in the historic town, which is going through a real culinary transformation. It still has those classics you’d expect from a British seaside town such as fish & chips, a spot to get your rock candy and doughnuts as well as plenty of ice cream to stuff your face with. But, they also have some top-notch eateries and we aim to highlight some of the best just for you. We’ve hand-selected some of the best restaurants in Scarborough for you to try on your next visit.
The food scene is an ever-changing space with tastes and dishes going in and out of fashion the same as clothes, holiday destinations and pop music. We’ve got a few classics in the list that will never go out of fashion as well as some new flavours that showcase the current food trends in the UK. One thing for sure is there are some diamonds in the rough dotted around Scarborough waiting for you to enjoy.
So without wasting any more of your time enjoy this list of Scarborough’s best restaurants to try this 2025 handpicked by us (in no particular order). Once you’ve finished in the town’s pubs, bars and beaches, you can head out to fill your belly with some lovely grub.
So, here are the best restaurants in Scarborough…
1. Ember
Chef Dan uses his Yorkshire roots to create modern British dishes with an international twist using exciting seasonal foods sourced locally. Transforming them with the smokey chargrills from the wood-fired oven. Expect incredible flavourful dishes that will leave you satisfied.
It’s not just the food that is satisfying, they all serve up some delicious and unique cocktails served in the perfect setting with an industrial yet homely feel to the quaint spot in Scarborough. 138 Victoria Rd, Scarborough YO11 1SL
2. Askim’s
One of Scarborough’s best Mediterranean restaurants, Askim’s, serves up an incredible array of Turkish dishes and delicious cocktails. Rated as the number one spot in Hull for food on TripAdvisor, Askim’s offers a culinary experience that delights locals and visitors alike. Enjoy dishes such as hummus topped with diced lamb and marinated prawn starters. A customer favourite main is the chicken sarma beyti, packed full of flavour alongside classic marinated kebabs grilled over charcoals.
Located in the heart of Scarborough, Askim’s also offers fantastic cocktails to wash down your meals. And don’t miss their house-made souvlaki dessert, which is out of this world. 37 Huntriss Row, Scarborough YO11 2ED
3. GEO
Set inside the town’s former Bethel Mission chapel, GEO is a cool steakhouse & cocktail bar that also serves an array of tasty steak dishes with its classic grill-style menu – and is one of the best places in town. It is located amongst the hustle and bustle of Scarborough seafront, offering great food and cocktails.
Many of the cocktails are Yorkshire-themed too using flavours such as rhubarb and rose. The food menu is fantastic with an as-is 1920s Art Deco design that is the perfect backdrop for a night on the town. With views of the harbour, it really is a stunning place to visit. 20 Sandside, Scarborough YO11 1PE
4. Cowshed Burgers
You can’t beach a classic American-style beefy burger and Cowshed brings all the meaty goodness to Scarborough with its offering. You can enjoy burgers, hot dogs, chicken and fries. You can even enjoy a peanut butter and jelly burger – which is on our list of things to wolf down the summer.
If that wasn’t enough, the Scarborough restaurant also offers up a range of craft ales to wash down the meaty goodness. The venue has cool vibes and is a great setting for a fantastic food offering and the staff are helpful and friendly too.
5. The Cactus
An absolute gem of a find The Cactus prides themselves on serving high quality menu whether that be the food or the cocktails. And one thing we know is that you’ll visit for the burgers, but you’ll return for the garlic breads. Serving up huge portions these guys don’t want you leaving empty that’s for sure. The burgers are huge and packed full of flavour. You’ll want to wash them down with the great cocktails on offer. The garlic breads are out of this world, loaded full of a variety of toppings, the bread is super fluffy and airy, the perfect combination for the goey toppings.
It’s not just the food that’s great about this tiny little spot. It’s the cool decor and vibes with the twinkling lights, warm quaint feelings. A little haven away from the bustling seaside town. It’s definitely one of the best restaurants in Scarborough for you to try. 4 Victoria Rd, Scarborough YO11 1SD
6. Bareca
Part of the Bike & Boot hotel, Bareca, not only offers up fantastic views of Scarborough, but also serves up the most amazing menu of Mediterranean classics. You can choose from pizza, pasta, and a range of small plates & grills washed down with craft beers, bespoke cocktails, coffees & smoothies. It’s dog friendly as they come and we highly recommend the small plates we tried on our last visit and the cocktails are tailored to Scarborough and its other venue in the Peaks as well
Read More: 10 Of The Best Fish And Chips In Scarborough
7. Lifeboat Fish Bar
You can’t head to the seaside without having fish & chips. And, this Scarborough fish & chips restaurants always tops the list of best places to eat. Located on the south bay they serve up traditional fish & chips with generous portions, the family-run spot offers cod or haddock coated in a golden, crips batter.
Cooked to perfection every time with sides of peas and tarter sauce what else could you want on your trip to the Yorkshire Coast. There is a good reason why this is one of the best restaurants in Scarborough. 76 Eastborough, Scarborough YO11 1NJ, UK
8. AZ Restaurant
Next on the list of best restaurants in Scarborough is this family run Turkish spot serving up treasured recipes handed down through generations of Mehmet Hassan lineage. The intimate spot serves up home cooked dishes with fresh ingredients enhanced with authentic herbs and spices, present flawless ottoman culture flavours with delicious Anatolian subtleties.
The venue, which opened back in 2010 has traditional decor and offers a unique romantic opportunity to enjoy Turkish dishes. 89 Columbus Ravine, Scarborough YO12 7QU
9. The Farrier
Located on the outskirts of Scarborough in the village of Cayton, near the popular hidden gem Cayton Bay. The Farrier offers up exciting combinations of modern and traditional meals with produce supplied from local farms and suppliers.
You can enjoy a seasonal menu that’s ever-changing offering luxurious meals in a relaxed and friendly setting. They are also dog-friendly with The Parlour offering up a spot for you and you pooch whilst you enjoy an incredible meal. 89 Main St, Cayton, Scarborough YO11 3RP
Read More: 10 Of The Best Fish And Chip Shops In Scarborough According To TripAdvisor
10. Bryherstones Inn
The country inn located on the outskirts of Scarborough near the village of Burniston. One of the best restaurants in Scarborough, they offer real food, real ale & real people. They serve up locally sourced produce creating classic pub dishes that you can’t say no to. Sunday’s they do a classic Sunday Roast with mature roast beef, leg of lamb or free range pork.
On tap they have Timothy Taylor’s Landlord along with a rotating guest beer from small brewers in Yorkshire and an excellent range of bottles wines selected by Betton Wines of East Ayton. Newlands Rd, Cloughton Newlands, Scarborough YO13 0AR
11. Eat Me Cafe & Social
The simple industrial-style cafe serves up classic brunch dishes throughout the day including your Full English and egg-based goodness before turning into an Asian-influenced evening menu. The evening menu consists of small plates such as Japanese gyozas, chicken satay, crispy Korean chicken and more.
They also serve up tasty Ramen noodles with chicken, tofu, duck, or roast belly pork served with rice noodles in a tasty broth. They also have a huge range of local and international bevvies including craft ales, prosecco, wines and soft drinks! Get ’em added to your list for your next trip the seaside town. Stephen Joseph Theatre, Westborough, Scarborough YO11 1JW
In our eyes Scarborough is fast become a cool place to hit up with a food scene worthy of any city. But, rather than having a rangeo of places that serve up the same food you have a few places doing things really well, which in out eyes is spot on. The seaside town has some top-notch eateries, some of which e hope you feel have been highlighted in this article of the best restaurants in Scarborough for you to try on your next visit.
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