Two Yorkshire restaurants have been recognised among the very best in Britain’s coastal dining scene, with Whitby’s Magpie Café and Saltburn’s Seaview Restaurant both earning praise from The Good Food Guide. The long-running guide has highlighted the pair for their standout seafood, spectacular settings, and enduring popularity with visitors from across the UK.
Perched proudly on Whitby’s historic quay, the Magpie Café is instantly recognisable thanks to its striking black-and-white frontage. The restaurant has been a landmark of the town since 1937, though the building itself dates back to the 18th century, when it was originally used as a merchant’s house. Today, it’s still family-run, with current owner Ian Robson – who started out as a fryer in 1979 – at the helm.
Over the decades, the Magpie has built up a loyal following of locals, day-trippers, and tourists who travel from across the country to sample its famous fish suppers. Queues regularly snake down the quay, a sure sign of its enduring popularity.
The Good Food Guide praised the Magpie for its atmosphere and food, describing it as: “Right on the coast, it’s blessed with the most spectacular views through large picture windows: Victorian pier to the left, cliffs to the right and a glorious vista of the briny in-between. Although you can follow the fish and chips route (top-notch stuff in every detail), the repertoire encompasses much more marine life.”
The review goes beyond the café’s reputation for classic fish and chips, celebrating a menu that showcases some of the finest seafood dishes in the UK. Starters such as creamy cauliflower velouté topped with smoked haddock show a more refined side to the menu, while mains like steamed cod with mussel and bacon chowder highlight the kitchen’s versatility.
The Magpie isn’t the only Yorkshire name making waves. The Seaview Restaurant in Saltburn has also grown into a hugely popular destination. Known for working closely with local fishermen, the restaurant offers a menu brimming with fresh, sustainable seafood – from crab caught that morning to refined seasonal dishes.
Together, these Yorkshire restaurants highlight why the county’s coastline is fast becoming one of the UK’s leading destinations for seafood lovers.
If you’d like to check out the full list of Britain’s top seaside restaurants, visit The Good Food Guide website here.
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