Magpie Café
14 Pier Road Whitby YO21 3PU
England's best fish and chip restaurant? Well, the Good Food Guide, Rick Stein and other foodie fans certainly think so, not to mention the daily queue of punters that snakes down the street in all seasons and weather (bookings aren't taken). Crispy cod and haddock are sensational here, and servings come in three sizes, but if you don't want your fish deep-fried, pretty much everything from halibut to lemon sole can also be grilled or poached and served with seasonal veg and potatoes. On top of this, there's also a tantalising menu of classy seafood dishes, from the house special fish pie or Whitby crab salad to seafood chowder and lobster thermidor. It's maybe also the place to try some of the UK's lesser-eaten fish, since things like mackerel, gurnard, woof and pollock – a Yorkshire firm of solicitors if there ever was one – generally feature on the menu. An adjacent takeaway – expect queues here too – does the honours at cheaper prices and is infinitely the best choice along the harbour if you want your fish and chips al fresco.
Latest news: The Magpie suffered a devastating fire in May 2017 and is currently closed until further notice. Check their social media channels for updates.
