14 Pier Rd, Whitby, YO21 3PU
Harden's survey result
Summary
“The queue even on the stormiest of autumn days speaks volumes” for this “classic seaside stalwart” which – as the UK’s best-known chippy – “requires little introduction” and is “still as popular as ever” (including in our annual diners’ poll, in which it’s one of the top-25 most mentioned places outside London). “Perched on the harbour, in shouting distance of the fishing fleet”, you enter up steep steps into a “big and rather functional” warren of dining spaces that’s “a bit too brightly/starkly lit” for some tastes. “Most punters opt for the fish ’n’ chips but the adventurous menu based on local caught fish is in a different class”: “a long read supplemented with the chalked daily specials” (“I love the fact that samphire is always available as a side too”). Top Menu Tip – “The oysters served simply on ice were divine. It’s always a tough choice… but… I did the usual and fell for a large haddock with mushy peas and a pot of tea”.
Summary
“Always the best fish ’n’ chips in the UK” – this “unfailing” café on the harbour is “a must-visit when in Whitby” and remains the most commented-on chippie nationally in our annual diners’ poll. “Yes, it does all the usual seaside dishes” and yet some fans “have never had the fish ’n’ chips here because the daily specials board of other seafood dishes is so good” – an “expansive choice of fish, shellfish and molluscs all ideally prepared” as “the kitchen is imaginative and the combinations, which sometimes sound unusual, can always be relied on”. “If you can bag a window seat (not easy in peak times… which is just about always) the view over the harbour is very atmospheric”.
Summary
“The UK home of fish ’n’ chips” – no rival inspires greater acclaim (or more reports in our annual diners’ poll) than this “old-style café” on the harbour, where “the queues confirm the quality and value for money”; and which has earnt national renown for serving “simply the best fish ’n’ chips anywhere!". “Thankfully the fire a while ago hasn’t changed the experience” – “very steep steps lead up to the door”, the inside is “squashed” and “sometimes very busy” but the payoff is “a varied menu of great seafood”, plus all the treasured staples. “Stunning views of Whitby Abbey” too, or “just watch the kids with the seagulls”.
Summary
“The perfect traditional fish ’n’ chip restaurant” – this “hardworking” landmark “just across the road from Whitby Harbour” is accessed “up a narrow flight of steep steps” and probably the UK’s best-known chippie, certainly if our annual diners’ survey is any guide. It is, say fans, “really the best ever” and “the menu not only contains fresh fish, but is also dependent on the catch the previous night”. “Brilliant fresh fish is prepared in many ways”; “you will have to wait for a table, but it’s worth it.”
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Magpie Café?
Owner's description
Housed in our distinctive black and white building overlooking the harbour, the Magpie Café is in a prime position for you to enjoy the fabulous views of Whitby at the same time as sampling our wide selection of meals. Our specialities include dishes that use prime fresh local fish, seafood and specially selected ingredients.
Please visit the menu and wine section of the site for more information about the range of mouth watering dishes we can prepare for you and your family. Group and party bookings are possible at certain times; please contact us to find out more.
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £20.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.25 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The Magpie Café Restaurant Diner Reviews
"No reservations at lunch but only waited about 15 mins for a table. The seafood taster was amazing value - oysters, clams, mussels, anchovies, prawns, scallops, 3 types of salmon and salad for £22. Would highly recommend. "
14 Pier Rd, Whitby, YO21 3PU
Opening hours
| Monday | 11:30 am‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am‑9 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am‑9 pm |
