14 Pier Rd, Whitby, YO21 3PU
Harden's survey result
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.”
Summary
“White flakes of fish, encased in crispy, golden batter, plus chips reminiscent of childhood, and still cooked in dripping, all provide a taste to savour” at this famous (hence “noisy and crowded”) Harbourside veteran, often justifiably nominated for being home to “the best fish ’n’ chips in the UK”. “Most punters go for the obvious, but the specials board is always worth close scrutiny, as the kitchen actually produces superb dishes using the wide variety of fish and seafood available in this amazing port”. “Recommended, but it can get very busy so be prepared to queue in busy periods”. “I was in Yorkshire for a week and went three times! Totally excellent!” Top Tip – marvellous views from the window tables, or you can just take away and sit by the water!
For 33 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 | £18.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The Magpie Café Restaurant Diner Reviews
"The Magpie is the Magpie - no better fish and chip restaurant anywhere! Unchanged in years"
"This classic seaside stalwart requires little introduction. The queue even on the stormiest of autumn days speaks volumes. Perched on the harbour in shouting distance of the fishing fleet the seafood menu is always a long read supplemented with the chalked daily specials. 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. "
"We arrived in Whitby for our first visit late on Sunday afternoon so we played safe by pre-booking the Magpie and going for the simple battered scampi and fish and chips. All of this was absolutely fine but they have an extensive fish menu and I'd reserve judgment till we see how they performed in a wider repertoire. Otherwise I'd happily recommend it as a charming and buzzy fish restaurant in a rather grungy setting between an amusement arcade and "Harry's Bar etc""
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 |
