Hardens Guide to the Best Restaurants in Whitby
Hardens guides have spent 32 years compiling reviews of the best Whitby restaurants. On Hardens.com you'll find details and reviews of 54 restaurants in Whitby and our unique survey based approach to rating and reviewing Whitby restaurants gives you the best insight into the top restaurants in every area and of every type of cuisine.
Featured Whitby Restaurants
1. Moor Hall
British, Modern restaurant in Aughton
Prescot Rd - L39
“What can I say that’s not already been said? Just superb!” – Mark Birchall’s converted manor house north of Liverpool is five years old now, but still has the golden glow of one of the UK’s most fast-rising culinary stars, and some fans say they “thought it had a chance of its third Michelin star this year”. That would be an achievement anywhere – never mind in a corner of West Lancashire long seen as a gastronomic wasteland. The long drive, the lake, the grounds, the cleverly refurbished medieval buildings… all create a “perfect and luxurious experience”. “The dining room and lounges are sleek and welcoming and the attention to detail from the kitchen garden to the cheese room, even to the cutlery is flawless”. “Best of all, every mouthful from its tasting menu is fresh, clean and sublime” and a clear reflection of the “dedication, high standards and clear technical expertise” in the kitchen. Fame is bringing one drawback though – even those who judge it a “fabulous” experience sometimes think it risks becoming an “outrageously expensive” one. And – amidst praise for “fun and unintimidating staff who don’t miss a beat” – there is also the odd fear of “an over-focus on creating theatre rather than making the customer totally relaxed”. Top Tip – “the food bonanza continues at breakfast so stay over if you can”.
2. Lawns Grill, Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa
International restaurant in Thornton Hough
Neston Rd - CH63
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since 2019 when Boris Johnson and former Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, met for crunch post-Brexit talks at this posh hotel & spa out on the Wirral. On limited feedback, ratings for its grill are good all-round, but more plaudits go to the rather dramatically named ‘Great Wirral Afternoon Tea’ – a “well thought-out offering with good choice of sweet or savoury options” that’s “particularly nice on the terrace or lawn”.
3. Sticky Walnut
British, Modern restaurant in Chester
11 Charles St - CH2
“A very special place indeed” – this modest-looking backstreet bistro that chef Gary Usher opened 13 years ago in the Chester suburb of Hoole has achieved cult status and set the template for his crowdfunded Elite Bistros group, which now has six venues across the North West. “Always our choice for celebrations, delicious meals and superb service”, it’s “guaranteed to give you a great time”.
4. Porta
Spanish restaurant in Chester
140 Northgate Street - CH1
“Great Spanish food” – including plenty of “tasty fresh seafood” – has made such a success of Joe & Ben Wright’s ten-year-old wine-and-tapas spot that they closed Joseph Benjamin, their original bistro next door, to concentrate their resources on it in 2021. It’s a “small (and you can’t book), but lively place with attentive service and a great atmosphere”. The brothers now have spin-offs in Altrincham and Salford.
5. The Forge
British, Modern restaurant in Chester
Hotel Indigo, Grosvenor Park Road - CH1
No reports as yet on this boutique hotel dining room run by game expert Mike Robinson. Dry-aged beef and venison are brought from maturation cabinets to be cooked over a flame grill and, on paper at least, this is one of the city’s more interesting dining options.
6. The Arkle, The Chester Grosvenor
British, Modern restaurant in Chester
56-58 Eastgate Street - CH1
Owned by the Duke of Westminster, and sitting right next to the iconic Eastgate Clock, the city’s flagship hotel has a plush (if windowless) main dining room, which in March 2022 was relaunched after a £250,000 refit. The change was to mark a turning of the page from its time under Simon Radley, who held one of the North West’s more enduring Michelin stars here from 1998 till his retirement in mid 2021. So his replacement, Elliot Hill (arriving from Liverpool’s Panoramic 34) has big shoes to fill. He made a start in November 2022, winning three rosettes at the AA Awards… although under Simon, the hotel held four. Our limited initial feedback on his start here is all positive (if too limited for a rating), including for afternoon tea in the adjoining lounges – “attentive staff and excellent sandwiches and pastries... they also serve a Gentleman’s afternoon tea, with crispy haddock bloomers, and coronation chicken on spiced curry bread”.
7. La Brasserie, Chester Grosvenor
British, Modern restaurant in Chester
Eastgate - CH1
It’s “always a pleasure” to visit this plush hotel, where the more relaxed, pavement-side Brasserie is “great for lunch” in “beautiful surroundings”; and where you’ll be looked after by “attentive staff with an eye for detail” – whether you’re after “casual dining (homemade soup and roll are delicious)” or an “à la carte menu (fish dishes are good)”. For the Grosvenor’s famous afternoon tea, head to the plush Arkle Bar & Lounge.
8. Upstairs at the Grill
British, Modern restaurant in Chester
70 Watergate St - CH1
2022 Review: USDA steaks and other meaty treats – alongside a Manhattan-esque vibe – have won local renown for this swish steakhouse in the city centre. Closed for much of the pandemic, in October 2021 the venue finally announced its return via Instagram and its website: “You may have noticed some building work taking place over the last couple of months…we are beyond excited and thrilled to finally announce that we will be back in the New Year… We have some exciting plans to transform our iconic home in the Olde Custom House Building… Our team of chefs and bartenders are already hard at work behind the scenes developing an exciting new food and drink menu… don’t worry, your old favourites will still feature!”.
9. 1539
British, Traditional restaurant in Chester
The Racecourse - CH1
2021 Review: “With stunning views over Chester Racecourse” (“book early to be sure of a window table”), this well-established venue marries “fine wines and food” and, so long as you “don’t go on race days”, there are “usually quiet areas for those important business meetings”.
10. Architect
British, Modern restaurant in Chester
54 Nicholas Street - CH1
With a “good location near the racecourse”, this Georgian pub from Brunning & Price is “divided into cosy rooms and alcoves”, and excels for its “traditional pub food” including “fabulous fish ’n’ chips”, “good pies and specials” – “but the key is in the sides: excellent samphire, sauces, creamy mash and more”. The name honours prominent local architect Thomas Harrison, who designed the building as his own home.
11. Moules A Go Go
International restaurant in Chester
6-12 Cuppin Street - CH1
2021 Review: “A long-term favourite which has been going for decades” – in recent times now decamped to La Tasca's old digs from its original home in The Rows – it boasts “plush and trendy” décor; “the moules marinières are wonderful and there are nights dedicated to surf and turf or lobster”.
12. Saltys Parkgate
British, Modern restaurant in Parkgate
Mostyn Square - CH64
2019 Review: In a “quaint” Wirral village with “extensive views over the River Dee marshes to North Wales”, this venue (formerly the Marsh Cat) has been re-named after renovations and switching to a modern British menu. Ratings are now solid, with regulars reporting that “it’s now back to its best”.
13. X by Harry Guy
British, Modern restaurant in Chester
Wildes Chester, 10 Bridge Street - CH1
Chef Harry Guy (ex-Savoy Grill and Mallory Court Hotel) will open his debut restaurant in Wildes Group’s new Chester boutique hotel in 2023 (originally scheduled for mid 2022), by ‘The Cross’ at the ancient heart of this picturesque town. The venue itself sounds quite a ‘do’: with 18 bedrooms, rooftop pool, amphitheatre sauna and terrace with views overlooking the city. An “invitingly dark” dining room is promised, and setting its sights on becoming “one of the finest restaurants in the country”.
14. Pars Kahve
restaurant in Chester
5 - 7 Watergate Street South - CH1
Situated on the ancient, picturesque top tier of ‘The Rows’ on Watergate Street, this August 2021 yearling from Adem & Holly Yilmaz (their first venture) is proving an excellent addition to the city. The Turkish cooking is “simple but there’s a great choice of really good dishes” and the welcome is “warm and friendly”.
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