Discover the best restaurants on the Yorkshire Coast

Not a lot of people know this, but Yorkshire has one of the largest concentrations of top restaurants and eateries in the country, with more Michelin stars than anywhere outside of London. Impressive stuff isn’t it?

But it’s that not surprising given the abundance of top quality local produce, from the lambs of Nidderdale to the pheasants of the North York Moors, not forgetting of course the seafood. Blessed with a gloriously long coastline, it’s inevitable that some of Yorkshire’s best restaurants can be found on the coast.

Take a look at Gorgeous Cottages guide to the best restaurants on the Yorkshire Coast and browse nearby cottages now.

Yorkshire coast cottages

Skip to:

• Best restaurants in Whitby
• Best restaurants in Sandsend
• Best restaurants in Scarborough
• Best restaurants in Filey
• More Yorkshire Coast restaurants

Best restaurants in Whitby

Whitby has long been one of the most popular destinations thanks to the iconic Whitby Abbey reached by climbing 199 steps and a colourful harbour filled with fishing boats bring in the fresh catch of the day. 

The Magpie Cafe

You can’t book a table at this Whitby fish restaurant and there’s regularly a queue out the door but the food at The Magpie Cafe is well worth the wait. The menu is filled with fish and seafood options ranging from classic cod and chips to halibut with lobster and seafood platters on offer if you fancy pushing the boat out.

Humble Pie & Mash 

Another Whitby institution is Humble Pie & Mash which is located in a characterful building dating back to 1638. You can enjoy home-made pies that range from slow-braised steak and kidney to vegan woodland mushroom and ale. Pies are served with home-made mash, peas and lashings of tasty gravy in front of a traditional Inglenook fireplace. 

Cosa Nostra

This family-run Italian restaurant is situated in a Grade II-listed building on Church Street, close to Whitby’s famous Swing Bridge. There is plenty of pizza and pasta to choose from on the menu along with options like sea bass and seafood risotto. Cosa Nostra is very family-friendly and little ones get a scoop of ice cream to finish off their meal. 

Best restaurants Sandsend

Just down the road from Whitby is the pretty village of Sandsend which is home to a beautiful beach, a gentle stream and a selection of excellent eateries.  

Estbek House

The first Yorkshire Coast restaurant to be awarded two AA rosettes, Estbek House in Sandsend is a top choice for a fine-dining meal with a crisp black and white theme in the elegant dining room. Only fresh wild fish that’s been caught on the Yorkshire Coast is used in the restaurant and meat is sourced locally from the North York Moors. 

Fish Cottage

This lovely fish and chip restaurant is located just 20 yards from Sandsend Beach and comes with a gorgeous garden where you can dine alfresco when the Yorkshire weather allows. There’s also a stylish indoor section at Fish Cottage where you can tuck into perfectly cooked lobster that’s sourced from nearby Whitby plus oysters, crabs and fish tacos.  

Raithwaite Sandsend

This Sandsend restaurant looks out over 80 acres of gardens on the Raithwaite Estate and has a dog-friendly bar area if your preferred dining companion is of the four-legged variety. The menu is full of local seasonal produce with much of the meat and veg on the menu coming from Yorkshire Dales farms and herbs grown organically in the Raithwaite’s gardens.  

Best restaurants Scarborough

One of the UK’s first seaside resorts, Scarborough effortlessly mixes old and new with Victorian buildings, vibrant arcades and a couple of beautiful beaches. There are also lots of places to eat during a fun-filled getaway.

Mother Hubbards

This classic family-friendly fish restaurant is located close to Scarborough’s South Bay Beach and  serves classic cod and chips with bread and butter and a pot of Yorkshire tea. If you fancy something a little stronger, Mother Hubbards has an alcohol licence so you can get wine, beer, gin or even champagne to wash down your fish and chips. 

1881 Restaurant at Wrea Head Hall

This fine dining restaurant is located in a grand gothic mansion that’s just outside Scarborough in the pretty village of Scalby. You’ll find 1881 Restaurant in the original oak-panelled dining room of the stately home and with views out over the grand gardens, it’s just right for an extra special celebration meal. 

Clark’s Restaurant

This chic brasserie is located in the heart of Scarborough and serves meat sourced from the nearby market in dishes inspired by classic French cuisine. The intimate restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner where you’ll be served the best of Yorkshire coast and countryside cuisine. 

Best restaurants Filey

A quieter resort than nearby Scarborough, Filey is an elegant Edwardian town that’s best known for a wide swathe of sandy beach that’s regularly named as one of the best in the UK.

The Glasshouse at Charlottes

You can dine under 200-year-old grape vines at this fabulous Filey restaurant which is where author Charlotte Bronte used to spend her summer holidays. Nowadays you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at The Glasshouse with a heated outdoor terrace where dogs are welcome and a stylish cocktail bar.

San Marco

Just a short walk from the beach in Filey is the ever popular San Marco’s, an Italian restaurant that’s been a fixture in the town for more than 20 years. The eatery takes its inspiration from the town of Padova near Venice with authentic Venetian masks decorating the dining room and hearty portions of Italian food on the menu.

Inghams Fish Restaurant

Inghams is the type of classic British fish and chip restaurant that’s part of every good seaside holiday. It’s located just around the corner from Filey’s beautiful Crescent Gardens and comes with nautical interiors and a life-size model of a fisherman to greet you with his catch of the day. Options include battered cod or poached haddock if you want something a little lighter.

More of the best restaurants on the Yorkshire Coast

You’ll find cafes, tearooms, bistros and restaurants in the various towns and villages of the Yorkshire Coast. 

Cod & Lobster

This great gastro pub is the closest building to the sea in the colourful village of Staithes and is known for its crab sandwiches and signature ‘Cod & Lobster’ dish. You can watch the waves lapping against the sea wall as you enjoy a meal and when the weather turns colder there is a roaring open fire to keep you nice and warm.

The Seaview Restaurant 

This Yorkshire Coast restaurant has been featured on the BBC series Remarkable Places to Eat is located near Saltburn’s famous funicular railway and looks out over the sandy beach and Victorian pier. The menu at The Seaview includes lots of local fish and seafood which is all served in a bright, elegant restaurant with one of the best views around. 

The Runswick Bay Catch

This seafood restaurant in Runswick Bay serves local fresh fish along with Nidderdale poultry and meat and vegetables sourced from suppliers in the surrounding North York Moors. Wine served at The Runswick Bay Catch comes from the Yorkshire Heart Vineyard and beers and ciders from Baytown Brewery in nearby Robin Hoods Bay.

Restaurant Number 20

This Port Mulgrave restaurant may be small but the food served here is perfectly formed with a state-of-the-art Josper Grill and an open kitchen where you can watch chef Jason Davies at work. There are just 12 tables at Restaurant Number 20 and the menu which changes daily is full of seafood which is served with a Mediterranean twist.  

Headlands Cafe and Restaurant Bar

This casual family-run restaurant on Flamborough Head is located right next to the East Yorkshire town’s historic lighthouse and is a perfect place to call in after a hike along the coast or a spot of birdwatching. Children and dogs will be made very welcome at Headlands and there’s an ice cream kiosk next door to keep little ones happy after your meal.

The Copper Horse

This gastro pub is just a short drive from Scarborough in the small village of Seamer with the popular surfing beach Cayton Bay close by. The Copper Horse does a rather good Sunday lunch and has a menu of Yorkshire classics including steak which is cooked to your liking in a charcoal oven. 

Plan your Yorkshire Coast getaway

So there you are, plenty of lovely options for lunch and dinner above and certainly enough to keep you fuelled for a week. Stay at one of our luxury cottages on the Yorkshire coast and visit as many as you can!