Perhaps the best-known chippie in a town, the Magpie Café is legendary among Whitby locals. Having been around since 1940 or thereabouts, this harbourside restaurant never fails to have people queuing around the block to try its menu. Despite its impressive reputation, the Magpie Café remains wonderfully unpretentious both in regards to its food, and its laidback ambience. Book in advance to guarantee yourself a table for dinner or try your luck in the queue throughout the day. No matter whether you're a large group of adults or a family with children, everyone is catered for at the Magpie Café.
Devotees will remember when the owners provided umbrellas if the heavens opened; these days, an extension provides shelter from the British weather. Inside, things haven't changed a huge amount over the years; red leather chairs and the bright, carpeted floor give the space a cosy, if old-fashioned feel, while black and white photographs of the town hang from the walls.
When it comes to the food, the main attraction is a wondrous array of fish procured from the local boats. The kitchen does however cast its net well beyond battered classics such as cod and haddock, with more unusual options like skate wing and woof also on offer. But that’s just the beginning: also expect a haul of daily specials such as cod hollandaise with wilted spinach and Parma ham, poached monkfish in creamy tarragon sauce, and crayfish carbonara with garlic bread, all served in trencherman Yorkshire helpings. For afters, take a look at the lengthy list of homemade desserts which includes over 20 classics such as sticky toffee pudding and jam roly poly.
For drinks, you can choose from a selection of bottled Yorkshire beers, wine by the glass or bottle, or simply go for a cup of tea.