Widely considered one of England's finest fish and chip restaurants, the Magpie Cafe in Whitby has been serving award-winning seafood since 1937. The fish is landed at Whitby harbour, the chips are proper and the batter is crisp and grease-free. Queues are long but move relatively quickly and are entirely worth it.
The Magpie Cafe on Pier Road in Whitby, North Yorkshire has been serving fish and chips since 1937 and is consistently rated among England's very best. Whitby is one of the great British seaside towns — gothic, dramatic, smelling of the sea — and the Magpie occupies a prime position overlooking the harbour where much of its fish is landed by local boats. The menu goes well beyond the standard chip shop repertoire: Whitby crab, dressed crab salads, fish pie, kippers, and a rotating specials board of whatever arrived fresh that day sit alongside the core fish and chips offering. The batter is consistently light, grease-free, and crisp; the chips are proper. Portions are generous. The restaurant has two floors and seats around 100 diners. No visit to Whitby is complete without eating at the Magpie. Long queues form on summer days and Bank Holidays, but they move steadily. Sit-down meals can be booked for dinner; lunch is walk-in. The setting below the ruined Whitby Abbey and adjacent to the fishing harbour adds immeasurably to the experience.
Location
54.4851, -0.6157 View on map
Highlights
- Widely considered one of England's finest fish and chip restaurants since 1937
- Fish landed at Whitby harbour, just metres from the restaurant
- Menu extends beyond fish and chips to fresh crab, kippers, and daily specials
- Two-floor harbourside setting in one of England's most atmospheric seaside towns
- Sit-down dinner bookable; lunch on walk-in basis
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 11:30AM for lunch to beat the main queue — it can stretch to an hour at peak summer.
- Book online for dinner — this avoids queuing entirely and secures a table at the harbour-view seats.
- The Whitby crab is a genuine local delicacy and worth ordering alongside or instead of the fish.
- Whitby Abbey ruins, a short climb above the town, are worth visiting before or after eating.
- Order mushy peas and tartare sauce to accompany the fish — the kitchen makes both in-house.
Accessibility
The Magpie Cafe has two floors connected by stairs. The ground floor is accessible from street level and accommodates wheelchair users; the upper floor is not step-free. Staff can assist with seating. Contact the restaurant ahead of peak periods for specific arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Magpie Cafe the best fish and chips in England?
The Magpie is consistently ranked among the top fish and chip restaurants in England and has won numerous awards. Whether it is objectively the best is a matter of devoted local debate, but it is an exceptional example of the form and the Whitby setting elevates the experience considerably.
How long are the queues at the Magpie Cafe?
In peak summer (July-August) and on Bank Holidays, lunchtime queues can reach 45-60 minutes. The queue moves steadily. Arriving before 11:30AM or booking for dinner are both effective strategies to avoid waiting.
How do visitors get to Whitby?
Whitby is in North Yorkshire, accessible by train from York (changing at Scarborough or Malton, approximately 2.5-3 hours) or by car via the A171. The town is best explored on foot; the Magpie is a short walk from the town centre.