Scarborough is not only a historic seaside town but also a diverse dining scene on England's North Sea. Even better, most restaurants cook with produce sourced from surrounding farms in the North York Moors, such as fresh herbs and veggies and meat raised in the lush countryside. And there's the nationally famous seafood that comes off the boats and straight into the kitchens.

So if you're in the mood for traditional British pub food, classic fish and chips, French bistro-style fare or authentic Italian and Turkish cuisine, you'll find a local favourite in Scarborough. Read through our list for ideas of the best places locals love to eat in Scarborough.

  • 1

    Lifeboat Fish Bar

    A little gem to try an absolute staple in British cuisine

    Lifeboat Fish Bar
    • Familias
    • Gastronomía

    Lifeboat Fish Bar is a cosy, family-run cafe serving traditional British fish and chips. Portions are generous, and you can choose from either cod or haddock, which come scalding hot in a crisp batter. The chips are always perfectly cooked – fluffy inside and crispy on the outside, and not at all greasy.

    The restaurant is located right by the seafront, so it's a lovely place to rest and refuel after a morning spent exploring the town or on South Bay Beach. 

    Ubicación: 76 Eastborough, Scarborough YO11 1NJ, UK

    Horarios: Friday–Saturday from noon to 7.30 pm, Sunday–Thursday from noon to 6.30 pm

    Teléfono: +44 (0)7970 091083

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  • 2

    Golden Grid

    A local-favourite fish and chip shop for over 130 years

    Golden Grid
    • Familias
    • Gastronomía

    A trip to Scarborough must include a visit to the famous Golden Grid for a traditional meal of fish n’ chips. This sit-down restaurant has been serving fresh seafood since 1883. Besides cod and chips, you can tuck into hearty portions of oysters, crab and lobster, steak and chips, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, as well as sausage and mash.

    Save space for dessert, which include freshly-made cakes and pastries. The restaurant occupies a 3-floor Victorian building near the seafront, so expect fantastic harbour views.

    Ubicación: 4 Sandside, Scarborough YO11 1PE, UK

    Horarios: Monday–Thursday from 11 am to 8.45 pm, Friday–Sunday from 10.30 am to 9.30 pm

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1723 360922

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  • 3

    Eat Me Cafe & Social

    A funky gastrocafé serving a tantalising mix of British and Asian food

    Eat Me Cafe & Social
    • Gastronomía

    Eat Me Café is an award-winning café that sits behind Scarborough’s world-famous Stephen Joseph Theatre. The eclectic menu blends flavours from around the world and you’ll find dishes to satisfy all types of dietary preferences throughout the day.

    It serves classic cafe meals such as hamburgers, salads and sandwiches as well as Shetland pies, Japanese ramen, Thai curries and breakfast burritos. For drinks, try the peanut butter ice-cream shake, fair-trade coffee, or indulge in a cocktail.

    Ubicación: 1 Hanover Rd, Scarborough YO11 1LS, UK

    Horarios: Monday–Wednesday from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm, Thursday–Saturday 10.30 am to 7.30 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Teléfono: +44 (0)7445 475328

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  • 4

    The Green Room

    Flavourful fare prepared using locally sourced ingredients

    The Green Room
    • Gastronomía

    The Green Room is a cosy, homely brasserie in the heart of Scarborough where you can savour 6-course tasting menus for excellent value. It's a family affair here, with the talented son in the kitchen preparing a delicious mix of English, French and Asian cuisine, while his mother tends to their loyal diners. 

    The young chef's monthly changing tasting, fixed-price and 'Taste of Yorkshire' menus are prepared with locally sourced ingredients. A meal at this brasserie is sure to please most palates, including vegans, vegetarians and those on gluten-free diets.

    Ubicación: 138 Victoria Rd, Scarborough YO11 1SL, UK

    Horarios: Wednesday–Thursday from 5.30 pm to 9 pm, Friday–Saturday from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm, Sunday from noon to 3 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

    Teléfono: +44 (0)7837 408736

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  • 5

    Lazenby's on York Place

    A relaxed spot for British-French cuisine

    Lazenby's on York Place
    • Familias
    • Gastronomía

    Lazenby's on York Place is a charming, family-run bistro offering British-French cuisine. For a quick lunch or relaxed, lengthy evening meal, you can choose from an array of delicious homemade dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Both the lunch and dinner menus change regularly, but you can expect classic bistro dishes like steaks, burgers, oysters, lobster and fish of the day.

    Sundays at Lazenby's on York Place are special, as you and your friends and family can tuck into their famous brunch or bistro lunch accompanied by a bottle of champagne, prosecco, Bloody Mary, or mimosa.

    Ubicación: 11 York Pl Scarborough YO11 2NP, UK

    Horarios: Thursday–Saturday from 11.30 am to 2 pm and from 6 pm to 9 pm, Sunday from 11.30 to 2 pm (closed from Mondays to Wednesdays)

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1723 373836

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  • 6

    The Bryherstones Country Inn

    Taste Yorkshire’s past in a traditional pub setting

    The Bryherstones Country Inn
    • Gastronomía
    • Vida nocturna

    The Bryherstones Country Inn is an authentic old-style establishment just north of Scarborough, between Cloughton and Staintondale. It’s where locals go for British pub fare and traditional Sunday roast. The relaxed atmosphere means you’re equally welcome to enjoy a 3-course meal as you are to sip on a pint of cask-conditioned ale.

    The regularly changing menu includes homemade dishes prepared with as many local, seasonal ingredients as possible. The meat, fish and fruit and vegetables are all sourced from family and friends’ farms. A starter of oak-smoked salmon with horseradish crème fraîche followed by the restaurant’s famous steak pie served with chunky chips and seasonal vegetables are just 2 of the many fabulous dishes served at the Bryherstones Country Inn.

    Ubicación: Newlands Rd, Cloughton Newlands, Scarborough YO13 0AR, UK

    Horarios: Monday–Wednesday from 6 pm to 8.30 pm, Thursday–Sunday from noon to 2 pm and from 6 pm to 8.30 pm

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1723 870744

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  • 7

    Scarborough Arms

    An atmospheric local pub where neighbours meet for a chat and a pint

    Scarborough Arms
    • Gastronomía
    • Vida nocturna

    Scarborough Arms is a medieval-themed pub that’s a short walk from the town centre and famous castle. Locals gather at this family-friendly place to enjoy pints of ales and home-cooked meals while catching up with friends or watching the latest sport’s match. There’s live entertainment on most Saturday nights.

    All the food is freshly cooked and includes locally sourced fish, steak pie, burgers, and spinach and ricotta cannelloni. For drinks, you can choose from real ales, bottled and draught beers, cocktails and gins.

    Ubicación: North Terrace, Scarborough YO11 1HU, UK

    Horarios: Friday–Saturday from noon to 2 am, Sunday–Thursday from noon to 11 pm

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1723 362883

    Mapa
  • 8

    Lanterna Ristorante

    Scarborough’s oldest Italian restaurant

    Lanterna Ristorante
    • Gastronomía

    Founded in 1973, La Lanterna has long been popular with residents and visitors. This restaurant serves a more refined form of Northern Italian cuisine like risotto, handmade egg pasta, meat dishes and La Lanterna’s speciality: truffles.

    You can choose from a wide selection of fresh fish, handpicked straight off the boats in the Harbour in Scarborough every morning. The dessert menu is what you’d expect from a beloved Italian restaurant, consisting of homemade sorbets and ice cream, meringue, baked pears with whipped cream, and panna cotta.

    Ubicación: 33 Queen St, Scarborough YO11 1HQ, UK

    Horarios: Monday–Saturday from 7 pm to 9.30 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1723 363616

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  • 9

    The Foulsyke Bistro

    British cuisine to suit all visitors' likings

    The Foulsyke Bistro
    • Familias
    • Gastronomía

    The Foulsyke is a rustic-chic family-run bistro housed in a converted farmhouse on the edge of Scalby Village, on the outskirts of Scarborough. A cafe by day and bistro by night, the eatery serves a mouthwatering selection of breakfast options, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, steaks and vegetarian dishes.

    The restaurant serves a classic Sunday roast with all the traditional trimmings. You can skip lunch and indulge in the British tradition of afternoon tea with a delicious combination of sandwiches, sweet treats and a pot of tea.

    Ubicación: Barmoor Ln, Scalby, Scarborough YO13 0PG, UK

    Horarios: Tuesday from 9 am to 3 pm, Wednesday from 9 am to 3 pm and from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm and from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, Friday–Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm and from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm, Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1723 507423

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  • 10

    AZ Restaurant

    Tempt the tastebuds with Ottoman cuisine by the British seaside

    AZ Restaurant
    • Gastronomía

    At the family-run AZ Restaurant, you can choose from a menu packed with traditional and contemporary Turkish delights. It offers something different as you wouldn’t expect to dine on authentic Turkish cuisine in Scarborough. Dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients using time-tested recipes passed down for generations.

    Start with a traditional falafel, mixed bean salad with tuna, or kisir, an Eastern Anatolian salad made with bulgar wheat, tomatoes, vegetables and fresh herbs. For mains, you can’t go wrong with a Turkish speciality such as moussaka, lamb shank or oven-baked aubergine filled with diced lamb. There’s a good selection of seafood and vegetarian options, too.

    Ubicación: 89 Columbus Ravine, Scarborough, YO12 7QU, UK

    Horarios: Tuesday–Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday–Saturday from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm, Sunday from 6 pm to 8.30 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1723 366180

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  • 11

    Scarborough Harbour

    Don’t forget to add salt and vinegar in your fish & chips

    Scarborough Harbour
    • Gastronomía

    The historical harbour has been at the heart of Scarborough for centuries. The fishermen still bring in their fresh catches every day, so it’s no surprise that the harbour is also a hub of excellent seafood restaurants. Naturally, the dish of choice is the traditional fish and chips, available from great places like Winking Willy’s, First Catch, and Harbour View Café. As the name suggests, Harbour View offers great scenery across the sheltered moorings, towards the old lighthouse. 

    A classic serving of English fish & chips is often enjoyed as a takeaway, wrapped in paper and eaten with a wooden fork. Adding plenty of vinegar softens up the crispy batter around the flaky cod or haddock, as well as giving the meal a distinctive tang.

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Jacqui de Klerk | Escritor