Journal

Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in Scarborough

With an expansive coastline and diverse range of wildlife, it’s no surprise that there are a whole lot of seafood restaurants in Scarborough.

We’ve compiled a handy list detailing 10 of the best seafood resturants in Scarborough. Once you’re done roaming around the beaches, the castle and the arcades, head to one of our favourite places to refuel!


The Best Seafood Restauarants in Scarborough

Whether you’re after a traditional cod and chips or want a more upmarket, gourmet experience, you’re sure to find somewhere to suit all tastes and budgets in Scarborough.

The Seafood Social 

Not only is The Seafood Social a welcoming fish restaurant in Scarborough; it’s also a social enterprise! The restaurant offers a range of British classics, including Whitby scampi and chips and fish finger sandwiches. For something a little more exotic, you can also indulge in a portion of Bengali prawns served with flatbreads.

The restaurant works in partnership with Scarborough’s Rainbow Centre, seeking to raise funds in aid of homelessness. 

Lookout on the Pier 

For a diverse menu featuring both classic seafood and vegan alternatives, you can’t go wrong with Lookout on the Pier. Indulge in Lindisfarne oysters, tomato and chilli muscles or smoked salmon chowder. If you’re feeling fancy, you can choose from a menu of scallops and lobster thermidor!

Described by many as a ‘hidden gem’, this charming eatery also has a fully stocked bar, ideal for those hoping to make a night of it. As the name suggests, the views are beautiful, and the excellent reviews speak for themselves. Regularly recognized as one of the best seafood restaurants in Scarborough, The Lookout on the Pier is one not to be missed. 

A dish of muscles and seafood served in a bowl

Lifeboat Fish Bar, Fish and Chip Café & Takeaway 

The Lifeboat Fish Bar is the perfect beachfront restaurant for those who like their freedom, offering the choice to eat in or takeaway. With fluffy fries battered in beef dripping along with a selection of scampi, haddock and fishcakes, this place offers the essential seaside comfort food. What’s better, all fish served is sustainably sourced, and there’s gluten free options available for those with a preference. 

Don’t fancy venturing out from your holiday cottage? The Lifeboat Fish Bar have got you covered! The restaurant offers a delivery service between 4pm – 8pm Fridays and 3:30pm – 7pm on Saturdays.  

The Famous Fish Pan 

For simple seafood restaurants in Scarborough, look no further than The Famous Fishpan. You’ll find it on Foreshore Road, close to Scarborough’s South Bay Beach. Serving a generous helping of old-fashioned cod and chips, The Famous Fish Pan is arguably one of our favourites. And of course, the quintissentially British dish wouldn’t be complete without a side of mushy peas.

Takeaway options are available, and there’s also the option of scampi or a battered sausage. In the unlikely circumstance that you’re not in the mood for fish and chips, you can opt for a salad, and there’s also an option to opt for a gluten free alternative. 

Courtyard Restaurant at Ox Pasture Hall 

Situated on the outskirts of Scarborough, in the North York Moors, you’ll find Ox Pasture Hall. Home to the Courtyard Restaurant, this elegant, upmarket venue is open for lunch, dinner seven days a week. Here you can enjoy gourmet delights such as sea bass, Whitby crab and oven-baked salmon.

Be sure to leave room for dessert, with the sample menu including classics such as bakewell tart, rhubarb crumble and sticky toffee pudding. 

A fish dish sat on a plate in a restaurant

Mother Hubbard’s 

Just a short walk from the popular Scarborough attraction, the Rotunda Museum, sits Mother Hubbard’s. This family-run Scarborough fish restaurant can seat up to 150 guests and features favourites such as haddock, cod and fishcakes.

Enjoy prawn cocktails, plaice, scampi and much more, all washed down with a hot drink or your choice of a stronger tipple. Be sure to look out for the daily specials, with seasonal offers available for senior citizens.

The Anchor Fish & Chips 

For generous Yorkshire portions and a beautiful view of the harbour, pop into The Anchor Fish & Chips on Sandside. Its battered fish and chips are its speciality, but there’s a lot more on the menu aside from seafood. Warm up on a cold day with a steamy cup of free coffee, or satiate your sweet tooth with an indulgent ice cream. If you’re in a rush for time, The Anchor Fish & Chips offers a takeaway service.

If you’re lucky enough to experience the warmer weather, there’s an outdoor seating available to take advantage of. The famous anchor outside makes the perfect point for a photo opp before a wander around the harbour. 

A traditional portion of fish and chips served in a restaurant

Winking Willy’s Famous Fish & Chip Shop & Café 

Renowned for its giggle-inducing name, Winking Willy’s is also one of the best seafood restaurants in Scarborough, and proudly pledges to support local businesses. Winking Willy’s prides itself on steaming it’s fish, not frying, ultimately offering a unique taste experience.  

You’ll find a huge range of dishes, including skate wing, lemon sole, monk fish, haddock, scampi and cod, all served up with lashings of bread and butter. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, you can sample their delicious homemade steak pie! With huge portions at outstanding value, head to Sandside and try it yourself. 

Café Fish 

It does exactly what it says on the tin: Café Fish is located next to the seafront, offering unfettered access to the freshest seafoods. Another classy alternative to comforting pub grub, this upmarket restaurant offers seafood chowder, fishcakes, fish pâté and potted shrimp.

On the mains, choose from fish pie, haddock and chips, scampi or a selection of shellfish and mussels. You can even push the boat out with freshly caught lobster. This one’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion. Be sure to head down to York Place on your next visit to Scarborough. 

A chef serving a dish of seafood potatoes and veg

Marisco Lounge 

Spanish for ‘seafood’, Marisco Lounge is the perfect spot for a laidback, modern vibe. Open from brunch, the sample menu at Marisco offers deep fried squid, fish finger sandwiches and a whole lot more. Why not veer away from tradition with a spot of tapas, or choose from burgers, salads and puddings. 

It’s a world away from your classic fish restaurant in Scarborough, and that might be just what you’re looking for! You’ll find the lounge on Sandside 


Tuck into your favourite Scarborough seafood restaurant with Yorkshire Coastal Cottages

Has our list of the best seafood restaurants in Scarborough got your tastebuds going? Sample these delights for yourself with a getaway to one of our Scarborough holiday cottages 

And why not bring your four-legged friend along to join the fun with these dog friendly pubs in Scarborough?