Food and Drink
Restaurants and Pubs
Visitors are spoilt for choice in Scarborough when it comes to food as there’s a wealth of eateries ranging from casual diners and fish and chips to Michelin Star restaurants. Here’s just a few we recommend but if anyone has any other favourites please let us know.
Local area
In the nearby vicinity there’s a range of great little cafes, ethnic restaurants and several takeaways which include Pizza Hut, Fish and Chips, Flames Pizza and Chinese takeaway located on Ramshill Road just a three-minute walk away where you’ll also find a Sainsbury’s and Costcutter, Post Office, Pharmacy, two bakeries (including Dahlia Bakery which offers homemade cakes and fancies), and other independent shops. Just go out of the rear entrance and turn left away from the sea.
Cafés and Restaurants Nearby
Tuscany Too
If you turn right from the front entrance of the Penthouse and then left when you get to Filey Road, you’ll find Tuscany Too a short walk up the hill. It’s a lovely, award winning restaurant that serves Italian, Mediterranean, and Vegetarian friendly food with a cosy and relaxed atmosphere and nice terrace to sit out on, weather permitting.
6 Filey Road, YO11 2SD Tel: 01723 355900
ikitchen Chinese Restaurant
Opposite Sainsbury’s on Ramshill Road, minutes from the apartment, ikitchen is mainly a takeaway Chinese but you can eat in too. Extensive range of vegetarian and vegan options, fresh flavours, clean, with good service.
29 Ramshill Road, YO11 2LW Tel: 01723 351234
The Coffee Cup
A cheerful café with seating outside on pavement as well as inside, great for a morning coffee or you can take drinks and food away if you prefer. Opening hours are Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu and Fri 7am to 2.30pm and Sat, Sun 7am to 2pm.
On opposite side of road from Sainsbury’s a bit further down towards town.
7 Ramshill Road YO11 2LN 07807
Dahlia Bakery
We can’t recommend this independent bakery high enough! Just round the corner on Ramshill Road more or less opposite Sainsbury’s, there’s no sit-down café but it sells delicious sandwiches, toastie ciabattas, snacks, home baked pastries, cakes, fancies, and breads. Also, takeaway coffee and drinks. (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
The Highlander
Overlooking the South Bay, just five-minute walk from The Spa, this comfortable Scottish themed, tartan carpeted pub and restaurant has superb views over the sea. They offer an excellent Sunday carvery with reasonable prices. Serves good quality food with good portions.
15-16 Esplanade, YO11 2AF Tel: 01723 365627
Crown Spa Hotel
The Crown Spa 4-star hotel is perfect if you’re looking for something a bit special for an evening meal but it’s also a good choice for informal light bites, morning coffee or afternoon tea. It boasts stylish surroundings with listed architecture and a stunning sea view. Renowned for its quality cuisine the ‘Taste’ restaurant is located within the hotel and offers a blend of European and tasty, traditional Yorkshire cuisine in a modern, contemporary setting. Separate dining sections allow intimate dining, smart or formal. Dinner is served from 18.00 to 21.30 and needs to be pre-booked.
There’s also the Taste Café Bar open from 11.00 to 23.00 for lighter meals, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, wraps, tapas, coffee, afternoon tea or an evening aperitif. Booking in advance for afternoon tea is advised.
Turn left out of front door and walk to sea front and take a left again. The Esplanade, YO11 2AG Tel: 01723 357400
Farrer’s Bar and Brasserie
This popular restaurant is based at the Spa just a short walk or ride down the Cliff Lift which you can catch from South Cliff Esplanade at the end of the road towards the sea. It serves up Gastropub British favourites (including fish finger sandwiches) with a spectacular view over the sea, and in stormy weather the waves breaking over the sea walls adds to the drama. There’s a fabulous selection of locally sourced food at reasonable prices. Farrer’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and evening meal including pre-show dining, or just a drink after a stroll along the beach front. Dog friendly.
Scarborough Spa South Bay, YO11 2HD Tel: 01723 357860
The Clock Café
The famous Clock Café is situated just above the Spa and is just a short walk down through the Italian Gardens from the lift down to South Bay. The freshly baked scones are highly recommended, and you can enjoy homely fare here with panoramic views over the sea. The café is open when the flag is flying.
The Spa, YO11 2HD Tel: 01723 500390
The Chapel House
Situated on the corner of Ramshill Road, The Chapel House is a relatively new restaurant, bar and hotel in an elegant building that dates from 1850, with its own Pre-Raphaelite chapel. Renovated to a high standard the bar and restaurant is open to non-residents for high quality dining overseen by the French chef. There’s also a pleasant place to sit outside from where you can watch the world go by.
28 Ramshill Rd YO11 2QF Tel: 01723 503145
Fish and Chips
The Lookout on the Pier - Highly Recommended
A fish restaurant with a difference. Opening at 6.30 for fishermen, food is offered all day including traditional English breakfast, or try oysters and vodka perhaps? Delicious fish and chips is available, but the emphasis is mainly local seafood of really good quality, lobster, crawfish plates and crab salads are popular choices plus the famous Fish Chowder. Staff are professional and attentive. Easy to find, well sign posted on the pier, but you’ll have to navigate some stairs. There are fabulous views of boats and castle. Pet friendly.
West Pier YO11 1PD, Tel: 01723 351000 Open 6.30 am to 7pm.
The Golden Grid Fish Restaurant
If you want a bit of nostalgia, look no further than the Golden Grid established in 1883 where waiting team are smartly turned out. With superb views over the harbour and south beach, there’s plenty of room, excellent fish and chips served with tea and white bread of course (alcoholic drinks are available too) and speciality lobster and seafood purchased direct from Scarborough and Whitby fish markets. The restaurant has won many awards over the years including one from Les Routiers.
4 Sandside YO11 1PE Tel: 01723 360922
Lifeboat Fish and Chip Cafe
A café serving seafood and great fish and chips with yummy scraps (scrapings, scribbles, scrumps, gribblings or scrunchions, depending on which part of the UK you’re from), with tea made in a pot (as it should be!).
76 Eastborough YO11 1NJ Tel: 01723 372612
The Famous Fish Pan
Pleasant décor and comfortable atmosphere for fish and chips, mushy peas, scampi, curry sauce, meat pies, wine etc with window seats upstairs and a sea view. Kids’ meals available. Great service and friendly staff.
28 Forshore Road YO11 1PB Tel: 01723 371299
Papa’s Fish and Chips, Scarborough Seafront
Fantastic venue and location on the seafront. Award winning fish and chips, fully licensed restaurant, and takeaway.
22 Foreshore Road YO11 1PB Tel: 01723 658954
Winking Willy’s Famous Fish and Chip Shop and Cafe
The fish couldn’t be fresher as it’s all purchased from the Fish Market opposite. Fresh, prime quality Cod, Haddock, Plaice, Skate, Monk Fish and Lemon Sole available. Fish is steamed not fried for added health benefits, but just as tasty.
9-10 Sandside YO11 1PE Tel: 01723 378240
Italian Restaurants
Ask Italian Restaurant
Authentic Italian fare in a prime location in the South Bay overlooking the harbour with panoramic views, a terrace and balcony. A great place for families to eat. Click and Collect, Call and Collect and Deliveroo are available.
North Wharf, South Bay, Sandside, Scarborough YO11 1PP Tel: 01723 507575
Pomodoro Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
We thoroughly recommend this cosy Italian bistro. It offers authentic Italian/Sicilian cuisine with pizza, pasta dishes with lots of delicious choices for mains including lobster and crab, created by an Alba-born chef. The décor is basic but there’s a great atmosphere and chefs rolling out and baking pizzas in the restaurant. It’s usually pretty busy. Takeaway available.
24-25 Newborough YO11 1NA Tel: 01723 507336
Gianni’s
Italian longstanding, family run dining room with Venetian themed function room and a chic bar area. You may be serenaded at your table.
12 Victoria Road, Scarborough YO11 1SB Tel: 01723 507388
Tricolos
Family-favourite, well established Italian restaurant serving typical Italian fare. Takeaway and delivery available.
36-37 Newborough, Scarborough YO11 1NF Tel: 01723 367842
Lanterna Restaurant
Original, rustic Italian eatery serving Piedmont and Yorkshire influenced fare amid warm décor. The chef/patron is the famous Giorgio Alessio and there are many signed photographs of actors who have appeared at the nearby theatre and visited the restaurant adorning the walls. Food is upmarket and pizzas are not on the menu, but dishes include Piedmontes truffles and local seafood or fish stew with lobster or brill and homemade pastas. Romantic, quiet, and glamorous atmosphere.
33 Queen Street YO11 1HQ Tel: 01723 363616
Pepe Verde
Hand-stretched, stone baked pizza topped with ingredients imported from various Italian regions. Authentic pasta dishes, risotto and burgers. Takeaway and delivery available.
35 Huntriss Row YO11 2ED Tel: 01723 373388
Indian Restaurants
Indian Lounge
This Indian is one of our favourites! The food is excellent, service spot on, staff are friendly, and the interior is smart and sophisticated. All usual Indian/Balti favourites are available and set meals for two are around £34.95.
34-36 Castle Road Tel: 01723 377312
Tikka Tikka
A ‘ritzy’ Indian Indian restaurant with bright décor and contemporary Indian cuisine.
Home delivery service available. Open from 5pm till midnight Sunday to Thursday and 5pm to 12.30am on Friday and Saturday.
61-63 Castle Road Tel: 01723 377573
Scarborough Tandoori
Long established restaurant with classic and modern dining areas and a home-style desi handi menu (copper or clay one pot Bangladeshi/Pakistani curries).
50 St Thomas Street YO11 1DR Tel: 01723 352393
Saba Thai and Curry Lounge
Two restaurants on two floors with Thai offered downstairs and Indian curries upstairs. Modern decor with interesting menu, good value food and takeaway/delivery options. Thai and Indian, eat-as-much-as-you-want buffet available on a Sunday for around £6.95.
10-12 St Thomas Street YO11 1DR Tel: 01723 370703
Rice and Spice
This is possibly the closest Indian restaurant going towards the town. We haven’t been yet, but it has some good reviews on Trip adviser. Food is tasty and reasonably priced. Portions apparently are huge. Vegetarian and Vegan options available. Recommended by previous guests.
2 Pavilion Terrace YO11 2JU Tel: 01723 352823
Chinese and Thai Food
Kam Sang
Kam Sang is a great Cantonese restaurant selling traditional Chinese food, plus curries, vegetarian dishes and set meals. With pristine white tablecloths and old-fashioned attentive service, it's very spacious, elegant but relaxed and serves up all the favourite dishes along with some more unusual options. It's very popular with an older clientele yet also family friendly, especially good for birthday celebrations - you can request a rendition of the Happy Birthday song in advance and the friendly waiting staff will comply (at least they did when we were there). There are highchairs and baby changing facilities too. It serves food till 11pm so it's a good option for a late dinner if you've been to a show at the Spa or elsewhere.
1-3 Marine Road, Scarborough YO12 7EY Tel: 01723 501718
Thai Orchid Restaurant
Great authentic Thai food and excellent service. Simple decor.
9 Huntriss Row, Scarborough YO11 1LU Tel: 07506 184721
Tops
Chinese food with dine-in and takeaway options. Well presented, great tasting Chinese fare in a clean, stylish interior.
121 Falsgrave Road, Scarborough YO12 5EG Tel: 01723 369099
British, Asian and European Food
Bareca
Located in the Bike and Boot Hotel (just head to the Grand Hotel and it's opposite), this casual dining restaurant and café hybrid is one of our favourites. Enjoy burgers, pizzas, small plates, grills, seafood, cocktails, a fine choice of bottled beers, hot drinks (you name it, they've got it!) in a dog friendly, contemporary environment with a separate cosy lounge for free coffee and cake. Food is served from 12pm - 2pm 5pm - 9pm weekdays and 12noon - 9pm weekends and Bank Holidays. Bar is open from 12noon till 11pm.
1-6 Cliff Bridge Terrace, YO11 2HA 01723 655555
Eat Me Cafe @ Stephen Joseph Theatre - Highly Recommended
Self-styled as ‘Scarborough’s first Gastro Café’, serving breakfast, global lunches, and an Asian style evening menu, Eat Me Café is based at the iconic Art Deco Stephen Joseph Theatre. Last orders are at 7.30pm there are cocktails, craft beer and organic, vegan and vegetarian options as well as food ranging from English Breakfast and ‘Cow’ Burgers to Donburi Rice Bowls, Ramen dishes, Mac and Cheese and Vegan Quesadilla. The food looks amazing from photos on the website and the café has many five-star reviews.
Stephen Joseph Theatre, Westborough YO11 1JW Tel: 07445475328
Haus of S&M @ Eat Me Café
The Eat Me Café at the Stephen Joseph Theatre proved so popular the owners decided to extend the concept and took it to Hanover Road where diners describe it as not just a meal but an experience with a unique atmosphere and design. Cocktails and small plates are available as well as an eclectic mix of British and Asian food with daily changing specials that include quirkily named dishes such as Sticky Monkey Fingers Spunky Chicken. In the words of the owners “Go behind the curtain, enter the seedy darkness of 70s under counter filth …” We haven’t been there yet but it’s definitely on our bucket list!
1 Hanover Road, Scarborough YO11 1LS Tel: 07984 940336 Closed Sundays, Booking essential, for over 18s only
GEO Kitchen and Cocktails
If you want the latest in swish, trendy dining that Scarborough has to offer, GEO ticks all the boxes. Newly opened in April 2022 on the seafront (opposite Ask) the historical building has a spectacular feature window that looks out over stunning sea views. The menu has a pan Asian vibe serving Duck Bao buns, Korean BBQ Chicken tenders, a selection of Slider Burgers. A bit pricey but well worth it for a special evening out, or even for breakfast pancakes.
20 Sandside YO11 1PE Tel: 01723 381485
Open all week from 10am to 11pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 12pm
The Scarborough Arms
Family-owned pub and restaurant serving homemade food, grills, steaks, vegetarian food and more.
1 North Terrace YO11 1HU Tel: 01723 362883
Clark’s Restaurant
East Coast produce, northern as a “flat cap and whippet!”. Dishes such as Scarborough caught lobsters, East Coast cod and Scarborough Market Steaks makes Clark’s Restaurant well known in the area. Awarded one rosette for culinary excellence by the hospitality rosette guide.
40 Queen Street YO11 1HQ Tel: 01723 447373
Embers
An up-and-coming restaurant. Excellent fine evening dining. Specialising in chargrilled fish.
138 Victoria Road, Scarborough YO11 1SL Tel: 01723 267104
Lezzet Mediterranean bistro
Authentic Turkish dining. Kebabs, stews, melt in the mouth lamb, mixed grill platters, meze, Baklava, Turkish coffee and cocktails to mention but a few of the delicious meals on offer. Open all day (11am to 10pm Mon to Wed) 11pm Thu to Sat) Closed Sun.
3 Aberdeen Walk, Scarborough YO11 1BA Tel: 01723 354154
Oliver’s Mount Restaurant
Lovely venue in unrivalled location with outstanding views over the South Bay and beyond. Outside terrace and dining available. Unfortunately closes at 5pm but is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas, substantial meals, ice-creams.
Oliver’s Mount YO11 2UG Tel: 01723 361702
The Foulsyke
Allegedly the “best breakfast in Scarborough.” Rustic atmosphere in bistro serving breakfast, lunch and a la carte dining in a farmhouse. Sunday lunch and takeaways available. (Closed Monday and Tuesday).
Barmoor Lane, Scalby Tel: 01723 507423
The Tunny Club
Historic fish bar just off Sandside with a menu that includes fish and chips, seafood, steak pie, spam fritters and jacket potatoes. Al fresco dining available on the garden terrace.
No1 Sandgate YO11 1PE Tel: 01723 365512
The King Richard III Restaurant
Superb location on seafront, serving good food and drinks all day. Beef and Yorkshire pud, sandwiches, burgers, toasties all on the menu.
23-24 Sandside YO11 1PE Tel: 01723 375201
Licorellas on York Place - Bistro and Brasserie
A contemporary restaurant open for Dinner & Lunch, Sundays Brunch and Bistro Lunch serving British/French and international dishes including seafood and homemade desserts. Classic Bistro dishes with French/Spanish and Italian specialities. A special Bistro lunch is served every Sunday for a change from the traditional roast. Choice of fish of the day, fillet steaks, surf and turfs, burgers, oysters, lobsters.
Open 4pm until 10pm Saturday and Sunday Open 12noon until 11pm Closed on Mondays
11 York Place YO11 2NP Call to book 01723 373836
George Michael’s
A famous venue in Scarborough known especially for its Greek food although British and French options are available. An a la carte menu, two and three course set menus and a children’s menu are available.
5 York Place YO11 2NP Tel: 01723 372646
Cowshed Burgers
For fish and chips, burgers, hot dogs, comfort food and craft beer go no further than this family friendly venue.
95-100 St Thomas Street, Scarborough YO11 1DU Tel: 01723 377977 Opens 5pm
The Green Room Brasserie
A small, cosy brasserie headed by chef Philip Akrill who has worked in several Michelin starred restaurants. The Green Room is tucked away on a bustling side street in the centre of the town and serves an authentic mix of English, French, and Asian cuisine with pre theatre, a la carte and Sunday lunches available (Sunday lunch is 2 courses for £20, 3 courses for £25).
138 Victoria Road YO11 1SL
Tel: 01723 501801 or 07837408736 or email at greenroombrasserie@gmail.com
For a special occasion a bit further afield …
1881 at Wrea Head Hall Hotel
Barmoor Lane, Scalby YO13 OPB Tel: 01723 371190 (4.2 miles, 16 min)
Visit: wreaheadhall.co.uk
The Courtyard Restaurant and Ox Pasture Hall
Lady Edith’s Drive, Scarborough, North York Moors National Park YO12 5TD Tel: 01723 365295 (3.6 miles, 13 min)
Visit: pasturehallhotel.com
The Coachman Inn
Snainton YO13 9PL Tel: 01723 859231 (10 miles, 22 min)
Visit: coachmaninn.co.uk
The Farrier
89, Main Street, Cayton YO11 3RP Tel: 01723 861432 (3.3 miles, 9 min)
Visit: the-farrier.co.uk
The Downe Arms Hotel
Main Road, Wykeham, Scarborough YO13 9QB Tel: 01723 862471 (6.7 miles, 16 min)