The Magpie Cafe, Whitby
The Magpie Cafe in Whitby is so renowned that mention you're going to Whitby and don't be surprised if you're told that you must go to the Magpie Cafe. Although an excellent fish and seafood restaurant, the trouble is that its reputation has spread so far that it's almost a victim of its own success as there are always long queues outside waiting for a table at lunchtime. If you don't want to wait, there are two ways to get around this - arrive early, preferably before midday, or opt for the Magpie Cafe's next door takeaway fish and chips instead and save yourself some money. Nevertheless, you won't be disappointed with the food if you choose to wait for a table in the restaurant.
The Magpie Cafe in Whitby has been in existence since 1939 and it situated in a historic black and white building on the quayside which dates back to 1750 and which was once owned by a member of the Scoresby family known for their involvement in the whaling industry. If you can get a table by the window it is great to look out over the harbour and to the Abbey whilst enjoying your lunch.
The Magpie Cafe deserves its reputation for the quality of its fish and chips though on the two occasions I visited we had to wait quite a while for our food to arrive so allow enough time if you're on a day trip. There is an extensive menu of traditional fish and chips (haddock or cod) in all sizes and also a wide variety of other fish or seafood dishes.
Small haddock and chips is £7.95 or regular £9.95. If you're feeling hungry, the special fish platter and chips is enormous and comprises cod, haddock, plaice and skate and can be shared between two (£15.95). Other fish and seafood dishes include Lindesfarne oysters (£8.95), Magpie seafood chowder (8.95) or fresh mussels with wine, cream and garlic sauce (from £6.95). There is also a choice of steamed or poached fish - monk, plaice, woof, halibut, skate, lemon sole or salmon. Other seafood dishes include Magpie fish pie (£9.95), haddock and salmon gratin (£9.95) or fillet of wild sea bass (£15.95).
For more information or to view the menu, see www.magpiecafe.co.uk.
This entry was posted on Saturday August 16th, 2008 at 8:26 PM and is filed under Places to Eat. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response.
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