Magpie Café
Restaurant | Whitby | England | United Kingdom
The "Magpie Café" in Whitby, England, is one of the most famous culinary institutions in Northern England and enjoys a legendary reputation as one of the best seafood restaurants in Great Britain. Located at the picturesque harbor of the coastal town, the café was founded in 1937, although the building itself dates back to the 18th century when it was originally a trading house. Since the 1950s, it has been owned by the Robson family, with Ian Robson, the current owner, being heavily involved since 1979 and running the establishment together with his wife Alison since 1990. The café has built a name for itself over generations, not only because of its excellent cuisine, but also because of its warm, unpretentious atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the world.
The location of the "Magpie Café" is an essential part of its charm. Housed in a striking black and white building overlooking the harbor, it offers spectacular views of the sea, Whitby Abbey, and St. Mary's Church - a sight that makes meals a special experience. The interior is traditional and cozy, with carpeted floors, comfortable furniture, and walls decorated with historical pictures of Whitby, creating a homely atmosphere. Particularly noticeable are the long lines that form daily outside the entrance - a sign of the café's enduring popularity that extends far beyond the borders of Yorkshire. Despite its fame, it remains a family-run business that values personal care.
Culinarily, the "Magpie Café" stands for high-quality seafood and fish dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Fish and Chips is undoubtedly the flagship dish - a meal served with crispy cod or haddock in golden batter and perfectly fried chips, often praised as the best of its kind in England. Also popular is the Seafood Chowder, a rich soup full of mussels, crab, and fish pieces that convinces with its creamy consistency and intense flavor. For those looking for something different, the Whitby Crab Salad offers a fresh, light option that combines the sweet taste of local crabs with crunchy vegetables. Meat lovers and vegetarians are also catered to, as the café specializes in serving a wide range of flavors without losing focus on seafood.
The service at the "Magpie Café" is another plus point. The staff is often praised for their friendliness and efficiency, even though it can get hectic on busy days. The service remains warm and eager to provide guests with a pleasant experience, highlighting the familial character of the establishment. A special feature is the option to use a takeaway service alongside the restaurant operation, offering the same high-quality dishes for enjoyment at the harbor or on the go - albeit also accompanied by inevitable queues.
The café has a rich history, including two fires within 24 hours in May 2017, leading to a months-long closure. After a loving restoration, it reopened its doors in December 2017 while preserving its traditional charm. Today, it is not only a culinary destination but also a cultural landmark, immortalized as a limited edition miniature model by Lilliput Lane in 2009 - a sign of how deeply rooted the "Magpie Café" is in Yorkshire's identity.
Overall, the "Magpie Café" impresses with its excellent value for money and quality that meets high expectations. Criticism is rare, although some visitors may complain about the long waits or the limited size of the premises - but these points are often accepted as part of the unique experience. For anyone visiting Whitby, the "Magpie Café" is an absolute must-visit - a place that leaves a lasting impression with its authentic cuisine, warm atmosphere, and unparalleled location at the harbor.
