Where to Eat in Scarborough: Our Favourite Restaurants, Cafés & Hidden Gems
Scarborough has quietly become one of the most exciting food destinations on the Yorkshire coast. From relaxed cafés and dog-friendly brunch spots to award-winning fine dining and atmospheric seaside restaurants, there is something here for every mood, moment and appetite.
Whether you’ve spent the day walking North Bay, exploring the Old Town or simply watching the tide roll in from your apartment, here are some of our favourite places to eat and drink in Scarborough.
🌊 North Bay & Seafront
☕Me’N’U Café (North Bay)
A relaxed, friendly café on North Bay, above Oasis, where you can enjoy fabulous views from their open 1st floor terrace over the sea. A short stroll from the Boat House and one of our favourite morning spots. Expect hearty breakfasts, the very best eggs benedict, great coffee and a very warm welcome where dogs are very much part of the experience too.
Eat Me Café – Stephen Joseph Theatre
Creative, laid-back and full of character, Eat Me Café is a hidden gem inside the theatre. Ideal for brunch, light lunches and casual bites before or after a show, with an eclectic menu that always feels a little different and fabulous views from this lovely Art Deco building into town. If you fancy something rather different, do ask them about the Haus of S&M - it is a behind the curtain, exotic place to spend the night, expect unusual mannequins but excellent cuisine!
Farriers Bar – The Spa (Breakfast & Light Bites)
A brilliant seaside spot for breakfast with sea views up to the Castle and a calm, elegant atmosphere at the end of South Bay. Take a table outside and enjoy a perfect slow start to your morning, my favourite is the Eggs Florentine, whilst taking in the view to the harbour, castle and Old Town, it is a majestic start to the day.
🐟 Seafood & Harbour Dining
The Lookout on the Pier
One of Scarborough’s most iconic seaside dining spots, The Lookout sits right on the harbour with unbeatable views. Fresh seafood, relaxed service and a front-row seat to the boats coming in make this a must-visit for lunch by the sea.
🍣 Asian & Sushi
Nava Sushi
A beautifully styled restaurant serving Japanese and Thai cuisine in the heart of Scarborough. Known for fresh sushi, flavour-packed curries and a calm, atmospheric interior, it’s perfect for a relaxed evening meal. We love eating their sushi which comes beautifully displayed, almost too beautiful to eat, but somehow we manage!
🥙 Mediterranean & Turkish
Lezzet
A lively, flavourful Turkish restaurant known for generous portions, grilled meats and warm hospitality. A great choice for sharing dishes and relaxed evenings with friends or family.
Askims Mediterranean Restaurant
A favourite in the town centre, Askims offers vibrant Mediterranean dining with beautifully presented dishes, cocktails and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
🍛 Indian Restaurants
Eastern Paradise
A long-standing favourite of ours which is tucked into Scarborough’s atmospheric Old Town, serving authentic Indian cuisine full of flavour and warmth. Their menu is extensive but should you want to ask for a flavour or something that you cannot find on their extensive menu, they do a wonderful job of conjuring up what you have described you would like.
🍝 Italian Restaurants
Scarborough has a strong Italian dining scene, from cosy independents to long-standing favourites.
Gianni’s
A much-loved family-run restaurant serving classic Italian dishes in a warm, welcoming setting near the town centre. Lovely bar area to enjoy a pre-dinner drink and expect to see some favourite classics here.
Lanterna
Award-winning and I would definitely describe as one of the finest restaurants in Scarborough, Lanterna offers refined Italian dining and a more intimate, special-occasion feel.
Dante’s
A relaxed and authentic Italian restaurant known for generous pizzas, pasta dishes and a friendly neighbourhood atmosphere.
Florios
A Scarborough institution serving traditional Italian cuisine in a lively, bustling setting — ideal for family meals and celebrations.
Tuscany Too
A stylish Italian restaurant offering refined dishes and a more contemporary dining experience, perfect for a relaxed evening out.
Ask Italian – Harbour Views
Located on the seafront with stunning harbour views, ASK Italian is perfect for casual dining with stone-baked pizzas, pasta and Aperol spritz as the boats drift by.
🍷 Fine Dining & Special Occasions
The View – The Delmont Hotel
As the name suggests, The View offers sweeping coastal panoramas paired with elegant fine dining. Perfect for sunset dinners and special celebrations.
The Farrier (Cayton)
A beautifully designed gastro pub just outside Scarborough, offering seasonal dishes, creative cocktails and a stylish, relaxed atmosphere. It is one of our favourite places to go as we love the designer and the food!
The Plough (Scalby)
A charming village pub with a strong reputation for excellent food, cosy interiors and a warm Yorkshire welcome. Another favourite and the same designer as the Farrier, great food and elegant setting in a fabulous village
🌊 A Town Made for Eating Well
What makes Scarborough so special is not just the variety of places to eat, but the way food fits into the rhythm of coastal life. Long lunches after beach walks, early dinners after cliff-top adventures, and spontaneous coffee stops when the weather changes unexpectedly.
You’ll find everything from harbour-side seafood and elegant fine dining to small independent cafés tucked into the Old Town — all within a short walk or drive of each other.
🍽️ Back to The Boat House
After a day of exploring Scarborough’s food scene, there is nothing better than returning to your apartment at The Boat House — opening the windows to the sea air, and letting the evening settle in slowly.
That balance of coastal adventure and quiet comfort is what makes staying here so memorable.