Quayside

This fish and chip restaurant was established in 1999 by Stuart Fusco. As its name suggests, it overlooks the harbour at Whitby. It offers both takeaway and sit-down options, with a large dining room at ground level and a further dining room upstairs. In 2014 it won the main national industry competition to be named best fish and chip shop in the UK, after having been a finalist several times before. 

The menu offers a range of dishes as well as the ubiquitous fish and chips, including several locally made meat pies and even a vegetarian lasagne. There was a short wine list ranging from £15.75 to £68, with choices such as Ant Moore Moko Black Sauvignon Blanc at £22.50 for a wine that you can find in the high street for around £8 and Doc du Morny Picpoul de Pinet at £19.95 for a wine that retails at £8 and Pol Roger at £48 compared to a shop price of £39. 

Scampi was impressive, each piece containing a single langoustine tail wrapped in crisp batter, the shellfish cooked through nicely and having good inherent sweetness. Scampi can be very disappointing, but this version was spot on (14/20). Crab salad was generous though not shell-free, the mixed salad quite basic in quality but the crab itself fresh and enjoyable (13/20).

The haddock and chips (£10) was excellent, the batter crisp, the haddock having good flavour. Chips were fine, and both proper mushy peas and their own tartare sauce were very good indeed (13/20). Service was friendly and capable, and the bill with soft drinks came to £24 a head. This was a very enjoyable experience, more consistent than the meal that we had the night before at its near neighbour the Magpie Cafe.