Route YC is not only peppered with breathtaking scenery and stunning vistas but it is laden with local produce, growers and makers. Chef and food writer, Hannah Gregory takes a look at the best food offerings ‘God’s Own Country’ has to whet your appetite.
Route YC takes in some of the most iconic Yorkshire seaside towns – Bridlington, Filey, Hornsea, Scarborough, Whitby and Withernsea but it’s not all sticks of rock and fish and chips (not that there’s anything wrong with that, I’ll have it known I am very partial to a battered cod doused in chip shop vinegar), but after a day of exploring the dramatic coastline, sometimes a sit down meal with minimal risk of seagulls is exactly what is needed.
Eat me at the SJT is a local gem, a British Asian cafe that prides itself on its indie spirit, commitment to fair prices and good coffee. You can expect British classics such as mouth watering burgers, Asian staples including Ramen (perfect for warming the coldest of cockles following a brisk coastal walk) and daily specials that are as quirky (Monkey Fingers and Spunky Chicken anyone?) as they are delicious plus coffee, cakes and pastries.
There is something for everyone here, from breakfast to lunch to big ol’ bowls perfect for supper.
Lanterna is the polar opposite of Eat me at the SJT, so if you’re more white table cloths and half curtained windows, this Italian is the place for you. Classic in its offering you can expect exemplary pastas and classic Italian dishes such as veal, carnaroli risotto and pleasingly retro classics such as chicken breasts wrapped in Parma ham and stuffed with Gorgonzola. Fish is all local and as fresh as you like and desserts such as creamy pannacotta and zabaglione are the perfect finisher. Chef-patron Giorgio Alessio hails from Piedmont in Northern Italy, a region known for its cooler climate and misty autumns, meaning he is the perfect person to set up shop in our Northern climes and create comfort food marrying deep, warm flavours with local produce.
Pizza West sits high up on West Cliff, a small journey out of town but well worth it. Taking up residence in a former science museum this colourful, modern eatery is bursting with energy. Wood fired sourdough pizzas are the jam here, leopard spots marking their crusts and the scent of freshly baked down mixing with the sea air. For the purists, you will find your regular players but for the more adventurous, the menu offers interesting toppings – Bacon cheeseburger or short rib, gorgonzola and potato pizzas prove increasingly popular. The menu also offers great appetisers and sides ensuring there is something for everyone and you really will be ready to burst on leaving.
A Whitby landmark – The Magpie Cafe is THE place to go fish and chips by the sea. Overlooking the quay and the days fishing boats bobbing merrily along this is quintessential Yorkshire Coast. If crisp golden batter, fresh catch of the day and fluffy chips doesn’t do it for you, fear not – daily specials of innovative offerings such as North Sea Langoustines and seaweed butter are up for grabs. And make sure you save room for pud – a dessert menu that boasts old fashioned classics such as trifle and rice pudding, it would be rude not to.
The Homestead Kitchen is very good. Very very good in fact. Nestled away from the coast in the moorland village of Goathland, a trip here is the perfect juxtaposition from the shoreline drives that make the coast part of this route. Rolling hills and scenes that look like they could be straight out of an ITV drama (they are, this village played home to ITV’S Heartbeat). The restaurant is small (24 covers) split across two rooms with views over the gardens and moors. The menu is a perfect example of Yorkshire produce and balances refined dishes with a homely, restrained feel. Dishes such as smoked haddock lasagne married with a Jerusalem artichoke veloute and chocolate fondant with pine ice cream are as inspired as they are delicious.
Inland again, The Eskdale is a modern British pub that takes up residence in the village of Castleton. The bones of this place are old boozer but with a lick of paint, some very comfy leather armchairs and exquisite tableware, it wears its badge of Michelin Guide restaurant with pride. The food is refined, elegant and contemporary and deep dives into the produce of the North Yorkshire Moors. With plates like Pheasant Scotch Eggs and Chicken fat poached cod, it is easy to see why this restaurant has earned such a reputation. Eat here and be happy.
Restaurant Number 20 is a simple yet outstanding modern British restaurant in Port Mulgrave, a tiny hamlet one mile in from the sea. The space is intimate – one room, 24 covers. Husband and wife team, Sue runs FOH whilst chef Jason orchestrates from his open kitchen. They know what works and they do not deviate from their tried and tested method, no matter what the trend may be. Here it is three starters, three mains, three deserts. White linen table cloths, top quality ingredients that are allowed to shine rather than hide behind foams and gels. Fish takes center stage here, so fresh it could still flap if not so expertly cooked by chef Jason but if fish isn’t your vibe, fear not. The Josper grill earns it’s keep firing up and throwing out steaks and charred vegetables. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it and this restaurant certainly isn’t broken.
Ok, so technically it’s slightly north of the official Whitby Route but a ten minute detour is well worth it for Seaview Restaurant in Saltburn by the sea. Offering views over the North Sea and its distant wind farms, this is one of those places where you can get lost in the vista. But if you can bring your eyes back to the table, local lad Glen Pearson is ready to feed your eyes and your stomach with plates such as fish skin crackers, king scallop and truffle risotto and salmon scotch eggs.
Sitting in between the Hornsea and Withernsea route, heading inland is the market town of Beverly and within it, The Pig and Whistle, a local gem that boasts some of the best tapas this side of the Med, french small plates and charcuterie. Think tartiflette and chargilled octopus. It’s a yes from me. On Sunday, a special is in operation – something slow cooked, roasted potatoes and a glass of wine or beer, the perfect sunday afternoon!
Plan your next foodie road trip along Route YC today.
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