The Lookout on the Pier in Scarborough

We recently made our first visit to this restaurant and sadly found the experience disappointing. We had seen it on previous visits to the area and read the reviews and expected a great experience. We reserved a table for 7.30pm and when shown to our table, my wife noticed a dog bowl under the table, presumably supplied to earlier diners. This was moved at some point but the resultant debris was left on the floor. We were disappointed by the limited extent of locally caught seafood on the menu and skipped starters going straight to the main course. My wife had the Crab Salad, which referenced local and I had the Tuna Steak. Mine was OK, but I have had similar in many places. My wife was very underwhelmed by hers. The dressed crab was served on an un- imaginative bed of salad leaves and having been up sold the accompanying prawns , she was very disappointed to receive small shelled prawns instead. She questioned this and was told it was the normal addition. To round it off, our chilled bottle of wine was brought in a wine chiller, full of cold water.

This restaurant has become a must each time we visit Scarborough. Delicious food in comfortable non pretentious setting. Views either side, the busy harbour on one side and South beach on the other. I had Mediterranean prawns on rice, delicious. Others had chowder, tapas, steak and sea bass, all reported their food was delicious. The number of oooohs, and mmmms around the table was funny, the plates went back almost licked clean. Also a lovely array of desserts. Friendly staff who were attentive and professional. If you like seafood this is a must try for you.

Amazing ! As always. I love trying new dishes when we come. It was so good we had lunch one day and then the next. The tuna and fish and chips are delicious. I tried the chowder the next day and what an absolute treat it was. Highly recommend.

Had our eye on this place the last time we visited Scarborough so we called in on the Saturday to book for Sunday lunch. I recommend you book in advance as we saw people being turned away. It was busy and vibrant. We managed to get a seat in the window overlooking the harbour. The young man who served us was really lovely and knowledgeable. Fabulous menu! We decided on the sharing seafood platter which included langoustines, mussels, prawns, clams, a whole garlic lobster and beautiful stock. It also arrived with chips and bread. The rose wine was very nice. We stayed almost 3 hours because our table was needed by the next diners but we sat outside with our drinks. I can’t wait to return on our next Scarborough visit as the chowder looked beautiful.

So many people had recommended the Lookout and we finally got there one sunny August lunch - and had a fabulous experience. Tucked away on the West Pier, it goes unnoticed by many of the tourists sauntering the foreshore. It looks nothing from the outside but has fantastic sea views - book a window table, or if the weather allows, one of the little tables on its slender strip of balcony. Decor is basic but the food is superb with a wide choice of seafood dishes, we had the chowder which was delicious. The restaurant is licensed with a good range of wine by the bottle (less so by the glass) and a nice selection of cocktails. Service was friendly and efficient. Loved it, will return.

We (me, mrs and “our milly” the cocker poo) have been here several times over the last couple of years. Always amazing food. Our favourite is the seafood chowder , either in the bread or just in a bowl with a separate portion of home made chips. Delicious delicious delicious . Brilliant staff . Brilliant location . Our favourite place to eat in Scarborough

Fabulous fish and chips, with a lovely view too. Closes at 4 p.m. Good service. Accessible up outside metal stairs, but worth the climb.

I came here with family Sept 2023 and it was just the best. in fact it was so good we ate here twice. The chowder is the best. So May 2024 i took my sister in law back and again the food was amazing. The staff are just so helpful and friendly. It is a little gem of a place

This is a small unpretentious, mainly fish seafood restaurant overlooking the harbour. When we arrived mid afternoon the place was buzzing and very few spaces available so may be advisable to book if you can. We had the Langoustine, king prawn, clam and sweetcorn cob special seafood platter main with an amazing spicy bisque to share as a starter. The Deep fried battered Haddock and Chips was fresh, melt in the mouth, skinless haddock and not a bone in sight - served with mushy peas, bread and butter and a pot of tea or coffee!! I had the amazing Lookout Garlic fresh Lobster with crispy fluffy chips , rocket and lemon. It was amazing value particularly for the size of the lobster. It opens early in the morning for breakfast and if you’re not seafood lover there are a good range of other options. Despite how busy it was, the service was exceptional throughout. And, lots of easy accessible parking when we were there. This is well worth a visit and we will definitely be back again.

This is a hidden gem. Worthy seeking out if you fancy a treat. We were on a long walk so just had the crab sandwich which was delicious. The surroundings are cosy with brilliant views over the harbour and Scarborough. The staff were excellent and the service was great. Good value, fresh ingredients, interesting fish menu.

Lovely bistro cafe, wanted some where which served good fresh food. Wow I ordered the lobster absolutely beautiful, my husband enjoyed a 10oz ribeye, which melted in your mouth and so tasty. Would highly recommend.

Delicious evening meal with family. Three of us had the Thai chilli sea bass and one of us has the tuna steak- the tuna was a little overdone (my partner would have preferred it pink) but the rest of the food was absolutely delicious and we were served quickly despite it being very busy! The desserts were also delicious! Thoroughly recommend for delicious seafood if you’re in Scarborough!

Amazing cafe service was awesome Ola my waitress was very polite , this is a very clean cafe the best bacon sandwich I’ve had quick service everything cooked fresh.

God bless you! After a disastrous evening meal prior on the sea front, we were desperate for a good breakfast. We saw and booked online the night before and were told later by some locals we’d made a good choice. We had…. Arrived a little early but got our table, a small but well proportioned place right on the pier, happily dog friendly. A great menu and being a fellow of the Breakfast Society of Great Britain was eager to try its fayre….. Opted for the larger of the breakfasts on offer with a flat white, the good lady wanted mashed avo on sourdough toast with bacon, poached egg and toms… Drinks arrived rapidly and it was a proper flat white, barista style, and red hot Breakfast soon followed and it was delicious. Proper butchers sausage and bacon, the plum toms seasoned nicely. Black pudding )£1.25 extra) was good, in fact it all was. I’d have preferred bubble and squeak to hash browns but hey Slight issue, as the plates aren’t very big, the eggs were stacked on top of each other so the bottom one overcooked and the bacon on the wife’s dish is chopped and mashed into the toms. Lovely but was expecting a couple of rashers. We will know for next time but also maybe staff point it out or make a note on the menu? Anyway, that’s nit picking….

What a cracking little place. Please book in advance to avoid dissapointment. My brother has been here before last year and rated it so highly we just had to try it. Not the cheapest of restaurants.. but I'd rather pay for quality. My brother and I ordered the crayfish boil - AMAZING.. with a side of squid - delicious. It's quite messy, but we didnt mind getting our hands dirty. My husband had the surf and turf, with a side of prawn, he throughly enjoyed it. The portion sizes are very big, and everything was very fresh. The service was absolutely brilliant also. Will deffo be returning again.

We had visited before and had excellent food. Unfortunately , during this lunchtime, I had fish and chips, which were greasy and tasteless. My partners oysters were OK, but the crab salad was average. Not a cheap option, so very disappointed.

Nice looking place staff are happy food didn’t take long to come . Had two haddock meals both with curry and a child’s portion . Came to shy of £43 fish was cut with a lazer small and skinny battered heavy . Chips nice but what can I say they’re chips curry was lovely . We got a tea x. Coffee aswell in the price plus an orange drink 3 out of 5 . Went passed a few chippies my mate recommended The Anchor wish I’d gone there he rants how good it is my fault 🤣

This place is wonderful food amazing staff friendly and helpful. My partner had seafood plater me and my son had traditional fish and chips. the portions were nice setting good view and the price was really good

great place for a treat, good coffee, good service, good food, a little gem, Alex, a great young man good at his job, knows how to deliver decent cutomer service, a rarity

An amazing fish food restaurant hidden away near the harbour. The crab salad I had was delicious and everyone was very welcoming.

Im local and go in fairly often, this is the second time in a short period ive gone in, asked for a table, been seated, left at my table, not given a menu, not had an order taken when others have come in 5 mins...

Great place for breakfast/brunch (and other meals I imagine we just weren't in Scarborough long enough). Brilliant FEBs with different portion options for different appetites, as well as other appetising choices like smashed avocado on sourdough bread, salmon and eggs to name but a few....

Pre booked a table, lovely little restaurant, small balcony that would be nice to be able to access to take pictures however tables covering all doors. For drinks we had a couple cocktails including espresso martini which was amazing! Perfectly made. And a pornstar martini...

Fabulous for Breakfast We were a bit bored if the bog standard continental breakfast we were getting at the hotel. This place was an absolute treasure. When in Scarborough book to eat here!

I have travelled throughout the UK, from St Ives to Leith, from Margate to Blackpool, and so many fish & chip restaurants claim to be the "UKs best". Please look no further, this IS the best, by a long way. This is better than any...

Very busy, but managed to fit us in. Exemplary service from the staff from the moment we entered, I had the Crayfish broil, which was very messy but delightfully spicy and flavoursome. Heartily recommended ... I'd advise you pre book.

Been coming here since it first opened and nothing has changed since then! Unpretentious superb quality fish,in a warm and welcoming unpretentious setting served by truly kind, genuine, helpful unpretentious staff. A wonderful addition to the Scarborough food scene. Long may it last and if...

We booked ahead in a Thursday in February half term and I would recommend booking as others were being turned away from this modest sized restaurant overlooking the harbour. 2 adults and 2 kids . Excellent food, the chowder was absolutely top notch, mildly spiced...

This place is a treasure trove of great seafood. Tasty mushy peas, tuna steak and fresh crab in its shell. Chips cooked in beef fat. - yummy, proper fish and chip style. We also ordered the tapas of king prawns garlic and lemon, sadly that...

We managed to get a table in this cute upstairs café/bistro with lovely views across the beach and harbour. Lovely welcome and delicious breakfast sandwiches ,made for a great visit. Very reasonable prices too.

We both had the langoustines and they were really special. They took a bit of getting into with fingers, but the taste was fantastic - it's as if suddenly we realized why humans make an effort to find and eat them. And the sauce was...

Amazing food and great hospitality. We had the fish and chips and the chowder and both were excellent. Definitely worth a visit 🥰

Went here last night for the first time. We both had the moule marinere and it was absolutely amazing! My partner said they were the best mussels they have tasted outside of France! We will absolutely be back and will also be telling anyone that...

I recently dined at Lookout on the Pier with my partner, and it was a delightful experience. The crab cocktail starter and Alex's special chowder were a perfect introduction – both dishes showcased freshness and flavor. The chowder, with Haddock chunks, prawns, and smoked salmon...

It's no good having excellent staff if you don't have excellent food they have both, eat there it's fab. Front of house young lady was amazing, both efficient and friendly.

We went as a family group of 5, and I had the seared tuna whilst my son had the burger the rest had the fish and chips. It was absolutely delicious and I also sampled a bite of my grandsons fish which was amazing. The...

Excellent food, service and price. I thought twice about leaving this review because the less people who know about this hidden gem the more chance I have of booking a table, especially during the summer months!!

This is probably the most disappointing meal we have ever had. LOBSTER??? I think you mean skinny Langoustine! With over heated yesterdays chips, floating in a sea of olive oil. Waitress couldn’t give two ‘hoots’, she asked everyone around us, if their meals were OK,...

The staff choose the hours that they want open this restaurant! Grilled lobster very poor value, 90% chips, portions small, not good access for people with mobility problems. Better choices elsewhere!!

Nice surroundings.As a Scarborian I know my fish and chips. They offeredme 10%ofthe bill. Reheated fish, awful batter(greasy after reheating) This is a wake up call gor them

We tried this cafe for breakfast after reading the reviews on here. We went at around 8.30am and it was busy. We luckily managed to get a table inside without a reservation. The tables out on the balcony were already reserved. The breakfast was delicious....

We decided to try this restaurant after seeing the comedian Susan Cullman visit it on her seaside adventures around UK we where warmly greeted and sat on the lookout balcony the service was great the guys running the restaurant were so pleasant and helpful I...

We turned up late for Saturday dinner without a reservation and they squeezed us in. I'm very glad they did. Brilliant chowder, mountains of moules and plates of langoustines. Yum

Efficient service and friendly staff, dog friendly and delicious food, we had the seafood chowder in a cob. A slight criticism, but it wouldn’t put us off going again, was that we were sat next to the door leading to the balcony which was constantly...

Having visited numerous times and waxed lyrical to family and friends about the amazing food at lookout on the pier and having left a couple of 5 star reviews on Tripadvisor comparing them to restaurants in the michelin guide. We were disappointed today. Two of...

My Granddaughter and I ate here again last week on our visit to Scarborough. Can't recommend enough. We were blown away by the seafood platter. It was amazing. The seafood chowder is a must too.Staff very attentive. Wonderful gem of a place!! If you're in...

Booked in here with my daughter, seen the reviews on here and decided to give it a go. Unbeknownst to me this place had just been on TV and it seems to have damaged it. I had the chowder, would have been delicious if it...

A bit disappointed given the good reviews. Went for a late lunch, atmosphere wasn’t great and generally quite noisy. Service was good from some members of staff but not others. One of our party asked if they could substitute chips for bread with the mussels,...

This restaurant is located on the Quay of a working harbour, so the approach is a little industrial but do not let that put you off. You probably wouldn't know it was there without looing at a map. When you have walked a couple of...

Breakfast at the Lookout should be part of 'The Scarborough Experience'. Up the metal stairs, all a bit 'industrial' - well, it is a working pier - into the café with a view. You can see both the harbour and the bay from your table....

We went for breakfast and it has to be one of the best cooked breakfasts we've had, staff are friendly and extremely helpful and the view over the marina is beautiful. Will definitely be back next time we visit Scarborough.

This is an very good eating house, plenty of options and reasonable prices, very helpful staff and dog friendly will defo go back next time we’re in the town only critical point is not the best for disabled access from what we seen but that...

Me and my daughter came on trip advisor looking for someone for breakfast and this place popped up. We were given a lovely welcome and managed to get seated outside, it was a lovely sunny morning so perfect. I had a bacon and egg sandwich...

Loved this restaurant. We called in for breakfast and didn't need to eat again until teatime (apart from the obligatory seaside ice cream!) The portions were generous, great quality and very reasonably priced. I look forward to coming again on my next trip to Scarborough.

We had a lovely breakfast here, reasonably priced and big portions. Kids enjoyed their meals too, which is always a bonus. Friendly staff and nice views. We wish we could stay longer to try the seafood. Would definitely recommend.

We visited twice in a week, the food was fresh, tasty and well presented, especially the Crab Salad and Chowder. Service was lovely- it has a nice homely feel.

We've eaten here several times in the last 2 years and never been disappointed, good food, good service, reasonably priced and a lovely view of the harbour.

Late lunch for four. Couldn’t have been better. Service was friendly and efficient. Food was amazing. Views amazing. Unbelievable value for money. Definitely worth a visit.

Sooooo we had booked lunch at this bistro for Sunday at 2pm. Walking along Scarborough from at 7am it started raining so we got under a bus shelter. Sat on my phone it said best breakfast is this ‘Look out onto the pier’ So I...

We scoured trip advisor for a gluten-free optioned eatery and noted Lookout on the Pier and decided to give it a try. They have a menu downstairs, before you go up the stairs to the restaurant itself, which didn't highlight any gluten free options to...

We had a lovely breakfast with great service this morning. Would definitely come back a giant for breakfast, and, would try dinner some time too. Lovely views and friendly staff

Felt something was missing, food was ok and the place was ok, we expected more from such a popular restaurant could be so much better. Staff were excellent though.

Amazing amazing crab salad! Just gorgeous and beautifully presented. All the staff were so attentive, informative and cheerful. Lovely buzzy atmosphere and the views are fabulous. Recommend this place - it's a real gem.

The Chowder and fresh crab sandwich were delicious. We just fell upon this place whilst wandering around the harbour; great find! The service we received was excellent (we had lunch on Wednesday 29 June and chose to sit outside on the balcony overlooking the harbour):...

Lovely little restaurant on the end of the pier. There is a coupleof flights of steps to get up there. We had booked a window table which looked out over the harbour. We were served by a young man who was fairly new to the...

Probably the best bacon sandwich I have ever eaten. It was open for breakfast, which was not repeated elsewhere on the Bay, food was excellent as where the staff. Having eaten a lot over the previous day I wanted something light. Defo go again.

I had the creamed mushrooms on sourdough toast with a flat white coffee. One of the best breakfasts I have had in years. And I love the table service. Total gem of a place!

A great English breakfast. Sausages and bacon were excellent quality. It was well cooked and served by friendly and helpful staff. We will definitely be there again.

The B and B where we stayed recommended this and told us not to be put off by the approach to the restaurant. We had really good crab sandwiches and haddock goujons in a sandwich. We will definitely go back next time we go to...

Restaurants is hidden down the bottom end of the pier and not very attractive from the outside but don't let this put you off. We opted for fresh crab sandwich it was delicious nicely presented and a change to see happy and personable staff. We...

Clean restaurant. Busy so suggest booking in advance. Lunch menu (all things fish) doesn't t start til 12 noon. Used by lots of locals from what we saw. Fish and chips was ok but the fish chowder (chefs secret recipe) was awesome. Will certainly re...

Great place for lunch. Hidden but worth the search. Great chowder and view over harbour. Guess it gets busy so might be worth booking.

We got the hot shellfish platter - I can't remember every single element but there were huge prawns, langoustines, oysters, mussels and scampi. We were very happy.

With a day trip to Scarborough booked, my friend and I looked for a restaurant online to pre-book, as it was the Jubilee/bank holiday weekend and knew everywhere would be busy. This place caught our eye and we booked and mighty pleased we did too....

The Look Out On The Pier is at the end of the Pier in Scarborough, we called for breakfast/brunch it was amazing reasonably priced piping hot and definitely a full English breakfast. Had two latte’s the service was excellent and the view looking out over...

Amazing, friendly staff and the highest standard of food. All fresh and hot! Thanks for a great time

Stumbled across this place despite having visited Scarborough fot many years - four of us had a traditional breakfast which was fantastic. Lovely views over the harbour, friendly staff , great atmosphere and good quality ingredients. I cannt fault this place. Not quite sure why...

We have visited here many times and we’re pleasantly surprised to see the menu had many new items listed. However, we chose the the fish and chip option based on previous visits and were bitterly diapointed. Having ordered a large fish, it was a normal...

We had breakfast this morning which was quite nice with good quality bacon on the sandwich. Husband had salmon on sourdough which unfortunately wasnt toasted so hard to eat. Coffee not great. Cost £23. Tonight we went back for their bistro which isnt cheap over...

Was looking for somewhere fro lunch which was not standard Scarborough fish and chip type fayre. Said to my wife that we were unlikely to find anywhere on the seafront that suited us. She spotted this Bistro which is above the fish market and we...

The service was so helpful and friendly. One of our party was late arriving but the waitress made a real effort to fit her in and serve all the food together. The breakfasts were tasty, huge platefuls. Three of us were veggie which was well...

Table for 6= for a family brunch this morning. Vegetarian, gluten free and normal! No gluten free sausages, Although two were ordered! I ordered the full monti, £11 but didn’t get any hash browns or the black pudding I ordered for an extra cost. It...

Just got back from sunday lunch with the family. The restaurant is fairly small but is nicely set out with a good atmosphere. We had a table near the window with a geat views of the harbour, the fishing boats and the sea wall. The...

We have been here countless times when we visit Scarborough, we always book in for a fantastic full Breakfast which sets us up for a full days hiking along the Cleveland way. Our dog is always made welcome and it's lovely if you go in...

Staff are polite,helpful and courteous. Only had the chowder and a coffee, Will return to sample the menu.

This place offers really good breakfast, we were tempted back by the cake and also thoroughly enjoyed that. The timing of our return visit wasn't ideal as the tables by the window were all reserved yet the customers didn't arrive until after we left.

We've been to Scarborough many times and have never come across this place ourselves. Good friends of ours got married yesterday (Wednesday 17th March) and booked the restaurant for a small party of 18 people to celebrate their union. Wow! What a fantastic treat. A...

What a hidden gem. Lovely friendly smiley staff, excellent food really high quality ingredients. The place itself has a lovely view, is bright, clean and had a relaxed vibe. Will definitely return.

We found this place by accident and now it's on our favourites list. Welcoming, friendly staff, sea food as fresh as you can get. Food is ample in quantity and excellent quality. As if all this wasn't enough you have either harbour or Bay views!

An impromptu visit to Scarborough and so lucky to get a table here. A fab menu also catering for gluten free. Great views Wonderful staff Best to book a table though as always busy. Thank-you Lookout on the Pier

Unfortunately we didn't totally enjoy our breakfast. The plates we're cold consequently our breakfast was lukewarm . It was very busy but over 6 dogs were in the cafe. We love animals but this was to much in a busy cafe. Breakfast is quite expensive...

The first time here and it was lovely. Had really good breakfasts, the food was delicious and the service was good. The view from the window is amazing. A lovely place.

I’m writing this so others are not disappointed! As a family we had been to the cafe dec 19 and loved it. Had an horrendous two years , finally drove two hours to get there , managed to walk to the cafe only to be...

Highly recommend great fish and chips rather large portions so choose smaller plate if u can't eat big amounts very fresh fish good views over the harbours friendly staff will definitely come again and try seafood platter

Food was amazing , with a view of the beach/ harbour . was lucky to get the last table as we didn't book ahead

Thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast today, great table with views of the harbour, great service and friendly staff, gluten free and dog friendly, just fab, see you again very soon

Superb position overlooking the port and harbour. Cosy atmosphere and great for dogs. The fish chowder was amazing and we went back another day for a repeat!! Staff were welcoming and friendly. Will definitely go back.

Please please please come out and support this great eat out, especially if you are local. This is just the sort of place Scarborough needs and you just have to come out and try it. The seafood is amazing but the burgers look just as...

Have had breakfast here and didn't realise they had a bistro.Happened to see a post on Facebook. What a find. Service excellent, smiley friendly staff. The food was superb. Tiger prawns, squid, seafood chowder and prawn cocktail starters. Very generous servings Tuna and mussels as...

Delicious food and amazing service! A real hidden gem of a find with first rate produce well cooked and allowed to sing it’s own chorus. (Great value too!)