Winking Willy's Famous Fish & Chip Shop & Cafe in Scarborough

Visited last weekend, wasn't disappointed with the fish & chips

I went 2 years ago and i could easily give this 5 for everything above. Service was great, bill was a bit pricey but enjoyed the evening. Sadly this time it failed straight away. We walked past some people sat down on seating away from the restaurant and as far as we was concerned they were just enjoying the day no one was near the doorway or i believed not wanting to enter the vicinity. We got to the door for a lady in her middle 50s to open the door and she said we have people outside waiting and just literally shut the door in my face.

Not open on time, asked about opening at 1135 and told 10 minutes....went back 10 minutes later and told another 5 minutes. Staff sat eating cereal and have an attitude. Opening times should be amended to 12:00 if not going to be open

A real shame of a visit. First thing first the food was really good. That was it. Went to go sit upstairs, was told to come down and sit at a corner table. Not the best when a couple mid way through our meal went upstairs! But the real issue is the atmosphere, there is none. No background music so no conversations the only sound was dishes being washed from the kitchen in the corner of the restaurant! Felt really uncomfortable and didn't even want to finish the drinks. A real shame because the food was good just won't be back again totally unwelcoming.

Lovely flakey fish and proper fluffy potato chips

Not like it used to be but still worth a try

Very disappointed. Chips were anaemic, and the fish was slimy and cold in the middle. The only nice thing I had was the portion of curry sauce. The restaurant had no atmosphere, could do with some background music to drown out the noise of scraping plates and cutlery being washed. I will say the service was quite good, except for nearly being scolded with the hot tea from the teapot that the girl teamed out while trying to carry too much to our table. Will not be going back.

Proper chips (not frozen), fish cooked to our liking, proper mushy peas (not tinned), friendly staff, nothing was too much trouble

Fish and chips were good but was expensive I have had similar quality elsewhere for cheaper

Really nice fish and chips throughly enjoyed Free bread and butter was a great bonus

Much prefer the lifeboat fish bar!

Fish was tasty although the end was dry. Chips were a nice golden colour. We weren't waiting long for food. Nice and hot when it arrived. Service was good.

Best fish&chip shop in Scarborough

Always loved it at WWs for lunch when visiting Scarborough

Disgraceful advertised Hero's welcome yet I was talked to like Rubbish I Am a Veteran and also work in NHS yet was told I had to have military ID to get the discount/ only serving Hero's have ID,this was informed to me by a extremely Rude false eyelashes, false nailed lady! when I asked would she recognise military I'd she shrugged disinterested and rude, so I spent £53.95 & was then asked if I wanted sauces I asked for 4 ketchup and was charged a further £3.50 needless to say winking Willie's failed to welcome this Hero's, and breached health and safety as the server had extreme false eyelashes and extended finger nails, I'd like to know what you make of this situation as a business.

Chips was amazing the bread cakes very old and dry they went into the bin.

Small fish fried in near rancid oil/fat, served by miserable counter staff with poor customer engagement skills.

Brilliant service and food ,visited for weekend definitely be back next time I'm in Scarborough 🤞

Possibly the worst fish and chips I've ever had. Everything just bland an undercooked (chips) over cooked (fish). The fish was small, the batter overcooked and brittle. The mushy peas were insipid just totally flavourless and watery. We met a relative of a staff member to eat here (who usually avoids the place because of the food) who told us that staff are not allowed to season the peas! Much better fish and chips to be had in Scarborough, avoid.

Sadly I’m unable to give this Fish & Chip Restaurant any more than two stars mainly due to the quality of the fish itself. I ordered a large haddock and I know I’m from Grimsby but I cannot really accept that what came was large. It was also a little tasteless and grey in appearance. I know fish is expensive but I’d much rather pay more for a smaller fillet which is of good quality and well cooked. All in all a disappointing visit and I’m sorry but I cannot recommend this establishment.

Amazing food and great customer service was my first time in Scarborough and will definitely be coming back the fish and chips were amazing xx

Decent fish and chips, and seating area outside to sit and eat.

The chips here used to be delicious, cooked in dripping and just tasty as anything - now they're about on par with your local, nothing special. The fish is about the same, but the big disappointment is the SIZE of the cod / haddock. It's the smallest "regular" anywhere in the region. I have a feeling the place has had many complaints / comments about this, because there are signs all over the entrance saying things like "we don't do small", and displaying the average weights of the different fish sizes. You have far better options just down the road with the Fish Pan and the Lifeboat. Give them your money instead. If you think this is a good chippy, prepare to be surprised by the alternatives!

We went here today 4 of us to be greeted at the door with a lady with an attitude which to me was disgusting, it was nt just once but twice her attitude was totally wrong. We was asked to wait outside thinking it was to let the pram out to then be told again with an attitude to wait again whilst table is cleared, fair enough I get that tables after be cleared but the tone of her voice was bang out of order and if my staff approached any of my customers like it they would be through the door, being polite cost nothing, I honestly think she needs training again , we went to king richard lll where we were welcomed by friendly staff

It's a lovely place and food is delicious. Staff seemed friendly enough The staff did seem in a bit of a rush to get us seated, served and out the door but it's the 6 weeks holidays so we're busy. Would go back

Chips cooked in beef dripping and a variety of fresh fish perfectly battered

Really nice place with lovely staff. Fish was good, chips were decent, but not the best I've ever had, but overall all a good meal

Nice clean restaurant. Friendly staff. Not the best I've tried (which is alot) but not bad fish & chips.

The fish & chips are amazing its a good job i don’t live local as i would be in every day i’m already doing cold turkey

Dreadful, very poor quality, must be the worst in Scarborough. Best avoid.

I feel like the food is really expensive but the staff are lovely and the places is lovely and clean and tidy.

Portion size was like a child’s portion for £15, 2 x cheap fish cakes and chips £13 sorry certainly not value for money, certainly won’t be returning,

We came here on the weekend as i'd seen good reviews on social media and we were not disappointed. It was a lush day so we wanted to sit on the outside balcony. We we greeted by the lovely ladies downstairs, sorry I didn't take note of any staff names. Then we were seated by a young lad who so chatty and pleasant. We must not have been sat down 10 minutes before our food and drinks were ordered and brought piping hot! Food was absolutely beautiful, cooked well and we were advised beforehand that the fish was cooked with skin on. I would absolutely recommend this restaurant

Came this time last year and decided to come again this year, service was OK nothing special no real interaction. I chose homemade steak pie chips peas and gravy with a pot of tea; Chips were lovely but the pie was inedible the pastry was rock hard & the chunks of meat were dry and aso hard( unable to cut with a knife).The milk for the tea had an obvious chip in it. The others dining with me had fish & chips all was fine except the tiniest amount of tartar sauce I've ever seen. Price was slightly above average in the area, approximately £15 per meal.

Great fish and chips. Really enjoyed them.

Under 12 kids meal/ medical card, disrespectful for people who don’t want big meals,

We walked into the place on a Sunday afternoon wanting a standard fish and chips. When I sat down to eat the fish it still had the skin on. The batter was still uncooked and put me off it. Also the price was insane as it was £9 including my chips which were mostly undercooked.

Can't rate the food as did not get that far sat for quarter of an hour before someone took our order was not even busy took our order came back 10 mins later to say they had no large fish so walked out would not recommend at all

We really enjoyed our food which was piping hot and large portions. Had a lovely view of the sea and the staff were incredibly friendly. Best fish and chips on the seafront by far!

PRETTY DISGUSTING FOR PRICE. Ordered two portions of chips and a fish cake £15. We will never eat at this again, there was about 10 chips on side of tray and other side of tray the supermarket lookalike fish cake. Totally ripped off. I didn’t even get a potatoes worth of chips. I was going to go back in and tell them I was that disgusted but ques waiting to get ripped off. I drove past a shop some weeks ago and saw a large bag of spuds £3.99 to public. Now chippys get these at trade price and bulk buy. They pay LESS THAN THIS SO WHY ARE THRY RIPPING US OFF IN THESE TIMES. Go to one of side st chippys in Scarbourgh trust me you will pay half this price. I don’t believe in ripping folk off but these owners have no morals for people struggling in hard times.

Staff were extremely helpful, service was brilliant and the food was top notch

Been here many times over the years & it was always really good quality fish & chips until today.the fish tasted a bit sour & quite small & the chips were just the scraps with cold mushy peas.i don't like to say it but we will definately not be back

Nice to be seated upstairs with a view

This is the appalling i went for chips and curry sauce on Saturday the day it was armed forces day and ordered 2 chips with curry sauce it came in the thinest tray iv ever seen the width ov a cup matt there was hardley any chios in if n tjeh charged me 8.80 what a scam ill never go there again n ill steer all my guests away from such a scan chipshop and i beleive they pjt tje price up as it was armed forces day wrong ens dont go o know priced ha e risen since lockdown but for them. Prices you should at least get a proper portion of chips

Was brilliant, food was amazing and the pot of tea was great, I got willy's whopper and it came with tar tar sauce the fish was huge and came with alot of chips, but it was £19.99, needless to say willy's whopper filled me up real good.

On the way for a day out to Scarborough thought I would look for the best fish and chips to eat . Well I wish I hadn't bothered.Very disappointing to say the least .Flat coke ,tinned peas , ghastly tartre sauce in a packet .No real apology on paying for it.I presume they think that it's here today, gone today.

First visit to this fish restaurant with a fish shop attached. Very good service and our fish and chips were lovely and well priced.

Fantastic place with jumbo fish as big as your head

Very beautiful sausage and chips they were really nice thank you so much 🥰❤️would definitely come here for lunch again in the future

Came here the other day for fish and chips The chips were lovely The fish was not the best but I think that that's because of the batter The place itself was lovely, really nice place inside, and the staff were so friendly, but the food (fish) was naff And it's expensive

Good hot food at reasonable prices for takeaway but much more expensive if you sit inside

The fish was very small for the price £48 three fish and chips + drinks.

Loved the chips but was slightly disappointed with the fish. Seemed to have been kept warm for some time before it arrived.

Food OK but a bit pricey to eat in. Service was good and the chips were very hot, sausage was just warm.

Waterfront shop taking advantage of it’s location selling below average fish and chips

This place is super busy, the food is lovely!

First time back since the pandemic. Only a handful of people in the restaurant. Last time it was packed solid. Ordered skate and enjoyed it. Let down by the chips. Several were not cooked through. Partner had haddock which was more batter than fish. Have to say it was disappointing. Maybe as it was early in the season things may improve.

Been here a couple of times now and I haven’t been disappointed. The fish is so lovely and fresh that you don’t feel sluggish after a meal! Portion size is massive so you definitely get your moneys worth! Service is always good and staff are lovely. Will definitely be returning again ☺️

Food was bang on only problem was took food out to go back to caravan and realised I hadn't got my full order as was missing a portion of Chips

TLDR; off fish. Burnt chips which tasted like old oil and fish that tasted sour and of ammonia… I.e off fish. It has now left a tingling sensation on my tongue and mouth. We sent it back but they insisted we still paid for the other 1/4 eaten one that was OFF! Normally I would if the food was bad, but not off. Likely avoided being poisoned. Please please avoid.

Fish was just warm chips were cold and burnt i spent £ 30 to just throw it all in the bin i specifically googled a place with good feedback but i was very dissapointed will never use again

Will not be going back, food over priced for the portion size you get. Not tasty food. staff not very friendly either

Food was delicious and good portions staff couldn't do enough top class 😋

The chips were awful! Overdone on the outside but still raw in the middle. Two small pieces of fish with little batter, tasteless and dry. When we mentioned this to the waiter, Jay, he said, we’re busy enough! He really didn’t care. Go elsewhere, there are better fish and chips to be had in Scarborough.

Amazing food brilliant staff polite and courteous helpful with everything going back tomorrow for my birthday

Food is not very good, especially given the price.

Disappointing. Had 'Willy's Whopper' and found that the bulk of the fish was OK, the thinner parts were dry and leathery. Chips had a brown hue as had the peas! Shame really as had visited some years ago and really enjoyed it. Suspect the frying oil needed changing.

Had to come here for fish n chips . Great food and friendly staff

Fish had a nice batter, not cooked to order, a little greasy, but i thought it was expensive for the size of fish as my 2 year old ate the entire fish...

Unfortunately came towards the end of their service in the restaurant side. Very much felt rush rush to leave. The food was subpar especially for the price charged. The ‘curry sauce’ was so thin and had a similar taste to the supermarket home brand curry sauce. Somehow we appeared to have been charged more than the price on the menu. Wouldn’t recommend.

Very good fish and chips for a good price of £8.80... Amazing fish, cooked to perfection, hot and fresh chips, with loads of seating nearby to watch the boats go by... Had a great time and will definitely recommend. Good portion size too...👍👍

DO NOT HAVE GLUTEN FREE, EVEN THOUGH I IT'S ADVERTISED ON GOOGLE

This was our first time with Fish ‘n Chips. Delicious fish, chips and very greasy. Overall, delicious. Better options around the corner

Great food,best fish and chips I've ever had ,value for money

Not brilliant. Quite expensive for what you get. Not good quality. Was very disappointed

Wet fish, cold chips, a thimble of milk served with the tea. Batter was soggy. Fish very thin and cost over £16 for a large which wasn’t much bigger than a regular. Over priced and not very good. Avoid.

Poor quality. Fish was very overcooked. Chips were miserable and a little soggy. Curry sauce was terrible. More like cheap Chinese takeaway curry. Very unpleasant. £3.10 for a small glass of Coke. Ridiculously overpriced and underwhelming. Will never visit again. Keep away.

Earlier in week went to the Magpie café in Whitby and had a small fish and chips, a medium fish and chips, curry sauce, mushy peas and 2 teas for nearly £40. Very nice too but had to queue to get in. Later in week went to Winking Willy's Scarborough and had 2 regular fish and chips and 2 teas for nearly £30. Portion sizes larger and in fact hotter and better. Staff etc were very pleasant too. No waiting. Just my opinion but I recommend Winking Willy's

Our favourite fish and chips in Scarborough. We usually sit outside, but this time decided to dine in. Good value and good quality.

First time I've been to Scarborough and been able to get inside a restaurant, and it was lovely. Our school holidays are different, so it was actually quiet. Food was amazing, staff were really friendly and the restaurant was lovely and clean. Also offered takeaway.

Nice enough and a reasonable price

I always go to Winking Willy's when in Scarborough.

Fantastic fish and chips. I recommend the "Super Six", battered and fried plaice, lemon sole, cod, haddock, monkfish and scampi with chips. Well worth it to try new things, I just wish they had been labeled. All fish skin on, menus and signage do forwarn this for those that don't like skin.

Fish had skin on and cod was like a plaice fillet it was that thin, was not nice. Chips were nice though. Plenty of better chippys than this so won’t be going back

Food was nice. The staff got my order wrong but then corrected it by giving me the correct food as well as the wrong order at no extra charge, they were very apologetic and helpful about it. I would recommend this restaurant.

Really tasty lunchtime fish and chips eaten in the restaurant. Friendly service, especially from Jake. Thanks!

Only one polite waitress, no unbutterd bread and no batterd sausage.

Have to say batter on the fish was crispy, had bd experience before with soggy underneath

The food came super fast and it was super hot..the taste wasn't great and the sauces weren't made in house.. definitely had it better...

Went in for my daughter 10th birthday she loves this chippy, the time was just after 12pm so we went in and ask for a table for 2 and ask can we go upstairs as she likes looking out of the window looking at the sea ⛵ got told No as upstairs was closed, she said just sit. Downstairs then after we got our table the couple behind us ask for upstairs as well and the waiter sead yes that's fine she was upset about it she did not finish her dinner as she did not want to stop anymore at the chippy and she doesn't want to go back any more, it just shows one bad experience affects everything 😕

The service here was okay, nothing exceptional. It's the food really that got this rating. It had no flavour and was very disappointing.

A very nice cosy fish and chips restaurant Always go when in Scarborough the fish is very very tasty chips are cooked just right

Spent almost £35 on two fish and chips and a small children’s meal. The staff were very rude , came over and asked if we were finished when my family and I all had full plates of food. Very rude. Will not be coming back again.

First time visiting Scarborough as we were on holiday and someone recommended it to me , had hoped to eat in but it was full so we got take away The food was absolutely delicious and if I'm ever in Scarborough we will be back for sure

Clean and efficient, nice fish and chips.

I thought this was a sex shop but turns out it was a chippy so I ended up buying a big juicy sausage

Busy little place, food was lovely and arrived quickly and the service was good

Even for a quiet January Saturday it was quite busy! Felt quite cramped but it was really nice food! I went to the toilet and found loads of more seating upstairs that wasn't open. But good to know for summer time

This is the first english fish and chips shop I ever experienced as a child, im 32 now! This places holds a very special place in mine and my families hearts, we would save up and take a day trip to scabby and enjoy a good hearty meal here before hitting the arcades at the end of the day. My great grandparents were long standing patrons as were the rest of us, my grandma refused point blank to go anywhere else! Our day trips started at the lavender farm, sit on the beach and soak up what little sun we get, a big meal at willy's, arcades and then the mega cone no one could finish 😀 I will always have my memories of this place with my grandparents, even now at 32, every time I travel to the uk from Norway I never miss a chance to go to winking willys, the only downside is its an old building and not always wheelchair accessible at busier times but the outdoor seating is great on a good weather day. I honestly can not recommend this place enough but I'm biased lol

Called here today (New Years Day 2024) for takeout. We have eaten here for many years when in Scarborough. But, NEVER AGAIN. We had 3 lots of takeaway costing few pence below £20 and it was disgusting the small amount of chips we got. If you had put all the chips together there wouldn't have been a portion full. Disgraceful. I wouldn't recommend takeout here find another one there are plenty to choose from.