Best Restaurants in Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay has quietly become one of the best places to eat on the North East coast. The restoration of Spanish City brought headline restaurants to the seafront, but it is the growing cluster of independents along Park View and the surrounding streets that really sets the town apart. Whether you are after a leisurely seaside lunch, a Friday night out, or a lazy weekend brunch, there is something here for every appetite and budget.

Here is our guide to the best restaurants in Whitley Bay.

Trenchers at Spanish City

Trenchers arrived in the Spanish City building in 2018 and immediately made its mark, winning Best Fish and Chip Restaurant in the UK at the National Fish and Chip Awards in 2020. Downstairs is a traditional takeaway counter serving classic fish and chips, while upstairs you will find a full sit-down restaurant with table service, a broader menu of grilled fish and seafood, and panoramic views across the bay. The fish is sourced daily from North Shields Fish Quay, battered fresh, and served in generous portions. If you only visit one restaurant in Whitley Bay, this is the safe bet.

Best for: Award-winning fish and chips, sit-down restaurant upstairs, seafront views from the Spanish City building.

1910 at Spanish City

For a special occasion, 1910 occupies the first floor of the Spanish City dome itself, making it one of the most dramatic dining rooms in the North East. Named after the year the original Spanish City opened, the restaurant serves modern British cuisine with a strong focus on locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients. The tasting menu is the highlight, but the a la carte offers plenty of choice too. The Art Deco interior is stunning, and the service matches the setting. Book ahead for weekend evenings.

Best for: Fine dining in the dome, tasting menus, special occasion territory.

Lobo Rojo

Lobo Rojo brings bold Mexican street food to the seafront, housed inside the Spanish City building. The menu is built around tacos, burritos, nachos, and sharing plates, with a proper tequila and mezcal bar to match. The atmosphere is lively and colourful, the portions are generous, and the cocktail list is one of the most inventive in the area. It is a great spot for a group night out, and the weekend brunch menu -- featuring huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos -- has built a loyal following.

Best for: Mexican street food, tequila bar, group-friendly, weekend brunch.

Crab and Waltzer

One of the more unusual dining experiences on the coast, Crab and Waltzer sits right on the Whitley Bay seafront and features repurposed fairground waltzer cars as seating booths. Beyond the novelty, the food is genuinely good -- the menu focuses on seafood and burgers, with fish sourced from North Shields. The views across the bay are superb, and the quirky interior makes it a hit with families and anyone who appreciates a restaurant that does not take itself too seriously.

Best for: Fairground waltzer seating, seafood and burgers, seafront views, great for families.

Project Pizza

Project Pizza on Park View serves wood-fired Neapolitan pizza from a proper Italian pizza oven, with dough proved for 48 hours and toppings that stick to the classics. The pizzas are thin, blistered, and excellent. The menu is concise -- which is always a good sign -- and the prices are fair for the quality. It is a small, unpretentious space that fills up quickly at weekends, so arriving early is wise. Takeaway is also available if you would rather eat on the beach.

Best for: Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, 48-hour proved dough, eat in or takeaway.

Al Bear

Al Bear on Park View has become a firm local favourite thanks to a menu that covers a surprising amount of ground without losing focus. Expect wood-fired pizzas, burgers, tapas-style sharing plates, and a weekend bottomless brunch that draws crowds from across the coast. The atmosphere is relaxed and sociable, the staff are friendly, and the drinks list includes cocktails, craft beers, and a decent wine selection. It is the kind of place that works equally well for a quick bite or a longer evening out.

Best for: Pizzas, burgers, tapas, bottomless brunch at weekends.

Kith and Kin

Kith and Kin is a family-run neighbourhood restaurant on Park View that has earned a loyal following for its excellent brunches and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The menu changes regularly and uses locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, with standout dishes including shakshuka, stacked pancakes, and hearty full English breakfasts. It transitions into a small plates and mains menu in the evening. The coffee is excellent too, making it a genuine all-day option.

Best for: Family-run, outstanding brunches, locally sourced ingredients, all-day dining.

---

Have we missed your favourite Whitley Bay restaurant? Get in touch via our contact page and we will keep this guide updated.

See also our guides to the best pubs in Whitley Bay and the best cafes in Whitley Bay.