Diners hail tiny Number 20 restaurant in Port Mulgrave

Restaurant Number 20, in Port Mulgrave between Staithes and Runswick Bay, currently holds a 4.9-star rating on TripAdvisor.

Located in a former village pub just a short walk from the Cleveland Way, the restaurant is run by chef Jason Davies and his wife, Sue.

The couple is well known to many food lovers in the region, having previously run the acclaimed Fox and Hounds at Goldsborough before opening Restaurant Number 20 in 2018.

Restaurant Number 20, in Port Mulgrave (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

Since then, the restaurant has built a reputation for high-quality seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and a simple menu focused on seasonal produce.

The intimate restaurant seats just 24 diners and features an open kitchen, allowing guests to watch food being prepared.

Jason specialises in fish and shellfish dishes, with menu items regularly featuring sea bass, turbot, sea trout, crab and other locally sourced ingredients.

Steaks cooked on the restaurant’s Josper charcoal grill are also among the most popular choices.

Visitors regularly praise both the food and the atmosphere.

One reviewer described it as “the most amazing restaurant I have ever been to”, adding: “The food was divine. Service was unbelievable, and it’s a beautiful family-run business.”

Another called it a “hidden gem”, praising the location, food and hospitality.

Many diners highlight the restaurant’s deliberately small menu, which typically offers a choice of three starters, three mains and three desserts.

One visitor said: “There’s a very small set menu but no limit to the quality of the dishes on offer.”

Several reviews mention seafood dishes, including crab risotto, turbot, sea bass, John Dory and brill, while others praise the restaurant’s steaks and desserts.

The panna cotta has become particularly popular among customers.

One reviewer described it as “world beating”, while another said all three desserts on offer were “delicious”.

The restaurant’s atmosphere also receives regular praise.

Visitors frequently mention the open kitchen, roaring fire and attentive service from Sue, who manages front of house and curates the wine list.

One customer described the experience as “an intimate dining room with excellent unfussy service”, while another said it felt like “a private dining experience with friends”.

Although not inexpensive, many diners say the quality justifies the price.

One reviewer wrote: “Worth every penny.”

Another added: “What the team have created here is nothing short of sensational.”

The restaurant’s location also adds to its appeal.

Port Mulgrave is one of the quieter corners of the North Yorkshire coastline, sitting between the popular destinations of Staithes and Runswick Bay.

Many visitors combine a meal at Restaurant Number 20 with walks along the Cleveland Way or visits to the surrounding coastline.

With dozens of five-star reviews and a growing reputation among food lovers, Restaurant Number 20 has become one of North Yorkshire’s standout dining destinations, according to online reviews.