Must-see restaurants in Devon

  • Alf Resco

    South Devon

    This indie cafe is the preferred hang-out for a variety of discerning Dartmouthians, from yachties to families, tourists and riverboat crews. The same…

  • Crab Shed

    South Devon

    Set plumb on the water's edge, this smart shack has you eating fish and shellfish just yards from its landing spot. Homemade stock ensures bisques and…

  • Pie Street

    South Devon

    'British soul food', runs the slogan here – in other words, poshed-up pies, served with your choice of mash or chips, and lashings of gravy. You can go…

  • Rumour

    South Devon

    Rumour is a local institution – a narrow, cosy pub-restaurant with low lighting, local art and newspapers for reading. It's legendary for its pizzas (£9…

  • Venus Cafe, Blackpool Sands

    South Devon

    In summer the huge doors open directly onto the beach; in winter there's a warming log fire. All year round, organic Devon goodies stack the menu: try the…

  • Old Vienna

    Torquay

    It may be run by an engaging Austrian, but plenty of local produce finds its way onto the tables at this acclaimed, intimate eatery. The result is an…

  • Turf

    East Devon

    The location of this former lock-keeper's house is simply superb: bookending a slither of land snaking between mudflats and a canal. The views are…

  • Barbican Kitchen

    Plymouth

    Plymouth's chef brothers Chris and James Tanner have brightened up the Barbican with their relaxed-but-refined bistro at the Plymouth Gin Distillery. It's…

  • Taylors

    Dartmoor National Park

    The globe-trotting menus at this chic spot apply techniques and ingredients from many cuisines to west-country produce, so smoked Cornish duck tapas and…

  • Elephant's Nest

    Dartmoor National Park

    One of those iconic Dartmoor pubs beloved by generations, the Elephant is a 16th-century inn where log burners sit in vast fireplaces, and jugs and…

  • Steamers

    East Devon

    Produce from local hills and bays makes its way onto the innovative menu here. Classy creations include sautéed, curried crab and prawn cake; grilled…

  • Castle

    Dartmoor National Park

    With nearly five centuries of pint-pulling behind it, this village inn has views of Lydford's castle to match its beamed, old-world interior. The grub…

  • Poop Deck

    South Devon

    It can be hard to decide at Poop Deck: the catch of the day landed just yards away, so it's tempting to have it simply grilled with garlic-butter or olive…

  • Lloyd's Kitchen

    Exeter

    Squeezed in among the city-centre chains is this independent diner run by energetic owner Lloyd. With its sliding-glass frontage, bare bulbs, tiles and…

  • On the Rocks

    Torquay

    Sliding doors and pavement tables make the most of the seaside view at this relaxed, informal cafe-bistro – it's just a shame the main beach road gets in…

  • River Cottage Kitchen & Deli

    East Devon

    Thanks to his numerous cooking shows and high-profile campaigns on sustainable food, curly-haired chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is undoubtedly one of…

  • Rockfish

    Torquay

    The Torquay branch of award-winning chef Mitch Tonks' minichain of seafood restaurants showcases his taste for relaxed catch-of-the-day dining…

  • Old Bakery

    South Devon

    The kind of hip, happy eatery every town should have, where huge bowls of olives sit alongside piles of home-baked bread. Brunch features chorizo and…

  • Boathouse Cafe

    Plymouth

    With a deck enclosed by canvas and clear plastic, and a quayside setting, the Boathouse has a firmly nautical flavour. Fittingly, its chefs delight in…

  • Me & Mrs Jones

    Torquay

    In this chilled-out cafe-deli, twinkling fairy lights are strung above a scattering of upcycled tables surrounded by gourmet goodies: organic sourdough, …

  • Seafood Platter

    East Devon

    A clue is in the name: net-fresh fish is the speciality at this appealing gastropub. The eponymous seafood platter (£70) to share between two comes…

  • Hub Box

    Exeter

    This rapidly expanding southwest burger business now has an Exeter outlet, in a studiously hip space with brick walls, vintage-style signs and plywood…

  • Greedy Goose

    Plymouth

    The surroundings are gorgeous, and so is the cuisine. A beautifully lit medieval building sets the scene for food that is both supremely elegant and…

  • Winking Prawn

    South Devon

    Overflowing with distressed driftwood-chic, this brasserie features huge rowing oars, red ensigns and a sea-view deck. It's a perfect spot to sample…

  • Crab Shack

    South Devon

    The location couldn't be better for superfresh fish: Crab Shack overlooks the sheltered Teign estuary, and the fleet that brought your supper ashore. The…

  • Crabshell

    South Devon

    On a sunny day, in-the-know locals make a beeline for the waterside beer terrace of the Crabshell, where you can watch boats and stand-up paddleboarders…

  • Harbourside Fish & Chips

    Plymouth

    This top-notch chip shop is renowned across the city – there are often queues out the door at peak times. If you're planning on eating al fresco, be…

  • Rockfish

    East Devon

    This Exmouth outpost of Mitch Tonks' Devon empire excels at the award-winning chef's signature superfresh seafood. Expect salt-and-pepper prawns, crispy…

  • Mangetout

    South Devon

    Hike to the top of town to visit this diet-defying deli-cum-cafe with a smorgasbord of goodies. Choose from Devon hams, chorizo, zesty salads, olives,…

  • Willow

    South Devon

    Totnes simply wouldn't be Totnes if it didn't have its own veggie-friendly, wholefood hang-out – and Willow has occupied that slot handsomely for many a…

  • Terrace

    Plymouth

    With its wide sea views, open sides and chilled-out atmosphere, the Terrace is a long-standing locals' favourite, especially among those who regularly…

  • Green Table

    South Devon

    It's the ethos and ingredients that make this stylish, light-filled bistro stand out. Creations from local craftspeople line the shelves, while plates are…

  • Take Thyme

    North Devon

    It's the specials board that draws your eye at this intimate bistro; it's full of supremely fresh, locally landed fish. Classic treatments allow the…

  • Column Bakehouse

    Plymouth

    Plymouth's only 'social enterprise' bakery has a remit of helping as many people as possible to learn to bake, and offers informative courses. It also now…

  • Bensons

    North Devon

    Much of the superb seafood dished up at this intimate eatery is landed on the quay directly opposite. Depending on the day's catch, you might get a…

  • La Gendarmerie

    North Devon

    In this dimly lit restaurant imaginative creations are served up with more than a soupçon of French flair. Expect intense flavours: roast pollock with…

  • Jasmine Thai

    Exeter

    A spicy addition to Exeter, this Thai restaurant has proved very popular. You can play safe with the classics – red, green, Penang or jungle curries – or…

  • Rodean

    Exeter

    Run by the same family for 15 years, the Rodean serves inventive cuisine that has built a loyal following and notched up a string of awards. Classic,…

  • Trout

    East Devon

    The Trout is the epitome of a rustic Devon pub: whitewashed walls prop up a covering of thatch; painted beams line the bar; and the River Exe flows past…

  • Three Degrees West

    Torquay

    Sandwiched between the seafront and crumbling russet-red cliffs, the terrace of this bar-bistro has uninterrupted views of the waves. The menu spans…