With something for every appetite and every mood, Devon’s delicious array of restaurants has something for everyone. From winter warmer-uppers in charming country pubs to summer sundowners in bistros by the sea, it offers year-round treats ready to fuel adventures in the county.
If you can’t wait to sample some Devonshire delights during an escape to the county, we’ve put together a list of some of the top restaurants in Devon, serving everything from plant-based delicacies to fresh-from-the-boat seafood to local game. With multiple-award-winning and Michelin star eateries among them, you know you’re in for some serious foodie enjoyment. Let’s tuck in.
North Devon
The Antidote, Ilfracombe
A short stroll from the harbour and quay in the beautiful seaside town of Ilfracombe is the Michelin recommended Antidote restaurant and wine bar. Serving delectable modern British food alongside a hand-selected wine list, this small yet sophisticated hub has no shortage of appeal. And, ensuring that you always have something new to look forward to, the seasonal set menu regularly changes, accompanied by appetising specials and mouth-watering desserts. Delve into The Antidote’s menu and let your gaze drift over the dishes du jour, ready to tantalise your taste buds with local fare.
The Boathouse, Instow
Set on the coast at the confluence of the Taw and Torridge rivers, The Boathouse in Instow is one of the best places to eat in North Devon for its beach location, stunning views and great food. Offering a choice of rustic-luxe interiors and an alfresco top deck strung with fairy lights and with views over the Torridge Estuary, it’s the kind of place that invites you to linger a little longer over your drink and order that extra course just to prolong the experience. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s nowhere better to start your day with a cup of freshly ground coffee or see out the evening with a sundowner next to the water.
The Farmers Arms, Woolsery
A new kind of traditional pub, The Farmers Arms in Woolsery is home to a modern country restaurant set within a historic, Grade II listed frame dating back to the 17th Century. With an emphasis on local, plot-to-plate dining, everything at this must-visit pub and restaurant is a product of the locale, either grown on the pub’s own farm, foraged from the surrounds, or sourced from local suppliers. Even their cordials and crisps are homemade. Head on over to savour the finest tastes that Devon has to offer, taking a seat in The Farmers Arms’ cosy bar, light-filled restaurant, or private dining room.
Masons Arms, Knowstone
The pretty façade of the award-winning 13th Century Masons Arms in Knowstone sets a welcome scene as you approach, decorated with flowers and topped with a thick blanket of thatch. Making it all the more inviting is the promise of Michelin-star food awaiting inside. Recognised as one of the very best restaurants in Devon for its exceptional food, The Masons Arms has held a Michelin star for 15 years and consistently serves up incredible dishes crafted with local produce. If you’ve never been before, expect classic French dishes prepared with Devonshire twists and jaw-dropping views across Exmoor countryside.
The Royal George, Appledore
The Grade II listed Royal George takes pride of place on the water’s edge in Appledore, affording simply breath-taking views over the Taw & Torridge estuary. With origins dating back to the 18th Century, its history, charm and location make for a wonderful combination – made all the more appealing by the mouth-watering menus it offers to diners throughout the year. Family-run and dog-friendly, this award-winning restaurant has earned itself 2 AA rosettes and has won gold in the Taste of the West awards three times in successive years. Needles to say, the textures and tastes of The Royal George’s innovative dishes and classic favourites speak for themselves here.
East Devon
Saveur, Exmouth
The double AA rosette award-winning Saveur restaurant on Tower Street in Exmouth is a beacon for lovers of fine cuisine. Promising a carefully prepared selection of dishes capturing the flavour of each season, its regularly updated menus are a real reflection of Devon throughout the year. Supported by a strong network of the best local producers, they expertly create dishes from land and sea to tempt all tastes. Saveur by name and savour by nature, just some of this restaurant’s offerings include the local catch of the day, Dartmoor beef and lamb, and veg from Powderham farm shop.
Salutation Inn, Topsham
A fantastic restaurant with a Gold Star Taste of the West deli, The Salutation Inn in the heart of Topsham is a real favourite amongst culinary connoisseurs from far and wide. Recommended by the Michelin guide, this 18th Century coaching inn features an intimate dining room and light-filled, glass-covered courtyard restaurant where you can wine and dine in style. Whether you fancy a decadent breakfast, light lunch, afternoon tea or atmospheric dinner, book yourself a table here and look forward to perusing the tasting and à la carte menus for a true taste sensation.
Lympstone Manor, Lympstone
Lympstone Manor is one of the finest restaurants in the South West, offering Michelin star dining overlooking the spectacular Devon coast. Set within a sympathetically restored, Grade II listed Georgian house, this exceptional dining venue near Exmouth is under the wing of one of England’s most celebrated chefs. Holding two Michelin stars for 18 years in a row, Michael Caines MBE combines his passion and skill in the kitchen with his love of the South West to create dish after dish of deliciousness here. For the full experience, opt for the eight course ‘Signature’ tasting menu.
Rodean, Kenton
The family-run Rodean restaurant in Kenton on the River Exe is popular for its superb menu of traditional British favourites. Serving up incredible food since 1999, this award-winning establishment has a well-earned reputation as one of the best restaurants in the county. Sample culinary creations such as marmite-torched mackerel with wasabi mayonnaise and pickled rhubarb; seared venison loin with roasted beets and pommes gratin; and polenta and smoked cheese with homemade mustard and forest fungi – washed down with your tipple of choice.
South Devon
Andria, Dartmouth
Born in Paris to food-loving Italian parents and trained in the UK, Head Chef Luca Berardino brings a world of flavour to his cooking at Andria. A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in the riverside town of Dartmouth, Andria entices with ever-updating set and à la carte menus, each featuring a selection of modern plates inspired by Luca’s European influences and comprised of local ingredients. Ensuring the finest, freshest tastes to seal the deal, produce from Brixham and Torbay are regular highlights, including Brixham crab and fish and hand-dived Torbay scallops.
The Oyster Shack, Bigbury
Promising deliciousness on a plate, The Oyster Shack in Bigbury is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike for its wonderful seafood, service and setting. Rustling up award-winning seafood by the River Avon, this restaurant with its brightly-painted interiors and deck offers an experience full of colour and flavour. Head over to peruse their menu of fresh oysters, lobster, crab and seafood mains and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this buzzing eatery. Of course, oysters take centre stage here, but you’ll find a wide array of tempting delights on the menu to match your appetite.
Twenty Seven, Kingsbridge
A thriving market town with a great food quarter in the South Hams, Kingsbridge is home to a large number of dreamy restaurants: one of which is the Michelin-recommended Twenty Seven. Run by the “tornado of creativity” that is chef Jamie Rogers, this bright and airy space resides within a former warehouse and is the name on the lips of food fans from near and far. Having picked up some highly prized awards since opening in 2018, this restaurant – which focuses on modern British cuisine – regularly books up well in advance so it’s worth securing your table early to avoid missing out.
The Elephant, Torquay
One of the most decorated chefs in the UK, Simon Hulstone is a true ambassador for the natural larder of the English Riviera. Pouring his gastronomical genius and passion for the West Country into every dish he produces, he has firmly placed his restaurant, The Elephant in Torquay, on the culinary map. Retaining a Michelin star for the best part of 20 years, this first-class restaurant combines a friendly atmosphere and the best tastes of Devon to create an experience that is simply unmissable. Book lunch or dinner at The Elephant and look forward to imaginative textures and fine flavours.
Dartmoor
Gidleigh Park, Chagford
For a luxury fine dining experience in Devon, make way to Gidleigh Park's restaurant. Home to three attractive dining rooms and a sun-trap terrace, this grand Edwardian manor has earned itself a Michelin star and several awards for its quality of service and cuisine. For a quintessentially English afternoon, enjoy a Champagne afternoon tea overlooking the lawns, savouring a selection of fresh sandwiches, scones and sweet treats. Or, for a more formal dining experience, book a table for dinner and pore over a menu of seasonal Devonshire starters, mains and desserts.
Dartmoor Inn, Lydford
Situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, the 16th Century dog-friendly Dartmoor Inn at Lydford near Okehampton is an award-winning, family-run pub and restaurant. Outside, views of the moors tumble away into the distance, while inside, the pub’s interiors are framed by exposed dark oak beams and slate flagstone floors, playfully lifted with splashes of white and duck-egg blue paint. Setting the scene perfectly for hearty meals throughout the year, the pub awaits with a range of courses reflecting the seasons, from crisp summer salads to warming winter roasts.
Horn of Plenty, Tavistock
The three AA rosette Horn of Plenty has been famed as one of Devon's best restaurants for nearly 60 years. Set atop a hill overlooking the breath-taking Tamar Valley, it occupies a truly tranquil spot on the Cornwall and Devon border and is surrounded by 5 acres of stunning gardens. Choose from an indulgent afternoon tea, lunch or dinner and treat yourself to gorgeous flavour combinations of both the sweet and savoury variety. For the full works, you can also try the Horn of Plenty’s six-course tasting menu, which showcases the culinary highlights of the region through flavourful small plates.
Cornish Arms, Tavistock
Once the last coaching inn before Cornwall, The Cornish Arms nestles within the foothills of Dartmoor in the stannary town of Tavistock, Devon. Voted as one of the top gastropubs in the country, this Michelin Bib Gourmand pub and restaurant is as popular with walkers as fine diners and extends a warm welcome to everyone. It even has a dog-friendly bar so your four-legged friend can come along too. Focusing on tasty, honest food and drink, the dishes here are sophisticated yet unpretentious and feature high quality local and seasonal produce from the county. Take a seat in the beer garden in summer and by the fire in winter for the ultimate foodie experience.
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