The Michelin Guide was born in 1889, when brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin from Clermont-Ferrand in central France founded their world-famous tyre company. Encouraging the sprinkling of motorists in France at the time to get out on the road and develop their trips, the brothers began producing their Michelin guide, filled with ideas of things to see and do, where to get petrol and, most significantly, where to eat.
Today, the road-trips and restaurants of Devon embody the true spirit of Michelin, encouraging visitors and locals to get out in the county and discover its many gems along the way. Served by an abundance of natural produce and benefitting from some of the most beautiful settings in the UK, the county’s restaurants and eateries are some of the finest in the country – many of which are recognised by Michelin for their quality of cooking.
So you can waste no time in heading to the best restaurant in town and on the road, we’ve put together a guide to the Michelin star and Michelin recommended restaurants in Devon.
Michelin Star
Mason Arms, Knowstone
Surrounded by Devonshire countryside, the husband-and-wife-run Masons Arms near South Molton occupies its own idyllic corner of a peaceful little village. Taking up residence in a gorgeous, 13th Century thatched cottage, it’s a must for every keen foodie, being one of the South West’s golden handful of Michelin star restaurants. Book a table and look forward to classic British and French-inspired dishes that are thoughtfully prepared, skilfully crafted and attractively presented for all.
Gidleigh Park, Chagford
Offering luxuriously decadent dining, the Michelin star Gidleigh Park in Chagford is a firm favourite. Leading the way is Head Chef Chris Eden, creating classic dishes splashed with innovative, adventurous touches for flavours that are wonderfully balanced and oh-so moreish. Take a table in the sun-kissed grounds for a spot of afternoon tea, or celebrate a more formal occasion with a flavour-packed lunch or dinner in the restaurant, all the while enjoying the first-class setting and service.
The Elephant, Torquay
One of the South West’s prestigious Michelin star restaurants is The Elephant in Torquay. Run by a husband-and-wife team, the restaurant has held its coveted Michelin star since it was first awarded in 2006 and has understandably received far-reaching acclaim for its culinary excellence. Ensuring only the highest quality dishes are served, the menus at The Elephant are regularly updated to reflect the available seasonal produce from the English Riviera and catch of the day from Brixham.
Lympstone Manor, Lympstone
One of the top eateries in Devon, the Michelin Star Lympstone Manor is run by local celebrity chef Michael Caines. Enjoying a beautiful setting within a Grade II listed Georgian country house overlooking the River Exe, it tempts with refined cuisine, exemplary service and gorgeous views. Peruse its menus with relish, opting for an afternoon Champagne tea in the sunshine, a light lunch in the pool house restaurant or an eight-course signature tasting menu by candlelight.
Michelin Bib Gourmand
Andria, Dartmouth
Extending a warm welcome to diners from near and far, the Michelin Bib Gourmand Andria is one of the best restaurants in Devon. Famed for its incredible modern European cuisine, its culinary masterpieces are the work of French-born, Italian-raised Head Chef Luca Berardino. Taking inspiration from across Europe and using ingredients from the local harbours of Brixham and Torbay, Luca perfectly combines all the ingredients needed for a real feast for the senses here.
The Cornish Arms, Tavistock
Despite its name, The Cornish Arms is firmly placed within the Devonshire borders and boasts some of the finest food on either side of the Tamar. Regularly hailed as one of the best gastropubs in the South West, this Tavistock restaurant has a steady stream of regulars returning to lap up its welcoming atmosphere and excellent food. Sample its menu of warming meals inspired by hearty-and-wholesome pub food and enjoy the quality and care poured into every dish.
The Galley, Topsham
Serving “the very best of Devon on a plate”, The Gallery on Fore Street in Topsham is a well-known seafood restaurant. With comfortable interiors inflected with rustic, industrial nuances, it sets an atmospheric setting for flavour-rich meals. And, with this restaurant serving Michelin Bib Gourmand-level food, you know you’re in for a treat. Choose from an array of dishes (including meat and vegetarian options) and savour glasses of wine handpicked to perfectly pair with your meal.
Emilia, Ashburton
In homage to its northern Italian roots, this wonderfully inviting osteria is set within a former bank in the heart of Ashburton. Inspired by the owners’ - Tom Hill and Clare Lattin - favourite Italian suppers, Emilia beckons for authentic food and wine, each served generously. With one little kitchen, one large dining table, a smattering of bar seats and a daily-changing menu, this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is truly special. Naturally, in true Italian style, the pasta is made in-house too.
Michelin Recommended
The Antidote, Ilfracombe
Located in the stunning seaside town of Ilfracombe, The Antidote is recognised for its great quality, good value food. Proffering flavoursome British food alongside an extensive list of hand-selected wines, this welcoming restaurant in Ilfracombe’s sheltered harbour is a must-visit in the area. Take a seat within its modest yet stylish interiors and choose from a range of dishes, including seasonal adaptations from local sea bream to The Antidote’s signature sausage roll.
Seacliff, Berrynarbor
With gorgeous panoramas over Sandy Bay, Seacliff in Berrynarbor near Ilfracombe is worth visiting for its views alone. Providing even more incentive are its creative modern British dishes served in their three AA Rosette awarded restaurant. With each ingredient sourced from the waters and pastures around Devon, every dish concocted by Seacliff’s talented chefs is a seasonal celebration of the county. Dine inside or atop the outdoor terrace for year-round flavour sensations.
Maiden Arch by Robert Bryant, Barnstaple
With contemporary interiors setting the scene for modern cuisine, Maiden Arch by Robert Bryant in Barnstaple is a breath of fresh air. What originally started as a pop up has now become an established restaurant that has attracted the attention of the Michelin guide for its confident cooking. Carefully balancing flavours and textures with the finest local ingredients, Robert and his team have unlocked the secret to fantastically fresh, honest food with a stylish, contemporary twist.
The Farmers Arms, Woolsery
There’s nothing like stepping inside a proper country pub for a winsome dining experience. Fortunately, at The Farmers Arms in Woolsery, this Grade II listed pub has been sympathetically restored to create a wonderful venue in which to savour delicious pub classics. Served in their restaurant and outside in their suntrap courtyard (on fair-weather days), their farm-to-fodder meals feature all kinds of locally grown, produced and foraged ingredients for hyper-seasonal, hyper-tasty fare.
Salty Monk, Sidford
At home on Devon’s Jurassic Coast is The Salty Monk, a 16th Century former salt house in Sidmouth. Holding two AA Rosettes for the last 18 years and recommended by the Good Food and Michelin guides, this restaurant is certainly one to take note of. Dedicated to producing deliciously honest meals, the restaurant’s team focuses on using the best, freshest and organic ingredients from the West Country, championing both provenance and animal welfare too. Head over for afternoon tea or dinner and dine in their Abbots Den or Garden Room.
Stage, Exeter
Stage on Magdalen Road in Exeter is a bright, new restaurant promising an unmissable four or six-course tasting menu experience. Building a culinary stage from which to serve their imaginative creations, the team behind Stage invite you to join them for lunchtimes and evenings of dining and enjoy the show. Complemented by foraged elements and ingredients grown in the kitchen garden, the menus here change regularly to feature the freshest, most up-to-date flavours in town.
Salutation Inn, Topsham
Be it for a leisurely lunch, afternoon tea, or evening meal, a trip to The Salutation Inn in Topsham will reward you with all kinds of sweet and savoury delights. A real foodie hub, it has both a salt deli and wet fish shop for ingredients to take back to your luxury retreat, as well as a glass-topped courtyard atrium and intimate restaurant to be wined and dined onsite. Book your table at this former coaching inn, originally dating back to the 1720s, well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Glebe House, Southleigh
Set within a 15-acre smallholding in East Devon, Glebe House affords far-reaching views across the rolling fields and bucolic scenery of the Coly Valley. A fantastic foodie retreat (and the former childhood home of the chef and owner Hugo), this restaurant has a range of deliciously appetising meals to suit all taste buds and occasions. Think wholesome mains with seasonal sides plucked straight from the kitchen gardens, and homecooked puddings brimming with decadent indulgence.
Tytherleigh Arms, Tytherleigh
A former 16th Century coaching house on the Devon and Dorset border, The Tytherleigh Arms has found a new lease of life in the form of a family-run restaurant. As popular with visitors as locals, this restaurant is renowned for its seasonal menus that overflow with local goodies. Needless to say, whether you’re settling down for lunch in the dog-friendly bar or enjoying a more formal dining experience in the restaurant, you can look forward to some of the finest tastes in the South West.
The Angel, Dartmouth
The Angel – Taste of Devon is an award-winning restaurant located above the River Dart in Dartmouth. Rewarding diners with far-reaching views and exquisite food, it is somewhere that should be on the bucket list of every gastronomical guru in Devon. Led by MasterChef the Professionals finalist Elly Wentworth, this restaurant with its cool interiors and sunny aspect is open for select lunchtimes and evening meals. Pay special attention to Elly's signature tasting menu available on weekends.
Seahorse, Dartmouth
The foodie hub of Dartmouth is home to a wide array of great eateries, among which is the Michelin-recommended Seahorse. Boasting a super location close to Dartmouth harbour and next to the River Dart, this restaurant has been serving up mouth-watering food since 2008. And, being so close to the water, it stands to reason that this family-friendly restaurant specialises in seafood dishes. Savour Mediterranean-inspired specialities with fresh fish supplied from Brixham harbour, and enjoy.
Twenty Seven, Kingsbridge
During his childhood years, chef Jamie Rogers would walk past the building that is now Twenty Seven and dream of the day he could own it himself. At the age of 27, his dream became a reality and with ounces of hard work, creativity and natural talent, he transformed the bare bones of the building into a thriving restaurant. Venture over to see what all the fuss is about, sampling some of his masterful dishes that harness local produce for a culinary exploration of the seasons and surrounds.
Dartmoor Inn, Lydford
Located within the gorgeous sprawl of Dartmoor National Park, the aptly-named Dartmoor Inn is a family-friendly, dog-friendly pub and restaurant. Starting life as a 16th Century inn, this award-winning establishment now welcomes guests into its oak-beamed and flagstoned interiors for an unforgettable meal. Serving classic pub meals inflected with creativity and polished with a delicate finish, this is somewhere that quickly becomes a firm favourite.
Seeking Michelin star dining in Devon? Take a look at our luxury cottages here.
