The best restaurants in South Devon

Staying at one of our self-catering holiday cottages in South Devon is always fun if you love cooking and baking. But even the most dedicated chefs need a few nights off, that’s why we’ve compiled a list of some excellent eateries in South Devon for you to choose from. There are many splendid and interesting places to eat and drink in South Devon. Read our local’s guides too for even more dining ideas close to where you are staying.

Stay at one of our holiday cottages in South Devon. For budding chefs we have some lovely cottages with exceptional kitchens for you to try out some recipes in. Whether you are holidaying as a couple or with friends and family, we have some great properties, large and small for you to choose from.

Read on for our favourite places to eat and give your loved ones a special treat.

🍽️Best for fine dining

Food and Drink at Gara Rock – Salcombe

Do not miss out on a dining excursion to Gara Rock in Salcombe. An unforgettable experience awaits at this fantastic restaurant with fantastic cliff-top views. Dine at all times of the day, as there are extensive menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chefs have also compiled some fixed menus to choose from where they’ll take your taste buds on a magical mystery tour. Booking ahead is advised.

Stay at: Court Barton Farm | Sleeps: 6 guests plus 2 dogs 

TQ9 Bar & Brasserie – Totnes 

Based at the Royal Seven Stars Hotel in Totnes, in a restored stable, this welcoming restaurant is one of South Devon’s favourite dining spots. With all meals from breakfast through to supper, you can enjoy a bold selection of delicious dishes made from combining local and exotic fare to grand effect. Book your table in advance.

Stay at: House Martin Cottage | Sleeps: 4 guests 

Also try: 

• Dartmouth River Restaurant
• Great Western Restaurant

🍽️Michelin star restaurants

The Elephant, Torquay 

The Elephant is a fabulous seaside restaurant next to the buzzing Torquay Harbour. Owned by one of the UK’s most decorated chefs, Simon Hulestone, it’s no surprise that the wonderful menus reflect the very best seasonal produce. Expect menus boasting fresh produce, fish and shellfish sourced from nearby Brixham Harbour and stock reared on the restaurant’s farm.

Stay at: Courtyard Annexe | Sleeps: 2 guests plus 1 dog 

Lympstone Manor – Exmouth

Run by the famous chef Michael Caines, this relatively new restaurant has one Michelin star, making it one of two in South Devon with such an accolade. With fantastic views across the River Exe estuary, you can enjoy some sensational, quintessentially British cuisine including Exmouth lobster or beef fillet from Darts Farm. Be sure to book a table.

Stay at: Kenniford Cider Steps | Sleeps: 2 guests plus 1 dog 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Best family meals

The Lincoln Restaurant – Dawlish  

This South Devon restaurant is a fine prospect for some evening dining; located at the Langthorne Cliff Hotel, this place enjoys exceptional views overlooking the River Exe estuary. Close to Dawlish Warren and other beaches, the Lincoln Restaurant is a local favourite that is also popular with visitors to the area. With a versatile menu that hosts a variety of interesting dishes, covering a choice of main courses, light lunches, breakfasts and desserts. 

Stay at: Oystercatchers | Sleeps: 2 guests

The Retreat Bar and Restaurant – Newton Abbot

Based at Finlake,near Newton Abbot, this is a superb family restaurant for those in love with good quality English food made with local fare. There is a great wine list and a choice of more exotic cuisine to enhance the fine standards on the menu. This is a good choice for those looking for an informal atmosphere and a tasty lunch with ideas for all the family.

Stay at: The Pad | Sleeps: 2 guests plus 2 dogs 

Also try: 

• Budleigh Fish and Chips
• The Pig and Whistle Inn

🐶Best dog-friendly

Radius 7 – Dartmouth 

First opened back in 2015, Radius 7’s mission statement is to bring their guests the best in local produce, fresh from suppliers, the sea and the land. The relaxed atmosphere of this welcoming bar and restaurant makes it one of our favourite for an early evening meal in South Devon. Dartmouth is a beautiful place to explore too, whilst you walk off your meal from Radius 7. It’s dog friendly too, with tables in the bar area available for diners.

Stay at: Beach End | Sleeps: 12 guests plus 3 dogs 

Also try: 

• The Kitchen in Sidmouth
• The Cricket Inn

🍽️Best for vegetarian food

Samphire Brasserie, Plymouth

This 100% vegan restaurant is worth the trip if you are on holiday in South Devon. With incredible additions to the menu like a vegan Big Mac equivalent and mac n’ cheese, you will know that the chefs know a thing or two about this kind of food. Offering the only vegan delivery service in Plymouth, the Samphire Brasserie is taking Devonian vegan cuisine to some interesting places.

Stay at: Sea Captains Lodge | Sleeps: 5 guests

Also try:

• The Winking Prawn
• Valley View

🍗 The best Sunday lunch

The Sloop Inn, Bantham  

In Bantham, the Sloop Inn is a 14th-century pub full of history and the Sunday lunch on offer will not disappoint. If you have been working up an appetite walking on the South West Coast Path, then this is the perfect place to quell your hunger. Expect a tasty choice of pork, turkey, beef, pork, vegetables, lashings of gravy and generous Yorkshire puddings. Also read our guide the best Sunday lunch in Devon.

Stay at: Curlew at Cotmore | Sleeps: 6 guests plus 2 dogs 

Also try:

• The Journey's End Inn
• The Watermans Arms

For more ideas:

Read our food guide to Devon

Now that we’ve intrigued you with our choices of places to eat in South Devon, take a look at our range of self-catering cottages in South Devon. Whether you are planning a break for just the two of you or hope to celebrate a family gathering, we have the perfect holiday property just for you.

Browse our cottages

Photo credits:

header @ gararockhotel 

Gara Rock @ gararockhotel

TQ9 @ gwenshair

The Elephant @ the_elephant_simon-hulstone

Lympstone Manor @ lympstone_manor

Dawlish @ vitahale

The Retreat @ fooddrinkdevon

Radius 7 @ radius7

Samphire Brasserie @ samphire_brasserie

The Sloop Inn @ thesloopinn17