Simon L
24 May 2018
With incredible produce grown and caught across the county, and a wealth of culinary talent in our kitchens, it's no surprise that a number of Devon’s finest restaurants feature in the prestigious Michelin Guide.
A mention in the guide comes with a “star”, an award given to the crème de la crème (pun intended) of restaurants throughout the land. Widely regarded as the hallmark of fine dining, it’s a sought-after honour for chefs and restaurants – and we’re incredibly proud of the culinary geniuses that have been awarded the honour in our lovely county.
Here, we showcase the fantastic establishments in Devon which have been awarded Michelin stars in the respected restaurant guide…
One of only 20 establishments in the whole of the UK to win two Michelin stars, Executive Chef Michael Wignall has really put the Dartmoor restaurant on the map.
A meal at the restaurant is an experience to remember. You’re sat in wood-panelled rooms which overlook the beautiful gardens, with your own waiter attending to your every want and need. The former shooting lodge’s exterior is equally as alluring. Found in the depths of the moor and has a picture-perfect river meandering through the grounds.
Menus cater for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, with a choice of tasting or à la carte menus featuring some of the finest seasonal and local ingredients.
Find a holiday cottage nearby on Dartmoor.
A bright, informal seaside restaurant overlooking the beautiful Torquay harbour, The Elephant is a wonderful eatery which reflects the very best seasonal produce.
Chef Simon Hulstone runs the restaurant in his hometown and offers a seriously tempting tasting menu, set lunches and more children’s meals too. Expect menus boasting fresh produce, sourced from nearby Brixham harbour and the restaurant’s own farm on the outskirts of Torquay, with dishes that cater for every dietary requirement.
Find a holiday cottage nearby in Torquay.
A new kid on the (chopping) block, celebrity chef Michael Caines left the aforementioned Gidleigh Park to start up a new adventure at Lympstone Manor, near Exmouth. Just six months on, and the country house hotel overlooking the beautiful River Exe estuary has its first Michelin star.
The cuisine on offer is quintessentially British, with dishes including Exmouth lobster to beef fillet from Darts Farm. No matter your hunger pang, Lympstone Manor will cater for you, with everything from private dining to afternoon tea all available to enjoy.
Find a holiday cottage nearby in Exmouth.
One of two eateries in North Devon to hold a Michelin star, Thomas Carr’s wonderful restaurant in Ilfracombe is a dining experience to behold. The chef, a local boy from nearby Woolacombe, has worked with top chef Nathan Outlaw in Cornwall, so you know from the off that his cooking is skilled.
The focus is on fresh seafood, with dishes determined on the day, once the boats have delivered their catches! Only available for evening meals, the restaurant has an emphasis on dining in a relaxed and unpretentious environment, and tantalising tasting menus of six and eight courses are on offer.
Find a holiday cottage nearby in Ilfracombe.
From the outside, an unassuming pub; on the inside, a quintessential, charming country inn where some of the best fine dining in Devon can be found. Head Chef Mark Dodson and his wife Sarah have overseen the Masons, in Knowstone on the edge of Exmoor in North Devon, since 2005, and take pride in providing high-quality food with a smile.
Although the words “fine dining” might leave your wallet quaking in your pocket, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Lunch is just £25 for three courses, or £21 for two, while their three-course Sunday lunch is around £36pp, and you can comfortably enjoy three courses of the a-la-carte menu for under £50. Expect some of the finest local produce, with menus changing with the seasons.
Find a holiday cottage nearby on Exmoor.
Want to know more about Devon's food and drink offerings? Check out our in-depth food and drink to Devon, showcasing all the culinary treats available in the county. If you're looking to visit the county for a foodie getaway, check out our range of cottages and stay close by to these incredible restaurants.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.