Looking for restaurants in and around Devon? Want to know where to eat around the Exe Estuary? This corner of the south-west does quirky eats with as much finesse as it does fine dining, with an impressive roster of on-trend restaurants, laid-back cafés and sustainably minded vineyards.

Ad

For more UK travel guides, check out our picks of the best restaurants in Cornwall, best restaurants in the Cotswolds, best restaurants in Bristol and the best restaurants in Margate.


Pink Ginger, Exeter

Split over two floors, this always busy, creative bakery and flower shop boasts Exeter’s most exciting cake selection. Authentic Japanese and Thai flavours are intertwined to create the likes of choux buns bursting with matcha, vanilla cream or hojicha, or Thai tea cream rolls. @pinkgingerexeter

Pink-coloured bakery with plants and outdoor seating

The Seahorse, Dartmouth

With décor inspired by vibrant Venetian restaurants, The Seahorse will transport you there in a pop of a cork. Big on pasta, rice and stews, the menu marries local seafood and seasonal ingredients with a love of Italian cuisine. With twice-daily fish deliveries, expect the menu to change not just between visits but throughout the day. A typical meal might feature a selection of antipasti including Fine de Claire oysters followed by crisp red mullet with tartare sauce and Basque-style cheesecake with apricots. seahorserestaurant.co.uk

Fish being cooked on an open flame

The Chagford Inn, Chagford

From cosy nooks and log burners in winter to alfresco dining in the warmer months, The Chagford Inn is a pub for all seasons.
Its no-waste, nose-to-tail philosophy results in dishes like pig skin ragu with polenta; chargrilled courgette, butter bean and sundried tomato; or Brixham scallops, heritage tomato and black olives. The owners strongly believe in supporting the local community and strive to source everything nearby. thechagfordinn.co.uk

Pic of food at the Chaford Inn, Devon
Photo by Guy Harrop

The Lost Kitchen, Tiverton

This informal and relaxed restaurant celebrates seasonal produce and wood-fired cooking at its best. The beautifully restored feasting barn that was once home to cider has become one of the most sought after dining spots in the region. The pizzas and flatbreads have the locals in a tizzy but also try the wood-roasted merguez sausage with hazelnut and rocket pesto, or bubbling haddock, leek and potato gratin. Booking is advisable. lostkitchen.co.uk

Restored barn in Tiverton

130 Basement, Exeter

Located near Exeter’s historic quayside, 130 Basement provides an intimate atmosphere perfect for coffee lovers. Known for its
friendly service, relaxed vibe and expertly crafted coffee, it’s quickly become a favourite for locals who like to hunt out the good spots in town. Whether you’re after a caffeine fix or a quiet spot to work, it provides a unique, welcoming experience in the heart of the city. @crankhouse130b

130 Basement dish on a light wood table

Harry’s, Exeter

A stone’s throw from the bustling high street, this popular family-run restaurant has been going strong since 1993. Known for its warm ambiance and exceptional cuisine, the cheese soufflé and succulent steaks are firm favourites on the menu. Attentive, friendly staff enhance the dining experience, making this an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and celebratory occasions. harrysrestaurants.co.uk

The warm interior at Harry's, with dark wooden furnshings and brown leather banquette seating

Circa, Totnes

This modern British bistro, housed in an 18th-century building, offers inventive sharing plates with a focus on sustainability,
welcoming service and cosy vibes. Dishes like ember beetroot with nettle labneh and fallow deer tartare with hawthorn and
celeriac showcase local ingredients and open-flame cooking techniques. circadevon.co.uk

Circa, Devon

The Bull Inn, Totnes

The Bull Inn has been instrumental in making Totnes a must-visit town for judicious foodies. With its “no-bull rules” this organic, ethical pub is all about well executed modern British cuisine. Add in nine contemporary, stylish bedrooms, attentive staff and an exceptional wine list, and it’s very difficult not to fall head over heels. The fried cauliflower with ajo blanco and smoky onions is a must try. bullinntotnes.co.uk


Andria, Dartmouth

Weaving inspiration from his Parisian birthplace and Italian heritage through abundant local fare, chef Luca Berardino creates enticing plates that truly represent him as an individual. Dine in the modern restaurant or request a seat at the chef’s table – hidden away upstairs, this purpose- built dining room with a bespoke open kitchen featuring a wood-fired barbecue offers guests the likes of Torbay scallops, capocollo and artichoke, and fillet of beef, cauliflower cheese purée, caramelised garlic and smoked onion. andriadartmouth.com


Glebe House, Colyton

This tucked out of the way guesthouse offers an unforgettable dining experience rooted in rustic Italian and French country cooking. With seasonal produce from its own smallholding, menus range from exquisite kitchen suppers to a more relaxed Sunday lunch. Every dish is served family style at the table to allow guests to each create their own plateful. Interiors are as thoughtfully curated as the cuisine – bold colours, vintage details and original artworks create a warm, elegant atmosphere for a countryside escape. glebehousedevon.co.uk


Foodie day trips

River Exe Cafe, Exmouth

Known by locals as ‘floating heaven’ the menu at this custom-built barge turned restaurant and bar has a heavy nod towards day boat fish and seafood. Accessible only by water taxi or boat, it’s open from 1 April-30 September each year. The relaxed atmosphere and scenic views make it a popular spot for locals as well as those visiting the Jurassic Coast. There’s a perfect blend of great food, exceptional service and a sense of tranquillity that can only be found on the water. The panoramic views of the Exe Estuary create an idyllic backdrop, whether you are enjoying a leisurely lunch or a sunset dinner. Choose from the catch of the day, loaded sharing platters complete with hand-picked Brixham crab, steamed mussels and shell-on prawns, and tomahawk steak, garlic roasted bone marrow and truffle and parmesan fries. Booking essential. riverexecafe.com

The inside of River Exe Cafe, a custom-built barge turned restaurant

Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth

Blackpool Sands, located near Dartmouth, is a privately owned sheltered beach that, on a sunny day, could be mistaken for the Mediterranean. The beachside café, lounge and restaurant offers a superb selection of dishes ranging from seaside staples like fish and chips to more refined small plates. Cream teas, served the Devon way of course, are served all day. Adventure seekers can rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the coastline. Or, if it’s a sense of calm and relaxation you’re after, rent an hour in the lavender- and eucalyptus-infused outdoor sauna. blackpoolsands.co.uk


Sandridge Barton, Stoke Gabriel

Nestled in South Devon’s Dart Valley, Sandridge Barton has been crafting English wines for more than 40 years. The estate boasts 32 acres of land under vine, cultivating varieties like pinot noir, chardonnay and bacchus. In 2020 the estate unveiled its state of the art winery incorporating features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting as part of its sustainable design. Visitor
experiences range from guided or self-guided tours and wine tastings to an onsite restaurant and self-catering accommodation (the boat house is particularly idyllic). Linger on into the summer evenings at the Vineyard Vibes events. Think: watching the sunset, glass in hand while chilled out music plays. sandridgebarton.com


Foodie town spotlight

Ashburton

Nestled on the edge of Dartmoor, an Area of Outstanding Beauty, the market town of Ashburton boasts a vast selection of
independent restaurants, cafés and shops. At Creamo’s, top-notch flat whites are paired with pastries – think Yorkshire rhubarb and cardamom danish – and seasonal ice cream flavours. If heartier fare is your jam head to Rafikis. Its menu reflects the owners’ passion for travel while staying true to Devon’s amazing produce – kimchi pancakes, rainbow veg bánh mì and Sri Lankan baked eggs to name a few. Down the hill at Italian osteria, Emilia, watch chefs conjure up the likes of fazzoletti with pork and fennel ragu in the open-plan kitchen. The elegant, light-filled dining room at sister spot, Le Vin Perdu, is the perfect setting for a lingering Sunday lunch. Rotisserie chicken with chicken fat roast potatoes is the speciality, reminiscent of Provençal food markets, or pop in for a cocktail curated from the ever-changing homemade cordials and syrups.

Elegant, light-filled dining room at Le Vin Perdu, Ashburton

Photographs by Paul Courtney, Guy Harrop, Tara Smith

Ad

More UK restaurant guides

Best restaurants in Deal
Best restaurants in Birmingham
Best restaurants in St Albans
Best restaurants in Broadstairs
Best restaurants in Edinburgh
Best restaurants in York
Best restaurants in Whitstable
Best restaurants in Oxford
Best restaurants in Cambridge
Best restaurants in Manchester
Best restaurants in the Lake District

Authors

Comments, questions and tips

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post
Ad
Ad
Ad