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Best restaurants in Devon

The county of Devon in Southwest England is best known for its idyllic landscapes, which take in picturesque beaches, medieval towns and towering cliff tops looking out along the English coastline. Beyond all of that though, Devon is also home to a thriving restaurant scene, which sees thousands flock here every summer in search of good food (and maybe a nice tan while they’re at it). Our pick of the best restaurants in Devon features options for every style and budget and will help you determine the places you need to dine at next time you’re in town.

Updated on 22 May 2024

When you think of Devon, that sprawling county which runs along the English coast, you probably conjure up images of sandy beaches, cutesy fishing towns and ramblers determinedly making their way across cliff tops in spite of blustering winds. While all of those scenes don’t paint an inaccurate picture of Devon life, this corner of the world is also renowned for its excellent food scene. In fact, Devon restaurants are among some of the very best in the country, with a sprinkling of Michelin stars to be found across the various towns.

It is not all about special occasions and fine dining at the best Devon restaurants though, because the region is also home to plenty of cosy pubs, relaxed cafes and independent bistros that will greet you with cheery smiles and a bowl of something hot. If you are on the hunt for the best restaurants in Devon, you need look no further, as we have rounded up a whole host of our favourites. Our list of restaurants takes in fancy establishments through to super casual haunts, so you can plan your next trip to Devon easily and make sure the restaurants you visit are just right for you.

This list also shows you pictures of the food, prices, cuisine and awards such as our very own UK Top 100 restaurants list. As such, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for quickly and easily. Once you do, hit ‘book now’ to go to the restaurant’s listing page. There, you’ll find tons more information, including reviews, opening times and FAQs. Most importantly, the page will tell you how to book a table, so you can lock in a reservation in just a few clicks. So, without further ado, enjoy our comprehensive list of the very best restaurants in Devon.

The Pig at Combe

The Pig at Combe

Gittisham, Honiton, Devon, EX14 3AD

The Pig’s menu is underpinned by produce from its three walled kitchen gardens, alongside Devon cheeses, locally sourced fresh fish and meat from local butchers. This all results in a delicious, well thought out menu.

Modern European
The Loft Sidmouth

The Loft Sidmouth

3-5 Old Fore Street, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 8LS

A family-run affair, The Loft is a popular haunt for holidaymakers thanks to its crowd-pleasing all-day menu that’s replete with Mediterranean accents. On sunnier days, try and nab a table on the sought-after roof garden.

£30 - £49
Modern European
Lympstone Manor

Lympstone Manor

Courtlands Lane, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 3NZ

This Michelin-starred Georgian pile from chef Michael Caines should be on every Devon visitors ‘to dine’ list. Come for the gorgeous surrounds and stay for a masterful modern British menu which thrills at every turn.

Over £80
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Seahorse Restaurant

The Seahorse Restaurant

5 South Embankment, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 9BH

Fish is king at this bright and cheerful waterfront restaurant, with the kitchen often cooking seafood caught that same day. Alongside the fresh fish, expect an extensive wine list and great value set lunch menus.

£50 - £79
Fish
Twenty Seven by Jamie Rogers

Twenty Seven by Jamie Rogers

Twenty Seven by Jamie Rogers 9 Mill Street, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1ED

MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Jamie Rogers is the brains behind this upscale modern European eatery, where guests can choose between four, six or eight-course menus. Expect intriguing, yet well executed dishes designed to wow guests.

£50 - £79
British
Gidleigh Park

Gidleigh Park

Gidleigh Park, Chagford, North Tawton, Devon, TQ13 8HH

Prepare to have your preconceptions of disappointing hotel food torn apart by Gidleigh Park, a Devon hideaway that’s unashamedly English and serves a menu of seasonal, beautifully refined dishes that are masterful in their simplicity.

Over £80
Modern European
One Michelin star
River Exe Cafe

River Exe Cafe

River Exe Estuary, Exeter, Devon,

You can tick ‘dining on a floating barge’ off your bucket list with the charmingly quirky River Exe Cafe. Accessed by water taxi, the menu here champions local produce, naturally including plenty of fresh fish.

Under £30
Modern European
Caribbean
British
The Angel Dartmouth

The Angel Dartmouth

2 South Embankment, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 9BH

The Angel has long been one of Dartmouth's most popular gastropub restaurants, led by MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Elly Wentworth. Elly's cooking is generous, big on flavour, but still elegant, making the most of Devon's considerably seasonal bounty across tasting and a la carte menus. The Angel also does a cracking, and very popular Sunday lunch.

£30 - £49
British
The Elephant

The Elephant

3-4 Beacon Terrace, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2BH

That rare Michelin-star restaurant which welcomes children with open arms, The Elephant is an informal seaside restaurant overlooking the gorgeous Torquay harbour. Expect an ever-changing menu underpinned by produce from the restaurant’s own Brixham farm.

£30 - £49
Modern European
One Michelin star
The NoBody Inn

The NoBody Inn

Doddiscombsleigh, nr Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7PS

This 17th century inn is full of warmth and surprisingly home to 250 wines and more than 200 whiskeys. As for the food, expect homely, well-executed dishes destined to send you into a food coma.

£30 - £49
British
Emilia

Emilia

2 East Street, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7AA

Owned by Clare Lattin and Tom Hill of the excellent Ducksoup in London, Emilia brings pleasing Italian osteria vibes to Salcombe, with lovely rustic interiors and a menu of easy-going seasonal plates, like gorgonzola with sweet pickled plums and classic pasta dishes. 

£30 - £49
Italian
Riverford Field Kitchen

Riverford Field Kitchen

Buckfastleigh, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0JU

Vegetables, well sourced and perfectly cooked, are the stars of the show here, with meat and fish acting as mere support acts. We also love the pretty interiors, which feature flowers hanging from the ceiling.

Under £30
Modern European
Vegetarian
Vegan
Acleaf

Acleaf

Boringdon Hall Hotel, Plympton, Devon, PL7 4DP

Exclusively serving tasting menus, Acleaf’s selection of hi-spec dishes brought to life with local produce fit right in with the luxe surrounds of country manor house Boringdon Hall. Great for weekend getaways with your partner or a pal.

£50 - £79
Modern European
One Michelin star
The Cornish Arms Tavistock

The Cornish Arms Tavistock

15 West Street, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 8AN

One of the most highly decorated gastropubs in the country, The Cornish Arms is not, in fact, in Cornwall. That's good news for Devonites, who can toddle over to Tavistock and nab a table to enjoy chef John Hooker's magnificent cooking, which stays faithful to bold, generous British pub classics, on a foundation of outstanding Devon produce.

£50 - £79
British
Gastropub
Andria

Andria

5 Lower Street, Dartmouth , Devon, TQ6 9AJ

One of a few fantastic restaurants in Dartmouth, Andria takes Devon's world-class seafood and elevates it with eclectic influences from all over Europe. Try torched Brixham cod with smoked butter sauce and caviar for size, although Andria also has lots of excellent vegan and vegetarian options among the small plates too. The set tasting menu is the way to go for first time visitors. 

£50 - £79
Modern European
Lilac

Lilac

Cellar 57 - 58 Broad Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QF

Taking up residence in a 400 year old cellar, it makes sense that Lilac takes its place as a restaurant and wine bar providing an elegant and contemporary backdrop for diners. Each small plate has been carefully curated to accompany one of the wines so be sure to ask for top pairing recommendations when you visit.

£30 - £49
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Mason Arms Knowstone

The Mason Arms Knowstone

Knowstone, South Molton, Devon, EX36 4RY

A thatched 13th-century inn along the foothills of Exmoor might be the last place you’d expect to find a Michelin-starred kitchen, but that’s exactly what chef Mark Dodson has achieved at this hidden Devon gem.

£30 - £49
British
Gastropub
One Michelin star
Glebe House

Glebe House

Southleigh, Colyton, Devon, EX24 6SD

Glebe House started its life as a well-loved bed and breakfast, which was then bought by the owner's son when it was time to sell. Now run by son, Hugh, and wife, Olive, Glebe is pitched as an English agroturismo with a farm-to-table kitchen combining Italian inspiration with British produce.

£50 - £79
British

Once you’ve explored all that Devon has to offer, why not check out our pick of the best restaurants in Cornwall? It has more than its fair share of excellent restaurants, especially when it comes to seafood. There you can enjoy the catch of the day overlooking the beautiful coast - what’s not to like? If it’s a city break you’re after, then be sure to head north east. We regularly update our guide to the best restaurants in Bristol, so it’s well worth checking out the food there too.

If, however, you’re on more of a UK-wide hunt for amazing food, the only list you’ll need is the SquareMeal Top 100 UK Restaurants. It’s the definitive list for foodies, covering the absolute best food all over the country. Using that list, you’ll be able to plan the ultimate food tour of the country. Just be sure not to fill up on bread!

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