Top Restaurants in Devon
Devon is home to many things, from jaw dropping coastlines to breath taking moorland but one thing that keeps people coming back time and time again is the mouth-watering food. Holidays are all about spending the important time to relax, explore new destinations and indulge in delicious food and drink. Whether you’re looking for a hearty pub lunch or a fine dining experience, eating out in Devon has something for everyone. Tease your taste buds and read below for our favourite places to eat in Devon!
Golden Lion Inn
In the heart of Tipton St John alongside the River Otter, you will find the delightful Golden Lion Inn. The pub retains a traditional feel with wooden beams and stone interior walls whilst having beautiful eclectic décor from tiffany lamps to art deco prints. The extensive menu changes throughout the seasons and comprises the highest quality British, Mediterranean and French cooking. Throughout the summer, one can dine al fresco in the beer garden or terracotta-walled terrace with tumbling grapevines.
River Exe Café
Based in the Exe Estuary, this floating barge offers dining with a difference as Devon’s only floating Gastro Shed. Open from April through September, The River Exe Café offers a wide range of locally-sourced produce including fresh seafood delivered straight to the restaurant from local fishermen. Be sure to book well in advance to guarantee yourself a table and a spot on the water taxi from Exmouth Marina.
The Pig at Combe
Nestled in the Otter Valley, this secluded, mellow, honey-coloured Elizabethan gem is the definition of country chic. The Pig at Combe looks and feels like a fairy tale and the food is equally as stunning. With three walled gardens of vegetables, herbs and infusions and a 25-mile menu, The Pig prides itself on locally sourced produce. As well as the main restaurant, The Pig boasts a characterful bar with roaring fires and a wealth of aperitifs and cocktails to choose from. If you are after something more casual, why not drop into the Folly, a former orangery which serves delicious wood fired pizzas, nibbles and Piggy cocktails.
The Fountain Head
Tucked away in the Branscombe countryside you’ll find this friendly unspoilt pub which dates back to the 14th Century. The original raised hearth with its tall central chimney provides a warm log fire throughout winter with hearty meals and local ales to match. On Sunday evenings throughout summer enjoy live music with a barbeque and spit-roast in the outside terrace amongst the green fields and trickling stream.
Lympstone Manor
Overlooking the tranquil Exe Estuary, Lympstone manor is a luxury country house hotel offering superb lunch, cream tea and dinner. Here in the beautiful fine dining rooms of a Georgian mansion discover the famous Michael Caine’s vision of modern British cuisine. Using the bounty of the Exe Estuary and the extensive larder of the southwest, the Michelin starred restaurant at Lympstone Manor reflects seasonality and local produce along with superbly matched wines.
Al Farid’s
Sat in the corner of Exeter’s Cathedral Green, the exotic tastes and décor of Morocco and the Middle East await you at Al Farid’s. Sit amongst colourful cushions and hanging lanterns and enjoy a feast fit for a king. From mezzes, tagines and tapas platters, the colours, tastes and aromas of Morocco are reproduced for you to enjoy. Be sure to save room for a delicious selection of traditional desserts to complement your meal.
The Holt
After winning Gastro Pub of the year and holding two AA Rosettes, The Holt in Honiton is not one to miss. Downstairs one can enjoy a cosy bar serving tapas and homecooked food while upstairs offers fine dining from a seasonally changing menu. Serving dishes that reflect their passion for great tastes and flavours from all over the world, the menu is kept deliberately small to allow the attention to detail that is the keystone of their cooking.
Now you’ve got some ideas of where to eat in Devon, why not browse our collection of cottage holidays in Devon to find your perfect place to stay. Our hand-picked portfolio of properties covers the East Devon Coastline from Exmouth and Topsham through Sidmouth to Beer. Living locally, our team here at Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays are on hand to help you with any dining or activity questions and we are happy to share our favourites with you.