From post-surf hangouts to some of the county’s finest dining establishments, we pick ten of the best seafood restaurants in Devon
This restaurant was only established five years ago and it’s quickly managed to win the hearts of the public, resulting in seafood cuisine with a multi-award winning status. Because of its back street location, fine dining ambience and mouth watering dishes, Les Saveurs is fondly known as ‘Exmouth’s hidden gem’. The delicious menu is bound to please your taste buds enticing you to visit again and again.
2. Crab Shack on the beach, Teignmouth
Teignmouth’s Crab Shack is the perfect post-beach hangout. Its informal atmosphere means you can enjoy tasty seafood in flip flops and shorts whilst you relax after a day of paddling and sand castle building.
The Crab Shack is an independent business that thrives off of its hard-working team. The shack only serves customers the freshest fish which is caught using their own boats, so take a pick from the ever-changing catch of the day menu.
Shoals Café originally served as a swimming club storeroom but it has now been lovingly repurposed into a beautiful dining area overlooking Shoalstone seawater pool – an art deco icon on the South West coastline.
Despite its relatively new status (the café has just celebrated its first anniversary), Shoals has built a reputation for some of the tastiest seafood in Brixham. Enjoy the catch of the day fresh from the town’s fish market, whilst looking out to spectacular sea views.
Take Thyme restaurant can be found in North Devon in the picturesque seaside town of Ilfracombe. Located only a short walk away from the harbour, you can watch the hustle and bustle of the town from the window as you enjoy locally caught fish.
This type of dining atmosphere is perfectly suited to those who look for a more relaxed experience and like to get to know the locals. They are commended for their excellent front of house manner and family-friendly atmosphere.
5. Fatbelly Fred’s, Barnstaple
Fatbelly Fred’s is an award-winning seafood restaurant situated in the centre of Barnstaple, North Devon. They are committed to locally and sustainably sourcing their lobster and crab so you can rest assured your seafood will be fresh and tasty when it arrives at the table.
From platters and paellas to megrim sole and mussels, there’s plenty to choose from – all of which is supplied from the surrounding towns of Plymouth, Ilfracombe and Appledore.
6. The Galley Restaurant, Topsham
Based in Topsham, East Devon, this restaurant proudly provides simplistic, understated seafood. And despite its relatively small size, The Galley has received many five star reviews for their dishes. The restaurant consistently provides its customers with something different by serving tasty food using an extensive range of interesting ingredients.
Located in the Salcombe Harbour Hotel is The Jetty, a restaurant lucky to have the award-winning chef Alex Aitken as its ‘secret weapon’. There is an array of mouth-watering seafood dishes on the menu which can be enjoyed with a glass of wine on the dining terrace overlooking the waterfront.
With its stylish and luxurious interiors and top-notch service, you’ll feel like a VIP from the moment you walk through the doors of The Jetty. This restaurant is perfect for seafood lovers with a passion for fine dining.
Over the last thirty years, the Oyster Shack has evolved from a basic working shack into a modern and lively eatery where the Head Chef is a strong advocate of ethically sourced produce. Every day wild garlic and local samphire is handpicked from the chef’s herb garden to complement the best quality ingredients for the restaurant’s guests.
The extensive menu changes daily and it attracts diners from far and wide. Before sitting down to dinner, why not try one of the juicy cocktails from the bar menu?
9. Number 7 Fish Bistro, Torquay
At this Torquay-based Bistro you can expect knowledgeable and friendly staff that tend to your every need. The family-run eatery opened in 1993 and they have been purchasing high quality fish from the Brixham market ever since.
Seafood aside, upstairs you’ll find a wine bar which is perfect for unwinding with a glass of pinot while watching the sun set over the sea.
Mitch Tonks’ restaurant sits on the beautiful banks of the River Dart in Dartmouth. Inside, you’ll find some of the highest quality seafood is served, much of which has been cooked over a spectacular charcoal oven. The dishes overflow with flavour and have succulent tastes that melt in the mouth. Savour a charcoal grilled Dartmouth Lobster whilst looking out on to the picturesque waterfront.
This article was updated by Martha Griffiths in July 2021.
