Our favourite seafood (and other) restaurants revealed
Restaurants (in Salcombe and nearby villages)
The Beach House – With a shabby chic feel the beach hut style restaurant has got a relaxed atmosphere with its beach-styled décor; driftwood panels, fishing nets in the rafters and hanging bulbs. Excellent no matter what time of day; breakfast, lunch, or supper. I’ve recommended this brilliant restaurant with the most delicious fresh fish seafood dishes to lots of guests and no one’s been disappointed (a personal favourite is the crab linguini). The view is outstanding and it’s a perfect place to have a long walk on the beach, either before or after supper. MUST BOOK, gets very busy in peak periods.
A – South Milton Sands, Thurlestone, TQ7 3JY
T – 01548 561144
W – www.beachhousedevon.com
Boatswains at The Kings Arms – Waterside pub in central Salcombe. Adjacent to the Whitestrand car park. The pub was completely refurbished in 2019, at this time the pub amalgamated with Boatswains, the long-established fish restaurant. They serve simple dishes cooked well and for me it’s the best pub in Salcombe.
A – 18 Fore Street, Salcombe, TQ8 8BU
T – 01548 842202
E – info@boatswainsattheka.com
The Braai Guy – Was originally a popular pop-up from a vintage van and has now opened a restaurant tucked just off Fore Street in Salcombe, an often-forgotten alleyway, with a small restaurant and no fuss food. I most recently had fresh mackerel with salad and loaded fries.
A – 6-7, Russells Court, Fore St, Salcombe, TQ8 8BS
T – 07754 035317
Brightham House – Their Thursday Italian feast night is a must, with a fixed menu and multiple courses of deliciousness, with very bold interior choices, the boutique B&B’s restaurant is a fun place to visit. Scrumptious focaccia and seafood dishes, usually followed by a pasta dish for main and a selection of sweet treats to finish.
A – Brightham House Boutique Bed & Breakfast, Higher Town, Malborough, near Salcombe, TQ7 3RN
T – 01548 560111
E – hello@brighthamhouse.co.uk
The Cove – Has one of the best views locally from their upstairs bar, you must stay to watch the sun set or pop in if you’re on a cliff top walk from Malborough. They recently added a roof top terrace too. Their garlic prawn pizza is super tasty, and they have got ‘dirty’ fries down to a T. Check out their Facebook page as they often have live music that makes for a fun atmosphere.
A - Harbour Lights, Anchor Cottages, Hope Cove, Kingsbridge, TQ7 3HQ, UK
T – 01548 561376
The Crab Shed – The restaurant is perched on the water’s edge close to their very own crab factory, where all the crab meat, fish, and shellfish is hand-picked, straight from the fishing boats that operate from The Fish Quay. This is the spot to try dressed or whole crab. And excellent for fish and chips.
A – The Crab Shed, The Fish Quay, Gould Road, Salcombe, TQ8 8DU
T – 01548 844 280
W – www.crabshed.com
Dick & Wills – Stunning panoramic views across the harbour from the terrace, where you can enjoy al fresco eating throughout the day. Ideal for a romantic evening or for a special occasion. Its located on the bottom floor of The Salcombe Apartments, so you will have to be able to get down a few flights of stairs. I recently enjoyed their curried prawn dish and a side of onion bhajis. Wonderfully attentive staff too.
A – Fore Street, Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8JG
T – 01548 843408
The Ferry Inn - Is in a prime waterfront location. The views really are exceptional and there is plenty of outdoor seating for all to watch the world on the water go by! Great for a light lunch or drinks. I personally enjoy a prawn cocktail accompanied with a Pimm’s.
A – The Ferry Inn, Fore Street, Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8JE
T – 01548-844000
W – www.theferryinnsalcombe.com
View from Union Street next to The Fotescue Inn
The Fortescue Inn – Their artisan oven baked pizzas are delicious, with lots of tasty toppings to choose from. Lovely to watch your pizza being cooked in the oven clad in beautiful wooden boarding.
A – Union Street, Salcombe, TQ8 8BZ
T – 01548 842868
Gara Rock Hotel - Gara is a spectacular circular walk along the coast path from Salcombe and when you arrive to the new urban chic hotel there is a reward of delicious Chef's seasonal dishes made with ingredients from local producers and his own kitchen garden. They also provide a Land Rover Defender taxi, for those who would rather not walk, or perhaps would like a lift back to the ferry. They recently added an outdoor kitchen, that offers a small variety of dishes cooked over the grill, I personally love the whole prawns with the Isle of Wright tomato salad. MUST BOOK as it gets very booked up in peak periods and weekends.
A - Gara Rock, East Portlemouth, Near Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8FA
T - 01548 845946
W - www.gararock.com
Coastal path on the opposite side leads to Gara Rock
View out to sea from the Harbour Bech Club
Harbour Beach Club – officially launched in 2022, this is fashioned as a stylish waterfront boutique hotel and spa, built on the site of the previous Tides Reach Hotel. We went and enjoyed a pint of prawns and noted the lovely interiors and good service from all staff.
A - South Sands, Salcombe, TQ8 8LJ
T - 01548 233456
The Jetty at The Salcombe Harbour Hotel - The Jetty, takes full advantage of its waterfront location, I love to get there early and have a drink on the deck with prime harbour view, all cocktails are well made with fresh ingredients. Serving local and seasonal dishes, with fresh fish. Start with the soufflé, if it’s on the menu, and I would follow with the seafood bisque – perfect.
A – Cliff Road, Salcombe, TQ8 8JH
T – 01548 844 444
View from The Jetty at The Harbour Hotel
La Crêperie de Salcombe – Perfect for an after-dinner treat or try their savoury pancakes for a light supper. NB only open during peak weeks July and August. The triple chocolate is my guilty pleasure - chocolate overload - but sometimes I go the whole hog and have a creamy mushroom crêpe to start.
A - 3 Fore St, Salcombe TQ8 8BY
T – 07950 189180
Lobster Pod Bistro – A unique and spectacular setting, it’s all in the name, book your own garden pod (they have heaters for chillier days), with far reaching views out to sea. Mainly seafood-based menu, the food is cooked in a non-fussy manner.
A – Lobster Pod Bistro, Hope Cove, Kingsbridge TQ7 3HJ
T - 01548 802137
E – lobsterpodbistro@gmail.com
The Old Inn - is a delightful village pub. Good pub food with a friendly atmosphere. I particularly love their fish and chips and if their lobster tortellini are on the menu, it’s a must.
A – The Old Inn, Higher Town, Malborough, Devon, TQ7 3RL
T – 01548 714461
W – www.oldinnmalborough.co.uk
Rockfish Salcombe – Coming Soon
There is no launch date yet, but as a personal favourite place to have fish and chips and somewhere I regularly make the effort to drive to Dartmouth to go to. It’s safe to say I’m excited for their arrival in Salcombe.
A – Rockfish, Island Street, Salcombe, Devon, TQ8
View from The Smoking Lobster
The Smoking Lobster
A pop-up restaurant, located adjacent to the Salcombe Yacht Club, with wonderful views out to sea. The brainchild of chef Jamie Rogers who owns and runs Kingsbridge’s Twenty-Seven restaurant, Michelin recognised and very worth a visit. I recently tried their signature dish of delicious ½ lobster and loaded millionaire fries, and they were the perfect combination, a scrummy crème brûlée too (only open in peak summer and select weekends, so definitely book).
A - Cliff House, Cliff Road, Salcombe, TQ8 8JQ
T – 01548 800567
South Sands Hotel - A fantastic, contemporary boutique hotel with New England décor on the beach in South Sands bay, just outside Salcombe. The restaurant terrace offers delicious food with stunning views of the estuary. You can also take the ferry from South Sands to Salcombe.
A – Bolt Head, Salcombe, TQ8 8LL
T – 01548 845900
View from the South Sands Hotel
Victoria Inn – Recently completely renovated, has a lovely warm feel with a crackling wood-burning stove in the winter months. In the winter I particularly like their pork belly dish with seasonal greens.
Address: Fore Street, Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8BU
T – 01548 842604
E – info@victoriainn-salcombe.co.uk
W – www.victoriainn-salcombe.co.uk
The Winking Prawn – Next to North Sands beach, this is ideal for a summer lunch on the picnic benches, their popcorn shrimp is a favourite light bite of mine. A lovely walk from the centre of Salcombe, simply walk along the coastal road and keep the estuary on your left or drive to North Sands car park. A good atmosphere in the evenings too, we grew up with it being a favourite for my grandparents to take all the family to, especially with their fancy dress box (which is still there as a treasure chest of fun).
A – North Sands, Salcombe, TQ8 8LD
T – 01548 842326
Restaurants (slightly) Further Afield (but totally worth the journey)
Britannia @ The Beach - Home of fantastically fresh local seafood – affectionately known as ‘The Shack’, but it does some of the best seafood I have ever tasted locally. They offer a combination of a traditional fishmonger, takeaway, village stores, and a unique rustic BYO café/restaurant (corkage applies).
A – Britannia at The Beach, Beesands, Kingsbridge, TQ7 2EH
T – 01548 581168
W – www.britanniaatthebeach.co.uk
The Crabshell Inn – is gloriously situated on the quayside on the creek in Kingsbridge and with its south westerly aspect basks in the sun all day. Their ‘What the Duck’ pizza is delicious, and I love a side of local samphire. There is a stylish shabby chic décor throughout and a beautiful new rooftop terrace It’s child friendly, with a great children’s menu. A great trip on the water if you also fancy hiring a boat (please see: Sea N Shore).
A – The Quay, Embankment Road, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 1JZ
T – 01548 852345
The Cricket Inn - Often described as a hidden gem, The Cricket Inn, has built an enviable reputation as one of the best foodie pubs in Kingsbridge, South Devon. Recently awarded Gold in the South West Tourism Awards 2019 for Pub of the Year this seaside inn is situated in the beautiful village of Beesands in the idyllic South Hams. Their famous seafood pancake is amazing, sometimes they have lobster scotch eggs as a special starter, but all their food is delicious.
A – The Cricket Inn, Beesands, Devon, TQ7 2EN
T – 01548 580 215
The Journey's End Inn - The Journey's End Inn is a 13th century pub in the village of Ringmore, and a lovely spot for a trip out. Having four fires to enjoy in the winter months, although I was recently there in the spring and there was a power cut, however this did not affect the chef at all, we ate over candlelight and all the food was still cooked to perfection by the chef/owner, Connor. Within easy walking distance of beautiful Ayrmer Cove too. Recommended for beef noodles and their Sunday roast. NEED TO BOOK IN ADVANCE.
A - The Journey's End Inn, Ringmore, Nr Kingsbridge, Devon. TQ7 4HL
T – 01548 810205
W – www.thejourneysendinn.co.uk
Millbrook Inn – This is a proper local pub, with not only a vernacular bar, but a perfect selection of beer and lagers, they make a very good Bloody Mary too. A small but perfectly formed seasonal menu. The only place locally I would go out for a roast. The owners are farmers too and provide lots of the organic meat used in the restaurant. Their side of roast potatoes with spring onions is always a must. During the summer their terrace is a sun trap, they have an impressive BBQ for more relaxed dining. It’s a great trip on the water if you also fancy hiring a boat.
A – The Millbrook Inn, South Pool, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2RW
T – 01548 531581
E – info@millbrookinnsouthpool.co.uk
W – www.millbrookinnsouthpool.co.uk
The Old Bakery - Offers modern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes in a sharing style. Their extensive menu includes many vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes. All their dishes are made in- house.
A – The Old Bakery, Promenade, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 1JD
T - 01548 855 777
E - info@theoldbakeryrestaurant.co.uk
W - www.theoldbakeryrestaurant.co.uk
The Oyster Shack - "Local and sustainably caught seafood, cooked to perfection." Summertime is enjoyed al fresco, under the lovely Mediterranean-styled orange canopy, but you can also enjoy the shack in the winter where you’ll find it cosy inside by their roaring fire. This is my go-to when wanting to start a meal with fresh oysters and I always go with the fish of the day on the specials. Fresh crab and lobster is usually available daily when in season. During the festive season I particularly love their Christmas pud!
Rewind 33 years and you’d have found the original oyster farm at The Shack. ‘Oysters would be cleansed in the purification tanks after maturing in the River Avon. Oyster lovers would arrive in droves to buy their fresh molluscs, bringing with them a packed lunch, shucking their own oysters, and tucking in with some crusty bread and a bottle of wine (or two).’
WORD TO THE WISE - Do NOT get caught out by the tidal road. Many holidaymakers think they can make it along the road when the tide has started to encroach. Better to be safe than sorry, if you can see any water on the road at all (and you haven’t asked the tide times from any locals) then reverse back along the road, turn around, and take the long route. Your car WILL be written off otherwise and you won’t be the first!
A – The Oyster Shack, Milburn Orchard Farm, Stakes Hill, Bigbury, Devon, TQ7 4BE
T – 01548 810 876
Radius 7 - This restaurant might be small, but it’s perfectly formed, and the food is fantastic. A bistro for locally sourced fare including seafood and steak dishes, plus takeaway fish 'n' chips and burgers.
A - New Road, Stoke Fleming, Dartmouth, TQ6 0NR
T - 01803 770007
Rockfish (Restaurant & Takeaway) – Rockfish is a charming beach shack style restaurant looking over the Dartmouth waterfront. It was also voted the UK’s best independent fish and chip shop. Make sure you visit the loo (even if you don’t need to ‘go’) for their version of the Shipping Forecast. It’ll make you chuckle.
A – Rockfish Dartmouth, 8 South Embankment, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 9BH
T – 01803 832 800
The Ship Inn – Certainly worth the trip to the spectacular Noss Mayo. It is an award-winning waterside pub, which has been beautifully renovated using reclaimed materials, English oak and local stone, it feels like a proper English pub. Enjoy good, fresh; homemade food, great beers, and interesting wines, whilst surrounded by wooden floors, old furniture, log fires, bookcases and dozens of local pictures.
A – The Ship Inn, Noss Mayo, Devon, PL8 1EW
T – 01752 872387
W – www.nossmayo.com
The Trevilder Restaurant, The Thurlestone Hotel - Excellent locally sourced food, ever-changing selection of fresh market dishes. I recently had the lobster bisque and a rack of lamb cooked to perfection. Accompanied by a carefully chosen wine list and impeccable service, from a very well-trained local team.
A – The Thurlestone Hotel, Thurlestone, Kingsbridge Devon TQ7 3NN
T – 01548 560382
E – enquiries@thurlestone.co.uk
W – https://www.thurlestone.co.uk
The Tower Inn - Tucked away in the heart of beautiful Slapton village, they are hidden in the shadow of a 14th century tower. Roaring log fire and a wood-burning stove, mulled wines and warming winter food, or a summer Pimm’s in their secluded walled garden to accompany some proper pub food. I particularly like their gastro burger.
A – Slapton, Devon, TQ7 2PN
T – 01548 580 216
Twenty-Seven by Jamie Rogers, Kingsbridge -This is the ‘mothership’ to The Smoking Lobster. Owned and run (always a winning combination) by chef, Jamie Rogers, it’s multi-award winning and has Michelin and AA recognition for their fine dining experience. They have a wonderful à la carte menu, but if you feel like spoiling yourself go for the Tasting Menu with accompanying wine flight (book your cab in advance!)
A certain holiday treat and Jamie can also be hired for a private dining experience with incredible canapés to kick off proceedings.
A – 9 Mill St, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1ED
T – 01548 288847
E – Reservations@27devon.co.uk
The Village Inn – Has very recently been completely refurbished and beautifully interior designed throughout, it’s a proper local pub, with gastro style food. If in season the mussels are a must, or their home-made beef and stilton pies is one of the best I have ever had. Go with an appetite as portions are generous. If you have room a crumble or cheese board to share is delicious too.
A - Thurlestone, near Kingsbridge, South Devon, TQ7 3NN
T - 01548 560382
E - enquiries@thurlestone.co.uk
W - www.thurlestone.co.uk/dining/the-village-inn
Wild Artichokes – (Jane Baxter and Sam) - This is a personal favourite dining spot in the area, make sure you go with a hearty appetite. It's a set feasting menu of perfectly paired food chosen by Jane and Sam. For couples or groups of four it's sharing tables, I personally love it and have had some evenings with great food and conversation. They are in tucked away in an unassuming unit on an industrial estate in Kingsbridge, but when you are in, the interiors are modern and funky. Must book in advance, all dates for 2023 are now released... I have personally already made a few upcoming reservations.
A - Unit 1, Centurion Works, Lower Union Rd., Kingsbridge, TQ7 1EF
T - 07976814530
Cafés
Captain Morgan’s Café & Bistro – Beautiful little cafe sitting by the waterfront in the heart of Salcombe. Established in 1976, Captain Morgan's is a Salcombe staple. Brilliant breakfast, the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of town, on the wooden outside tables. Takeaway is also available.
A – Fore Street, Salcombe, TQ8 8ET
T – 01548 843262
Salcombe Coffee Company – great for a bacon butty in the morning or always a good choice of good freshly made soups for lunch, they are also a licensed bistro, delicious freshly cooked dishes to choose from, however this is only in high season July & August.
A – 73 Fore Street, Salcombe, TQ8 8BU
T – 01548 842319
Sailor V – Great for a quick bite to eat for lunch in town or for healthy juices.
A – 36 Fore St, Salcombe, TQ8 8JF
T – 01548 843555
W – www.thewinkingprawngroup.co.uk
The Ward Room – Has the most beautiful view of the harbour, great for cream teas, cake, or breakfast, etc. (Located at the back of Crew Clothing or accessible from White Strand car park). In the summer they offer evening meals too, right on the waterfront with a harbour view, to watch boats bustling along. My recommendation is the crab linguini again, but it’s a slightly different take with lemongrass and chili for flavour and only white crab meat – sublime. Top the meal off with the treacle tart if it’s on offer.
A – 19 Fore St, Salcombe, TQ8 8BU
T – 01548 843333
Bars
Salcombe Gin – (Salcombe Distilling Company – Distillery, Bar, Gin School & Retail Store) - The Boathouse is a beautiful distillery and bar nestled in Island Street; the traditional boat building quarter of Salcombe, now renowned for its growing art scene.
Make your own Gin - try your hand at making your own gin. You may need to book for this. ‘You can take charge of a beautiful mini copper pot still to develop and distil your very own 70cl bottle of gin. Learn about how we produce Salcombe Gin and what it takes to produce a well-balanced and harmonious gin whilst enjoying a ‘Salcombe & Tonic’.’
A – The Boathouse, 28 Island Street, Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8DP
T – 01548 288180
W - www.salcombegin.com/distillery-bar
Devon Rum Bar
The taste of their rum punches makes you feel like you are in the Caribbean; the rum is from Jamaica and then finished in Devon. It’s a cool industrial bar, with creek views at the back or catch the evening sun on the Island Street side.
A – Hannaford's Landing, Island St, Salcombe, TQ8 8FE
T – 01548 721276
