Best Restaurants in Devon

Smooth-spined emerald hills, seemingly sketched by a child, that roll on to meet a fickle sea. Hidden coves and inns steeped in smuggler lore. Dramatic moorland dotted with weather-beaten, smoking old pubs, where gnarled beams crisscross thirsty amblers and fishermen’s hauls line the menu. Devon is a county blessed with a balmy climate, theatrical landscapes, and one of the UK’s jammiest land-and-sea larders—all of which is put to good use by a clutch of restaurants worth scooting down from the Big Smoke for alone. From ramshackle seafood joints warming coastal ramblers with steamed mussels and ginger-laced oysters to radically locavore country dining rooms evincing Agatha Christie chapters, here are the best restaurants in Devon.

The Riverford Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh

From the prophetic Riverford Farm founder, Guy Watson, The Field Kitchen on Riverford Farm at Buckfastleigh is a sort of pilgrimage spot—a ‘where-it-all-began.’ It’s also home to one of Devon’s best restaurants, where organic vegetables hoiked out of the soil a few yards away are whipped up into scrumptiously seasonal vegcentric platters. Carrot freekeh with parsley, chicken with apricot and pistachio, tenderstem broccoli with soft boiled egg zaatar, and the like, are assembled along one long table throughout one sitting, mixing (yes) strangers. Bunches of dried wildflowers are strung in a makeshift manner along the barn-cum-restaurant’s walls, as is a chalk board menu dictated by whatever goodies the nearby patches and paddocks offer up each day.

Address: The Field Kitchen, Wash Farm, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0JU

The Seahorse, Dartmouth

Sitting pretty along Dartmouth’s quayside, The Seahorse is a Devonian institution where seafood is elevated to unfussy, unfrothy heights, with an Italian twist. Enter through Joe’s Bar, where a glass of Champagne typically opens the seafood show and drift on into a high-ceiling, airy room with orange leather banquettes and a pharmacy-style mahogany wine cabinet. Star Chef Mitch Tonks’ menus shift throughout the day, in line with Brixham market’s morning and afternoon deliveries, while classic Italian ingredients (the burrata, ricotta, artichoke) are trucked in from local farms. Pine for the reasonably-priced menu del giorno (three courses for £30) following an amble along the quay or settle into hours of artichoke and salami antipasti; Capellini with Dartmouth crab or slow-cooked lamb orzo primi; and saffron-laced cassola di tonno or a sizeable slab of bay squid grilled over the fire. It’s the Mediterranean manner in which The Seahorse prepares the fish that excites food lovers.

Address: 5 S Embankment, Dartmouth, TQ6 9BH

The Pig at Combe, Honiton

Just how elaborate can ‘simple’ get before it ceases to be simple? The Pig at Combe deftly stretches the definition, while keeping its 25-mile menu unpretentious, unbelievably delicious, and fervently seasonal. The rustic-botanical aesthetic—chipped paint, terracotta potted plants over fireplaces, mismatched chairs—fills the sweeping rooms of an Elizabeth Manor house. The outdoor folly offers delicious flatbreads cooked to cheesy perfection in the wood oven, while the wood-panelled dining room is where to dock for a seasonal feast. From the pickled mussels and crackling and apple sauce appetisers all the way to the Dartmoor pork chops and ‘Simon Paul’ lemon sole confettied with smoked bacon and grilled sweetcorn, Otter Valley and Lyme Bay provenance shines through.

Address: The Pig at Combe, Gittisham, Honiton EX14 3AD

Glebe House, Colyton

A spec of a parsonage lost in East Devon’s rolling landscape, Glebe House appears to have sprung from the pages of a children’s storybook. Hugo Guest and his wife, Olive, have successfully placed their B&B on the aesthete’s map with its playful eclecticism, inspired by artsy influences. The Italian agriturismo-style restaurant focuses on seasonal bounty, featuring imaginative combinations such as porridge bread, brioche with brown crab, Tagliarini with monkfish ragu, and delightfully soft roast chicken with stuffed cabbage leaf and apple jelly.

Address: Glebe House, Southleigh Colyton Devon EX24 6SD

Lympstone Manor, East Devon

Michael Caine (MBE) of Gidleigh Park fame, was first drawn to Lympstone Manor for its wine-growing potential. The Georgian estate now boasts sprawling vineyards and incredible views of the Exe Estuary. This culinary destination offers boundary-pushing menus featuring Lyme Bay crab cannelloni, Creedy Carver duckling, and Beauvale blue cheese with black truffle. For a less formal experience, patrons can enjoy their three or four-course lunch menu, where creative dish presentations leave a lasting impression.

Address: Lympstone Manor, Courtlands Lane, Exmouth, EX8 3NZ

The Elephant, Torquay

Nordic chairs scatter the minimalist dining room of this Magnolia Torquay townhouse – the first restaurant in Torquay to earn a Michelin star. Simon Hulstone’s restaurant is a serene oasis of culinary artistry. Prepare for inventive openers, such as hand-dived scallop with courgette and toffee sauce, and enjoyable twists on the mains, including free-range pork loin with burnt peach puree. The Elephant presents a fine dining experience while maintaining casual elegance.

Address: The Elephant, 3&4 Beacon Hill, Torquay TQ1 2BH

Jack in the Green, Exeter

Despite an understated exterior, Jack in the Green is a trusted local favorite where Devon’s land-and-sea bounty shines. The gnarled-beam restaurant exudes warmth, with a menu that consistently delights. Starters can include scorched cod with black olive gnocchi, while mains may feature five-spice glazed duck breast paired with parsnip puree. The bar menu champions traditional pub fare done well, embodying the down-to-earth gastropub spirit.

Address: Jack in the Green, Rockbeare, London Road, Exeter, EX5 2EE

The Oyster Shack, Bigbury

Fun, informal, and slightly makeshift, the Oyster Shack in Bigbury is always bustling with locals and visitors alike. Diners share platters of fresh shellfish overlooking the River Avon under a blue pergola terrace. The bright interiors set a jolly tone, emphasizing that the food comes first. Guests can enjoy vast platters of oysters or indulge in a whole crab, prepared simply with garlic butter.

Address: The Oyster Shack, Milburn Orchard Farm, Stakes Hill, Bigbury, Devon TQ7 4BE