Best restaurants in Devon

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The team at ODE want to ensure Devon’s abundant natural larder stays intact, using only seasonal and regional organic produce. Guests can enjoy pizzas on the outdoor terrace or head inside for something more substantial.

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.

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.

The Swan proudly holds the title of Bampton’s oldest pub, but there’s far more to it than pints. Seasonal and regional is the name of the game here, with a menu featuring updated pub classics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This family-run fish restaurant boasts a plum location overlooking the River Exe estuary and is a favourite among Exeter locals and visitors. Expect constantly updated menus dictated by local produce and a superb wine list.