Coastal resorts, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful sunsets; there’s a lot that Devon gets right. But, if you ask us, the food and drink scene is the beating heart of this popular English county. Whether you’re looking for a cream tea, a wholesome pasty or a pint of locally brewed ale, Devon has you well and truly covered; and a holiday in Devon is simply not complete without sampling a tasty plate of fish and chips.
While Devon is famed for its fine selection of places to eat out, whether you’re looking to dine out in the North Devon area or enjoy some local cuisine in the southern part of the county, you’d be hard-pushed to find fresher, more delicious fish and chips than you will in this beautiful part of the West Country. And, not only does Devon serve up some of the tastiest catches, it also offers a vast selection of beautiful beaches, providing the perfect backdrop to enjoy a fish-and-chip takeaway. And, since Devon is home to two coastlines, the freshest and tastiest fish is a guarantee.
So, whether you’re taking in the spectacular scenery and following some of Devon’s finest walks and bike rides, or planning a day with the family on the beach, a generous plate of locally sourced fish and hand-cut chips will most certainly be the icing on the cake - here are some of our favourite places to get ‘em.
North Devon
Woolacombe Fryer, Woolacombe
After a day spent splashing about in Woolacombe Beach’s excellent surf, there’s nothing quite like sitting down to a plate of fish and chips. And in Woolacombe, there’s nowhere better than the famous Woolacombe Fryer. Exceptionally fresh, sustainably-sourced fish is at the heart of this beloved chippie, promising a mouthwatering mix of cod, plaice, and haddock, as well as melt-in-the-mouth fishcakes.
You’ll also find all the usual chip shop favourites, including delicious burgers, pies, and sausages - and enough chips and curry sauce to feed a nation! Grab your order and take your freshly-fried haul back to Woolacombe's golden sands for a beautiful backdrop to your meal.
Sylvesters Fish and Chip Shop, Appledore
Specialising in serving up local fish and freshly cut chips in paper (no polystyrene packaging here, folks), this much-loved fish and chip shop is set in the heart of Appledore. Choose from a menu of tasty local fish and seafood and take your meal to enjoy on Appledore Beach. Take a look at their social media to get inspired!
Sitting on the estuary of the Taw and Torridge rivers, this beach offers the perfect backdrop to enjoy a serving of traditional fish and chips. If you time your visit right and land in August, you’ll be able to watch the comings and goings of the Appledore and Instow Regatta Week which takes place on the beach while you tuck into your meal.
Stowaways Restaurant and Tight Lines Chippy, Ilfracombe
Set in the heart of Ilfracombe and offering plenty of indoor seating, this popular restaurant also provides a full takeaway service so you can enjoy your meal overlooking the rather beautiful harbour. Offering a varied menu including all of the traditional fish-and-chip classic dishes, there is also a daily carvery available if the mood takes you.
Fancy a walk before you tuck in? Take the 2km steep walk to Wild Pear Beach and reward yourself with a tasty fish-and-chip moment on the beach once you arrive. This rocky beach is a little piece of heaven and benefits from being protected from the offshore wind, so it’s the perfect place to enjoy an alfresco meal. Check out their social media for more details.
Squires Fish Restaurant and Takeaway, Braunton
Situated in Braunton, this award-winning restaurant offers the perfect place to sit down with the family and enjoy a long lunch. With seating for up to 130 people set across two floors and a click-and-collect service available for takeaway orders, this popular restaurant has been in business for over 50 years and serves up a tasty menu of fresh fish and delicious chips cooked to order. Fancy dinner with a view? Pack up your food and head to the golden sands of nearby Saunton Sands. One of the county's most beautiful beaches, this sea-kissed haven is the ultimate place for a chippie tea.
The Pelican, Barnstaple
Offering indoor seating in the restaurant as well as a full takeaway service, this multiple-award-winning restaurant is much loved by locals and holiday makers alike. Specialising in serving up soft, flaky cod in a light, crispy batter, The Pelican does fish and chips like no other. With a focus on supporting local businesses and sourcing fish sustainably, The Pelican is well worth a visit for any fish and chip connoisseur. We recommend taking your haul to go and enjoying overlooking the River Taw as it gently flows down to the sea.
South Devon
Rockfish, Dartmouth
Established in 2010 by famous seafood expert, Mitch Tonks, Rockfish was the first restaurant owned by the Rockfish brand to open in the South West. Offering a full takeaway service that is available at the Lower Ferry on Lower Street, visitors can also choose to dine in the restaurant and enjoy a delicious plate of fish and chips.
With a focus on sourcing sustainably caught fish, you can be absolutely sure that the fish on your plate has been caught that very same day, meaning freshness and quality are absolutely guaranteed. Looking for a special gift? You can also purchase a range of seafood books written by Mitch Tonks and take a taste of this much-loved restaurant home with you. Wrap your fish up and enjoy on the banks of the River Dart for the chance to spot ships sail past as you sup.
Britannia at the Beach, Beesands
Known by locals as ‘The Shack’, this café and takeaway serves up delicious fish and chips as well as offering vegan options, too. Members of Food and Drink Devon, Britannia at the Beach has been established for over 40 years and is situated directly next to the shingle beach at Beesands.
There’s free parking located close by, so once you’ve parked up and picked up your order, set up camp on the beach and enjoy some time out with the family over a delicious portion of fish and chips.
Start Bay Inn, Torcross
Family-run since 1977, this restaurant dates back to the 14th century when it was then known as The Fisherman’s Arms. With a strong focus on local produce, real ales and ciders, and seafood specialities, this popular restaurant is set right on the beach, offering the perfect place to watch the sunset over a tasty takeaway. There are also branded hoodies, T-shirts and bamboo coffee cups to purchase if you’re looking for a gift, as well as gift vouchers available, too.
For a real treat? Take your fish and chips to go and enjoy them gazing out to sea at nearby Slapton Sands. A sprawling beach that reaches 3 miles in length, there are plenty of picnic spots to choose from.
West Devon
TJ's & LJ's Fish and Chips, Tavistock
Lovers of traditional fish and chips simply must take a trip to this family-owned restaurant. With lots of indoor seating and a full takeaway service available, there are plenty of menu options here to satisfy all tastes and dietary requirements. With wheelchair and buggy access available, this restaurant offers free street parking and is located in the heart of Tavistock.
Fancy a stroll? Take your fish and chips down to the canal. Got kids? Follow the canal a little further and you’ll stumble upon The Meadows, which offers a full children’s playground, a bowling green and tennis courts. And for a truly magical setting, explore a little further and enjoy your fish and chip supper on the banks of the River Tavy.
The Famous Chippie, Horrabridge
Serving up generously sized portions (one portion of chips is plenty for two), this fish and chip shop has earned itself quite the reputation over the years. The fish is coated in a light, crispy batter and the chips might just be the tastiest ones we’ve ever been lucky enough to try.
Although there’s no indoor seating here, the local park is a two-minute walk away and there are lots of benches to sit on and enjoy your takeaway while the kids burn off some energy on the play equipment. If you’ve got a thirst on, we also highly recommend you pop to The London Inn, located just a few doors down from The Famous Chippie, and get yourself a pint of local ale to wash down your feast. Or, for staggering views, visit nearby Sheepstor to soak up the rolling scenery as you enjoy your plate of Devonshire fish and chips.
East Devon
The Proper Fish & Chips Co, Exmouth
With a strong focus on local produce and famous for providing world-class fish and chips served in entirely plastic-free and biodegradable packaging, The Proper Fish & Chips Co. does exactly what it says on the tin.
The potatoes used to make the chips are sourced from Williams Potatoes in Starcross, Devon, and the fish comes from a British fishing trawler named Kirkella. This means that the fish that ends up on your plate can be traced back to where it was caught that very same day. And it doesn’t come any fresher than that.
Bloaters, Sidford
With a car park located conveniently at the back of the café, Bloaters has become very popular for die-hard fish and chip fans. Serving up all the traditional favourites, such as flaky cod, succulent haddock, and delicious plaice, this fish and chip shop also offers choices for children as well as some vegetarian options.
The fabulous coastal town of Sidmouth is a stone's throw away, where you'll find russet cliffs and golden beaches, the perfect backdrop to a fish and chip dinner.
Smart Fish Bar, Exeter
Known for great portions at great prices, you simply can’t visit Exeter without taking a trip to the Smart Fish Bar. Offering classic fish and chip menu options as well as scampi and other seafood dishes, this popular fish and chip shop uses fresh oil every day, which results in extra-fresh batter and the tastiest chips.
Exeter is home to lots of lovely spots to settle down with your meal, but our favourite has to be quayside - although gazing up at the beautiful cathedral is a close second!
Take a trip to the heart and ‘sole’ (sorry…) of the West Country and sample some of the finest fish and chips in Devon. Whether you want to eat out or bring a tasty takeaway back to your holiday bolthole, Devon most certainly promises to deliver a tasty catch of the day.
