If you’re heading to heavenly Devon for a well-deserved break, the foodie in you will be delighted to learn that this county in south west England has a dining scene to die for. It’s certainly worth loosening your belt notch to indulge in the glorious food (and wine) on offer.
Devon offers three restaurants with Michelin stars, namely the Masons Arms near Exmoor, Gidleigh Park by the River Teign, and Michael Caines’ Lympstone Manor. In addition, there are a number of utterly delectable eateries recommended by the Michelin Guide, located in North, East and South Devon as well as in the Dartmoor region.
Whether you prefer rich game, the freshest seafood or are seeking out a vegan feast, Devon’s range of splendid gastro pubs and restaurants offer the warmest of welcomes and breathtaking views. And, of course, the chance to feast on the finest local produce, all prepared by some of the country’s leading chefs.
From a majestic country manor to a smart town eatery or a traditional inn with a modern twist, read on to find your ultimate Devonshire dining experience.
Michelin star restaurants in Devon
Lympstone Manor, Lympstone
One Michelin Star
01395 202040
Courtlands Lane, Exmouth EX8 3NZ
lympstonemanor.co.uk
Boasting one Michelin star, Lympstone Manor is located at a luxury manor house hotel near Exmouth. The grounds of the Georgian house occupy 28 acres, and you’ll enjoy sweeping views from the restaurant, skimming over the vineyard as you gaze towards the Exe estuary.
Inside, it’s an opulent setting for a memorable meal. Think cosy armchairs upholstered in duck egg blue velvet, full-length powder blue drapes, marble flooring and original cornicing.
Chef Michael Caines oversees the menus and sleek service, which include a four-course lunch option and an eight-course tasting feast that has definitely earned its place on our list of the best places to eat in South Devon. The latter includes a fish version for those who prefer seafood.
Local flavours are evident throughout, deliciously showcased in dishes such as salted Newlyn cod, Darts Farm beef, Brixham turbot and Beauvale blue cheese. For those with a sweet tooth, do save space for dessert. The delectable Mont Blanc is surely a heaven-sent creation featuring chocolate chantilly, chestnut mousse and tonka bean ice cream.
Masons Arms, Knowstone
One Michelin Star
01398 341231
Knowstone, South Molton EX36 4RY
masonsarmsdevon.co.uk
Overlooking the green hills of Exmoor, the Masons Arms is a chocolate-box thatched English village pub dating from the 13th century. Sipping a pre-dinner drink in the snug bar, with its vast fireplace and beamed ceiling, makes for a relaxing start to your evening.
Make the move to the dining room, and you’ll find a menu of French and modern British classics. The set lunch deals are an absolute steal, and you can sample the likes of watercress soup with chive cream, fillet of pork with potato and garlic gratin, and chocolate cheesecake with caramelised banana and peanuts.
The à la carte menu, meanwhile, includes delights such as ham hock and rabbit terrine, monkfish wrapped in prosciutto ham, and aniseed parfait with blackberries and caraway biscuit.
Where else on earth could you dine beneath a Greek frescoed ceiling in a thatched country inn with views over the rolling green landscape, while being served dreamy dishes made from the freshest local produce? It's no surprise that this eclectic creation nabbed a spot in our list of the best places to eat in North Devon.
Gidleigh Park, Chagford
One Michelin Star
01647 432367
Gidleigh Park Hotel, Chagford, Newton Abbot TQ13 8HH
gidleigh.co.uk/dine
Tucked away amidst dappled woodland along the River Teign, Gidleigh Park is Devon’s newest restaurant to be awarded a prestigious Michelin star. Far-flung lawns provide a beautiful backdrop to the impressive Tudor-style estate, with the restaurant enjoying these restorative views alongside a wonderfully intimate dining setting.
Boasting a multi-award-winning kitchen and restaurant, you can expect to be truly wined and dined here, from the extensive wine cellar to the simple yet decadent menus. Seasonal ingredients make up the backbone of the delightful menu here, with a real focus on full flavours and sophisticated palates.
The menu changes with the seasons, so there’s always something new to take your breath away, from partridge with pickled blackberry and a truffle jus to Vulscombe goat cheese with spelt Agnolotti, salt-baked onion, and hazelnut. For those who enjoy a sweeter tooth, the likes of Chocolarder gorse brownies and ‘Thunder and Lightning’ tart with saffron jelly and ginger beer (and we thought thunder and lightning was perfect as is!).
If you fancy something a little different but just as decadent, why not take your Michelin Star feast to go with one of their luxury hampers? You’ll find a mouth-watering selection of treats, including white fig confit, locally sourced charcuterie, and a bottle of wine – you can even kick it up a notch and add a bottle of Nyetimber Classic Cuvée, a truly lavish tipple to enjoy on the banks of the River Teign.
Glebe House, Southleigh
One Michelin Green Star
01404 871276
Southleigh, Colyton EX24 6SD
glebehousedevon.co.uk
Nestled in the heart of East Devon, with rolling countryside offering the perfect setting for sustainable practices, Glebe House has perfected the art of cooking in harmony with nature. Many of the ingredients are grown, reared, or foraged on site, from elderflower blossoms for cordials and Wild garlic buds for capers. Everything else is sourced locally, from trusted growers and producers that follow the same ethos as Glebe House, creating a wonderfully symbiotic relationship that results in supremely tasty food that offers a true taste of Devon.
Changing regularly depending on what comes out of the kitchen garden, the menu is a masterclass in low-waste, nose-to-tail preparation and cooking. Although showcasing Devonshire ingredients, the menu’s dishes take inspiration from Italy and France due to Head Chef David Knapman’s travels, resulting in a menu that combines local and world flavours to full effect. A three-course menu is offered Monday to Wednesday, and features dishes such as Glebe salami, game paté, and delicious blood orange pavlova. But for a true taste of Devon, visit Thursday to Saturday for the tasting menu. Spanning five supremely tasty courses, this dining experience is just that: an experience, inviting you to sup on the likes of Keen’s cheddar gougere, venison and bacon pie, and brown butter cake with ginger custard and poached pears.
Michelin recommended restaurants in North Devon
New Coast Kitchen, Croyde
07746 193137
1 St Mary's Road, Croyde, Braunton EX33 1LF
newcoastkitchen.co.uk
Set in the heart of Croyde, New Coast Kitchen is a bustling hub that has captured the heart and soul of life by the coast. Head Chef Martin Baylis incorporates many influences in his cooking, from Japanese and English traditions to French and German cuisines, to create a rounded menu that feeds off the world’s culinary stage, while shining a light on Devon’s local producers and growers.
Throughout the week, the menu boasts a variety of dishes to choose from, whether you crave the unctuous flavours of charred hispi cabbage and seaweed butter, the vibrant palate of beetroot-cured trout with horseradish cream, or a guineafowl burger topped with black garlic, truffle, and mushroom. You can also visit for brunch and feast on homemade bakes, crunchy granola, and perfectly poached eggs with ham hock, fried new potatoes and hollandaise. On a Sunday, ending your week, and possibly your coastal walk, on a high note, the Sunday roasts here are top-notch, whether you opt for the Devon beef rump, Dartmoor Farmers pork belly, or mushroom and celeriac pithivier with a juicy vegetable gravy.
The Farmers Arms, near Bideford
01237 439328
Woolfardisworthy, Bideford EX39 5QS
woolsery.com/thecollective/the-farmers-arms
Boasting a warm, country pub atmosphere with exposed beams, comfy chairs, and a fabulous log fire, it’s wonderfully easy to feel at home at The Farmers Arms in North Devon. Whether you fancy sitting at the bar with a plate of homemade crisps and a glass of locally brewed beer or nabbing a table in the beautifully modern extension for a full feast, this Michelin recommended Devonshire pub has you totally covered.
Handcrafted is the word of the day here, from the cordials on the drinks menu to the Birch Farm pickles and pickled Fowey muscles that make for the perfect bar snack. On the main menu, the likes of grilled goat's cheese with candied seeds, venison broth with potato dumplings, and heavenly cider-battered fish and chips make for seriously button-popping options, while the Sunday lunch menu tempts you in with Exmoor brisket of beef and Kenniford Farm pork, all topped with roasties, seasonal veg, cauliflower cheese, and Yorkshire puddings.
Nestled on the wild North Devon coast, this welcoming pub is the perfect place to refuel after a wander on the cliffs, with the dramatic Hartland Devon Heritage Coast on the pub’s doorstep.
The Antidote, Ilfracombe
07875 388588
20 St James Place, Ilfracombe EX34 9BJ
theantidoteilfracombe.co.uk
This coastal restaurant and self-professed wine room is just a hop, skip and jump away from Ilfracombe quay. Recommended by the Michelin guide, the eatery was also a worthy recipient of a prestigious Bib Gourmand award.
Large, plate-glass windows ensure the interior is flooded with light, while the compact size gives it a cosy, convivial feel. The set menu is incredibly good value and offers you the chance to devour a balanced range of dishes that are brimming with flavour. This is altered daily to suit the season and freshest available produce.
If you want to impress your Instagram followers, you might have to beat the chef to it, as the photogenic dishes proudly and regularly feature on the restaurant’s feed. Well, who could resist snapping the likes of venison with sherry and pickled walnut ketchup or freshly-made ravioli with apple, celeriac, rosemary and parmesan before tucking in?
For more on what you can enjoy in the area, check out our list of things to do in North Devon.
Michelin recommended restaurants in South Devon
Emelia, Ashburton
Bib Gourmond
01364 653998
2 East Street, Ashburton, Newton Abbot TQ13 7AA
emiliaashburton.co.uk
Combining Italian dining with the rural charms of Devon, Emelia has nestled in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. The beautiful, large, rustic dining table that sits in the centre of the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant forms the gathering point for shared meals, while stools at the bar and windows promise a more intimate space to explore the menu. The atmosphere and decor here are based on a traditional osteria, an Italian restaurant that focuses on simple, good food made with local ingredients. And boy, do they deliver on this promise, with a relaxed ambience perfectly pairing with the menu of hearty Italian fare.
Speaking of the menus, oh, what a soul comforting joy they are… Think fresh pastas, hearty meats, and vibrant veggies that whisk you off to the Italian countryside within the first bite. And on Sundays, the big Italian Sunday Lunch invites you to swap the standard roast dinner for a feast of Mediterranean dishes that invite you to slow down and enjoy a relaxed meal with friends and family.
Andria, Dartmouth
Bib Gourmand
01803 833222
5 Lower Street, Dartmouth TQ6 9AJ
andriadartmouth.com
The head chef’s heritage gives you some idea of what Andria is all about. Luca was born in France, brought up with Italian home cooking and honed his craft here in the UK. Local produce inspires the menu, which has a firm focus on contemporary European cooking.
Ingredients from nearby English Riviera towns inspire the small plates served at this Dartmouth eatery. During your visit, you can also sample foods from all over Europe.
Start, for instance, with local monkfish prepared Kentucky-style or Tuscan fennel sausage. Before moving on to Brixham crab, Torbay scallops, beef and ale tart or Iberico pork loin.
Do save some room for a sweet course. Highlights here include an Italian-style Bailey’s affogato, chocolate mille-feuille with hazelnut gelato or a British sticky toffee pudding – albeit a more inventive version that’s served with yoghurt sorbet, sea salt and Earl Grey.
Twenty Seven by Jamie Rogers, Kingsbridge
01548 288847
9 Mill Street, Kingsbridge TQ7 1ED
27devon.co.uk
Bringing yourself to tuck into the delicious dishes served at Jamie Rogers’ Twenty Seven can be quite a challenge, as they are veritable works of art. Great use is made of attractive flora to create a glorious feast for the eyes, featuring intricate, filigree leaves or the prettiest, most delicate flowers.
The fact that this fine dining restaurant is located within a former warehouse ensures a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere without a trace of stuffiness. Again, southern Devon’s produce forms the backbone of the menu, which is infused with creative combinations of ingredients.
Seafood features alongside local meats, cheeses and vegetables. You can try hand-dived Beesands scallops or a brie creme brulee as a starter, then a Thai-style Salcombe lobster thermidor or a fillet of beef from Borough Farm. Desserts like a white chocolate delice with Cointreau and mandarin sorbet round things off very nicely indeed.
For more on where to stay and visit, have a read of our guides to South Devon’s best villages and things to do in South Devon.
Michelin recommended restaurants in East Devon
Salutation Inn, Topsham
01392 873060
68 Fore Street, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HL
salutationtopsham.co.uk
Inside this lovely 18th-century coaching inn, you’ll find modern interiors, a sun-soaked courtyard, and a mouthwatering selection of menus to sink your teeth into (well, maybe not literally). In the day, the glass-topped courtyard plays host to lunch service and afternoon teas, creating a wonderfully sunny spot to dine. The lighter lunchtime menu offers a variety of delectable dishes, including seafood bisque, crab mac and cheese, and a selection of sharing platters.
In the evening, service moves into the stylish restaurant for a more intimate dining experience. Choose between the tasting menu, which promises a range of courses that showcase the very best from our oceans, and an à la carte menu that features the likes of smoked haddock arancini, Westcountry beef fillet, and North Devon rainbow trout.
A vegan and vegetarian menu is available for those wanting some farm-fresh fare, such as black olive gnocchi and root vegetable cassoulet, or you can stop by on a Friday for cocktails, fizz, and a selection of toothsome small plates.
The Galley, Topsham
01392 876078
41 Fore Street, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HU
galleyrestaurant.co.uk
Nautical shabby-chic is the name of the game at The Galley in Topsham. While the outlook gives diners delightful views over the Exe estuary, Royal blue glasses and simple white crockery are particularly aesthetically pleasing when set against an exposed brickwork backdrop.
You cannot miss the exterior, with its rich blue paintwork and cheery striped awning. The first Insta-moment of your visit, perhaps? Once you step inside, though, it’s all about the food – with a glass or two of excellent wine thrown in for good measure. Oh, go on then.
The menu’s pretty platefuls showcase fine local produce. Plus, the fact that the father-and-son team prioritises desserts will please anyone with a sweet tooth.
From the pea and new-potato terrine and prosecco-battered plaice to cheesecake with cinnamon crumb and burnt apple jam, dining here is a fresh and inventive experience from beginning to end.
Michelin recommended restaurants in Dartmoor
The Dartmoor Inn, Lydford
01822 820221
Moorside, Lydford Near, Okehampton EX20 4AY
dartmoorinn.com
This traditional Dartmoor pub’s interior is rich in deep, warm woods and stone slab flooring, yet is lifted by contemporary touches like panelling painted duck egg blue and spotlights dotted across the white ceiling.
The regularly changing menu is overseen by the family team who run this place, and they extend the warmest of welcomes to each and every guest who stops by. Quite rightfully, they’re very proud of their cosy local inn.
Typical menus include starters such as wood pigeon, whipped goat’s cheese and gin-cured trout, served with Jerusalem artichoke, heritage beetroot and pickled cucumber, respectively, to keep things interesting.
For a main, you can move on to the likes of Creedy Carver duck breast with carrot, red cabbage and orange, butternut risotto with candied seeds, halibut with curry broth or a simple but juicy steak burger. Sweet options to round off your meal include a chocolate brownie with orange caramel, coffee affogato or banana and rum parfait.
If you’ve indulged a bit too heavily in the exceptional fine dining on offer in Devon (and who can blame you), you may want to enjoy a leg stretch with one of Devon’s most scenic strolls.
Cornish Arms, Tavistock
Bib Gourmand
01822 612145
15 West Street, Tavistock PL19 8AN
thecornisharmstavistock.co.uk
The snug outdoor beer garden is one of this Dartmoor pub’s main attractions during summer, but to step inside in winter is to feel thoroughly at home among painted stonework, warm polished wood flooring, leather banquettes and pops of tartan.
This pub is run by the folk behind St Austell ales, so they know a thing or two about Devonshire hospitality. You’ll find the fact that local drinkers rub shoulders with visiting diners only adds to the appeal of this place.
Dedicated vegan and kids’ menus are offered alongside the usual lunch, dinner and Sunday lunch options. The vegan options are a highlight, including imaginative combinations like Japanese-style hispi cabbage, salt-baked beetroot and roasted Cornish cauliflower.
Meat and fish fans can also pick between the likes of a pheasant scotch egg and Brixham crab ravioli, followed by Newlyn cod or braised ox cheek. Vegans can also enjoy the pub’s signature sticky toffee pudding served with caramelised banana and butterscotch sauce – but without the optional banoffee ice cream.
And if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, browse our range of gorgeous Devon holiday cottages.
