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From the Blog

Which Devon restaurants have the best sea views?

Posted by Georgie Tombs on Updated on
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Which Devon restaurants have the best sea views? 

Devon is a county defined by the sea. With two spectacular coastlines, picturesque fishing villages, and some of the freshest seafood in the country, it has long attracted visitors in search of exceptional food and unforgettable views. From dramatic clifftop dining rooms overlooking the Atlantic to elegant waterfront restaurants where the sea is never out of sight, Devon offers a fine dining experience that is as much about the setting as it is the menu. 

In this guide, we've combined the very best of both worlds, showcasing restaurants in Devon that pair stunning sea views with outstanding cuisine. Whether you're searching for restaurants in Dartmouth, Salcombe, or along Devon's rugged northern coastline, these are the top restaurants in north and south Devon where remarkable food meets remarkable scenery.

Use the page links below to navigate the blog post:

The Boathouse, Instow
Thirty Three by the Sea, Kingsbridge
The Seahorse, Dartmouth
The Oyster Shack, Bigbury-on-Sea
Rockfish, Salcombe
The Pilchard Inn, Bigbury-on-Sea
Hope and Anchor, Hope Cove
The Pier House, Bideford
The Restaurant at Gara Rock, Salcombe
24 South, Dartmouth
An invitation to a coastal escape

 

 

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 The Boathouse, Instow 

For exceptional seaside dining during your Devon staycation, The Boathouse invites you to arrive by the water and linger a while, where sweeping coastal views and impeccably fresh seafood set the tone. The restaurant celebrates the very best of Devon's coastline, with seafood delivered daily by the local boats. The result is a menu rooted in provenance and seasonality, designed to be enjoyed in a relaxed yet elevated setting - whether from the light-filled restaurant, the beach bar, or the al fresco upper deck with uninterrupted views across the sea.

Drawing inspiration from the surrounding coastline and countryside, expect beautifully simple yet refined plates such as Maldon oysters, crisp whitebait, and indulgent small dishes to enjoy. To complement the menu, guests can explore a considered drink list featuring wines from both established and emerging regions, alongside locally sourced ciders, craft beers, and cask ales - perfectly suited to long, unhurried seaside afternoons. 

Where: Marine Parade, Instow, North Devon, EX39 4JJ or via their website  
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am - 11pm and Sunday 9am - 10:30pm
Good to know: Food is served between 9am - 9pm Monday to Saturday and 9am - 8pm on Sunday
Accessibility notes: Featuring ramped access to the lower levels and a built-in lift to reach the upper dining areas. It's also equipped with an accessible toilet

 

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© The Boathouse 

 

Thirty Three by the Sea, Kingsbridge

Looking for a place to eat near Kingsbridge with spectacular sea views? Perched proudly on the headland, Thirty Three by the Sea offers sweeping vistas across the English Channel, light-filled interiors, and generous indoor and outdoor seating. Recently renamed, it showcases the very best of the South Hams, with owner Jamie championing remarkable local ingredients in every dish. From crispy whitebait and indulgent lobster arancini to a perfectly prepared crab sandwich, the menu celebrates simple flavours executed with care and quality. 

Guests can enjoy a variety of menus throughout the week, including the popular Mussels Monday offering, breakfast, à la carte dining, and traditional Sunday lunches. Open seven days a week, the restaurant welcomes diners all day to relax, indulge, and take in the coastal views. 

Where: Bolberry, Kingsbridge, TQ7 3DY or via their website 
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, 10am - 10pm 
Good to know: Serving an "A La Bark" menu for furry friends, offering them "Paw Scratchies" and "Paw Star Martinis"
Nearby property: Waterside in Salcombe

 

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© Thirty Three by the Sea via Instagram

 

The Seahorse, Dartmouth

Your table by the river awaits at what many consider the best place to eat in Dartmouth.

Guided by the freshest catch at Brixham Market each morning and the finest seasonal ingredients available that day, The Seahorse offers a seafood-led menu that changes daily. Expect exciting new flavours alongside house favourites such as hand-dived scallops and courgette fritters. Since 2008, The Seahorse has been a place to gather - whether for long, leisurely lunches, lively suppers, or relaxed evenings in Joe's Bar. The Cantina is a seasonal, Italian-inspired menu, designed to suit the kind of dining experience you desire. 

You're equally welcome to stop by for a drink in the softly lit, Venetian-inspired bar and soak up the atmosphere by the river. 

Where: 5 South Embankment, Dartmouth, TQ6 9BH or via their website
Opening hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday, 12 - 9pm
Good to know: The best way to book a table is through their booking system on their website
Accessibility notes: The restaurant offers wheelchair-accessible dining, but as a historic building they recommend contacting beforehand to discuss any specific needs

 

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© The Seahorse via Instagram

 

The Oyster Shack, Bigbury-on-Sea

Good food, a warm welcome, and the joy of bringing people together by the water.

Nestled on the shores of Bigbury-on-Sea, The Oyster Shack is a family-run, family-friendly restaurant serving fresh, seasonal dishes in a relaxed coastal setting. Throughout the summer months, the menu celebrates vibrant flavours and the best local produce, with favourites from the barbeque including traditional mussels, the catch of the day, and delicious vegan burgers. As the seasons change and the colder weather arrives, the menu evolves to offer more comforting, hearty dishes. 

Whether you're stopping by after a day on the beach or gathering with friends and family for a leisurely meal, The Oyster Shack offers a welcoming place to eat, drink, and unwind by the sea. 

Where: Milburn Orchard Farm, Stakes Hill, Bigbury, TQ7 4BE or via their website 
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, lunch is served 12 - 2:30pm and dinner is served 5 - 8pm
Good to know: Last orders are 15 minutes after the last arrival time
Nearby property: Clifftop and Overcombe in Bigbury-on-Sea

 

Rockfish, Salcombe

Celebrating the rich variety of fish and shellfish from South Devon's waters, this acclaimed seafood venue is one of the best restaurants in Salcombe, Devon, serving local seafood with simplicity, skill, and respect. Working exclusively with trusted boats and fisheries that employ sustainable, non-invasive fishing methods, the restaurant is committed to showcasing the very best of the region's catch. The menu changes with the seasons and the tides, featuring fresh, flavourful dishes such as crisp-fried fillet and Rockfish Baja-style tacos. 

Situated at the end of Batson Creek and overlooking the beautiful estuary, the restaurant offers a relaxed waterside setting throughout the year. Dine al fresco on the outdoor terrace during warmer months or settle beside the log burner when the weather turns cooler. With a welcoming atmosphere and dogs invited to join their owners, it's the perfect spot for casual holiday dining by the water. 

Where: Island Street, Salcombe, TQ8 8DP or via their website 
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, 12 - 9pm
Good to know: There isn't a dedicated car park for the restaurant, so we recommend aiming for Shadycombe and The Creek car parks
Accessibility note: There is excellent, flat-level accessibility throughout the restaurant, making it highly accommodating for wheelchair users

 

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© Rockfish via Instagram

 

The Pilchard Inn, Bigbury-on-Sea

Steeped in more than 700 years of history, this iconic coastal hideaway on Burgh Island offers one of Devon's most distinctive dining experiences. Believed to be one of England's oldest pubs, the inn is rich in character, with low-beamed ceilings, crackling open fires, and an abundance of cosy corners that reflect centuries of seafaring heritage. Outside, guests can enjoy drinks while taking in spectacular views across the coastline. 

The menu celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients and comforting favourites, thoughtfully prepared to suit both traditional and contemporary tastes. Dishes range from the signature Pilchard Inn cheese and bacon beef burger to vegan lasagne and roasted king oyster mushroom, while desserts such as lavender panna cotta shortbread provide an elegant finish. 

A carefully curated drinks selection showcases locally brewed craft beers, regional ciders, wines, and spirits, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch, a sunset supper, or simply a drink overlooking the coast.

Where: Burgh Island Hotel, Bigbury-on-Sea, South Devon, TQ7 4BG or via their website
Opening hours: Open Sunday to Thursday 10am - 9pm and Friday to Saturday 10am - 10pm
Good to know: You can reach The Pilchard Inn by walking the sandy causeway at low tide or taking the iconic sea tractor at high tide
Nearby property:Beachfront in Bigbury-on-Sea

 

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© The Pilchard Inn via Instagram

 

Hope and Anchor, Hope Cove

With uninterrupted sea views from the terrace and a relaxed yet elegant interior, it's a place designed for lingering - whether over a long breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or dinner as the sun sets over the water. The menu is rooted in seasonality and crafted with care, celebrating the finest local produce from both land and sea. Alongside indulgent seasonal dishes such as beer-battered tiger prawns and a delicately balanced lemon meringue pie, guests can also enjoy elevated interpretations of classic favourites. 

On warmer days, the drinks list shifts to something brighter and more refreshing, with a curated selection of spritzes and mixed cocktails, including Aperol Spritz and Passion Fruit Martinis, perfect for slow afternoons overlooking the coast. 

Where: Hope and Anchor, Hope Cove, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 3HQ and via their website
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, 9am - 11pm 
Good to know: Considered gluten-free menus are provided for breakfast, lunch and evening meals
Nearby property:Tamarisks in Hope Cove 

 

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© Hope and Anchor via Instagram

 

The Pier House, Bideford

Overlooking the rugged North Devon coastline, The Pier House offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience where exceptional sea views take centre stage. Guests can unwind on the expansive decked terrace, enjoying homemade cakes, freshly prepared drinks, and light bites while admiring panoramic views stretching across Bideford Bay towards Lundy Island.

Inside, the welcoming bar provides a comfortable setting for casual dining, while the restaurant's prime position by the shoreline offers a front-row seat to the ever-changing seascape, creating an unforgettable backdrop for lunch, dinner, or a leisurely Sunday gathering. The menu celebrates quality ingredients and broad appeal, with thoughtfully crafted vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and children's options available. Seafood takes pride of place, with highlights including the restaurant's signature in-house seafood platter, alongside vibrant dishes such as poke bowls and a traditional Sunday carvery, all served with a focus on flavour, freshness, and the finest local produce. 

Where: Merely Road, Westward Ho!, Bideford, EX39 1JU or via their website 
Opening hours: Open seven days a week from 10am
Good to know: Table bookings are only required within the restaurant
Accessibility notes: While the restaurant is wheelchair accessible, it is recommended dropping off wheelchair users closer to the ramp entrance, as the approach roads and pavements are uneven in places

 

The Restaurant at Gara Rock, Salcombe

With sweeping coastal views and a strong commitment to local provenance, dining at Gara Rock is as much about the setting as it is the food.

From land to sea, the menu celebrates the very best of South Devon, with seasonal dishes crafted from ingredients sourced from trusted local producers and the chef's own kitchen garden. Whether beginning the day with a leisurely breakfast, enjoying a long lunch accompanied by a chilled glass of wine, or settling in for cocktails and dinner as the sun dips below the horizon, every meal is served against a spectacular coastal backdrop. 

The menu evolves with the seasons, showcasing simple, flavour-led dishes prepared with care and quality at their heart. Weekend highlights include expertly grilled dishes from the Ox Grill, alongside signature Gara beef burgers and thoughtfully created plant-based alternatives. Freshly baked, hand-stretched sourdough provides the perfect accompaniment, while desserts such as rhubarb sorbet offer a light and elegant finish to the evening. 

Relaxed yet refined, Gara Rock offers a dining experience that perfectly captures the essence of the South Devon coast. 

Where: East Portlemouth, Near Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8FA or via their website
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, 12 - 8pm
Good to know: The menu offers a good selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. The restaurant can also accommodate specific dietary requirements when notified in advance

 

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© The Restaurant at Gara Rock via Instagram

 

24 South, Dartmouth

Set on Dartmouth's picturesque waterfront, 24 South is a vibrant family-run restaurant where relaxed riverside dining is paired with some of the town's finest views. 

With its laid back atmosphere and welcoming approach, it has quickly become a favourite spot for lingering lunches, leisurely dinners, and glasses of wine enjoyed beside the water. The menu showcases fresh, flavourful dishes inspired by quality ingredients, from shellfish plates such as prawn and avocado cocktails to larger plates including roasted pepper and mozzarella arancini. 

Alongside the daily menu, the chef prepares a selection of changing specials that reflect the season and the freshest ingredients available each day. Authentic pizzas, crafted on bases imported directly from Italy, add a Mediterranean touch to the offering, while the restaurant's much-loved Sunday roasts make a welcome return each autumn following a summer pause. With dogs warmly welcomed, a flowing wine list, and a riverside patio offering arguably the best views in town, 24 South captures the effortless charm of Dartmouth dining at its best.

If you're looking to explore more of what makes dining in Dartmouth so special, our Places to eat in Dartmouth including the best restaurants, pubs and cafés blog post shares seasonal dishes, chef favourites, and inspiration by the water. You'll find ideas for relaxed weekends, what's fresh on the menu right now, and a closer look at the inspiration behind the food. 

Where: 24 South Embankment, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 9BB or via their website 
Opening hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12 - 8:30pm
Good to know: 24 South encourages booking a table via their website's booking system 

 

An invitation to a coastal escape 

From clifftop dining rooms to riverside restaurants and hidden seaside gems, Devon's coastline is best savoured slowly - with exceptional food, sweeping sea views, and time well spent in good company. If you're planning your next escape, explore our collection of handpicked coastal properties in Devon, perfectly placed for discovering these restaurants and the very best of Devon's shoreline. 

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From left to right: Waterside in Salcombe, Tamarisks in Hope Cove and Clifftop in Bigbury-on-Sea

VIEW LUXURY HOLIDAY HOMES IN DEVON

 

Image credits: © Main image: The Boathouse, Instow | © Thirty Three by the Sea, The Seahorse, Rockfish, The Pilchard Inn, Hope and Anchor, The restaurant at Gara Rock, via Instagram | © The Boathouse, Instow | All other images are our own.

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Posted by Georgie Tombs

Georgie can rarely resist the beach. When she’s not strolling along the shore with her dog, she’s behind the camera, chasing surfers in action. Always eager to uncover coastal gems, she loves sharing her adventures and discoveries.

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