12 best restaurants in Dartmouth
Famous for local plaice and close to the thriving waters of Start Bay and the English Channel, it’s no...
There’s nothing better when you are on holiday than treating yourself to a delicious meal in one of the superb Salcombe restaurants on offer.
This cosmopolitan harbour town has a wide range of impressive eateries serving famous Salcombe crab, delicious Sunday lunches, dishes made using locally-grown and foraged foods and so much more, not to mention popular Salcombe Gin tipples for adults.
In no particular order, we’ve compiled a selection of 5 must-visit Salcombe restaurants for you to try. Use the quick links below to find out about a particular eatery, or continue reading for our complete foodie guide:
Book a self-catering property in Salcombe for the ultimate foodie break. View our Salcombe holiday cottages here.
Salcombe Crab can be found on the most luxurious of menus, but where better to try it than on Salcombe’s waterfront, close to the local crabbing boats?
This laid-back eatery offers diners the option to sit on the balcony in the sunshine or indoors on cooler days, all while indulging in succulent, fresh, local crab. The town itself boasts it’s very own “Crabfest” each May, so if you enjoy shellfish and seafood, this really is a must-try when visiting this beautiful harbour town.
View their menu on the Crab Shed website.
Enjoy refined food in an informal, smart-casual setting overlooking Salcombe Estuary – ideal for those who like to eat alfresco, whilst also having the option to dine inside.
The simple menu downplays the elaborate food that comes out of the kitchen; locally caught seafood is the showcase but there’s plenty to choose from for meat eaters and vegetarians too. The restaurant staff are helpful and knowledgeable about the dishes and produce, so you can be sure you’re getting delicious food and great service.
Visit the Dick and Wills Waterside Brasserie and Bar website.
Located in the heart of Salcombe’s vibrant and bustling town centre, in a spectacular position overlooking the scenic harbour, sits The Jetty Restaurant. Commanding one of the best water views in town, this unmissable seafood bar and grill serves some of the finest food in the region.
A visit here is a wonderful way to celebrate that special occasion – whether you dine in the plush surroundings of the restaurant or out on the terrace. Dishes include Salcombe crab and local, aged steak. You can also head to the freshly-caught seafood bar, where you can select your own seafood prior to cooking! For a lighter bite, the afternoon tea is a must… add a glass of champagne for a real treat to remember.
Download The Jetty menu here.
When you think of summer, often you imagine sunshine, sand, sea and… barbecues! The Winking Prawn can offer you all this and more.
A beachside eatery just metres from the water’s edge at North Sands, diners at this white-washed, maritime themed café can expect daily evening barbecues throughout the summer (subject to the weather), as well as Winking Prawn classics like a pint of shell on prawns, or the Fruits De Mer seafood platter for two. And with chicken, duck, goats cheese and steak options too, there’s plenty on offer for those less keen on fishy dishes. Why not wash all of this down whilst watching the sunset, with a nice ‘Prawn Juice’ beer, a specially brewed, bespoke ale for The Winking Prawn!
Visit The Winking Prawn website.
Whilst The Oyster Shack is not located in Salcombe itself but near Bigbury, we simply had to mention this famous (and extremely popular!) South Devon restaurant.
Nearly four decades ago, The Shack actually housed an oyster farm, and was simply bursting with rows upon rows of oyster purification tanks that would purify oysters after maturing in the River Avon.
Avid oyster lovers would arrive in their droves equipped with a deckchair and a bottle of wine, shuck their own oysters and enjoy a peaceful afternoon in the Avon Valley. Thus, in a very organic way, The Oyster Shack was born. True to its roots, the laid back vibe remains similar to this day. Tucked off the tidal road near Bigbury, The Oyster Shack is al fresco in the summer and cosy in the winter, making it the perfect bolthole for those in search of an authentic seafood feast.
View The Oyster Shack menu here.
These are just five of the many superb restaurants in Salcombe where you can enjoy a delectable meal. Be sure to read this blog post detailing our favourite pubs in Salcombe too – there are so many good watering holes!
If you are looking to venture a little further afield during your stay, there are countless more exceptional places to eat in the South Hams. Why not head along the Start Bay coastline and discover The best Dartmouth cafés? Or perhaps you would rather enjoy a traditional takeaway instead – read our guide The Best Fish and Chips in Devon for some inspiration!
Planning an indulgent food-orientated getaway in Salcombe? Expect lashings of cream and jam on fluffy scones, locally made ice creams and distilled beverages, and of course, succulent fresh seafood.
Whether you plan on visiting all of the above eateries or just cooking up a storm in your holiday cottage, we’re sure to have the perfect base for you to experience Salcombe’s local delicacies. With a collection of over 500 holiday cottages in Salcombe and across South Devon, Coast & Country Cottages have plenty of self-catering options for your foodie holiday.
View our exclusive range of Salcombe holiday cottages