The top 10 Devon seafood restaurants

Devon seafood restaurants are rife in the region of South Devon, and it can sometimes seem a little tricky to find the cream of the crop… Boasting over 90 miles of spectacular coastline, punctuated with charming fishing villages and harbourside towns, it comes as no surprise that it is the home to some of the finest seafood around. We’ve hand-picked our favourite Devon seafood restaurants, chosen for their atmosphere, quality of cuisine and stunning views. Whether you want to combine a coastal walk with an al fresco seafood lunch, start your day at the beach with kippers for breakfast, or simply pick up takeaway fish ‘n’ chips, these Devon seafood restaurants all offer something special.

Looking for somewhere specific? Use our quick links below, or read on for a selection of the top 10 Devon seafood restaurants:

– The Maltsters Arms
– The Oyster Shack
– Britannia @ the Beach
– The Winking Prawn
– Anchorstone Café
– The Banquet Boat
– Beachouse
– dickandwills
– The Seahorse
– The Cove Café Bar

Devon seafood restaurants – our pick of the top 10…

1. The Maltsters Arms

Tuckenhay

Known by many as ‘The Fish Pub on The Dart’, The Maltsers Arms is tucked away on the banks of Bow Creek in Tuckenhay and can be found in the picturesque village of Tuckenhay. First made famous by the flamboyant chef Keith Floyd, Rob Dawson now runs the pub and is a well renowned seafood chef. Winning accolades such as ‘Seafood Pub of the Year’ (The Good Pub Guide), you will be hard pushed to find a more beautiful riverside spot to feast on sumptuous fish, mussels and langoustine!

2. The Oyster Shack

Bigbury-on-Sea 

Rewind almost 30 years, and The Oyster Shack housed a popular oyster farm, where locals would pitch up their deckchairs and spend the afternoon eating oysters (washed back with white wine!), in the tranquility of the Avon Valley. This was the birth of The Oyster Shack as we know it today, albeit it with a slightly larger menu, and it is one of the most popular Devon seafood restaurants. Oysters aside, expect to enjoy delights such as lobster, jumbo crab, Bigbury-Bay pan fried shell-on prawns, crab claws, mussels and catch of the day.

3. Britannia @ the Beach

Beesands

Affectionately known as ‘The Shack’, Britannia @ The Beach is a rustic beach café / restaurant and takeaway, a traditional fishmonger and also a village shop! Situated in the old fishing village of Beesands, nestled between Torcross and Hallsands, the shack can be found next to the long, dog-friendly shingle beach. With an extensive fish-focused menu the meals range from hearty homemade fish-pie, to pan fried scallops and crack-a-crab (ready to crack yourselves, weapons provided!). They also have a fish specials menu which changes daily to include the freshest catches of the day, depending upon what the fishermen have landed. The seafood here is as fresh as it comes, pulled straight from Start Bay itself.

4. The Winking Prawn

Salcombe

Just a stone’s throw from North Beach in Salcombe, The Winking Prawn is a bustling beachside café with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. With ample seating both inside and out, the cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and remains popular throughout the year. Enjoy a fishy breakfast of smoked salmon or Kippers, or choose from a selection of cracked crab, mackerel, lobster, scallops and monkfish for a more substantial meal. During the summer months, there is also a popular daily seafood barbecue, cooking up a selection of whole mackerel, cajun salmon, king prawns and much more! Welcoming well behaved children and dogs, and boasting excellent views, it’s a great choice for those looking for a more relaxed dining experience.

5. Anchorstone Café

Dittisham

Situated on the banks of the River Dart in the beautiful village of Dittisham, the Anchorstone Café is often referred to as a true South Hams treasure. Specialising in delicious seafood lunches brimming with crab, lobster, mussels and oysters, the café boasts panoramic views across the River Dart from both the restaurant, and the outside terrace. The café is only open throughout the summer season, so be sure to call ahead and check opening times.

6. The Banquet Boat

Dartmouth

Cruise through Dartmouth along the River Dart aboard The Banquet Boat, ‘Elberry’, and experience a floating banquet foodie adventure. Offering a variety of menu options, for something fishy, choose locally landed lobster or a full a seafood platter including crab, lobster, smoked salmon, crevettes, smoked mackerel, prawns. The launch has a waterproof cover, with a fully heated dining area and toilet, so you can enjoy pottering along the water, whilst enjoying Devon’s finest seafood whatever the weather.

7. Beachouse

South Milton Sands

Situated right next to the beach at South Milton Sands, the Beachouse is a popular seafood cafe, with a simple menu that focuses on locally sourced grilled fish and fresh seafood. Boasting wonderful views of the bay, including iconic Thurlestone Rock, this is the perfect location for a sunset drink, alongside a bucket of garlic prawns, or plate of sardines.

8. dickandwills

Salcombe

As you’d expect from a thriving waterside brasserie, the menu at dickandwills features fresh fish and seafood in abundance. All dishes have a strong mediterranean influence, with signature dishes including those such as pan seared line caught Salcombe sea bass, tempura king prawns and local squid. Child friendly, they have even crafted a special menu for little people, of fish fingers, local fillet of fish, or a fillet steak burger. Whether you want a lazy lunch in the sunshine overlooking the water, or a romantic evening meal, dickandwills is a firm favourite amongst those visiting Salcombe. Want to find even more places to eat in Salcombe? Read our article on 5 mouthwatering Salcombe restaurants.

9. The Seahorse

Dartmouth

Owned by famous restaurateur, chef, and author, Mitch Tonks, The Seahorse exudes his love and passion for seafood. Situated on the banks of the River Dart, much of the seafood served at the restaurant is roasted over an open charcoal fire, with just a few herbs and homemade olive oil, letting the flavours speak for themselves. Specialities include roasted monkfish, scallops roasted with white port, and spaghetti with local seafood. Their menu heavily features (and relies upon) the daily availability, and changes daily.

10. The Cove café bar

Hope Cove

This multi award-winning beachfront café bar, The Cove is a true South Devon treasure, and is just 50 yards from the beaches of Hope Cove. Boasting a creative menu that uses the best of local produce, you can expect to enjoy lobster that has been freshly caught in the bay, fresh fish goujons, Devon red cider mussels, seafood linguine and traditional fish ‘n’ chips. With sumptuous food, sea-views, live music, award-winning craft beer and al fresco dining, it’s easy to see why this trendy café is thriving.