Salcombe cafés: Top 10 breakfast and lunch spots

These days, many of us enjoy high-quality fresh coffee as part of our normal routine, as it continues catching up with tea as our national drink. But there’s a world of difference between gulping down an ‘al desko’ latte or commuter-cup cappuccino and sitting down to savour a cup on holiday. With no shopping list to cross off or appointments to worry about, you can truly appreciate the experience of sitting down in a café. Whether you’re looking to try a famous Salcombe crab sandwich, Devonshire pasty or a freshly baked scone (remember cream first, then jam), these Salcombe cafés provide the perfect opportunity to indulge in a holiday treat.

1. Salcombe Coffee Co

The weekly arrival of the ‘Cake Man’ from Salcombe Coffee Company at our Island Street office has always brought much excitement. One of the most popular Salcombe cafés on our list, this little coffee shop on Fore Street has a well-deserved reputation for tasty snacks and light bites, not to mention of course the delicious coffee.

The attention to the detail in food served at the Salcombe Coffee Company is always impressive, whether you’re ordering a panini oozing with gooey cheese, an indulgent English breakfast or a homemade cake (gluten free options available).

Address: 73 Fore Street, TQ8 8BU

Telephone: 01548 842319

Facebook: @salcombecoffee

2. The Wardroom

Despite being in a very central location on Fore Street, The Wardroom café is easy to miss, as you need to walk through the Crew Clothing store to find it. This makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a well-kept secret – a fantastic place to enjoy views of the estuary from the outdoor tables or relax indoors in the cosy, quiet setting.

The homemade food at The Wardroom receives excellent reviews, especially the seafood such as the scallops and Salcombe crab sandwiches.

Address: 19 Fore Street, TQ8 8BU

Telephone: 01548 843333

Facebook: @thewardroomsalcombe

3. Sailor V

Friendly, attentive staff, a great lunch menu with reasonable prices and a laidback atmosphere characterise this popular café-restaurant. The soft drink options, like the decadent smoothies and freshly-squeezed fruit juices keep customers coming back for more, and the location is perfect for watching the world go by.

Address: 36 Fore Street

Telephone: 01548 843555

Website: cafesailorv.co.uk

4. Captain Morgan’s

Whether you’ve spent the day on the water or you’ve been crabbing along the estuary, Captain Morgan’s is perfectly positioned in the town centre, and oozes casual seaside charm. You can easily spot this waterside eatery just off Whitestrand car park, where holiday makers sit outside with life jackets, wetsuits and crabbing buckets at the ready. The menu offers firm favourites such as fish and chips, bacon sarnies and Salcombe crab sandwiches. Local crab is renowned nationally, and is a must-try when visiting the area.

Address: 22 Fore Street, TQ8 8ET

Telephone: 01548 843262

Facebook: @cptmorgans

5. Island Street Deli

Island Street Deli is one of the latest eatery editions to grace us with delicious food in Salcombe. Serving cured meats, tartlets, paninis, salads and cheeses, not to mention fresh bakes and great coffee, this is a perfect spot for those looking for luxury light bites. With a wonderful view of Salcombe Estuary, you can sit by the large window overlooking the water for a relaxing dining experience.

Address: Island Street, TQ8 8QP

Telephone: 01548 844939

Facebook: @islandstreetdeli

6. Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream

Tucked away from the crowds, off the main Island Street walkway, the iconic Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream store and café stands proudly. Having achieved great successes since it’s humble beginnings in 1979, where founder Peter Howard invested time well-spent to create the perfect ice cream recipe (which is still used today!), their new Salcombe café has been a much-loved addition. Sit outside in the shade, perfect for hot summer days, and indulge in delicious ice cream, sorbet or frozen yoghurt, not to mention great coffee and hot chocolates.

Address: 1 Island Street, TQ8 8QP

Telephone: 01548 843228

Website: salcombedairy.co.uk

7. Bo’s Beach Café

Salcombe and it’s neighbouring beaches inspire you to get out on the water and explore! Come rain or shine, the fresh coastal air and shallow estuary waters make for the perfect paddleboarding and kayaking conditions. Try your hand at these popular watersports on your visit to Salcombe, but be sure to fuel up on some delicious goods before heading out on the water. Bo’s Beach Café at South Sands is located in the same vicinity as Sea Kayak Salcombe, so you can grab a bite to eat before going out on a kayaking tour or hiring a paddleboard. Our favourite things on the menu is their delicious pizzas – try one and you’ll soon find out why!

Address: South Sands Beach, TQ8 8LL

Telephone: 01548 843451

Instragram: @bosbeachcafe

8. The Winking Prawn

A mile from the centre of Salcombe by beautiful North Sands, the beachside Winking Prawn is well worth a visit in its own right. Stylishly furnished indoors, this excellent eatery also has a spacious outdoor seating area to make the most of the scenery on sunny days. Their indulgent breakfast is too tempting not to try and their salads and baguettes are simply scrumptious. Our favourite dish on the menu? “PO BOY”, an overflowing baguette full to the brim with deep fried popcorn shrimp and sweet chilli sauce.

If you’d like to try a local tipple on your trip, try their ‘Prawn Juice’ beer.

Address: Beadon Road, TQ8 8LD

Telephone: 01548 842326

Website: winkingprawngroup.co.uk

9. The Blue Whale Café

As you walk, cycle or drive in to Salcombe from Malborough you’ll notice Ashby’s easy stores on the left hand side of the main road. Inside, The Blue Whale Café boasts striking views of the surrounding countryside, plus outdoor seating. We love their fantastic brunch menu and their mouth-watering Sunday roasts, in fact, our tummies are rumbling just thinking of the tasty dishes on offer!

Address: Ashby’s of Salcombe, Salcombe Road, Malborough, TQ7 3BX

Telephone: 01548 233109

Website: @ashbystores

10. Venus Café, East Portlemouth

A holiday to Salcombe isn’t complete without a quick ferry ride over the water to the beaches at East Portlemouth. When you hop across the estuary you will notice steps leading up to the Venus Café from the iconic ferry steps. At the café, the view is simply mesmerising. Overlooking Salcombe, you’ll get to see this popular harbour town from a different perspective. Dine on the colourful coastal stripe bench seating, or chose a takeaway option and enjoy your food on the golden sand. Expect to find milkshakes, bean to cup coffee and their popular tofu burger on the menu.

Address: Ferry Steps, East Portlemouth, TQ8 8PU

Telephone: 01548 843558

Website: lovingthebeach.co.uk

Salcombe cafés near me:

Use the map to navigate to your nearest Salcombe café.

Please note that during the Covid-19 pandemic, cafés, pubs and restaurants are responding to regularly updated government guidelines by adapting to a ‘new normal’. Some eateries are now offering takeaway and delivery services or have registered to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, you may also find that some require bookings to be made in advance. We recommend that you contact the local eateries that you wish to dine in, before your arrival, to save disappointment.

With its renowned food and drink, picturesque shopping streets, unspoilt beaches and luxurious accommodation options, Salcombe makes the ideal base for a relaxing break.

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