7 Scrumptious South Devon Breakfasts

Vote for your favourite breakfast here.

Everything tastes better on holiday and breakfast is no exception. With no school runs or commutes to contend with, there’s no need to watch the clock as you enjoy a leisurely morning meal with your loved ones. Every bite can be savoured.

South Devon’s thriving food culture means there’s no shortage of delicious options when it comes to the most important meal of the day. From a full English breakfast at a farm shop to croissants at a continental café, you’re always in easy reach of a tempting morning menu.

From the dozens of cafés and restaurants serving fantastic breakfasts in South Devon, our locally-based team has chosen just seven of our favourites.

1. Café Alf Resco (Dartmouth)

In our ‘Best café in Dartmouth’ poll, Café Alf Resco currently has a very healthy lead with just under 50% of the vote – testament to the popularity of this historic town’s breakfast specialist. The morning menu has a wide range of options, but few can resist Alf’s Full Breakfast, which is this café’s take on the classic English fry-up. (pictured above)

2. Stokeley Farm Shop Café (Stokeley Barton, Stokenham)

Stokeley’s location on the edge of Start Bay makes it the perfect place to head either before or after a morning beachside stroll. You can choose from cooked breakfasts, continental options and a healthy meal of muesli with milk or yoghurt and fresh fruit. The hearty Farmers’ Breakfast is a sure way to set yourself up for the day, with two sausages, bacon, black pudding, hash browns, eggs, mushrooms, beans and toast.

3. The Winking Prawn (North Sands, Salcombe)

Right by North Sands in Salcombe, the Winking Prawn is a shabby chic beach café and restaurant with a stylish interior and a large outdoor area with lovely views. For breakfast, the Winking Prawn operates a buffet system. Simply choose how you want your eggs and then fill your own plate with sausages, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms and more from the buffet table. Alternatively, you can order a ‘fishy breakfast’ of smoked salmon or kippers, or perhaps make your own breakfast butty.

4. The South Devon Chilli Farm

As well as a renowned producer of chillies and chilli-infused products, whose fans include celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, the South Devon Chilli Farm is also top local attraction for foodies. Based on the outskirts of Loddiswell, the Chilli Farm has a show tunnel and an extensively stocked gift shop, and offers seasonal activities such as chilli-growing workshops, guided tours and a tasting challenge. The colourful café is a great place to to sample the produce, and learn how chillies can be used in traditional and innovative ways, with chilli teas being a favourite amongst our locally-based team.

The South Devon Chilli Farm is now open for breakfast (all day from 10 am), with a menu including chilli scrambled eggs, their own take on huevos rancheros. See the current menu and find out more at: https://www.southdevonchillifarm.co.uk/visit-us/cafe/

5. Avon Mill (Loddiswell)

Breakfast in the peaceful rural setting of Avon Mill Garden Centre is an unbeatable way to start the day. There’s a classic English breakfast option, a veggie alternative and even a ‘paleo’ breakfast. Sunday brunch at Avon Mill is particularly appetising, with delicious food, soothing music and newspapers supplied. Its location on the edge of the village of Loddiswell means it’s in the perfect spot to combine brunch with a walk through the woods.

6. Garden Time (near Dartmouth on the A3122)

Being just a few miles from Dartmouth and conveniently located for guests at Hillfield Village, it’s always tempting to pull off the A3122 into Garden Time for a tasty breakfast, homemade snack or just a coffee at the Glasshouse Café. Using a lot of their own produce means freshness and quality are assured.

7. Venus Café (Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth)

Blackpool Sands is a beach that’s loved by locals and holidaymakers alike. A compact cove of fine shingle, it sits at the northern tip of Start Bay, and has fantastic facilities down to the two sandpits provided for kids. The Venus Café and Takeaway at Blackpool Sands is popular even during the winter when the beach is quiet, such is its reputation for quality. There are full English options, veggie breakfasts and lighter dishes in addition to continental-style delights like pains aux raisin and chocolate twists.

What’s your perfect breakfast?

For more information about the best food and drink in South Devon, download your free copy of the South Devon Cookbook, which includes a directory of local cafés, restaurants, pubs and more.