The best fish and chips in Devon: South Devon’s finest

There is nothing more quintessentially British than the traditional dish of fish and chips. With miles of spectacular coastline, and a rich fishing heritage, it comes as no surprise that South Devon is home to some enviable battered fish, and fluffy chips. From beachside eateries to picturesque countryside pubs you’re never far from fresh line-caught fish. The fish and chip menu in South Devon stretches way beyond the classic dish of battered cod and hot potato chips. Depending upon what the local fishermen have landed and their catch of the day, you can be certain to expect a selection of the best fish and chips in Devon!

Where to find the best fish and chips in Devon

At Coast & Country Cottages we love fish and chips, especially at this time of year. Nothing beats a dip in the sea on a warm summers eve, followed by watching the sunset and gorging on a feast. In honour of National fish and chip day (7th June), we’ve cast our net far and wide, trawling the region for the best fish and chips in Devon. Deciding which eateries in South Devon stand out from the crowd is not an easy task, and in our opinion, some of the best fish and chips to be found in South Devon are well-kept secrets. In true British tradition, we went in search of light and crispy batter, flaky fish and golden chips. It’s been a tough job, but we managed just fine!

Rockfish, Dartmouth

In 2010 local celebrity Mitch Tonks, and close friend Mat Prowse, bought Rockfish to the coastal town of Dartmouth. Proving to be such a hit, more restaurants were opened in Brixham, Exmouth, Plymouth and Torquay. Hungry patrons can tuck into tasty Norwegian cod in a coat of light batter and perfectly cooked chips, and for those who aren’t full, the ‘bottomless’ chips are available, free of charge! The whole menu is also available gluten free – something that makes this superb restaurant stand out even more.

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 takeaway (including moules mariniere and garlic crevette), you can choose between battered fish or grilled. If you choose to dine in, bring along your favourite bottle of wine as they practice a flexible BYOB policy for alcohol.

Read our blog on dog-friendly beaches in South Devon or take a look at our dog-friendly cottages in South Devon near the beach.

Start Bay Inn, Torcross

The Start Bay Inn, a 14th century, family-run seafood restaurant in Torcross is one of the area’s most sought after places to dine on fish and chips – especially for families. Enjoy a takeaway on the stunning Slapton Sands and admire the beautiful South Devon coast.

Radius 7, Stoke Fleming

If you like to dress up a little for dinner, but are swayed by that fish ‘n’ chip feeling, Radius 7 in Stoke Fleming is renowned locally for its ‘smarter’ version of the British seaside classic. Their wine bar adds an extra element to your evening too, so make sure to visit this stylish restaurant for your fish dinner – they’re also renowned for their tartar sauce!

Read more about this beautiful village in our Stoke Fleming village guide.

The Sloop Inn, Bantham

After a day on the beach, there’s no better place to visit than the Sloop Inn. With an extensive children’s menu and locally-caught seafood, you won’t be disappointed. This pub in the village of Bantham steeped in history, offering an even more traditional spin on your meal.

Be sure to read our blog on Bantham Beach for everything you need to know about this popular destination.

The Beachhouse, South Milton

Situated right next to the beach at South Milton Sands, the Beachhouse 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.

Take a look at our selection of gorgeous Thurlestone holiday homes not far from South Milton.

The Cove Café Bar, Hope Cove

This multi award-winning beachfront café bar in the beautiful fishing village of Hope Cove is a true South Devon treasure, and is extremely popular with local residents. 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.

The Oyster Shack, Bigbury

As the name may suggest, seafood is what The Oyster Shack do best. Situated in an idyllic and rather magical position in Bigbury, this wonderful fish-eatery is an excellent choice for a special occasion or to make a trip to South Devon memorable.

Read our beach bible for everything you need to know about Bigbury-on-Sea.

The Village Inn, Thurlestone

A favourite with locals, the consistently excellent fish & chips at the Village Inn really is one of the best in the area. If you prefer it without the batter too, the chef will cook you a perfect piece of pan-fried or grilled fish to go alongside those delicious potato chips.

The Cricket Inn, Beesands

It’s no wonder that Beesands is home to a second exceptional eatery with the fishermen catching their food fresh each day. The Cricket Inn serve theirs’ with tradition-inspired paper and baskets of perfectly cooked chips – yum!

If you’re looking for further inspiration regarding where to eat, and seafood is your dish of choice, take a look at our article on the best seafood restaurants in South Devon. Or, read our food and drink pages in our South Devon Guide.

South Devon is the ideal holiday destination for those with a passion for delicious food. In addition to a varied collection of top eateries, it’s also home to organic producers such as Riverford, renowned chefs like Mitch Tonks and Jane Baxter, and fantastic farm shops, fishmongers and deli’s. Put simply, South Devon is a food lover’s haven.

Book your South Devon holiday today