Exploring Devon's best seafood restaurants

Savour the flavours of the sea 

From quaint fishing villages to bustling seaside towns, Devon is home to a treasure trove of some of the best restaurants in the South West. Whether you're a seafood aficionado craving the briny taste of oysters or a seafood skeptic ready to be converted by expertly prepared fish dishes, take a look at some of our favourites below that are guaranteed to satisfy every palette.

The Seahorse in Dartmouth

© The Seahorse via Instagram

Overlooking the banks of the River Dart, The Seahorse specialises in seafood cooked over an open charcoal fire. Headed up by Mitch Tonks and showcasing some of the best fish and shellfish in the world caught just across the water in Brixham, it’s an inviting riverside restaurant for fine dining.

While menus change daily, our seasonal favourites include braised cuttlefish, Atlantic white prawns and cacciucco – a rich seafood stew to ward off the winter chill. Also making the shortlist for 2019’s Seafish award, The Seahorse offers a memorable private dining experience in The Cantina, promising to make any occasion extra special.

Rockfish in Brixham

© Rockfish via Instagram

Located in the world famous Brixham fish market, Rockfish made the shortlist for this year’s Seafood Restaurant of the Year. With a huge al fresco terrace, well-stocked bar and fresh-as-can-be seafood menu, the restaurant, takeaway and café is among the most loved dining spots in Devon. Featuring on the menu are line caught haddock, chargrilled calamari and Portland pearl oysters, while little ones are catered for with cod bites and crisp fried prawns.

River Exe Cafe in Exmouth

© River Exe via Instagram

An award-winning restaurant floating in the middle of the River Exe, climb aboard this custom-built barge for a seafood feast fit for the whole family. Covered with outside dining tables, it’s the perfect spot to sit back in the sun with a glass or two during the warmer months. Expect to find familiar favourites including beer battered fish, roasted scallops and crispy panko squid as well as sushi sharing platters for two and a menu that caters for little ones.

Accessible via boat, head to Exmouth Marina and hop on the Puffin Water Taxi that will take you straight to your destination.

The Oyster Shack in Bigbury-on-Sea

© The Oyster Shack via Instagram

Tucked into the valley between Kingsbridge and Modbury, meander along Devon’s winding roads to find this hidden gem. With a menu that changes with the fishermen's daily catch, each dish endevours to showcase the very best produce that the county has to offer. If you're looking for a hearty meal, satisfy for your appetite with the lobster smothered in garlic butter or mussels cooked in coconut and chilli. 

Where to stay nearby: Avocet or Beachfront in Bigbury-on-Sea

Crab Shed in Salcombe

© Crab Shed via Instagram

Rested along the picturesque waterfront of Salcombe, the Crab Shed stands as a charming beacon of seaside dining. With the option to dine al fresco on the spacious terrace, the menu celebrates the bounty of the sea, offering an array of delectable dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. From succulent crab cakes to platters overflowing with prawns, shrimp and oysters, each dish is expertly prepared. For a magical atmosphere, visit in the evenings before sunset and gaze out at bobbing boats and sparkling waters. 

Where to stay nearby: Waterside in Salcombe

Shoals on the Lido in Brixham

© Shoals on the Lido via Instagram

Situated directly above the historically famous Shoalstone Lido, this delightful restaurant overlooks the tranquil waters of the English Riviera. Founded in 2015, all seafood is locally sourced from ports situated along the Southwest coastline, with sustainability at the heart of every dish. Pair tomato and red pepper bruschetta with day boat scallops before sampling the prawn and monkfish curry.

Take a dip in the pool below before basking in the sunshine from the outdoor terrace or take a seat inside beside the bay windows to listen the sound of waves lapping against the shore.

New to Devon

Settled above the waves amid the rugged Devon landscape, you'll find our latest dreamlike retreat to join the portfolio. Home to panoramic ocean views, this seven bedroom home enjoys direct coast path access, a sea-view hot tub and sauna. To secure your stay at Clifftop, call our team on 01208 895 570 or email us at info@perfectstays.co.uk.

Image credits: The Seahorse via Instagram | Rockfish via Instagram | River Exe Cafe via Instagram | The Oyster Shack via Instagram | Crab Shed via Instagram | Shoals on the Lido via Instagram | All other images are our own.