Our 5 Best Restaurants 2022 in Devon
When you come to Devon on holiday, you are truly spoilt for choice. Showcasing gorgeous sandy beaches, moorland national parks, fossil cliffs and charming towns like Ilfracombe, this part of the English Riviera is laden with a series of picturesque places. Devon has a collection of stunning restaurants that should definitely be on your to-do list when you visit. The local chefs of Devon find inspiration by the natural beauty which surrounds them. They use the influence to dictate the types of ingredients that they use in the kitchen. From fresh seafood, herbs and mushrooms, to free-roaming meat and edible flowers, there are many fine diners that you need to try! This is strengthened by the fact you’ll find some of the best self-catering holiday cottages in Devon. So you have no excuses not to visit.
We’ve chosen to put together a list of some of our favourite restaurants in Devon. Admittedly, this was very difficult as there are so many great restaurants to choose from. Thus we’ve chosen five, and here they are:
The Two Bridges
Situated in the heart of Dartmoor, The Two Bridges is a stunning traditional pub and hotel set in dramatic scenery. Close to ancient Wistman’s Wood, the restaurant has received many an award, most notably a Two Rosette Award from the AA. With a tasting menu that serves up to seven different tasty courses, to a bustling bar environment which is open to everyone, The Two Bridges is an award-winning restaurant which uses the finest ingredients and tasteful presentation to great effect. It is absolutely worth paying The Two Bridges a visit. Oh, and did we mention? They also have matching wines to go with their extraordinary food.
The Vineyard Cafe
This pretty place, which is only open in the summer, provides a picturesque place to wine and dine with great company. Situated at Sharpham Wine and Cheese, The Vineyard Cafe provides the perfect summer setting for you to enjoy great food and wine. Picture this for a moment; A summer brunch setting under a pagoda with trailing greenery, tucking into tasty treats with award-winning wines, and then to end off, strolling through the English-style grounds after your delicious lunch. Sounds delightful, right? The Vineyard Cafe provides this and so much more! With views of the countryside, delicious food and great wines, what more could you ask for?
Riverford Field Kitchen
Close to some of the best self-catering holiday cottages in Devon, the Riverford Field Kitchen is all about an organic dining experience. Think fresh vegetables that are carefully chosen and seasoned, and are paired with dishes that complement each other. You’ll be surprised to learn that meat and fish are not the stars of the show here. They are flavour enhancers, specially prepared to give the main dish an add-on. They too have an eating experience that is hard to forget. You’ll find that there is only one seating arrangement and the restaurant. It serves all its patrons together at the same time. The restaurant only cooks enough food for the number of people that have decided to come. So booking beforehand is imperative.
Gidleigh Park
As is the case with many feature restaurants, Gidleigh Park uses only the best local produce. This is also supplemented by a meticulously managed on-site kitchen garden. Holding two Michelin Stars, the menu of Gidleigh Park is the perfect marriage of innovation and elegance, all in a modern European, yet proudly Devon setting. Also to be noted, Gidleigh Park has a stellar wine list, boasting over 1 300 different wines in their cellar. Experiencing an authentic English holiday in one of our self-catering holiday cottages in Devon should also accompany the dining experience, with cottages in Devon available to view here.
The Elephant Restaurant and Brasserie
Last, but most definitely not least, The Elephant Restaurant and Brasserie should be on your list if you seek a magical dining experience. Coupled with an ever-changing menu, part of this experience is that it changes according to the season. Notably, the restaurant bases its menu around locally sourced produce, also owning a farm in South Devon. Their rear their own pigs, chicken and lamb at this well-managed farm. Interestingly, they grow vegetables are at the farm too. For an exclusive tasting experience, The Room, which is only open between April and October, provides a marvellous series of tasting experiences which are more formal than the restaurant setting.
With there being fantastic self-catering holiday cottages in Devon, you can find the perfect place to stay in Devon here. Feel free to reach out, we’d love to hear from you.