Restaurants in Torquay
One of the pleasures of staying in Torquay is that you don’t have to go far to find somewhere good to eat. From fresh Devon seafood and relaxed harbourside lunches to international favourites, family-friendly restaurants and memorable meals for special occasions, the town’s dining scene has something to suit all tastes. In this guide we aim to give you an insight into the options, but also the atmosphere you can expect to find on your next South Devon holiday in Torquay.
Seafood Restaurants in Torquay
It would be remiss to visit a seaside town in South Devon without sampling some of the local seafood, for which the area is so famous. Torquay’s waterfront restaurants make the most of the town’s position on the English Riviera, with fish, shellfish and other seafood featuring centre stage on many of the menus.
Rockfish
On Victoria Parade overlooking the inner harbour right in the centre of Torquay, Rockfish is a relaxed restaurant in a small chain founded and led by chef and restaurateur Mitch Tonks. Their Torquay location is in prime position, serving fish landed just across the bay in Brixham, so you can be sure that very few plates of seafood anywhere travel a shorter distance.
No 7 Fish Bistro & Wine Bar
No 7 Fish Bistro & Wine Bar is a small, family-run restaurant overlooking the harbour. The focus is firmly on fresh fish and shellfish from Brixham, with dishes changing according to what’s available. It’s got all the feels of a much-loved family enterprise – the kind you think you might find on a tiny street in a European seaside town.
Tides
Close to the seafront, Tides is another option for seafood and a relaxed atmosphere, enjoying a position that’s both convenient and coveted for combining lunch or dinner with a stroll along the waterfront. They boast fresh local seafood, oysters and simple seasonal dishes alongside great wines, cocktails, cold beer, and fabulous views.
Photo credit: Tides Torquay
For special occasions
Birthdays, anniversaries, hen parties, exam results, or simply celebrating the fact that you’re on holiday – all of these occasions and more deserve to be marked with a memorable evening of food, drink, and good vibes, and Torquay has lots of restaurants that are just the ticket.
The Elephant
Situated beside Torquay harbour, The Elephant is run by chef Simon Hulstone and his wife Katy, and has retained its Michelin star since 2006. The restaurant focuses on local and sustainable ingredients, including produce from its own farm in nearby Brixham, and the menu is regularly updated. The style is refined without being overly formal, making it an excellent choice for something that really stands out from the crowd.
The Orange Tree
The Orange Tree on Parkhill Road is another long-established restaurant that really shines for evening meals. Think elegant surroundings, crisp white table linen and candlelight, alongside British-European cuisine and warm hospitality. With its more intimate setting and Mediterranean-influenced style, it is perfect for romantic evenings and anyone looking for a special night out.
Old Vienna
For something rather different, Old Vienna offers Austrian and European cooking from its location in Lisburne Square. It has become popular for diners looking for something a bit different. A cosy 20-seat restaurant brought to life by chef and proprietor Werner Rott, it’s telling that a lot of their clientele have been returning for 14 years and counting.
Photo credit: Simon Burt / The Caterer
Italian restaurants in Torquay
There’s a distinctly Mediterranean feel to the English Riviera in the summer months, so it’s fitting that there are some choice Italian restaurants in Torquay to choose from – always a crowd pleaser and offering reliably delectable menus.
Amici
A popular, family-owned Italian restaurant offering the kind of relaxed atmosphere that works equally well for a family meal or an evening with friends, Amici enjoys a central location that also makes it convenient if you’re spending time around the harbour. Stylish, authentic, and traditional, you can expect pasta, pizza, and grills, as well as excellent wine.
Portofino
With a name like ‘Portofino Italian Bar & Restaurant’ this restaurant wears its heart on its sleeve. Situated in the Wellswood area of Torquay, it’s a good option if you’re staying away from the main harbour, offering a chance to explore one of the quieter areas. Perfect for a relaxed family meal with plenty of atmosphere, it brings the spirit of La Dolce Vita, courtesy of a brothers-and-sister trio, for heartfelt flavour through from antipasti to bottomless brunches.
Restaurants with a sea view
Of course, if you’re by the sea then a sea view is arguably the most coveted attribute any restaurant can have, and there are some real jewels to experience in South Devon. Turning simple lunches into special occasions or romantic dinners into Instagrammable moments, here are a few favourites.
Cary Arms
Down at Babbacombe Beach, the Cary Arms offers one of the more distinctive coastal dining settings you could ask for. A little world of its own, the location makes it particularly appealing for combining lunch or dinner with a walk along the coast, tucking into the freshest local seafood and farm produce from Lyme Bay lobster to grass-fed Devon beef.
The Buccaneer Inn
The family-run Buccaneer Inn is a pub and restaurant that sits above Babbacombe Downs, which has far-reaching views across Lyme Bay. On a clifftop promenade, it’s a truly special vantage point, where the menu includes seafood as well as burgers, salads and vegetarian choices, making it a versatile option for families and groups.
Pier Point
In pride of place on the seafront, Pier Point Restaurant & Bar is in an enviable position beside the beach, making it particularly convenient for a casual lunch or an early evening meal after a day exploring the coast. A tale of two halves, its restaurant is about good quality and good value, situated adjacent to Torquay’s marina, with spectacular views out to the Bay. The menu is a feast of local seafood, including award-winning fish and chips, only using fish from sustainable sources. They also have a fish and chip takeaway menu, which is perfect for evenings you want to dine in your holiday home.
Family friendly places to eat in Torquay
Travelling with children doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice location or atmosphere. The aforementioned Amici has that quintessential Italian flair for welcoming guests of all ages, while Otto offers Neapolitan deliciousness – their brunch menu is especially popular for its pancakes! Of course fish and chips at Pier Point is a must, or for a more traditional pub atmosphere, the Babbacombe area is relaxed and easy going.
Venture beyond the harbour
While it’s tempting to stay close to the harbour, don’t forget that South Devon is an area with many sides to it, and exploring along the coastline or inland will also reward you with some very special dining experiences.
For example, The Kents is a popular family-friendly local pub, and The Waddling Duck @ Hamiltons is a friendly, independent bistro. In addition, Cockington is worth considering. The historic village and country park are ideal for a gentle afternoon walk, followed by food or a drink nearby at the likes of The Drum Inn (designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens), or Weavers Cottage Tea Garden.
Tips for dining in Torquay
In the height of summer restaurants, unsurprisingly, get busy, so it’s good to make a few plans in advance to make sure your holiday runs smoothly. Here are some of our top tips for making the most of the dining scene in Torquay.
Book something special early: If you’re hoping to dine at one of Torquay’s more sought-after restaurants during a busy holiday period, it’s worth making a reservation before you arrive.
Check opening times before you go: Independent restaurants may have different opening patterns outside the peak season, and menus can change where seasonal ingredients are prioritised .
Ask about the view: If a sea view is important to you, mention it when booking – not every table in a waterfront restaurant will necessarily have the same vista.
Think about lunch as well as dinner: Some of Torquay’s best coastal dining experiences are particularly enjoyable during daylight hours.
Incorporate your dining experience into your activities: Wellswood, Babbacombe and the surrounding areas offer plenty of reasons to venture out and about.
Where to stay in Torquay
One of the beautiful things about staying in one of our holiday cottages in Torquay is that it places you within easy reach of so many wonderful places to eat, wandering to a leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner without worrying about parking or the drive back. Then again, you can also choose to shop in the many gorgeous local stores and dine on local produce in the comfort of your own holiday home. Whether you’re looking for a romantic bolthole or a family retreat there’s lots of beautiful places to choose to stay.
