10 Great Restaurants in the English Riviera

Harbour Light is a highlight of any trip to Paignton, as this traditional tavern does first-rate pub fare. In line with its maritime theme, the waterfront gastropub specialises in locally-sourced seafood. Give the classic fish and chips a try, or treat yourself to its ever-popular mussels. Heaving seafood platters appease punters craving variety.

While seafood is the star of the show, you’ll find plenty of tempting land-based dishes on the menu. If the weather’s nice, grab a seat on the balcony to peer over the harbour while you dine. Warm rustic interiors (with a crackling fireplace, no less) make for cosy meals during chilly days in Paignton.

The Guardhouse Café is a landmark breakfast and lunch venue perched on the Berry Head peninsula near Brixham. No roads lead to the isolated cliff-top café, so be prepared to take a quick walk from the nearby car park (restocking the pantry must be a chore). However, with sweeping views of the surrounding Napoleonic-era fortress, the short scenic walk is entirely worthwhile.

The well-regarded restaurant does a solid selection of café classics, from full English breakfasts to BLTs and other assorted sandwiches. Most folks, however, come here for cream tea, a Devon afternoon tradition consisting of tea and jam-smothered scones.

TJ’s Restaurant is a colourful seafood establishment with a terrace overlooking the harbour in Paignton. While vibrant beach-themed murals create a carefree atmosphere indoors, most diners prefer to sit on the sunny terrace and soak up the seaside views. Fair prices and 5-star service keep the locals coming back for more.

A bounty of fresh seafood favourites adorns the menu, from mussels to pan-fried fish like seabass. The signature dish, however, is the lobster – these tender crustaceans are well worth the splurge. Non-seafood eaters should order the succulent slow-roast lamb.

The Curious Kitchen is an unconventional Brixham café serving contemporary renditions of classic brunch dishes. Established in 2016, the award-winning independent dining spot has become a Devon staple for its creative mid-morning meals. Freshly-baked sourdough (gluten-free is available) accompanies delicious brunch delicacies like French bread and eggs Benedict.

Hearty meals aside, The Curious Kitchen gets rave reviews for its decadent doughnuts – the eye-popping desserts even have their own Instagram page. Keen to replicate these flavours? Chef Ash Hamilton runs a popular cooking show on YouTube. Vibrant interiors, warm welcomes, and superb coffee make it a top spot to while away an hour or two.

Brixham Fish Restaurant is one of the best places for tasty, budget-friendly seafood with a harbour view. This well-regarded eatery serves all the usual fish and chip shop staples, from battered cod to mushy peas and flavoursome Cornish pasties. Order a side of curry or gravy to drizzle all over your meal – both go down a treat.

In 2004, chef-owner Garry started the venture to provide well-priced yet high-quality meals for budget-orientated holidaymakers. The perennially popular spot has since become something of an institution in Brixham. Head upstairs to snag a window seat to enjoy those enchanting harbour views.

The Elephant Restaurant is the go-to when you feel like splurging on a refined fine-dining experience on the English Riviera. Located by the Torquay Marina, this elegant Michelin-starred establishment plates up some of the best gourmet meals in town. Award-winning chef Simon Hulstone head the kitchen, so simply sit back and savour his culinary craftsmanship through a set lunch, a la carte, or tasting menu.

So what’s on the menu? It depends on the season. Hulstone sources fresh seasonal produce from sustainable local providers to comprise his ever-evolving offerings. Sample dishes include the likes of Brixham crab with chestnut mushroom and hand-dived Devon scallop with BBQ Iberico pork. 

Brasserie at the Bay is an upmarket Torquay restaurant tucked away on a nondescript residential street. The hidden gem has a refined menu of just 5 starters, mains, and desserts. Yet the modest variety works in your favour as the talented in-house chefs have honed each offering to a tee. Crowd favourites include the Shag Rock Navy gin cured sea trout and the 28-day aged Devon beef strip loin.

Located within the award-winning Meadfoot Bay Hotel, the stylish dining room features chic décor and a casual ambience. If the weather permits, sit outside in the leafy garden to enjoy a memorable al fresco meal.

Swing by Old Vienna Restaurant for hearty Austrian gastronomy in a slick contemporary locale. The upscale venue serves a smorgasbord of traditional dishes, from sautéed venison with creamy sauerkraut to Wiener schnitzel with cranberry sauce. Proprietor Werner Rott has been in the cooking game for almost 50 years – rest assured, he knows his stuff.

Werner regularly does rounds of the dining hall to hand out complimentary schnapps, stop for a chat, or perhaps even perform an impromptu yodel. This warm, friendly welcome combined with top-notch cuisine makes Old Vienna a must for any Austrian food lover in town.

Shoals is a superb seafood spot overlooking a scenic sea pool lido in Brixham. As you’d expect, an outdoor patio lets customers soak up the majestic bay and pool views. On gloomy days, the rustic maritime-themed indoor space affords a cosy dining ambience.

While the views are top-tier, the place packs out for its next-level food. Skilled chefs prepare a slew of delectable seafood dishes. Popular options include whisky-dunked scallops with bacon and cream sauce and hake loin with peas and new potatoes. Meat and vegetarian options are available, too.

The Offshore Bar and Restaurant is a Torquay institution on its glistening yacht-studded harbour. Its sprawling outdoor seating area sees the place pack out consistently over the warmer months. Nights are extra lively as punters come to guzzle down pints while listening to smooth live tunes.

The café-bar venue serves a well-prepared selection of tasty traditional dishes using quality ingredients from local providers. Highlights include beer-battered fish and chips, assorted flame-grilled meats, and 12-inch sourdough pizzas. If you’re in town over the weekend, give its Sunday roast a go.