££French
The team behind Emilia, situated just a few doors down, have imparted another gift to the residents of Ashburton with this delightful rustic bistro. Where its sister operation is all-Italian, Le Vin Perdu is full-blooded French in its approach, so don’t be surprised to find the likes of pork terrine or rotisserie chicken on the menu. The décor is understatedly chic, with the bar making a great place for a cocktail or a glass of wine from the blackboard list. If you’re sweet of tooth, the tarte Tatin is a great note to end on.During autumn and winter, Le Vin Perdu runs limited opening hours.
££Modern British
With stints as both a cobbler’s and a theatre for the Mayor of Totnes, this lovely 18th-century building has lived many lives over the years. Its latest incarnation is a friendly sharing plates restaurant with a bistro buzz, bringing a dose of welcoming hospitality to the charming Totnes High Street. The menu displays a modern outlook in its sharing plates format and incorporation of both fermented elements and open-flame cooking. The service has a genuine warmth to it, with the owners keen to ensure you’re having a good time.
££Seafood
In the older part of this delightful town, not far from the River Exe, you'll find this cosy, rustic bistro that comes with a cheery atmosphere. Seafood from the southwest coastline is the primary focus of the fixed-price menu, sometimes paired with punchy accompaniments and global influences. Examples could include the likes of tiger prawn wontons with crispy leeks or Cornish octopus with salsa verde, potato rosti and picked shallots. If you aren’t a local, this taste of the region will make you wish you were one.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Topsham, The Galley specializes in seafood with an average rating of 4.5/5. Guests frequently praise the freshness of ingredients, highlighting oysters, scallops, and dishes by Chef Han such as Cornish octopus and monkfish tail. The fish and chips are also noted for their quality. The atmosphere is described as cozy with estuary views, and service is generally friendly. However, some reviews cite issues including a freezing indoor environment, slow meal pacing, and unresponsive staff. Occasional complaints mention small portions or overly hard batter, leading to mixed opinions on value.
Ideal for seafood lovers seeking fresh catches and river views, but allow extra time and dress warmly.
££Classic Cuisine
Hold your nerve when navigating the narrow country lanes here and you’ll be rewarded with a simply delightful country pub. Situated next to the village church, it’s a wonderfully bucolic setting and inside the pub ticks all the soul-warming boxes with wooden beams, open fires, two pianos and even a snooker table. The daily changing menu is in the St. JOHN style with British, produce-led and minimal-fuss dishes such as salt cod fritters or pork chop with braised savoy cabbage. Communal dining at their long tables is encouraged.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
The Church House Inn in Dittisham holds a 4.4/5 rating on TripAdvisor based on 80 reviews. Positive feedback highlights food quality (mentioned 50 times) and service (49 times), with guests praising the cozy, traditional-modern decor and dishes like lamb rump and steak & ale pie. However, negative reviews cite issues with food quality (10 times), meal pacing (5 times), and value (5 times). Specific complaints include hostile staff, cheap ingredients, and lack of food on Tuesday evenings. While many describe it as a quintessential Devon pub with friendly locals, experiences vary, particularly regarding service attitude and consistency.
Suitable for travelers seeking a quintessential Devon pub experience and traditional cuisine, with advance booking recommended.
££Modern Cuisine
This characterful 1720s coaching inn has a surprisingly contemporary interior, which is matched by its understated bedrooms. Take your seat in either the intimate dining room or in the airy, glass-covered historic courtyard – the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon. In the evening, choose between a tasting menu and a seasonally themed à la carte, where the colourful modern dishes are well-judged and nicely balanced. Be sure to pick up some goodies from their deli and wet fish shop on your way out.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Salutation Inn, featuring The Glasshouse, holds a 4.4/5 rating. Food quality is highly praised for its creativity and dishes like grilled mackerel and asparagus soup, though some afternoon tea pastries were deemed dense. Service is generally professional and friendly, with isolated reports of pacing issues or staff training gaps. The ambiance is elegant and comfortable. Value perceptions vary; while many find it worthwhile, some criticize small portions and high prices, especially after lunch menu changes. Overall, it suits diners seeking refined modern cuisine.
Suitable for diners seeking refined modern cuisine and an elegant atmosphere.
£££Modern Cuisine
A fun, trendy spot set up on a budget by an enthusiastic group of young men known as the ‘Taco Boys’. Foraged ingredients and produce from the kitchen garden inform the daily changing, surprise tasting menus, and the original, modern dishes have bold flavours and contrasting textures.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews
Stage in Exeter specializes in modern cuisine with generally high praise for food quality. Dishes are noted for creativity, presentation, and excellent homemade bread, accommodating vegetarians well. Service is typically friendly and knowledgeable, though isolated reports cite rudeness or poor communication. The atmosphere is trendy and lively, but loud music and a somewhat gritty interior have drawn mixed feedback regarding comfort. Value perceptions vary significantly; while some find the experience worthwhile, others criticize portion sizes relative to cost. Overall, it offers a distinctive dining experience suitable for adventurous eaters, provided one is mindful of potential service inconsistencies and noise levels.
Suitable for diners seeking innovative modern cuisine who can tolerate variable noise levels.
££Modern British
On Lower Well Farm, the home of Sandridge Barton wines, you’ll find this lovely converted barn serving a fresh taste of the seasons. The restaurant is in a sheltered spot tucked behind the shop and tasting room, with its own extensive terrace soundtracked by the gentle flow of a nearby stream. The daily, lunch-only menu makes the most of the local larder, from fish caught at Brixham to ceps picked on Dartmoor. There’s a wholesome element to the cooking, which ensures the true flavours of the ingredients shine through. Make sure you order a glass of their own wine.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Roam offers modern British cuisine in central Belfast with generally high ratings. Food quality is frequently praised, with standout dishes including hake, lamb, and crab, alongside excellent bread and sides. Service is mostly friendly and attentive, though some guests report inconsistent pacing or disinterest during busy periods. The atmosphere is relaxed yet upscale; however, hard surfaces contribute to noticeable noise levels, affecting comfort for some diners. Value is generally considered good, although a few reviewers felt the experience was diminished by crowding or slow service. While toilets and location are convenient, acoustic issues may impact enjoyment. Overall, it suits those seeking quality dining, provided they visit during less chaotic times.
Ideal for diners prioritizing food quality over quiet ambiance; visit during off-peak hours for better service.