Best pubs and restaurants in Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a celebrated holiday destination on the south coast of Devon. We’ve compiled a guide to Dartmouth’s best pubs and restaurants because of its reputation as an ever-up-and-coming spot to dine. There is a fine choice of Dartmouth restaurants and pubs to choose from whether you want a quick bite or formal dining. From Michelin Star to a fast sausage roll on the fly, check out the best of Dartmouth’s gastropubs and restaurants below.

Dartmouth’s location on the River Dart, opposite Kingswear, makes it one of the South Coast’s jewels. Most of the eating establishments in town have a great view of the river and the rolling Devon farmland. There are also lots of exciting and interesting things to do in Dartmouth, from Dartmouth Castle which is undoubtedly one of the town’s most impressive historic landmarks to the Dartmouth Steam Railway, whose traditional steam trains meander along a 7-mile route, past some of South Devon's most beautiful scenery. 

If you are planning a gastronomic South Devon holiday, why not book a stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages in Dartmouth? We have some properties with amazing kitchens for you to uncover. For even more ideas for places to stay, check out our handy guide about the top places to eat in Devon. 

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The best restaurants in Dartmouth

Rockfish

If you love seafood then we have good news; the South Coast chain Rockfish has a branch in Dartmouth. Offering visitors sustainable seafood and great prices, this family-friendly chain should be included on your list of Dartmouth eateries to check out.

There are non-seafood options on the menu, as well as lots of choices for children too. You can even order takeaway fish and chips (and more) as well as fresh fish and shellfish to take home and prep to your liking. We think their slogan ‘tomorrow’s fish are still in the sea’ is brilliant too! Visit their website for online purchases, here. 

The Embankment Bistro

Overlooking the River Dart in the town centre is another Dartmouth favourite, the Embankment Bistro, where you can expect good, reasonably priced food. This establishment is open early for breakfast and is available for ‘lunchers’ and dinner guests, in the evening. 

The Embankment Bistro has a classic design and welcomes diners for casual meals inside and, when the weather is feeling in a good mood, Le Terrace, outside. The bistro doubles as a takeaway as well, so if you fancy coffee and cake to go, this is the best place to be. Keep an eye out for the Fish Shack, which is new for 2024.

The Seahorse

Combining Italian flavours with the magic of seafood, The Seahorse presents another very good reason to dine out when you are holidaying in the area. With a strong Mediterranean bias on their dishes, you are assured of variety as the menu changes daily to suit what is available at Dartmouth’s fish market.

The website updates daily, so you can stay abreast of what’s on offer, which is really handy! The ‘menu del giorno’ is available for a few hours at lunch and in the evening. The restaurant is divided into two sections, the main restaurant and The Cantina. It’s a busy, bustling restaurant with friendly staff and top-notch food too. Booking ahead is advised.

The River Restaurant

One of the area’s most respected fine dining restaurants is River Restaurant, at the elegant Dart Marina, known for its beautifully presented dishes, cooked with the finest local ingredients. Situated at the river’s edge, close to Dartmouth’s fish market, you are almost guaranteed a seafood dish made from the day’s catch. 

During the summer, the River Restaurant twins up with the Cloud Nine bus to provide delicious takeaway sandwiches and light bites for locals and visitors alike. Please note that the River Restaurant is only open to the public for evening meals (breakfast and lunches are for guests of the adjoining hotel).

The Angel

From a good position on the banks of the River Dart, The Angel offers a relaxed atmosphere for the more discerning gastronome. The six-course tasting menu has been curated by a former MasterChef finalist and it is complemented by a tempting wine list. 

The Angel is open for lunch and dinner; check the website for which nights the a la carte and tasting menus are available, as this can differ depending on the season. If you really wish to spoil yourself and your loved ones, there is a fine wine list (which must be pre-ordered 48 hours in advance). Find other famous Devon eateries in this guide. 

The best pubs in Dartmouth

The Royal Castle

Dartmouth is home to a handful of traditional pubs. The Royal Castle is a great restaurant and pub to eat at in Dartmouth, with lovely views across the river, which serves delicious, locally sourced food, including seafood and steaks. There are healthy options, and dishes for vegetarians and vegans too, with lots of choices for all the family.  

Both the restaurant and bar areas are cosy and welcoming with an open fire and smaller, more intimate spaces to enjoy a drink upstairs. The bar has a fine stock of wines, ales, beers and spirits too, if you prefer a relaxing drink. Booking ahead during the summer is advised. 

The Dartmouth Arms

Located at Bayard’s Cove and Fort, the Dartmouth Arms is a local stalwart that welcomes everybody. If you are looking for traditional English pub fare, look no further than this pleasant waterfront pub. Serving delicious beers and ales from all over the South West, wine-lovers can also take heart in the fact that the list here is just as interesting. 

The choices include an array of pizzas, burgers, Tex-Mex, seafood, and a large children’s menu. After a good lunch, you can catch the ferry across the River Dart and take a ride on the Dartmouth Steam Railway, it’s a great way to spend your time in town. 

The Sportsman’s Arms

One of the best is the Sportsman’s Arms, where you’ll find a lively atmosphere and pub classics on the menu, such as cod and chips or steak and ale pie. There is a restaurant area at the Sportsman’s but you are also welcome to dine in the bar area. 

As expected, there is no shortage of interesting ales to sample, and an extensive choice of spirits; so unwind, choose your tipple, and enjoy the river views from the window, beer garden, or patio after a long day of exploring the area. There is a carvery every Sunday, so book ahead, because it is very popular. It lies 10 miles to the west of Dartmouth but it is still worth seeking out as it is one of the most popular and best-loved pubs in the Dartmouth area.

Map of the best pubs and restaurants in Dartmouth

Find each of the places to eat and drink from our blog on this map of Dartmouth.

Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in Dartmouth

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages in Dartmouth. We hope we have inspired your next break to the South Devon coast. Browse our collection of properties for your Dartmouth holiday today by clicking on the button below.

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