Credit Instagram @newcoastkitchen
Croyde is known as one of the top destinations in the UK for surfing and sunbathing. But once the swell dies down or the sun dips behind a cloud, you’re going to need somewhere to refuel.
Luckily, this modest-sized village really packs a punch when it comes to breakfast, dinner and lunch, attracting foodies from miles around to try its long-established restaurants and pubs, as well as the pined-for pop-ups that materialise every now and then.
Once you’ve had your fill, you might want a cosy Croyde Bay cottage to return to before choosing your next eatery. If so, tap the button below.
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Restaurants in Croyde
Credit Instagram @biffinskitchen
Biffin’s Kitchen
Consistently labelled by locals as one of the best restaurants in Croyde (if not the best), Biffin’s Kitchen serves up surf-inspired street food on the evenings of Thursday through to Sunday. Fear not if you’re feeling peckish earlier in the day as you can have breakfast at Biffany’s from 8.30am-1pm on these days too.
Although Biff and his team only supply their creations in Croyde from April to September (they move to the market town of Braunton for the winter season), it’s well worth visiting again and again throughout the summer. Not only does Biffin’s Kitchen afford customers one of the best restaurant sea views in Croyde, but the Dominican Republic/Japanese/Moroccan fusions are unlike anything else you’ll find in North Devon.
Address: Ocean Pitch Campsite, Croyde, EX33 1NZ
Dog friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome
Price range: £4-£14
Why not try: Hawaiian teriyaki chicken curry with a side of potato puffs
Stay nearby: Malmsmead | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Credit Instagram @newcoastkitchen
New Coast Kitchen
A slight shift in gears as we move from a beachside campsite to the heart of Croyde village, where we find New Coast Kitchen. Since opening its doors in 2020, it’s been the mission of the team to use locally sourced produce to create memorable experiences for all clientele. Now, this humble startup has turned into one of the most ambitious Croyde Bay restaurants.
Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, New Coast’s food is exquisite and there are cocktails and seasonal wines on offer to match the ever-changing menu. In fact, if there’s a cocktail you desire that isn’t on their list, they’ll make it for you on the spot (providing they have the ingredients)!
Address: 1 St Mary’s Road, Croyde, EX33 1LF
Dog friendly: Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the outside tables
Price range: £8-£75
Why not try: Lundy lobster
Stay nearby: Sea Lodge | sleeps 6
Credits Instagram @bluegroovecroyde (top and bottom right) and @jayjayroche (bottom left)
Blue Groove
Another restaurant occupying an envious spot in the centre of Croyde, Blue Groove is, as the name suggests, a laid-back spot with friendly staff. Conversely, the menu has been meticulously planned, offering local coastal delicacies as well as curries inspired by the owner’s travels.
You’ll no doubt have trouble choosing which of Croyde’s restaurants to visit when on holiday in North Devon, as this is another strong eatery that’s popular with locals and tourists alike. Open from 9am until late, you could have all three of your daily meals here and round off the evening perusing the menu of classic cocktails.
Address: 2 Hobb’s Hill, Croyde, Devon, EX33 1LZ
Dog friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome
Price range: £4-£20
Why not try: Balinese tempeh and potato curry
Stay nearby: Beren | sleeps 5 guests + 2 dogs
Credits Instagram @cafecroyde (centre and right) and @laura_howtocook (left)
Café Croyde Bay
Simple yet extremely effective – that seems to be the mantra at Café Croyde Bay. Nestling on the headland of Baggy Point, a celebrated National Trust spot, this popular café rewards customers with stunning views over the sands and waters of Croyde Bay. They served a brunch and pizza menu from 9am-3pm and then a separate evening menu starting a little later. Drinks and cream teas are served from 9am-9pm!
It's an impressive setting to be in and you can even book some surfing or coasteering lessons at the on-site surf school while you wait for your food. Check out their website as they also have live music events from time to time.
Address: Baggy Lodge, Moor Lane, Croyde, EX33 1PA
Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome in the outdoor area and well-behaved, dry dogs on leads are welcome inside the café
Price range: £3-£16
Why not try: Pulled pork burger
Stay nearby: Pippacott | sleeps 6
Credit Instagram @thebeachcafedownend
The Beach Café
Serving up café classics alongside Sri Lankan-inspired dishes, this beachside café is ‘shore’ to please everyone in your group! Located a stone’s throw from the southernmost section of Croyde Bay, the Beach Café works with local suppliers such as the Appledore Bakery to bring you staples like scrambled eggs on sourdough toast and BLT baguettes.
They also provide a decent vegan menu with delights including a Sri Lankan butternut squash curry, vegan pasties and a selection of plant-based milks for your favourite coffees. Operating from 9am-6pm on Sunday to Wednesday and staying open a further two hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it’s the perfect perching place to see the sun set beyond the horizon.
Address: Downend Car Park, Croyde, EX33 1QE
Dog friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome
Price range: £3.50-£16
Why not try: Sri Lankan seafood curry, fresh squid and king pawns
Stay nearby: The Penthouse At Point View | sleeps 4
Credit Instagram @jackeatseverythingg
Hobbs Bistro
If you’re after a quaint and quirky setting for your evening meal, a visit to Hobbs Bistro should be planned while staying in Croyde. Open every day from 6pm until close (February to November), this cosy restaurant has exposed stone walls and wooden beams which add plenty of charm and character to proceedings.
Book ahead for an intimate meal with a loved one or even reserve the whole establishment for a private party, making the most of the charismatic interiors as well as the rear garden. With an alluring menu featuring meat, fish and vegan dishes, along with a separate pizza menu and an extensive wine menu, Hobbs is a wonderful place to bring an excellent Croyde day to a close.
Address: 6 Hobb's Hill, Croyde, EX33 1LZ
Dog friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome
Price range: £6-£28
Why not try: Creedy Carver slow-roasted duck with red cabbage, Dauphinoise potato and seasonal vegetables
Stay nearby: Burrows Farmhouse | sleeps 8 + 1 dog
Credit Instagram @chanjademay
Monty’s Caribbean Kitchen
Formerly occupying a permanent spot in the nearby town of Barnstaple, Monty’s Caribbean Kitchen now operates out of a food truck and regularly pops up in the centre of Croyde. This family-run sensation has a strong following and sees husband and wife team Patrick and Angelina produce authentic Caribbean and West Indian food with constant smiles on their faces.
The flavours are incredible, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Check out the many Tripadvisor and Facebook reviews and you’ll soon realise that Monty’s is the real deal.
Address: Sandy Ln, Croyde, Braunton EX33
Dog friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome
Price range: £8-£20
Why not try: Jerk chicken or the Full Monty
Stay nearby: Bendalong | sleeps 6
Pubs in Croyde
Credit Instagram @thatchcroyde
The Thatch
Possibly Croyde’s best-known meeting spot, The Thatch has been inviting young and old to congregate under its famous roof for generations. With spacious interiors and a beer garden to rival most, it’s a wonderful rendezvous point for a catch-up pint or a proper meal.
Are you after one of the best Sunday roasts in the area? Or do you want to watch live music surrounded by your friends and family? At The Thatch, you can have it all. The meal portions won’t leave you feeling hungry and if there’s a nip in the air, the patio heaters allow you to continue your outdoor celebrations long into the night.
Address: 14 Hobb's Hill, Croyde, EX33 1LZ
Dog friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome
Price range: £6-£30
Why not try: Baba ganoush followed by a burrito bowl
Stay nearby: The Smithy | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Credit Instagram @themanorcroyde
The Manor House Inn
This traditional West Country pub dates back to the 16th century but it’s far from stuck in the past. The warm welcome you’ll receive as you enter its period interiors is timeless and the cosy nooks you find are perfect for a solo drink or catching up with friends. If the weather is balmy, take your drinks out into the beer garden and watch the kids amuse themselves in the playpark.
Peruse the food and wine menus as you wait for the match to kick off on the big screen and when you’ve had your fill, challenge a family member to a game of pool. The Manor House Inn is very charity-focused and adds a meagre 25p per meal to help it fund local charities and community interest groups. As the night rolls on, you might even be lucky enough to be visiting this family-friendly pub on a live music evening.
- Address: 39 St Mary's Road, Croyde, EX33 1PG
- Dog friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome in the bar and outside areas; look out for water and treats at the dog station
- Price range: £5-£25
- Why not try: Keralan cauliflower and red pepper curry
- Stay nearby: 2 Inglenook Cottages | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Credits Instagram @billy_budds (top and bottom right) and @everydayizz (bottom left)
Billy Budds
A bright and fresh Croyde pub, with plenty of space inside and out, Billy Budds is a name that is often on the tip of the tongue when staying in this North Devon village. It offers a similar vibe to its neighbour, The Thatch, in that you’ll get a warm welcome and you can tuck into some classic pub food.
In the summer, the pub is bustling with live entertainment and plenty of holidaymakers and in the colder months, the pace slows a little and you can enjoy a well-deserved pint of ale by the roaring fire. Live sports are often shown on Sky TV and there’s a lovely children’s play area for those of you who have little ones in tow.
Address: Hobb's Hill, Croyde, EX33 1LZ
Dog friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome
Price range: £6-£17
Why not try: Jumbo cod fish finger burger
Stay nearby: Yellow Cottage | sleeps 5 + 2 dogs
Self-catering stays in Croyde
There are enough eateries here to accommodate you for at least a week away, but don’t forget, our cottages come with fully equipped kitchens so you can create your own masterpieces in the comfort of your home-from-home. Just tap the button below to get searching.
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