
Set in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the coastal town of Salcombe is one of the region’s most scenic and popular destinations. Attracting tourists, boaters and locals who all want a glimpse of the resort’s charming streets and glistening waters, there are plenty of reasons to visit this seaside gem.
When it comes to Salcombe restaurants, the town’s allure undoubtedly extends to its vibrant dining scene thanks to its variety of seafood restaurants serving delights from the waters around. Beyond its seafood scene, Salcombe also boasts some of Devon’s most picturesque restaurants and pubs all offering their own spin on local cuisine. To save you time, we’ve picked some of our favourite places to eat in Salcombe with a little something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re dining out in Salcombe, then what better way to end the evening than a pleasant stroll back to one of our cottages? Hit the button below to browse our collection of properties. Or for more restaurant inspiration in wider Devon, read our Devon top restaurants guide.
Holiday cottages in Salcombe
Skip to our favourite places to eat in Salcombe
Restaurants in Salcombe

Harbour Beach Club Bar + Restaurant
Visit The Harbour Beach Club in Salcombe to check out their Beach Club Bar + Restaurant which offers the ultimate coastal dining experience. Book a table in the warmth of the chic restaurant, or through the summer, make the most of its wrap-around terrace with marvellous views of South Sands Beach.
With artisanal starters, freshly prepared seafood and light bites on the menu, guests are sure to find something they love. If you’re planning a weekend walk, then what better way to reward yourself than indulging in their Sunday lunch menu? Featuring a leg of lamb, roasted hake and a sweet potato wellington, this is the perfect way to round off a day in the elements.
Good to know
- Location: Harbour Beach Club, South Sands, Salcombe, TQ8 8LJ
- Why not try: The roasted fillet of hake with pomme purée
- Price range: £35 - £50 (per head – based on the sample menus)

Seamonkey Seafood and Tapas Bar
Island Street is home to some of the best restaurants in Salcombe that celebrate local produce, and that is exactly what they do at Seamonkey Seafood and Tapas Bar. Using carefully handpicked ingredients, this popular seafood and tapas bar offers a wide range of smaller dishes that are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
If your visit is fleeting, then you’ll be happy to hear that Seamonkey offer a takeaway service from their deli that can be enjoyed from the many beauty spots around town. Open from morning through to the evening with a small break after lunch, this charming little spot should be at the top of your list if you’re craving something different. To make your visit that bit more special, check out our farm cottage Withymore Cottage. Just a ten-minute drive from the town centre, this delightful property is ideal for families travelling with their canine companion.
Good to know
- Location: Seamonkey Seafood and Tapas Bar, Island St, Salcombe, TQ8 8DP
- Why not try: The Salcombe lobster tempura
- Price range: £15 - £30 (per head – based on the sample menu)

Gara Rock Restaurant
The luxury Gara Rock Hotel and Spa plays host to a classic Salcombe restaurant with its stunning location and seasonal tastes. Although Gara Rock Restaurant is across the estuary from Salcombe, the quality of its food offers a taste of Devon that could not be left off the list.
Visit in the morning to enjoy the restaurant’s impressive choice of hearty cooked breakfasts, or drop in later in the day to make the most of their delicious recipes with their own touch of quirkiness. Standout dishes include some delightful starters from the sea, a Champagne chicken and bacon pie, fresh seafood and an indulgent dessert menu.
Good to know
- Location: Gara Rock Restaurant, Gara Rock, Salcombe, TQ8 8FA
- Why not try: The Gara Tarka battered fish and chips
- Price range: £40 - £60 (per head – based on the evening menu)

The Braai Guy
Serving South African food cooked over the fire, The Braai Guy has quickly grown into one the most unique places to eat in Salcombe. First opened as a food truck, this quirky eatery now operates from its own restaurant in the narrow streets of the town centre.
With a vibrant menu of South African delights, diners can enjoy a choice of authentic curries, smoked meats and fish, burgers and smaller snacks. To accompany your food is a thoughtful range of beers and wines sourced from the region or South Africa itself. Please note that The Braai Guy currently only opens through the high season so you can’t visit in the colder months, but rest assured that it’ll be well worth the wait.
Good to know
- Location: The Braai Guy, Russells Court, Fore St, Salcombe, TQ8 8BS
- Why not try: The pulled pork loaded fries
- Price range: £15 - £25 (per head - based on the sample menu)
Pubs in Salcombe

The Victoria Inn
Set on the banks of the estuary, the award-winning Victoria Inn offers all the seaside character and charm you’d expect from pubs in Salcombe. Dine alfresco in their peaceful pub garden through the warmer months, or enjoy the warmth of its log fire and cosy nooks in the off-season. If you’re walking with your canine companion and need a dog-friendly spot to dive into, then you’ve found it in the Victoria Inn.
Using locally sourced produce, the pub’s seasonal menu offers lighter bites and sharers, a wide choice of classic pub meals, vegan and veggie options, as well as a wholesome Sunday roast. If you’re also looking for places to stay in Salcombe, then you’ll be pleased to hear that The Cabin is just a few metres from The Victoria Inn. This chic two-person property is the perfect retreat for a romantic weekend in Salcombe.
Good to know
- Location: The Victoria Inn, Fore St, Salcombe, TQ8 8BU
- Why not try: The seafood linguine
- Price range: £30 - £45 (per head – based on the sample menu)

The Fortescue Inn
Perfectly positioned in the centre of town just away from the banks of the estuary, The Fortescue Inn is where you’ll find the locals. Thanks to its pleasant atmosphere and home-cooked food, this is no doubt one of the most popular pubs in Salcombe.
Taking pride in their locally sourced traditional pub food, the team at The Fortescue offer a great menu of starters, lighter bites and main courses that include their acclaimed stone-baked pizzas. With separate menus for lunch and dinner plus a specials board that changes daily, visitors to the pub are sure to find the perfect meal to complete their day in Salcombe.
Good to know
- Location: The Fortescue Inn, Union St, Salcombe, TQ8 8BZ
- Why not try: The mussels alla puttanesca
- Price range: £30 - £45 (per head – based on the sample menu)

The Ferry Inn
As one of the oldest pubs in Salcombe that dates back to 1739, The Ferry Inn sits right on the estuary with fantastic views of the busy boats and rolling hills around. In the colder months, you can retreat to the warmth of the pub with its wood burner and cosy corners, while the pub garden that looks down onto the water is the perfect spot to soak up the sun.
Serving food from lunchtime through to dinner, the pub’s menu offers a wide choice of starters, light bites and main courses. Meals include the catch of the day, traditional fish and chips, homemade burgers and plenty more. If it’s a roast you’re craving, then drop in on Sunday to enjoy the pub’s popular roast dinners with smaller choices for your little ones.
Good to know
- Location: The Ferry Inn, Fore St, Salcombe, TQ8 8ET
- Why not try: The Palmers' beer-battered haddock with chips
- Price range: £25 - £40 (per head – based on the sample menu)

The Kings Arms
Owned by a well-known family in Salcombe, the Grade II-listed Kings Arms in the heart of town is the ideal choice if you’re looking for local seafood and pub classics. Known as The Boatswains, the pub’s restaurant boasts an extensive menu and specials board that are sure to catch your eye.
Serving food at lunchtime with a break before dinner service, The Kings Arms plays host to a welcoming interior and an even more welcoming terrace outside – the perfect spot to catch the sun. Popular meals include the local boats’ catch of the day, West Country steaks, curries and a notorious crab pasta dish.
Good to know
- Location: The Kings Arms, 20 Fore St, Salcombe, TQ8 8BU
- Why not try: The homemade steak burger
- Price range: £25 - £35 (per head – based on the dinner menu)
Salcombe restaurants with a view

dickandwills Waterside Grill
When it comes to Salcombe restaurants with spectacular views, dickandwills Waterside Grill ticks the boxes with their charming atmosphere and picturesque location. Dine out on the expansive terrace with the lapping sound of the estuary around you – it’s all about indulgence at this restaurant and you’re sure to remember your experience.
Perfect for a romantic evening or for families and groups, the dickandwills menu combines all things sea, country and garden with a fusion twist. If it’s fish you fancy, then their locally caught seafood includes Salcombe crab and lobster, as well as their popular fish and chips. The grass-fed West Country steaks and homemade burgers are also great options for any meat lovers. If you’re visiting as a group, then why not stay in our scenic property Magdala Garden less than 200 metres away from the restaurant? With far-reaching views of Salcombe and an elegant interior, this is the perfect spot for a group getaway.
Good to know
- Location: dickandwills Waterside Grill, Fore St, Salcombe, TQ8 8JG
- Why not try: The tempura Salcombe scallops and king prawn
- Price range: £40 - £60 (per head – based on the sample menu)

The Jetty at the Salcombe Harbour Hotel
As one of the most prominent and luxurious spots on the estuary, The Salcombe Harbour Hotel plays host to the very popular Jetty Restaurant. With panoramic views of the blue waters and rolling hills around, this restaurant is no doubt one the best places to eat in Salcombe if you like a sophisticated and scenic dining experience. Whether you choose to sit in the airy dining room or the attractive outdoor terrace, you won’t forget your visit to The Jetty.
Featuring a seafood bar known as the Crustacean Bar, The Jetty’s menus offer a wide range of high-end meals using locally sourced produce. Enjoy an aperitif as you explore their indulgent starters, main courses and desserts, or for something a little lighter, choose from their bar menu of salads, sandwiches and burgers. If you need a place to stay after your meal, then our charming family bungalow Ecila just half a mile away from The Jetty offers a spacious retreat for families and groups of friends.
Good to know
- Location: Harbour Hotel Salcombe, Cliff Rd, Salcombe, TQ8 8JH
- Why not try: The monkfish curry and prawns
- Price range: £45 - £60 (per head – based on the evening and dessert menus)

The Wardroom
Perched on the water next to Salcombe Harbour, diners at The Wardroom can sit back in the sun as they watch day boats come and go in this glorious location. Although it’s one of the smaller restaurants in Salcombe, the team’s passion for locally sourced and quality food shines bright and is sure to leave a lasting impression.
If you’re a fan of fresh seafood then you shan’t be disappointed with the restaurant’s range of maritime delights that include traditional fish and chips, crab linguine, and seared scallops. If you fancy something smaller, then choose from a selection of salads and lighter bites, or visit in the morning to try their cooked breakfasts.
Good to know
- Location: The Wardroom, 9 Fore St, Salcombe, TQ8 8BU
- Why not try: The Salcombe crab linguine
- Price range: £25 - £40 (per head)
Fish restaurants in Salcombe

The Crab Shed
If you were to ask a local where to go for fresh fish from the region, there’s a good chance they’ll recommend The Crab Shed which overlooks Salcombe Harbour. Offering a stylish and vibrant atmosphere with the delights of the coast all around, this popular restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Salcombe if you’re a seafood lover.
You won’t be surprised to hear that their speciality is crab meat; all sustainably sourced from the fishermen who land at the quay just a few metres away. Starters include the Crab Shed bisque, moules marinière, potted crab and vegan options for those who don’t fancy fish. The crab sandwiches are always a popular choice, while the main courses include the catch of the day, Salcombe lobster and of course, plenty of crab-based variations. To accompany your food is a list of ethically sourced wines from a company passionate about protecting our oceans.
Good to know
- Location: The Crab Shed, Gould Rd, Salcombe, TQ8 8DU
- Why not try: The whole Salcombe cracked crab
- Price range: £35 - £50 (per head – based on the sample menu)

The Winking Prawn
Overlooking North Sands Beach in Salcombe, The Winking Prawn has impressed visitors with its seafood platters since 1997. With a reputation in the town for its fresh and locally sourced food, any lovers of fish are sure to remember their visit to this charming spot. The indoor restaurant is chic and airy, with fresh sea air pouring in, while the marquee decking area at the end of the beach is the perfect place to enjoy the fruits of the sea.
From the menu, guests can choose from a wide variety of shellfish such as pints of shell-on prawns, chargrilled scallops or fresh crab and lobster. If you fancy something lighter, then opt for one of the many baguettes and sandwiches available. If you’re tight for time then the Pop-up Prawn is their takeaway shack that offers food and drinks to go, making this one of the most convenient Salcombe restaurants.
Good to know
- Location: The Winking Prawn, Beadon Rd, Salcombe, TQ8 8LD
- Why not try: The grilled mackerel fillets with beetroot and cucumber
- Price range: £50 - £70 (per head – based on the daytime menu)

The Smoking Lobster
The historic waterfront property of Cliff House plays host to The Smoking Lobster; a delightful pop-up restaurant that serves an ever-changing menu of fresh seafood from the waters around. Whilst the restaurant only operates through the summer months, this is another dining experience that is well worth the wait.
With a choice of mini, small and larger dishes available, there’s something for everyone on the menu especially for seafood lovers. Recent small plates include local scallops with smoked pork belly, Dartmouth crab cocktail and smoked Salcombe lobster. With wonderful food presentation and even better views of the estuary, you won’t forget your time spent at this indulgent pop-up restaurant.
Good to know
- Location: The Smoking Lobster, Cliff House, Cliff Rd, Salcombe, TQ8 8JQ
- Why not try: The smoked Salcombe lobster with black garlic and basil butter
- Price range: £50 - £70 (per head – based on the sample menu)
Map of the best places to eat in Salcombe
To make it even easier for you, we've pinpointed all the restaurants and pubs featured in this guide.
Stay at one of our holiday cottages in Salcombe
Now you’re armed with all the best and most scenic places to eat in Salcombe, why not complete your visit to the seaside town with a charming cottage to spend the night in? With a range of cosy and spacious properties with far-reaching views, this is the best way to experience Salcombe. Hit the button below to find out more. To make the most of your stay in South Devon, read our South Devon highlights blog to discover the region's best beaches, towns and cities, plus things to do.
Holiday cottages in Salcombe