Diners' Choice: Best Ambience restaurants in Devon

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambience in Devon? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The River Shack

4.7

4.7 (980)

£25 and under

Contemporary British

Paignton

About the restaurant

At The River Shack we are not interested in fuss or formalities, we simply want to provide you with delicious food and drink in a relaxed and beautiful setting.

You can dine right by the waters edge on sunny days, shelter in our waterside marquee on rainy ones, or relax by our log burner inside on the cooler days.

The views in themselves are worth the trip, but wait until you try the food! Our menus are creative, seasonal, rustic and delicious.

Along with the rest of our fantastic team, we look forward to meeting you down at the creek!

Top review

Tracy

Dined on 8 Nov 2024

Great setting with a superb breakfast served with attentive staff!

Emilia

4.8

4.8 (115)

£26 to £40

Italian

Ashburton

About the restaurant

Created Tom Hill and Clare Lattin of Ducksoup in Soho and Little Duck in Hackney, Emilia is their version of a small Italian Osteria (transported to the Devonshire countryside) serving seasonal, everyday Italian inspired dishes using locally grown ingredients. Tom oversees the menu and together they cook and share a love for Italian food and natural wine. The dining room is hosted by Lucy Mastroddi and Paul Seckler along with Alice Phillips.

Top review

Charlie

Dined 7 days ago

Loved everything about our time in Emilia, the food was exceptional as were the two front of house staff who managed the restaurant so competently throughout service. Highlights in no particular order: vermouth, ragu, pumpkin. Thank you so much

The Angel Bar and Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (60)

£25 and under

Dining Bar

Totnes

About the restaurant

The Angel Bar and Kitchen is your new best friend.

Top review

Lydia

Dined 4 days ago

The Angel is always fantastic. The team are wonderful, do anything they can to accommodate you all of the time! The ever changing menu is always a delight and I look forward to every dish! Thank you ☺️

schoolhouse

4.7

4.7 (32)

£25 and under

Italian

Mothecombe

About the restaurant

schoolhouse is an Italian influenced restaurant and beach takeaway located on the stunning Fleet Estate, just a few minutes walk from the sea. We offer a range of food to suit everyone, from artisan sourdough pizzas to sustainable seasonal dishes. All our produce is procured locally, support our local farmers from the surrounding estates.

Top review

Kirsten

Dined today

What a top spot. We went for brunch & took our dog. We were all greeted with such warmth & friendliness. The setting is quirky & interesting, the ambience was laid back & cosy. My scrambled egg was cooked perfectly & my husband’s full English was (in his words) the best he’s had in ages! Great Bloody Mary’s too. We will definitely be returning, next time to try their lunchtime menu, which sounds delicious.

Harry's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2891)

£26 to £40

Comfort Food

Exeter

About the restaurant

Harry’s Restaurant in Exeter is set in the heart of the city and has been gratifying appetites for 26 years. Rated as one of the best restaurants in Exeter on TripAdvisor, Harry’s has established itself to become the go-to dining den on the neighbourhood food scene.

Founded in 1993 by the Pounds family, Harry’s is still independently owned and run today. The eclectic restaurant, bar and private dining room all sit within the iconic gothic style building, formerly Harry Hems’ 19th century architectural sculptors workshop.

Top review

ClareVIP

Dined 4 days ago

The service and food at Harrys is always exceptional. Excellent quality food. I highly recommend the cheese soufflé starter and the fillet steak is unrivalled

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4.7

4.7 (1008)

£26 to £40

British

Dartmouth

About the restaurant

Join us and dine on dishes created by our chefs using locally sourced ingredients in the beautiful setting of our 14th century building.
Enjoy a wide range of wines and local beers, matching our varied menu. With fresh fish and specials changing daily. Variety is very much the spice of life here at Bayard's Cove Inn!

Top review

Margaret

Dined on 19 Nov 2024

Very enjoyable evening, thoroughly recommend eating here

Stage

4.9

4.9 (763)

£41 and over

Contemporary British

Exeter

About the restaurant

ALL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS REQUIRED WHEN BOOKING.
Booking the 'Bar' means Chef's Table which is on extra high stools by the kitchen.
PLEASE ONLY CHOOSE BAR IF THESE ARE ACCESIBLE TO YOU

Use the 'special request' box to denote all dietaries

e.g 2 x pescatarian, 1 x pregnant, 1 x GF

If unsure, please email.

Stage, an immersive tasting menu experience.

WEEKDAY LUNCH - 4 courses at 12:30pm - £30
LUNCH FLIGHT - drinks pairings - £25

WEEKEND LUNCH - 6 courses from 12:30pm - £55
LUNCH FLIGHT - drinks pairings - £45

DINNER - 6 courses from 6pm - £55
DINNER FLIGHT - drinks pairings - £45

CHRISTMAS DATES Tuesday 24th & 31st December - 6 course lunch £55

Space is limited so please let us know if you plan to bring a dog, buggy or wheelchair. Stage does not provide high chairs.

Please note Stage's seating utilises upcycled materials and most seats are without backs or are on high stools.

Tables are required back after dinner for another party on 6pm sittings.

Top review

Kate

Dined 5 days ago

This was a lovely evening. The food and flavours were outstanding. It was so refreshing to eat somewhere where the enthusiasm and energy that goes into the prep and pure zest for life shines through into the food. This was an outstandingly fine dining experience but not fiddle-faddle food. Expect authentic, innovative food that will awaken your taste-buds and leave you with lingering, happy memories. As a middle aged person it was lovely for once to be the oldest in the bijoux and informal dining room in a young and vibrant crowd. My advice -go!

The Linny at Coffinswell

4.8

4.8 (81)

£26 to £40

British

Newton Abbot

About the restaurant

A picturesque setting complements the character of the idyllic thatched building. A local seasonal menu, paired with an informal dining experience & traditional country decor.

Top review

Sarah

Dined 3 days ago

Very enjoyable Christmas get together with family. Food was lovely, service was good and a great ambiance. Not the cheapest but you pay for what you get.

Shoals

4.8

4.8 (939)

£25 and under

Seafood

Brixham

About the restaurant

Shoals Seafood Restaurant is the brainchild of Sean and Sarah Perkes. Established in 2014, the once storage room for the open air seawater pool has been transformed into a unique fish lovers dream. The small family run restaurant and outside terrace provide beautiful coastal views across the bay and beyond.

Top review

Shan

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent! No more words needed. We have visited many times.

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Prawn & Monkfish Curry

The Elephant Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2705)

£41 and over

Modern European

Torquay

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Elephant Restaurant
The Elephant is a bright, informal restaurant which is situated near the beautiful Torbay harbour. It was the first restaurant in Torquay to be awarded a Michelin star which it maintains today. We aim to source all our ingredients locally and sustainably, many from our dedicated farm in Brixham.

Run by chef proprietor, Simon Hulstone and his wife Katy. Food is cooked by a talented team of chefs and served by friendly, professional team of staff.

Due to the style of cooking we cannot produce dairy free menus & therefore cannot provide vegan options.

A deposit is required to make reservations on special days of the year, on our special events, or for tables of 6 or more. This is paid over the phone by calling 01803 200044.

Children's menu is only available at lunch for ages 10 and under.

Tasting menu only available in the evening unless requested via phone in advance.

Top review

TomVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent meal (fabulous tasting menu), great service and atmosphere. This is a top class restaurant and fully deserving of a Michelin star

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