The best places to eat in Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe in North Devon has a wide variety of attractions for visitors, from the unique Tunnels Beaches to Damien Hirst’s famously divisive 20-metre-tall statue of a pregnant woman, Verity. We rounded up the 8 top things to do in Ilfracombe which includes something for everyone.

Similarly, Ilfracombe’s food scene has restaurants, pubs, cafes, tearooms and takeaways for all tastes and budgets. There are places to eat that offer a feast that will be the highlight of your evening, as well as places that can provide a quick bite to re-energise you before you head out, perhaps to catch a show or movie.

We have lots of holiday cottages for couples, families and large groups in Ilfracombe, so you won’t have far to walk if you fancy a tipple or two with your meal. You can see the collection by clicking on the button below.

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• Fish and seafood restaurants in Ilfracombe
• Ilfracombe restaurants with a sea view
• Italian restaurants in Ilfracombe
• Indian restaurants in Ilfracombe
• Pubs in Ilfracombe
• Special mention

Fish and seafood restaurants in Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe is renowned for its exceptional fish restaurants offering visitors the freshest catch of the day.

Take Thyme Lobster and Fish Restaurant

Take Thyme is located just 50 metres away from Ilfracombe harbour. It has a relaxed and informal atmosphere and specialises in locally caught fish and seafood, as well as steaks from animals reared on nearby Exmoor – the kitchen uses fresh, local produce wherever possible. The restaurant has a frequently changing specials board and a range of top-shelf spirits, prosecco cocktails, and wines to match all its dishes.

S&P Fish

Photo credit: S&P Fish

S&P Fish offers customers fish and shellfish caught from its very own vessels. The friendly cafe serves fresh seafood platters, salads and sandwiches, which you can wash down with a cold glass of Pinot Grigio or bottle of beer while you watch the boats in the harbour. Well-behaved children and dogs are welcome. All food is available to take away.

The Dolphin

Photo credit: The Dolphin

The Dolphin has great views of the harbour and offers takeaway. Its fish and chips are very popular, but also offers pies, pasties, burgers, jacket potatoes and sandwiches. There are gluten-free and vegan options and a children’s menu. 

Lynbay Fish and Chips

Lynbay is a family-focused fish and chip restaurant and takeaway. It prides itself on its eco-friendly credentials, high standard of cleanliness, and its traditional customer service. It also goes out of its way to offer gluten-free options. The restaurant has TVs playing children’s movies such as Frozen to keep young visitors entertained. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome.

Ilfracombe restaurants with a sea view

These Ilfracombe restaurants provide a delightful dining experience, combining exquisite cuisine with breathtaking views of the North Devon coast.

The Lime Kiln

Photo credit: The Lime Kiln

The Lime Kiln is a stylish cafe and bar that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. It claims to have the best view of the statue Verity in town, as well as great views of the harbour. You can relax on the terrace or patio, or if it’s too chilly, enjoy the views from inside through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The Lime Kiln is a very local-focused business, from the produce it uses to the people it employs. It prides itself on a relaxed service and a happy team, and the menus are small with daily specials so that the team can concentrate on quality, changing the menu regularly to adapt to the seasonal availability of ingredients.

The Pier Brewery Tap and Grill

Photo credit: The Pier

The Pier is another dog-friendly venue in a great location by the harbour, with outdoor seating where you can watch the sun go down over the water. In fact, it’s one of the best dog-friendly eateries in Devon. The menu includes starters, grazing boards, light bites, burgers, children’s meals and a range of mains. There are also daily specials. Keep an eye on the Facebook page to see if a roast dinner will be available if you’re planning to visit on a Sunday – as well as for details about music events.

The Smugglers

The Smugglers is an atmospheric restaurant which is absolutely packed with knick-knacks that will rival the view outside for your attention. The menu has a wide variety of seafood, steaks and British classics. Vegetarian options and a children’s menu are also available. 

Italian restaurants in Ilfracombe

Head to one of Ilfracombe’s Italian restaurants where visitors can indulge in a delicious range of authentic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas and much more!

Giovanni & Luca

Giovanni & Luca is a truly authentic Italian restaurant. All of its traditional dishes are cooked in the old-fashioned way using recipes handed down over the generations. A variety of dishes on the menu can be made vegan or gluten free – check the blackboards for specials too. The restaurant itself has a traditional style and an atmosphere where visitors can feel instantly at ease.

Indian restaurants in Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe's Indian restaurants offer a vibrant culinary experience with a wonderful range of curries, aromatic spices, and traditional dishes.

Spice Lounge

Spice Lounge is an Indian restaurant and takeaway that claims to serve the most authentic Indian cuisine in the town, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and taste. It caters to all dietary needs and preferences, with an extensive selection of vegetarian and halal options available. Dishes are prepared with care and attention and the service is friendly and efficient. 

Tandoori Nights

Tandoori Nights says it will always provide excellent service at a reasonable price. It strives to deliver a comfortable, high-quality and satisfying dining experience by using local, seasonal ingredients in classic cuisine matched with carefully chosen wines. 

Pubs in Ilfracombe

If you’re after a locally brewed ale and hearty pub meal while in Ilfracombe, these are the places to eat in Ilfracombe for you!

The Admiral Collingwood

This is Ilfracombe’s Wetherspoon pub and, based on Tripadvisor reviews, it’s the best Wetherspoon pub in Devon. The brand is known for offering some of the cheapest food and drink in town, plus a range of real ales and craft beers in a casual atmosphere, but one that doesn’t play background music or allow dogs. It’s open from 8am for breakfast and stays open until midnight – 1am on Fridays and Saturdays – with children welcome until 10pm and food served until 11pm. It has an outdoor area so you can eat alfresco if the weather is good. 

The George and Dragon

Photo credit: The George and Dragon

This pub was built in 1360 and the team is proud of its atmosphere, which a log fire and live music help to create. It’s dog friendly and family friendly, so why not get a bit of exercise together before settling down? The George and Dragon features in our top 10 dog-friendly pub walks in Devon guide. The bar is well stocked with a selection of real ales and lagers from around the world. The food menu has classics such as a ploughman’s lunch and the pub is famous for its loaded hoisin duck fries. 

The Thatched Inn

Photo credit: The Thatched Inn

The Thatched Inn is a 17th-century pub that has a selection of real ales, fine wines and delicious, traditional pub food made using the finest locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. It has a warm and cosy atmosphere and a spacious garden with views down the valley. On Sundays, the pub serves its legendary roast. Dogs are welcome in the beer garden but not inside. 

Special mention

We couldn’t write a guide to the best places to eat in Ilfracombe without mentioning The Antidote, which doesn’t fit into any of the categories above. 

The Antidote

It’s the only Ilfracombe restaurant to have a mention in the prestigious Michelin Guide, which describes it as a ‘sweet, glass-fronted shop conversion where brown paper-covered tables contribute to a cool, modish feel. It’s run by a friendly couple with a passion for local produce, so the thoughtfully prepared set menu changes regularly. Well-judged dishes are modern in their make-up and packed with flavour.’

Map of Ilfracombe restaurants

Please find all of the above Ilfracombe restaurants with the help of our handy map.

Stay at one of our self-catering cottages in Ilfracombe

Hopefully, there’s at least one restaurant in this guide that you’d love to visit while you’re in Ilfracombe, but you probably won’t be eating out for every meal. You can cook up your own culinary masterpieces in one of our self-catering cottages. 

We have hundreds in Ilfracombe to choose from, so if the suggested cottages above don’t suit you, feel free to browse the rest and to find one that’s perfect for your next break.