It’s no surprise that the Michelin star restaurants in Devon are some of the most popular in the UK.
Devon has an abundance of fantastic local seafood, outdoor-reared meat, locally grown fruit and veg and some world-beating cheeses and wines – and it’s hard to go wrong with a start like that. Add to this a variety of beautiful restaurant settings, and some of the best chefs both experienced and up-and-coming, and you can see why Devon is such a draw for foodies.
Read on to find out about some of the best Michelin star restaurants in Devon, plus links to help you find even more top-rated restaurants.
Devon's newest luxury country house hotel
Lympstone Manor
Dining - and staying - at Lympstone Manor truly is the exceptional experience that you would expect from Michael Caines MBE, chef/patron and one of Britain’s most celebrated and influential chefs. Just 6 months after opening in spring 2017 it received its first Michelin Star - and those in the know expect that there are many more accolades to come. Using produce from the Exe estuary, East Devon and the Southwest, Michael's amazing food is matched by a choice of over 600 wines, and is served in the setting of a beautifully restored Georgian mansion with Exe Estuary views.
Sample dish Braised Brixham turbot, wild mushrooms, spinach, Brixham scallop, truffle butter sauce
Price Lunch from £38 per person
Find out more
Thomas Carr at The Olive Room
Relaxed fine dining in a pretty seaside town
In opening his restaurant Thomas set out to achieve fine dining in a relaxed and unpretentious environment - and that's exactly what you'll find at The Olive Room. Having worked with some of the UK - and world's - best chefs, including Michael Caines and Nathan Outlaw, Thomas has plenty of experience in high-end hospitality, but having come back to his home stomping ground, he serves his food in the environment in which he feels most comfortable. And not only is Thomas' food delicious - it is quite stunning to look at, too.
Sample dish Bream - Shellfish Bisque - Leek & Potato - Orange - Basil - Lobster Tortellini
Price From £50 for 3 courses
Find out more
Two Michelin star luxury and innovation
Gidleigh Park, Chagford
As it’s one of only a very small number of restaurants holding two Michelin stars, you won’t be surprised to hear that Gidleigh Park regularly wins awards. Michael Wignall is at the helm here, and he describes his food as ‘modern, technical and meaningful’, aimed at enticing diners to experience new combinations and ingredients complemented by vegetables and herbs picked from Gidleigh Park’s own kitchen garden. His menu manages to be both classic and highly innovative – modern European, yet firmly rooted in Devon – and you can also sample one of the most extensive wine lists in the UK, as Gidleigh’s cellar houses more than 1,300 bins. This is all found in the setting of a beautiful country house hotel in the wilds of Dartmoor – and has to be on every foodie’s ‘must-do’ list.
Sample dish Roe deer, smoked potato, roast spring onion, hen of the woods mushroom, brioche and boudin noir crumble
Price 3 courses at lunch from £60
Find out more
Stunning food - and sea views
The Elephant Restaurant and Brasserie, Torquay
Celebrity chef Simon Hulstone’s restaurant is a must-visit when you go to Torquay. The Elephant overlooks the pretty harbour, and offers both the Michelin starred The Room restaurant and the more informal The Brasserie on the ground floor. Well known for his creative cuisine, Simon’s menu constantly changes but is always based around local and sustainable ingredients, including chicken, lamb, pork and vegetables from its own dedicated south Devon farm. The Room (open April-October) exclusively serves an exciting tasting menu with optional matching wine flight, whilst The Brasserie is open all year and welcomes children.
Sample dish Brixham crab, asparagus, samphire, lovage
Price Tasting menu £72.50 per person
Find out more
Thatched pub setting, Michelin star food
The Mason’s Arms, Knowstone
For those who prefer their outstanding food to be in a cosy setting – The Mason’s Arms is your dream pub-restaurant. The restaurant’s in a thatched 13th century inn in the village of Knowstone on the edge of Exmoor, and as well as the restaurant there’s also a very friendly bar that serves both real ale, cider and champagne by the glass. The food is definitely fine dining – but on the heartier side of the genre! – and features lots of Exmoor and Devon produce.
Sample dish Fillets of John Dory with crab risotto and bouillon, tempura of mange-tout
Price Lunch from £21 for two courses
Find out more
