Where to eat for a great festive meal this winter

As the year starts to come to an end, all our calendars are starting to get busier and one of the best ways to catch up with friends and family is over a tasty, seasonal meal at one of Devon’s hotels or restaurants.

At this time of year, you can enjoy warming, seasonal menus made with delicious local ingredients across the county, so grab your friends, your families and your appetites and book one of these places ready for your Christmas meet ups!

For something indulgent that won’t break the bank and will cater for everyone with a French twist, check out the menus at Bistrot Pierre. With restaurants in Torquay, which can be found on the seafront, and in Plymouth in the historic Royal William’s Yard. Whichever branch you pick you can be sure of deliciously tempting menus, including children’s options, Sunday lunch and even dedicated vegan and gluten free menus. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or something more informal, Bistrot Pierre offers the perfect atmosphere

If you’re looking for somewhere fun for the whole family where you can also pick up some Christmas gifts and enjoy some hearty food check out the restaurant at Strawberry Fields.

Image: Strawberry Fields

Located on the Devon/Cornwall border, this farm shop and restaurant sells fresh local produce as well as providing the ideal setting for everything from lunch to weddings and parties. The restaurant features everything you could expect from a traditional country kitchen, while the farm shop has an array of home produced goods and the surrounding land is a tourist attraction in its own right – what more could you need for a family meal out?

In North Devon, for a real beachside dining experience during the winter months, make sure to head to the Pier House in Westward Ho! As the village’s only seafront bar and bistro, a meal here will give you the chance to overlook Bideford Bay and Lundy Island and we all know food tastes better when there is a great view! Another place where you can dine with a good view is at Amelia’s Pantry which is on the Cofton Holidays site. The extensive menus and indoor soft play zone make it a great fit for all the family. If it’s warm enough, sit out on the terrace and look over at the views – there is a whole new side to them in the winter months.

Many of Devon’s hotels have award winning restaurants and offer luxury and comfortable dining experiences – several have different dining areas, so you can find the right environment for what you need. If you’re looking for something informal where you can just catch up before the end of the year, choose a hotel with a bar or bistro area, or if you need somewhere grand to hold a special occasion, pick somewhere that has a fine dining option or a function room for ultimate privacy. You’ll find a host of options across Devon, all of which offer extensive seasonal menus created using the very best ingredients that the west country has to offer. In Sidmouth, where you have the joys of the Jurassic Coast as well as the Victoria Hotel,  which is well known for its fine dining. Diners have three options to choose from, the Jubilee Restaurant which is perfect for a special dinner, there is live music and a dress code – so you can really indulge, while the White Room and the Sun Lounge are more informal, without sacrificing the comfort or grand atmosphere.

Image: Victoria Hotel

Similarly, the Arlington Restaurant in the Imperial Hotel is somewhere else you can enjoy a wonderful dining experience with comfort and luxury. It has a reputation for being one of the best restaurants in North Devon and has a constantly changing menu, so you can guarantee fresh, seasonal flavours each time you visit.

Find more delectable dishes across Devon by visiting our food and drink pages here and don’t forget to tag us in your food pics!