Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Devon

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Devon? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, 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 Nov 8, 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

Melissa

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Excellent meal, imaginative food, delightful service. Who could ask for more.

The Angel Bar and Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (62)

£25 and under

Dining Bar

Totnes

About the restaurant

The Angel Bar and Kitchen is your new best friend.

Top review

Ellie

Dined 7 days ago

Wonderful service. Excellent food. Lovely ambience.

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 on Dec 21, 2024

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 (2900)

£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

mekki

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent food Service outstanding Very quiet place to enjoy food and relax with families

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4.7

4.7 (1009)

£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

Heather

Dined on Dec 22, 2024

Beautiful meal and excellent service. Really gorgeous ambience

Stage

4.9

4.9 (770)

£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

Julian

Dined 3 days ago

Very nice small restaurant. Was previously a cafe? Incredible variety of amazing flavours in the food and drink. Quite a youthful team, but service is great too. Some of the homemade drinks are fantastic. And care is taken with vegetarian options. Overall the team deliver an outstanding experience. It’s expensive yes. But it’s special.

The Linny at Coffinswell

4.8

4.8 (90)

£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

Lynne

Dined 3 days ago

We went to the Linny on Sunday 22nd. We had the roast lamb, which was excellent. We liked it so much that we decided to go again today (27.12). Again, our meal was very good. I had the turkey curry and my husband had liver and bacon. Everything was cooked perfectly. The staff were friendly and welcoming

Shoals

4.8

4.8 (941)

£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

RICHARD

Dined 1 day ago

I chose Shoals to celebrate my Wifes birthday after a sauna and dip in the sea at Shoalstone - I was blown away by the exceptional service, stunning views, and incredible food that truly impressed. The whole crew went above and beyond to make our dinner memorable. I cannot recommend this place enough to anyone looking for a fantastic, friendly and atmospheric restaurant. Definitely a five-star rating from me! Big thanks to all at Shoals.

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Prawn & Monkfish Curry

The Elephant Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2712)

£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

Chris

Dined 6 days ago

We are never disappointed and always look to try something different. For example plaice with (among others) chestnuts, Duck with turnip and rhubabrb. Both excellent. service always spot on, and on Christmas Eve they were very busy.

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