Dine your way around South Devon with the dog
Rockfish, Brixham
There are several Rockfish outposts across South Devon, but the Brixham branch is the one that’s closest to one of the biggest fish markets in Britain. Here you’ll get some of the freshest seafood on offer, with bright red lobsters, delicately battered fish and beautifully cooked scallops.
Dogs are treated to water on arrival, while humans can start their fish supper with some oysters grown just along the coast in Chesil Bay. For those with a serious appetite, the seafood platters are the highlight. Finish with a “Fisherman’s Coffee”, a boozy hot drink with a scoop of ice cream dolloped on top.
Riverford Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh
If you can tear yourself away from touring the beautiful Riverford Farm – whose logo is famously seen countrywide on veg box delivery vans – you won’t regret dining the Riverford Field Kitchen. This bright and airy restaurant is a delightfully casual affair, letting the good food speak for itself.
Entirely organic vegetable-based menus include whatever’s in season, prepared as salads, soups, sandwiches and more. Dogs and kids are both welcome here – even if they’ve muddy paws – and water is available on request.
Harbour 16, Torquay
With wonderful views right across the harbour in Torquay, Harbour 16 is in prime position for waterfront lunches or dinners with the dog. But it’s not all about what’s outside the windows, as the food here is much-loved by locals and visitors alike. They specialise in grilled steaks, which are always locally-supplied cuts and cooked to perfection alongside caramelised onion and shallot purée.
For the vegetarians and vegans, though, there’s plenty on offer including plant-based burgers and zingy salads. Dogs get a warm welcome from staff and a bowl of water on asking.
Seahorse, Dartmouth
Don’t let the white tablecloths put you off – Seahorse in Dartmouth really is dog-friendly. Come here for elevated lunches and posh dinners of the best seafood Devon has to offer, all delicately flavoured and presented by a team of serious talent.
The menu changes regularly, but you can enjoy dishes such as roasted monkfish, smoked beef carpaccio, fritto misto or whole grilled fish straight from the market. A sophisticated wine menu rounds off any meal, and dogs will be watered on request.
Oyster Shack, Bigbury
Getting to the Oyster Shack in Bigbury is half the adventure – one of the access roads is cut off by high tide – but it’s well worth it. Set on land that was once an oyster farm, the shack now serves up a fantastic array of local produce in crowd-pleasing dishes. Seafood includes buttery lobsters and dressed crab, while meat-eaters will love the local pork chops or cheeseburgers.
Creative sides and starters like seaweed slaw and prawn tacos show just how creative the chefs here can be, and in summer it’s all enjoyed al fresco on the shores of the River Avon. Dogs get their own dining options, with a menu that includes a fish supper for canine patrons.
Two Bridges, Yelverton
Set in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, the Two Bridges Hotel has the kind of restaurant that draws people back again and again. The kitchen’s creative chefs can do all the classics – Sunday roasts, fish and chips – but it’s the off-beat options that will impress.
Try the fishcakes with curry mayonnaise, the vegetarian moussaka or the guinea fowl with morel and butterbean for a real treat. There are two menus – the standard and slightly fancier signature – and dogs can join you to dine on either in the comfy lounge and bar area.