Devon's Best Cafes
Devon’s café scene is as varied as its landscapes. Think beach shacks reached by boat, village cafés worth a detour, bakeries serving legendary sourdough, and vineyard cafés with views that reward lingering.
This is not a directory. Every place here is somewhere we genuinely recommend – ideal for pairing with walks, days out, or relaxed mornings and lunches during a countryside stay. Many sit comfortably within reach of Dartmoor, making them easy to fold into a stay at Moorland View without turning the day into a mission.
The Birdcage – Chagford
A cheerful, bird-themed café on Chagford’s main square serving excellent breakfasts and lunches using fresh local ingredients. Grab an outdoor table when the sun’s out.
River Exe Cafe – Exmouth
A floating café reached by water taxi and supplied by passing fishing boats. On a good day, seafood can go from boat to plate in minutes. One of Devon’s most memorable lunch experiences.
The Beach House – South Milton Sands
A clapboard café sitting directly on the beach and the South West Coast Path. Communal tables, sea views and unfussy food make this an ideal coastal pit stop.
Winking Prawn – Salcombe
A much-loved beach café on North Sands serving seafood, BBQ classics, ice creams and cream teas. Perfect for an easy, sun-soaked lunch.
Rockfish – Dartmouth
Run by Mitch Tonks, Rockfish serves some of the best fish and chips in Devon alongside locally landed scallops, oysters and classic seafood dishes, right on the harbour.
The Almond Thief – Dartington
Famed for its sourdough, The Almond Thief also serves outstanding breakfasts built around top-quality local produce. Menus change weekly; coffee is excellent.
The Cellar Door – Totnes
Set within Sharpham Vineyard, with sweeping views over the Dart. Pair lunch at the Cellar Door café with a vineyard walk or wine tasting. Seasonal opening – book ahead.
Mangetout – Totnes
A Totnes institution for breakfast and lunch. Sit out front to watch the town go by or tuck yourself away in the shaded courtyard. The smashed avocado is deservedly popular.
The Hairy Barista – Totnes
A tiny but serious coffee spot serving Aeropress, V60, cold brew and excellent espresso. Grab-and-go rather than linger, but well worth it for coffee lovers.
The Curator – Totnes
A modern Italian osteria upstairs in a light-filled space. Seasonal menus draw on both local Devon produce and artisan suppliers from Le Marche. Exceptional food and a standout wine list.
The Fish Shed – Topsham
Possibly Devon’s best fish and chips. Only day-boat fish, fried to order in beef dripping, with a constantly changing menu that might include scallops, brill or monkfish. Always worth the detour.
Enjoying Devon cafés from a Dartmoor base
One of the pleasures of staying on Dartmoor is having easy access to both countryside and coast – without being locked into busy seaside towns. Many of these cafés pair naturally with walks, market towns and gentle day trips, before returning to peace and quiet in the evening.
We quietly share timing tips, favourites and route suggestions privately with guests at Moorland View, helping you enjoy Devon’s best food spots without crowds or rushing.
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