Devon’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants – For Romantic, Gourmet Breaks
With its rich natural larder of produce, Devon is one of Britain’s most rewarding destinations for gourmet breaks – especially if you know where to look. From Michelin-starred country houses to intimate coastal restaurants, the county offers exceptional food rooted in local produce, innovative techniques and confident cooking.
Moorland View’s owner, Suzy Bennett, is a restaurant critic and these are some of the fine-dining restaurants she rates most highly, chosen for memorable food, atmosphere and a sense of occasion. All are within comfortable reach of Moorland View, making them ideal for romantic evenings out during a Dartmoor stay – without the stress of long journeys or busy resort crowds.
Cottage guests receive exclusive booking tips and details about lesser-known gems in our private Devon guide.
Bovey Castle, North Bovey
A short walk or drive from Moorland View, the silver-service Great Western Grill at Bovey Castle is unapologetically glamorous – chandeliers, flock wallpaper and sweeping carpets set the tone.
The food more than matches the setting, with beautifully presented dishes such as estate venison, sea trout and duck, all paired with thoughtful accompaniments. A classic choice for a special-occasion dinner close to Dartmoor.
Gidleigh Park, Chagford
Michelin-starred Gidleigh Park, near Chagford, remains one of Devon’s most refined dining experiences.
Formal, confident and with a menu rooted in seasonal British produce, dishes include Cornish turbot with leeks and caviar hollandaise, and beef fillet with potato terrine and cauliflower purée. The wine list is vast, and the service impeccably traditional.
The Horse, Moretonhampstead
Heralded by the Michelin Guide as a “genuine slice of foodie heaven”, The Horse, a five-minute drive from Moorland View, is one of our favourite local restaurants.
The menu celebrates outstanding Devon and Cornish produce – Brixham crab, scallops, wild sea bass, Moreton lamb and Devon Ruby beef – all served in a relaxed, contemporary setting. The pizzas are exceptional, and summer brunches are worth planning around, especially when enjoyed in the pretty walled courtyard.
The Seahorse, Dartmouth
Set on the embankment overlooking the Dartmouth’s glittering harbour, The Seahorse offers smart, seafood-led dining with a Mediterranean influence.
Sit outside by the water or inside beside the glass-walled kitchen. Josper-grilled whole fish and fresh pastas are standout choices. Arrive early for a cocktail in Joe’s Bar before dinner.
Mason’s Arms, Knowstone
One of Devon’s most characterful fine dining experiences, the traffic queue outside Mason’s Arms tells you everything you need to know.
This remote 13th-century thatched pub, seating just 30 diners, delivers Michelin-starred food in charmingly wonky surroundings – sloping floors, low beams and a cosy, intimate atmosphere.
The Elephant, Torquay
Torquay may seem an unlikely setting for Michelin-starred dining, but The Elephant is a standout.
The Michelin-starred restaurant upstairs offers inventive cooking and the best view in town, while the downstairs brasserie provides a more relaxed alternative. Expect playful desserts, polished service and food that surprises.
A Word On Where To Stay
A truly romantic break is as much about where you return to as where you dine. Moorland View offers a peaceful, well-located Dartmoor base for exploring Devon’s finest restaurants at a relaxed pace.
Want more details?
For guests staying at Moorland View, we privately share timing advice, table tips and route notes for Devon’s finest restaurants – helping special meals feel relaxed, well paced and genuinely memorable.
Read more
