Location: Ilfracombe
Top Restaurants in Ilfracombe
Top Things to do in Ilfracombe
Top 10 restaurants in Ilfracombe, United Kingdom (UK)
Ilfracombe (/ˈɪlfrəkuːm/ IL-frə-koom) is a seaside resort and civil parish on the North Devon coast, England, with a small harbour surrounded by cliffs.
Things to do in Ilfracombe
1. The Quay Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 733 reviews
The Quay restaurant in Ilfracombe is home to a unique and substantial collection of Damien Hirst's works. The classical fronted building has been beautifully restored and now relates well to the stunning views out to the Atlantic and the traditional harbour of this ancient port. Exmoor Angus beef served at The Quay has been bred within a few miles of the restaurant, and the Lundy crab and lobster is delivered on a daily basis by the fishermen who catch it just a few miles off shore. With a wine list to delight the heart of the average oenophile, and a stellar selection of West County cheeses and home-made desserts on the menu, The Quay is a genuine treat for discerning food and art lovers alike.
Reviewed By southernsunworshiper - Teignmouth, United Kingdom
Had a family meal here to celebrate a 70th birthday. Was sat upstairs were is was busy and full of atmosphere.
Food was fantastic - everyone had something different and it was all good.
Staff were attentive and friendly. Even brought out a sparkler candle with desert for the birthday boy!
Shame it was dark so we couldn't enjoy the view but would definitely return!
2. La Gendarmerie
Overall Ratings
5 based on 279 reviews
Reviewed By Anna K - Southampton, United Kingdom
We had the most wonderful meal. And agree we would change absolutely nothing. Attentive service and fantastic food. But beyond anything we felt so well accommodated, we notified before that one of us cannot have gluten and the other dairy (we often feel like the most complicated of couples) but they could not have done more! They adapted every dish we wanted, created new ones and provided us with an unforgettable wonderful meal! Thank you so much!
3. Espresso Seafood Bar and Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
Reviewed By dct12017 - Cheltenham, United Kingdom
Relaxed, friendly atmosphere - an excellent place to enjoy an evening of high quality food and drinks.
We ordered oysters, mussels, whitebait and crayfish - all were beautifully prepared and presented: simple and delicious. A great range of local ingredients.
I wouldn't hesitate to eat here again.
4. Take Thyme Fish Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 reviews
Located not 50 yards from Ilfracombe Harbour, Take Thyme Restaurant provides fresh local fish, Exmoor steak and home-made dishes. We also have vegetarian and gluten free options.
Reviewed By Richard W - Cheltenham, United Kingdom
We recently had a short break in Ilfracombe and were lucky enough to get a table at Take Thyme. We arrived to a friendly welcome and a busy restaurant. The food was delicious in fact quite outstanding. We have eaten in certain well known restaurants in the South West specialising in sea food and I think this has been one of the best. Straight forward good cuisine, the Saffron butter sauce was very good indeed. A return visit is already planned.
5. Adele's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 334 reviews
Reviewed By JackieBristol - Clevedon, United Kingdom
Wet horrible day yesterday when we called into Ilfracombe found this little cafe and went in, and both had full English breakfast - it cost £5 including a big mug of tea - amazing value for money. It was well cooked, lovely and hot, and very tasty. This isn't a greasy spoon its like a little tea shop, very well run with lovely staff.
6. Seventy One
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By Elizabeth H - Nottingham, England, United Kingdom
Went as a walk in. Lovely setting and food with very obliging stafff. Lots of deconstructed dishes. My chicken pie had the very nicely cooked chicken on the outside but it was excellent. The only thing I didn't like was liquorice/aniseed carrots which took me by surprise.
7. Giovanni's & Luca's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 639 reviews
Reviewed By SaskiaNF - Bristol, United Kingdom
We came to Ilfracombe with the intention of having a seafood platter without realising seafood restaurants are closed until mid march. After walking around for half an hour we came across this restaurant that looked really busy so we decided to take our chance. The waitress said they could have a table ready in 15mins so we sat at the bar and had a drink.
We both had steak and it was cooked to perfection and for pudding we had the home made caramel ice-cream which was delicious! The waiting staff were accommodating and very friendly. The atmosphere had a family feel to it which was lovely.
We would eat here again!
8. Thomas Carr at The Olive Room
Overall Ratings
5 based on 343 reviews
Fine dining restaurant specialising in seafood - exacting standards recognised with a Michelin star. The restaurant offers large rooms above, providing a 'restaurant with rooms' Dinner+Bed+Breakfast package, ideal for the perfect luxurious mini-break on the stunning North Devon coast. All double rooms have views of the coast, roll-top baths or jacuzzi baths and Nespresso coffee machines. The Michelin Guide: "A simple, homely restaurant set in a 19C townhouse and run by experienced local chef. Ultra-fresh seafood is the focus. . . Bedrooms have a pleasant period feel, and some have great views.." The restaurant is situated ten minutes from 'Woolacombe Sands' consistently rated as the number one beach in the UK, 20 minutes from Exmoor National park, a day boat trip from UNESCO designated 'Lundy Island' and on our doorstep we have 'Verity' an 80ft tall sculpture gifted to the town by Damien Hurst - arguably the most famous living artist in the world.
Reviewed By Mark B - Worcs, UK
We have eaten at a number of quality restaurants in and around the Ilfracombe area over the last few years that feature in the Michelin guide, but this was the first time in an establishment that had attained a star.
We had the 7 course taster menu and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere & the food.
My only complaint was a small piece of cling film found inside a duck leg fritter. Whilst the waitress apologised, she said she would inform the kitchen and I heard nothing more about it. I would have expected a little more feedback and possibly a 2nd apology from the chef in such a small dining room with such high standards.
9. The Manor House Cafe
Overall Ratings
5 based on 324 reviews
Friendly High Street Cafe open all year for Breakfasts, Lunches, local Farm Cream Teas and in high season early Dinners. Our varied menu is family friendly from juicy local steaks and burgers to meals for the kids too. Our food is all sourced locally including our Beers and Ciders and we aim for a relaxed atmosphere after your day at the beach or long drive to beautiful North Devon We are also Dog friendly
Reviewed By David E - Frankfurt, Germany
My wife and two young daughters visited for breakfast and it was one of the highlights of our stay in Ilfracombe. The owners took so much time with us, giving us tips of what to visit in the local area, trying to explain what crumpets...MoreThank you for your kind review. We really try so our visitors enjoy our beautiful part of North Devon. We hope you have had a good Christmas. Happy New Year.
10. St James Tearoom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Reviewed By Jane M
Had a great gluten free cream tea here today, warm scones lots of jam and cream and a good pot of tea. All the others had normal scones and they said they were really good. They also do gluten free cakes and sandwiches so you could have a gluten free afternoon tea. They do salads and other light meals to but I didn't sample them but the cakes looked really good.
