Location: Sidmouth
Top Restaurants in Sidmouth
Top Things to do in Sidmouth
Where to Eat in Sidmouth: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Sidmouth /ˈsɪdməθ/ is a town situated on the English Channel coast in Devon, South West England, 14 miles (23 km) east-southeast of Exeter. In 2004, it had a population of about 15,000, of whom 40% were aged 65 or over. By the time of the 2011 census the population was 12,569. It is a tourist resort and a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. A large part of the town has been designated a conservation area.
Things to do in Sidmouth
1. The Hare and Hounds
Overall Ratings
4 based on 833 reviews
Reviewed By trulymyhonestopinion
Nice, characterful venue with lots of space since it was extended a few years ago and in winter a roaring log fire. Not the very cheapest carvery but consistently one of the best. Certainly terrific value at £10 during certain times for "senior citizens up to just less than £12 during peak times. What I have found is because the have a good turnover of carvery customers the food never seems to have been sitting on the hotplates for too long and the range of vegetables is usually very good. The meat portions are very reasonable for the average to enthusiastic patron and there is usually a choice of three or four and they do not mind if you have a bit of each. I particularly like the variety of sauces provided in non stingy quantities I have been with people who opted for something other than the carvery and it looked "ok" but there may be better places to eat if you do not want a roast dinner . I would not want to be unfair about this - it is just we always go for the roast! The front of house staff always seem cheerful and pleasant without being intrusive. There is plenty of parking, which is a real bonus. If you like real ale they usually have several of the Otter brewery offerings. Professionally pub, run with good customer focus and consistent standards.
2. Restaurant at The Salty Monk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Award winning boutique Restaurant with Rooms just outside Sidmouth in East Devon. 7 Ensuite Bedrooms, Spa, fitness room, Private Car park & award winning Gardens. Restaurant with an A la Carte Menu made from a strong ethos to local produce
Reviewed By 108Bubbles - London, United Kingdom
Sidford is not quite Grantchester and is certainly not just outside Cambridge, but it does share some of its rural surroundings and there is certainly a very comforting atmosphere inside the Salty Monk!
We only popped in there for afternoon tea but the owner gave us a considerable amount of time out of his busy day to explain how he had come by the property, a little bit about its history and how he spent his time both in the Salty Monk and outside in the community with schools and in other areas. All of this was in answer to our questions!
The afternoon tea was lovely – very simple but different and showed the owner's ability to be creative. We also took the opportunity to look at a number of rooms with the idea of returning the to stay for several days in the autumn. It reminded me very much of "The Abbey House" in Abbotsbury, Dorset. The atmosphere was much the same, very peaceful, where time stands still and gives you the ability to reflect, uninterrupted, for as long as you wish.
Whilst this review is short due to the nature of our visit - and the overall rating above reflect this, I would have no hesitation in recommending others to visit and stay as we intend to do – so watch this space!
3. Fields of Sidmouth Coffee Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
The Award Winning Fields of Sidmouth Coffee Shop is located in the only department store in the town. It offers morning coffee, light lunches, special menus, afternoon and cream teas with a full waiting service. Food is prepared from locally sourced fresh produce and home-made whenever possible.
Reviewed By jamesfurze - Plymouth, United Kingdom
This was our first visit since the coffee shop received a massive "make-over" - it is now called "1809" (or is it Goulds?). It has expanded into a previous retail area and behind where the till used to be. New floor, decor and furnishings and walls opened up have removed it from the old fashioned (and much loved) "tea shop" appearance.
Also a new menu which a member of kitchen staff was overheard to say to customers, "We are finding the new menu challenging" and this probably accounted for delays of up to one hour for some meals to arrive.
Fields has given in to the mobile phone etc (previously discouraged) with the provision of WiFi.
The waitresses now bring the enlarged menu to the table and use tablets to take orders so it is a learning process for them.
Our jacket potato with beans/cheese and a bacon Sandwich arrived within 30 minutes and were up to the normal Fields high standard.
We hope things have settled down when we next visit Sidmouth.
4. The Clock Tower Cakery & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 706 reviews
The Clock Tower cafe & restaurant stands in an unrivalled position within the award winning Connaught Gardens, Sidmouth on the stunning Jurassic south coast of East Devon. 28 years on from humble beginnings the Clock Tower has remained a family-owned business, we are very proud of our excellent reputation for quality service and delicious, freshly prepared food.
Reviewed By Holidaymaker050 - UK
Have visited the Clock Tower for so many years that class myself as a regular - was always a must, and more than once on each visit. But no more. Could book a table upstairs and enjoy the views or sit downstairs in the conservatory where dogs were always welcome. Service was friendly ,food was plentiful and of a quality. The cakes enormous. Don't know if ownership has changed, but the Clock Tower has changed with the refurbishment and imho not for the better. Our friendly waitress nowhere to be seen. Dogs now not welcome. Like another reviewer I wonder if we would even be allowed over the threshold after a walk over the hills. Thankfully there are many other places in Sidmouth where walkers and dogs are welcome and where service is friendlier. True Devonian hospitality is still to be had in Sidmouth but it seems perhaps no longer here. Time to move on I suppose and join other "old timers" elsewhere, were we are made to feel more welcome. Like Richard L and others I wish the Clock Tower well, but you have lost our custom too.
5. Bowd Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 760 reviews
Reviewed By Annie1141476 - Devon, United Kingdom
We went for a family lunch on Saturday 10th March, the staff were friendly and efficient even though it was busy. Our orders for drinks and food were taken at the table and we didn't have to wait long for our meals. We had the...MoreThank you for your lovely review - very much appreciated and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
6. Dukes
Overall Ratings
4 based on 722 reviews
Situated at the heart of Sidmouth town centre and Esplanade, Dukes is a family friendly inn offering relaxed dining, drinks and accommodation all year round.
Reviewed By Ray S - London, United Kingdom
Popped into Dukes on our way home from a weeks break in Babbacome only had Sandwich and garlic bread , was really nice, there is a good menu lots of choice, service very good ,lovely relaxed venue and nicely decorated .Well worth a visit ..
7. The Anchor Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 941 reviews
Reviewed By amy2610 - Corsham, United Kingdom
In Sidmouth for the weekend, had been to the Anchor on previous visit,so decided to have an evening meal. Could not fault it,delicious fish pie,my husband had a burger. Most tables had reserved on, so that says it all really. Lovely attentive staff,we will be back again on return visit.
8. Swan Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Charming pub dating back from the 16th Century just minutes from the seafront, opposite a ford across the River Sid, the Swan is a relaxed and friendly pub offering a warm welcome to all visitors and locals alike. Traditional quality pub food, with an ever changing menu and seasonal specials, vegetarian and vegan food served every lunchtime and evening either in the bar or in the beautiful beer garden with its award winning floral displays.
9. The Dairy Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
The Dairy Shop Sidmouth is one of those little gems that every special town has. It has developed over the years from a small deli to a fantastic atmospheric coffee shop/cafe. Providing the best coffee, hot chocolate, pasties and pies to amazing Greek platters. Eat in or take out. Clotted cream by post service. Come in and soak up the atmosphere.
Reviewed By CillaMcCarthy - Banbury, United Kingdom
Very disappointed, placed our order then told didn't have ice cream my son wanted so ordered a different flavour. Everything arrived apart from cake that I ordered. Five minutes later asked waiter where cake was and he said you sure you ordered one. Off he went to find out, came back and said we don't have the one you want. Had I been told that I would have gone elsewhere. It was only 11am so would have expected them to have had more choice left. Will not be returning
10. Neil's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 595 reviews
Neil's is a great place to eat in Sidmouth and is just a short walk from the Beach and within easy reach of Beer, Lyme Regis and Exeter. Neil's focuses on bringing the freshest Devon food, cooked in sympathetic and delicious ways to the table. Neil's Restaurant Sidmouth has an informal and contemporary design and allows you to actually see Neil at work.
Reviewed By roger5826 - London, United Kingdom
Our first visit for 2018, another excellent meal, thoroughly enjoyed and excellent service. We had mussels,which were hot and fresh followed by lemon sole off the bone, hot fresh and very meaty really enjoyable and worthwhile thank you Neil and the staff who looked after us, high recommend. Look forward to visiting you again in the summer when we are next in Sidmouth.
