Escape to Trencherman’s Country this spring and delight in waterside dining at one of these gourmet finds
The Cove Restaurant and Bar
Just a stone’s throw from the foodie hub of Falmouth lies Maenporth Beach, a beautiful bay of golden sand and turquoise water that’s also home to Michael Caines’ relaxed coastal eatery.
The Cove takes full advantage of its desirable setting: floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious terrace treat diners to uninterrupted views of the beach and across the Roseland Heritage Coast. Heaters, blankets and a retractable roof allow guests to enjoy the alfresco experience all year round.
If you’ve tried Michael’s Michelin-starred cooking at Lympstone Manor (his flagship manor house hotel and restaurant near Exmouth), you’ll recognise his style, flair and flavours in the Signature Tasting Menu which features a number of the chef’s hero dishes.
Tom’s Lyme Regis
Tom’s Lyme Regis, a pebble’s skim from the shoreline, is where chef Tom Robinson prepares all things that come with shells and scales. His daily-changing menu puts the emphasis on the best local fish and produce, which is crafted into simple dishes with imaginative twists.
If you choose to sit out on the terrace, you’ll feel cosy and sheltered with the offer of blankets, heaters and parasols, while many of the indoor seats offer stunning views over balmy blue waters. Pause with a sparkling sip from nearby Castlewood Vineyard and take in an everchanging vista of big skies and lapping waves.
The Angel – Taste of Devon
Elly Wentworth, former MasterChef: The Professionals finalist, delights South West diners with her culinary mastery at this iconic Dartmouth restaurant. The Angel has an illustrious past and the spectacular setting is enjoying an exciting new era with the female chef at the pass.
The restaurant is a great example of relaxed fine dining at its best, and the team take as much care over guests’ comfort as they do in the sourcing, cooking and presentation of delicacies such as roast diver scallops and Devon Red venison.
Seats by the large picture windows offer lovely views over the harbour, so arrive early and explore the impressive drinks menu (which includes a superb wine list and notable local additions) while watching boats bobbing on the River Dart.
Outlaw’s New Road
Nathan Outlaw’s eponymous restaurant in Port Isaac is in the midst of a new era in which precise and delicate tasting menus have been replaced by a more casual dining experience. The chef now focuses on cooking exactly the kind of dishes he loves to eat: high quality, local seafood crafted in simple ways to pay homage to the Cornish catch.
While unnecessary fripperies have been eliminated, Outlaw’s is still the place to source excellently executed fish dishes. The daily seafood set-menu is a celebration of Cornwall’s coast and country, and demonstrates Nathan’s ever-evolving skills and creativity in a line-up of innovative dishes.
Striking sea views vie with the excellent cooking and considered wine list (the team always have an on-point recommendation up their sleeves) for diners’ attention.
The Riviera Hotel and Restaurant
This imposing establishment on Sidmouth’s esplanade offers charming English seaside views and smart two-AA rosette waterside dining.
Attention to detail is the defining characteristic of chef Martin Osedo’s modern British menus, while the hotel’s heritage adds traditional appeal. Not only has The Riviera Hotel been run by the Wharton family for over four decades, the seafood on its menu is supplied by a third-generation local fishing family.
Get into the glamorous spirit of the place by sipping a cocktail in the Regency Bar, or linger over a lunch of classic dishes out on the sunny terrace.