The Fig Tree @ 36

French bistro vibes in Plymouth

The daily menus at this neighbourhood bistro are a celebration of Devon’s fruitful land and sea. Thanks to head chef Ryan Marsland’s hotline to the region’s finest suppliers, visitors can expect to feast on the freshest produce of the season – from justlanded River Exe mussels and Plymouth monkfish to Copplestone chicken and Creedy Carver duck.

Ryan utilises two decades of experience to create pleasingly pared‑back dishes that sing with flavour. His Trust the Chef surprise menu (£33 for three courses) on Wednesdays and Thursdays is a fabulously affordable way to sample house specials such as pig’s head terrine, lobster fries, and squid ink pasta. Round off an indulgent three courses with the irresistibly silky brown butter crème brûlée served with strawberry sorbet and ginger crumb.

If the forecast is favourable, book one of the tables under the fig tree in the garden and kick off an alfresco supper with creative cocktails, plump olives and homemade bread. The restaurant is tucked away on a residential street a short walk from Royal William Yard, so it’s perfectly positioned for a post‑lunch stroll along the harbour.

Trencherman’s tip: visit in the daytime to pick up takeaway treats at the deli, such as hot pork‑belly sandwiches and Fowey mussels with warm bread and aioli.