Best Places to eat in Ilfracombe

Adele’s Café

This welcoming little café has a small but delicious menu. Start your day with a tasty home cooked breakfast, or for lunch, they serve an array of baguettes, sandwiches, and jacket potatoes, and are well regarded for their afternoon tea. Good selection for kids, and vegetarians too.

‍Address: 8 Broad Street, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EE        Tel: 01271 867238

Maddy’s Chippy

No trip to the seaside is complete without a portion of fish and chips (or two!). Maddy’s Chippy sits on the way to the harbour so you can pick up a takeaway and dine alfresco by the water (watch out for hungry seagulls!) or take a moment to sit down inside and enjoy a meal in the restaurant. If you don’t fancy traditional fish and chips, choose from a range of pies, sausages and burgers to fill you up. Kids have their own menu and there is a selection of sweet treats for pudding- if you have any room left!

Address: 25 St James Place, Ilfracombe, EX34 9BJ     Tel: 01271 863351

Lynbay Fish and Chips

Lynbay Fish and Chips serve up delicious, ethically sourced fish and chips right on the harbour front. Lynbay hold an MSC certificate, they use potatoes from nearby Braunton, and fish which is locally caught and sustainably sourced. Tuck into a hearty portion of fish and chips which you can takeaway or enjoy in the family and dog-friendly restaurant. A range of burgers, pies, and nuggets are on offer too, alongside a kids’ menu which offers tasty smaller portions for little ones.  

Address: 6 The Quay, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EQ      Tel: 01271 866850

Thomas Carr 1873

For a sophisticated evening of spectacular fine dining, visit Michelin Star chef Thomas Carr, and his restaurant, Thomas Carr 1873. Serving up a six-course taster menu from Ilfracombe’s old Victorian police station, Thomas uses local ingredients as inspiration for his dishes which often feature locally caught fish from the nearby harbour. Savour exquisite food in an intimate, relaxed dining space and enjoy a glass of thoughtfully paired wine. A must-visit for foodies, book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Address: 63 Fore Street, Ilfracombe, EX34 9ED    Tel: 01271 867831

Grassroots Café

Full of sunflowers and good food, this vegetarian café is a real gem and sits on the high street so you can easily nip in for a break from browsing the shops. Serving a range of sandwiches, baguettes, and paninis, Grassroots is the perfect lunch pitstop. All of the dishes are vegetarian and vegan, and gluten free meals are always available, too. Should you fancy something to warm you up, choose any filling on the menu and enjoy a hot jacket potato and a mug of coffee. Join Grassroots at the weekend for one of their bistro nights where you can choose three delicious courses and BYO alcohol for a night filled with good food, good company, and a tipple or two!

Address: 97 High Street, Ilfracombe, EX34 9NH     Tel: 01271 867574

Annie and the Flint

Great for lunch and a warming mug of coffee, Annie and the Flint is located on the bustling high street. Escape the crowds and head inside this lovely little café for a banana bread breakfast, a loaded bagel, or a tasty flatbread or sandwich filled with goodies. Hard-to-resist cakes and nibbles are also on the menu, you’ll find yourself eyeing up the selection and perhaps taking one away to devour later on.

Address: 126 High Street, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EY     Tel: 01271 866436

The Admiral Collingwood

The local Wetherspoons boasts a roof terrace with beautiful views across the ocean. Whether it’s a quick drink, a breakfast to kick start your day, or a meal for all the family, head to The Admiral Collingwood for affordable food, drinks, and snacks. Find a spot in the sun on the roof terrace or the patio or hide inside from the rain and head inside where sleek décor and a buzzing atmosphere greet you.

Address: Wilder Road, Ilfracombe, EX34 9AP      Tel: 01271 862373

The Pier Brewery Tap and Grill

Perfect for sunny days, The Pier Brewery Tap and Grill has a seafront beer garden with outstanding sea views. Grab a table and relax with a cold tipple in hand as you soak up the sun and vibrant atmosphere. On rainy days, head inside and cosy up by the roaring fire, dogs are welcomed inside too so you can warm up toes and tails. Serving local seafood, fully loaded burgers, and sizzling steaks amongst a range of other inviting dishes, head to The Pier for date night, food for all the family, or for drinks with friends. The pub also hosts live music nights, perfect for sundowner evenings.

Address: The Quay, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EQ      Tel: 01271 865516

Giovanni and Luca

You may be in Ilfracombe, but if you fancy a slice of Italy then head to Giovanni and Luca where you will feel like you’ve been whisked across land and sea and landed in another country. Authentic Italian recipes which have been passed down through generations promise to deliver fresh flavour and flair. As you’d expect, the menu is full of pasta and pizza, amongst a handful of veal, seafood, and chicken dishes. The restaurant itself is full of traditional Italian colours, characteristics, and charm, exuding a welcoming atmosphere perfect for romantic nights or fun-filled family evenings.

Address: Searock Apartments, Wilder Road, Ilfracombe, EX34 9AR      Tel: 01271 879394

The Antidote

Sitting just off the quayside, this pretty restaurant serves superb, locally sourced food and excellent wine. A small but thoughtfully prepared menu features a handful of plates including fresh fish, organic meat, and a delicious vegetarian plate. The desserts are perfectly sized and full of flavour and the wine list is full of high quality choices. If you are looking for somewhere to spend a romantic evening, The Antidote is the perfect spot.

Address: 20 St James Place, Ilfracombe, EX34 9BJ        Tel: 01271 865339