12 of the best places to eat and drink alfresco in Devon
From Michelin-starred menus to pretty pub gardens, from cocktails on the canal to beachside brunch, we've handpicked 12 of our favourites for summer 2026.
Gidleigh Park, Chagford
With a brand new summer menu launching on 4 July in the Michelin starred restaurant, there's also the option to enjoy more casual dining outside on Gidleigh Park’s beautiful Garden Terrace, open daily from 12 noon.
Their lunchtime ‘Country House’ menu includes lunch choices such as salads, sandwiches and hot dishes including steak, seasonal fish and vegetarian plates, as well as afternoon teas. A children’s menu is also served, with the terrace the perfect spot for a family lunch, overlooking grounds for children to explore.
Wild Thyme, Totnes
Surrounded by flowers and greenery, the Wild Thyme garden is a place to gather with friends, enjoy good food, and lose track of time for a little while. Menus are shaped by the seasons and bringing together locally sourced ingredients, thoughtful cooking, and plenty of flavour. From leisurely brunches and long lunches to coffee, cake and afternoon drinks, every visit is an invitation to slow down and savour the moment. Pull up a chair in the sun or find a shady spot. You'll find Wild Thyme Deli & Kitchen inside China Blue on Station Rd, Totnes.
Blackpool Sands Cafe and Restaurant
Nestled directly on the golden sands of one of the UK’s most picturesque beaches, this relaxed and stylish beachside dining experience has panoramic sea views and a beautifully refurbished interior, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the coastal bounty of South Devon. Open daily with a selection of breakfasts served 9am to 11am, breakfast baps continuing until 11.30am and then lunch available from 12 noon. Pastries, cakes and drinks served all day.
Valley View Café Loddiswell
Serving fabulous cakes and a home cooked menu using local produce from the farm shop next door. Enjoy the stunning valley views from outside on the wooden terrace or inside the light and airy cafe.
The Crab Shed, Salcombe
An award‑winning quayside seafood restaurant located directly on the water’s edge at Fish Quay, overlooking Salcombe Harbour. Known for serving some of the freshest seafood in Devon, the restaurant specialises in 100% hand‑picked Salcombe brown crab, cooked and prepared onsite just metres from where the boats land their catch.
Open daily for lunch (12:00–14:30) and dinner (18:00–20:30), with pre‑booking strongly recommended due to its popularity and limited harbour‑side seating.
The restaurant was crowned Best Restaurant at the Food Drink Devon Awards 2025/6
Bucket and Spade, Shaldon
At Coast View Holiday Park, the Bucket & Spade Café enjoys jaw-dropping views over the Jurassic coastline. Recently renovated, with seating on the sun deck where you can eat family favourites, Brixham fish, light bites and Sunday lunch.
Floating Pontoon at Quayside Distillery, Exeter
A ten minute walk from Exeter city centre brings you to Exeter Quay and the new floating pontoon at Quayside Distillery. A brunch-meets-lunch menu features a full English, king prawns, steak sandwich, falafel, Dutch pancakes and some great toasties. Every table comes with a canal view and a front-row seat to the city’s historic quayside. Open Wednesday - Sunday for breakfasts, lunches and into the afternoons. Not currently open in the evening.
White Hart Dartington
Locally sourced food served in the heart of the Dartington Estate with the Great Hall and Grade II* Listed gardens just next door. Tuck into lunch or dinner on the pretty outside terrace or in the feasting hall indoors.
Shilstone Cafe's Fire Shed, Modbury
The courtyard is the central hub of Shilstone. The café opens from 10.30-4pm Wednesday to Sunday, serving breakfast, lunches, homemade cakes and afternoon tea. During the summer months, the Fire Shed and Courtyard open for dinner and drinks on Saturday evenings serving a seasonal menu with fire-cooked local meats, garden vegetables and larger dishes made for sharing, with music on selected evenings.
Alder Vineyard Kitchen and Bar, Lewdown
A family‑run, award‑winning Devon vineyard set on the south‑facing slopes of Alder Estate, just outside Okehampton. Known for its breathtaking Dartmoor views, warm hospitality and high‑quality English wines. Named Best Café at the Food Drink Devon Awards, the onsite kitchen is a destination in its own right. Siting at a table on the terrace, you can enjoy a menu created to showcase the best of Devon’s local produce, including breakfasts, local cheese and charcuterie platters, fresh open sandwiches and seasonal plates, and handmade cakes.
Castle Inn, Lydford
A 16th century Devonshire pub with rooms, in the picturesque Dartmoor village of Lydford, surrounded by walks, trails and cycle routes, with a wonderful large garden to the rear of the pub overlooking the Saxon castle next door, and a heated stretch tent if the weather turns.
The Tors in Belstone
A pub in the village of Belstone serving a traditional menu using local ingredients, or try The Shed, their summertime outdoor kitchen/BBQ with the iconic beer garden opening directly out on the moor with unbeatable Dartmoor views. Winner of 'Best Takeaway' at the Food Drink Devon awards a couple of years ago.