Top ten family-friendly restaurants in Devon for every taste and budget
Devon is hard to beat in the summer. With sandy beaches, woodland walks, family attractions and plenty of open countryside, there is no shortage of ways to fill the days - or tire out the children before bedtime.
Of course, every family day out eventually reaches the same important question: where are we going to eat? Finding somewhere that welcomes children, serves food the grown-ups will enjoy, and does not make parents feel uncomfortable about the occasional dropped chip, can transform a good day into a great one.
From relaxed beachfront cafés to traditional country pubs, these ten family-friendly restaurants and cafés offer something for different tastes, ages and budgets. Better still, they are all proud members of Food Drink Devon.
1. Bucket & Spade Café, Shaldon
Situated at Coast View Holiday Park in Shaldon, the Bucket & Spade Café offers easy-going dining in a location made for family holidays and days out. They welcome sandy shoes and excitable children. The whole family will love the panoramic sea views and spacious outdoor terrace.
It is a convenient choice for families exploring Shaldon and the surrounding South Devon coast, whether you are looking for a relaxed meal, refreshments or somewhere to regroup before the next adventure.
Price range: ££
Website: https://www.thebucketandspade.com/
Telephone: 01626 818450
2. The White Hart, Dartington
Located within the beautiful Dartington Estate, The White Hart is an excellent choice for combining lunch with a family walk. Families can use both the spacious beer garden and a private enclosed garden, giving children room to play safely while adults relax over their meal.
There is a dedicated children’s menu, alongside plenty of choices for the adults. The drinks selection also champions Devon producers, including locally made soft drinks and alcohol-free ciders. Visit before or after exploring the estate grounds and you have the makings of a full family day out.
Price range: ££–£££
Website: https://whitehartdevon.co.uk/
Telephone: 01803 847116
3. The Steamer Coffee House & Kitchen, Cullompton
Nestled between Cullompton and Willand, The Steamer is a welcoming artisan café overlooking the Devon countryside. It is particularly well suited to families, with children’s play areas, high chairs, free parking and a relaxed environment where parents can enjoy a proper coffee while younger visitors let off steam, appropriately enough.
The menu celebrates locally sourced ingredients, with breakfasts, lunches, cakes and dedicated choices for children. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available, making it a useful stop when different family members have different requirements.
Price range: ££
Website: https://the-steamer.co.uk/
Telephone: 01884 904960
4. The Kitchen at The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
Few restaurants can compete with the promise of meeting donkeys before or after lunch. Located within The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth, The Kitchen is a bright, welcoming restaurant that fits neatly into a family day out.
Children can choose from hot meals or the fun “Donkey Bag” lunchbox, with flexible options available for different appetites and dietary needs. It is practical, cheerful and perfectly positioned for hungry visitors after exploring the sanctuary.
Price range: £–££
Website: https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/
Telephone: 01395 578222
5. Blackpool Sands Café, Dartmouth
Set beside one of South Devon’s most beautiful beaches, Blackpool Sands Café is an ideal place to refuel after swimming, paddling and serious sandcastle construction.
The seasonal children’s menu offers straightforward, satisfying dishes for younger diners, while adults can enjoy the beachfront setting and relaxed, coastal atmosphere. Its location makes it particularly convenient for families who want good food without having to pack everyone into the car and leave the beach behind.
Price range: ££
Website: https://www.blackpoolsands.co.uk/eat/
Telephone: 01803 222028
6. Fordmore Farm Shop & Café, Cullompton
Fordmore Farm Shop & Café turns lunch into part of the day’s entertainment. Alongside its family-friendly café menu, children can meet the farm animals and enjoy the on-site play area.
The menu includes familiar hot meals that should appeal to younger visitors, while the farm shop setting gives adults an opportunity to discover local produce. With food, animals and space to play, it covers several important family requirements in one stop.
Price range: £–££
Website: https://www.fordmorefarmshop.co.uk/
Telephone: 01884 824898
7. Heydays, Exmouth
Sitting on Exmouth seafront, Heydays is a lively beachfront restaurant designed for relaxed coastal dining. Its “Little Monsters” menu includes family favourites such as mini burgers, chicken tenders and fish and chips, all offered at approachable prices.
High chairs and baby-changing facilities make life easier for parents with younger children. Add the prime seafront location and it becomes a simple choice for lunch or an early evening meal after a busy day on the beach.
Price range: ££
Website: https://www.heydaysdevon.co.uk/
Telephone: 01395 200512
8. Shilstone Café & Restaurant, Modbury
Set in peaceful countryside near Modbury, Shilstone Café & Restaurant is a lovely choice for families looking for relaxed dining away from the bustle. Its menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and quality local produce, with a dedicated children’s menu and smaller portions of selected main dishes available for younger appetites.
Thoughtful extras such as activity sheets and colouring pencils help keep little diners occupied while the grown-ups enjoy their meal — always a welcome touch when waiting for pudding suddenly feels like an eternity.
Price range: ££
Website: https://shilstonedevon.com/eat/cafe/
Telephone: 01548 830888
9. Pig and Olive, North Devon
Pizza is one of the safest ways to achieve family dining harmony, and Pig and Olive does it particularly well. This popular North Devon pizzeria specialises in award-winning Neapolitan-style pizzas made with slow-fermented dough and quality local ingredients.
The atmosphere is informal, while the pizzas can be kept simple or customised for younger diners. With dine-in, takeaway and a travelling pizza van, it is also a flexible option for families planning days out or relaxed holiday evenings.
Price range: ££
Website: https://www.pigandolive.co.uk/
Telephone: 01237 488056
10. The Crab Shed, Salcombe
Overlooking the Salcombe estuary, The Crab Shed gives families an opportunity to enjoy Devon seafood in a relaxed waterfront setting.
The children’s menu strikes a balance between familiar favourites and gentle introductions to coastal food. Young diners can opt for fish and chips or try something different, such as tomato linguine. It is a good choice for families who want an enjoyable meal without making dining out feel overly formal.
Price range: ££–£££
Website: https://www.crabshed.com/
Telephone: 01548 844280
Family dining across Devon
Devon has plenty of restaurants, cafés and pubs where families are genuinely and warmly welcomed, with thoughtful children’s menu choices, relaxed surroundings and useful facilities.
This selection has been compiled by Food Drink Devon, the county’s only dedicated membership organisation representing Devon’s food and drink community. Every business featured is a Food Drink Devon member, helping families discover local establishments that care about quality, provenance and warm Devon hospitality.
Menus, opening hours and availability can change, particularly during busy holiday periods, so it is always sensible to check the venue’s website or telephone ahead before setting off. That is especially true when arriving with several hungry children, because nobody wants to discover the kitchen has closed five minutes ago after promising everyone chips.