Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Devon

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Devon? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Elephant Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2817)

£41 and over

Modern European

Torquay

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Elephant Restaurant
The Elephant is a bright, informal restaurant which is situated near the beautiful Torbay harbour. It was the first restaurant in Torquay to be awarded a Michelin star which it maintains today. We aim to source all our ingredients locally and sustainably, many from our dedicated farm in Brixham.

Run by chef proprietor, Simon Hulstone and his wife Katy. Food is cooked by a talented team of chefs and served by friendly, professional team of staff.

Due to the style of cooking we cannot produce dairy free menus & therefore cannot provide vegan options.

A deposit is required to make reservations on special days of the year, on our special events, or for tables of 6 or more. This is paid over the phone by calling 01803 200044.

Children's menu is only available at lunch for ages 10 and under.

Tasting menu only available in the evening unless requested via phone in advance.

Top review

Lynn

Dined 3 days ago

Just perfect - an excellent meal, fabulous service and the perfect evening celebration for a birthday. M

Knead Pizza

4.8

4.8 (111)

£25 and under

Pizzeria

Plymouth

About the restaurant

***** For large bookings (over 10) please email bookings@knead-pizza.co.uk****

Knead Pizza brings authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to the heart of Plymouth, housed in the stunning 15th-century Prysten House—one of the city’s oldest buildings. Our pizzas are made using traditional methods, high-quality ingredients, and cooked to perfection in a wood-fired Marana Forni oven, delivering the perfect balance of chew and char. We offer vegan options, seasonal specials, and a curated drinks menu, all served in a relaxed and welcoming space. Whether you’re dining in, grabbing a takeaway, or booking a private event, Knead Pizza is all about quality, community, and great food. Join us for an unforgettable pizza experience in one of Plymouth’s most historic settings!

Top review

Kathleen

Dined 5 days ago

We had a booking for 8, was a works night out as our boss left. We where all happy with the service and the food. We will recommend to freinds and family,

Stage

4.9

4.9 (879)

£41 and over

Contemporary British

Exeter

About the restaurant

ALL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS REQUIRED WHEN BOOKING.
*Booking the 'Bar' means Chef's Table which is on extra high stools by the kitchen.*
PLEASE ONLY CHOOSE BAR IF THESE ARE ACCESIBLE TO YOU

Use the 'special request' box to denote all dietaries

e.g 2 x pescatarian, 1 x pregnant, 1 x GF

If unsure, please email.

Stage, an immersive tasting menu experience.

WEEKDAY LUNCH - 4 courses at 12:30pm - £30
LUNCH FLIGHT - drinks pairings - £25

WEEKEND LUNCH - 6 courses from 12:30pm - £55
LUNCH FLIGHT - drinks pairings - £45

DINNER - 6 courses from 6pm - £55
DINNER FLIGHT - drinks pairings - £45

Space is limited so please let us know if you plan to bring a dog, buggy or wheelchair. Stage does not provide high chairs.

Please note Stage's seating utilises upcycled materials and most seats are without backs or are on high stools.

Tables are required back after dinner for another party on 6pm sittings.

Top review

Dave

Dined 7 days ago

Wonderful meal. Every course on point. Staff friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Highly recommended

Shoals

4.8

4.8 (1025)

£25 and under

Seafood

Brixham

About the restaurant

Shoals Seafood Restaurant is the brainchild of Sean and Sarah Perkes. Established in 2014, the once storage room for the open air seawater pool has been transformed into a unique fish lovers dream. The small family run restaurant and outside terrace provide beautiful coastal views across the bay and beyond.

Top review

Misba

Dined 2 days ago

Fantastic customer service, ambience and food Thank you for a lovely evening

The River Shack

4.7

4.7 (1009)

£25 and under

Contemporary British

Paignton

About the restaurant

At The River Shack we are not interested in fuss or formalities, we simply want to provide you with delicious food and drink in a relaxed and beautiful setting.

You can dine right by the waters edge on sunny days, shelter in our waterside marquee on rainy ones, or relax by our log burner inside on the cooler days.

The views in themselves are worth the trip, but wait until you try the food! Our menus are creative, seasonal, rustic and delicious.

Along with the rest of our fantastic team, we look forward to meeting you down at the creek!

Top review

Christine

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent pizzas, professional and charming staff. Perfect evening. So we went back the next night.

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Experience

PIZZA NIGHT

The Church House Inn, Harberton

4.7

4.7 (25)

£25 and under

British

Totnes

About the restaurant

The Church House Inn is a pub nestled in the heart of the village of Harberton near Totnes, south Devon. We serve honest food, fine wine and local ales. the building was built roughly 1450 and has been an inn/ pub ever since, bosting one of the most amazing rooms you will have ever been in for a pint or hearty meal, draped in history and character.

Our food menu changes daily and with the seasons. We serve straight forward food, using traditionally cooking techniques. Produce is sourced from the local area of the beautiful Devon countryside and fishing town of Brixham. please visit our website for our most current menu.
we also have a games room for pool and darts, and a heathy sided bar witch we keep for drinkers.

Top review

Lucy

Dined on Jun 11, 2025

Fabulous food and a wonderful place. Great service too!

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Experience

July Pub Quiz

Experience

Mid Summer Sunday Roast

The Swan Inn

4.8

4.8 (33)

£25 and under

Pub

Plymouth

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Swan Inn.

The Swan Inn, Noss Mayo is the perfect resting place after spending the day on the water or walking round the many local coastal paths.
We are a small family run pub set within the village of Noss Mayo.
We believe in serving fresh local food and drink, great service, in comfortable environment.
Come and enjoy a local cask ale and locally sourced produce, sitting in one of the most relaxing, beautiful places in Devon. We are dog and family friendly.
Being such a small, but very busy pub our storage is limited which means we always have a small menu. This does however mean that we have daily deliveries of fresh produce. Our fresh fish is delivered daily from Rex Down, Plymouth Fish Market, and our meat is supplied fresh every day by Gribbles, suppliers of the very best butchery the South Hams has to offer.
We pride ourselves on offering great alterative dishes for those with special dietary requirements, ensuring that there is always a great choice for everyone.

Top review

Phil

Dined 3 days ago

As usual, great food and friendly efficient service.

Emilia

4.9

4.9 (186)

£26 to £40

Italian

Ashburton

About the restaurant

Created Tom Hill and Clare Lattin of Ducksoup in Soho and Little Duck in Hackney, Emilia is their version of a small Italian Osteria (transported to the Devonshire countryside) serving seasonal, everyday Italian inspired dishes using locally grown ingredients. Tom oversees the menu and together they cook and share a love for Italian food and natural wine. The dining room is hosted by Lucy Mastroddi and Paul Seckler along with Alice Phillips.

Top review

Sabrina

Dined 3 days ago

Delicious food, helpful staff, charming intimate atmosphere

Harry's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2969)

£26 to £40

Comfort Food

Exeter

About the restaurant

Harry’s Restaurant in Exeter is set in the heart of the city and has been gratifying appetites for 26 years. Rated as one of the best restaurants in Exeter on TripAdvisor, Harry’s has established itself to become the go-to dining den on the neighbourhood food scene.

Founded in 1993 by the Pounds family, Harry’s is still independently owned and run today. The eclectic restaurant, bar and private dining room all sit within the iconic gothic style building, formerly Harry Hems’ 19th century architectural sculptors workshop.

Top review

Robin

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent meal and a fabulous evening. The staff were very friendly and super efficient. A+++

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The Pigs Nose Inn, East Prawle

4.6

4.6 (464)

£25 and under

British

Kingsbridge

About the restaurant

The Pig's Nose Inn, immerse yourself in an authentic English pub atmosphere, boasting traditional décor and a cosy ambience. Whether you're a local seeking a laid-back night out or a Devon visitor craving local flavours, our pub guarantees a memorable experience. Also, why not come and visit for one of our live music nights? As one of Devon's independent live music venue, we showcase an eclectic array of performers, catering to a diverse range of music from rock to folk to more dancy nights out. But let's not forget the heart of any pub experience: the food and drink! Indulge in our mouthwatering menu featuring unpretentious dishes crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. And for beer aficionados, explore our selection of locally brewed real ales and ciders.

Top review

Andy

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Organised chaos ( in a good way ) staff were great and food superb. VERY eclectic clientelle but the whole thing just works!

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