Places to Eat
Not only is Dartmoor blessed with an abundance of spectacular natural beauty, it is also blessed with an abundance of great places to eat. Whether you’re looking for exquisite fine dining, quality pub grub, an afternoon tea or even a take-away, Dartmoor has the lot.
Fine dining on Dartmoor
Gidleigh Park
Stunning venue set in 107 acres of beautiful gardens and woodlands, just outside of Chagford. The Executive Chef, Chris Eden, has 1 michelin star and the AA have awarded the restaurant with 3 rosettes. The restaurant also has an impressively extensive wine list – 41 pages! Although a children’s menu is available, children are not allowed in the restaurant after 8pm.
It really is a gourmet experience, but reservations are mandatory and do check out the prices before you book. They also do an incredible afternoon tea if something a little lighter takes your fancy.
Bovey Castle
Bovey Castle near North Bovey offers 2 dining experiences. Their Great Western Grill offers exclusive dining with locally sourced seasonal menus and has been awarded 3 AA Rosettes. Alternatively, their Smiths Brasserie with its Mediteranean inspired menu has just 1 AA Rosette.
In addition to the Grill and Brasserie, Bovey Castle also offers Afternoon Tea, including a ‘champagne’ version for that special occasion.
The Old Inn
A 17th century Coaching Inn in Drewsteignton offering fine dining. Like Bovey Castle’s Great Western Grill, The Old Inn has 3 AA Rosettes. The difference is the scale which gives it a homely atmosphere.
Lympstone Manor
OK, not on Dartmoor but if fine dining is your thing, then Lympstone Manor in Exmouth is a must. Opened in 2017 by Michael Caines this luxury country house hotel and restaurant is set in 28 acres and has its own vinyard.
Michael Caines is probably the most celebrated of British Chefs holding 2 michelin stars for 18 consecutive years. His Lympstone Manor restaurant is the only restaurant in Devon with 5 AA Rosettes.
Dartmoor Restaurants
The White Hart Hotel
A traditional old Posting house in the centre of Moretonhampstead which serves food in both its restaurant and bar. The hotel strives to deliver good honest homemade food produced from locally sourced ingredients.
Three Crowns Hotel
Impressive 13th Century Manor House with granite façade just off Chagford’s small town square. The main dining area is in the contemporary and stylish glazed atrium with a modern construction combining steel and oak beams. There is also a bar and snug if you prefer to dine in more intimate cosy surroundings.
Creeping Thyme
Opened in 2021, Creeping Thyme is a small intimate restaurant in Bovey Tracey. With only 20 covers it really is advisable to book in advance.
Impressively, the AA have already awarded Creeping Thyme a Rosette in its first year. This is the Chefs first venture and we wish him every success.
Royal Gurkha Spice
If you need or fancy a fix of Indian cuisine the Royal Gurkha Spice restaurant in Bovey Tracey offers both Nepalese and Indian cuisine. As you would expect it also offers takeaway.
Great Dartmoor Pubs & Bistro’s
The Cleave
Literally on the doorstep! The “local” that consistently serves very good food and fine ales with a warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere. Being on the AA recommended list, the Cleave is very popular with locals and visitors alike. It is always advisable to book a table but be warned, once tried you may not venture elsewhere. NB The Cleave is closed on Sunday evenings and all day on Tuesdays.
The Union Inn
The Union Inn is the oldest tavern in Moretonhampstead dating back several centuries. It’s a proper pub with proper homemade grub that is fully supported by locals who welcome all. It’s a great place to have a relaxed dinner whilst listening to Dartmoor lingo. It also offers one of the best Sunday Roasts around.
The Horse
Also in Moretonhampstead, The Horse Pub and Nosebag is a unique mix of rustic charm, with leather sofas and a roaring fire, and a pretty light-flooded courtyard restaurant and barn dining room. The food is authentic, delicious and being able to see into the open kitchen gives a special bit of theatre to the occasion.
The Horse also hosts live Music in the evenings of the third Thursday and last Monday of every month.
Kestor Inn
Cosy walkers pub in Manaton with a friendly welcome and hearty food on offer including a Sunday Carvery.
The Kestor Inn came under new ownership in 2019 and has undergone several improvements giving it a new look and feel.
The Rugglestone
Unique, unspoilt Dartmoor Inn serving traditional food in Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Originally a cottage, the grade II listed building was converted to an inn back in 1832 and named after a local logan stone.
There is a cosy bar, wood burner and open fire in winter but it’s jewel is the large sheltered garden with picnic tables to enjoy the splendid views in summer.
The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak in Meavy is a quaint pub in a lovely location on the village green. It offers a slightly different proposition giving a busier, more vibrant and bustling feel.
Tea Rooms & Cafes
Primrose Tea Rooms
A very popular tea room in the heart of Lustleigh which features in many walking books. Although renowned for Cream Teas, their sandwiches and salads take some beating. The country cottage garden is so well laid out it is simply perfect for enjoying lunch or afternoon tea.
The Dairy
OK not strictly a cafe but we felt Lustleigh’s village shop deserved a mention because you can grab a snack and a coffee and relax on the seating outside the shop. In addition, they make delicious take away pizzas cooked to order.
Tea at Taylors
An elegant tea room where everything is served on dainty china. As well as ranking highly on Trip Advisor, it’s also one of our favourites – think Miss Marple! A great selection of home made cakes, sandwiches and an extensive range of speciality teas and coffees. Well worth popping in for a brew if visiting Ashburton.
Maisie’s Cafe
Tucked away in a quiet side street this sweet little café will not disappoint. As well as offering beautiful homemade cakes and cream teas, you can also get a full English breakfast or an excellent homemade hot meal – a hidden gem. Maisie’s Café is highly recommended on TripAdvisor ranking top spot amongst the 26 cafes in Totnes.
Alternatively, why not take a picnic and lunch out on Dartmoor.
Now explore local Dartmoor walks to build your appetite!
