Feeling peckish? Fancy something something fancy but nothing too formal? The area of North Cornwall and Devon is peppered with great options for eating out, from simple pub grub to first-class fine dining. If you're looking for a special meal out without the formality, here are fantastic 5 local bistros and gastro-pubs - booking ahead is advised. We couldn't possibly list all the great venues or even choose between our 5, but if you'd like to mention your favourite, drop it into the comments below.
The Springer Spaniel, Treburley, Launceston
Run by Anton Piotrowski (Masterchef Professionals winne 2012), this unassuming pub a few miles south of Launceston offers tasty and interesting meals. Classic dishes reinvented, with enough creativity to be interesting without becoming too pretentious. The atmosphere is relaxed, and has a pub feel. Dogs are allowed in the lower bar area too.
Example dish: Pan fried lemon sole, caper mash potato & fennel. (£18)
http://www.thespringerspaniel.co.uk/
Run by Anton Piotrowski (Masterchef Professionals winne 2012), this unassuming pub a few miles south of Launceston offers tasty and interesting meals. Classic dishes reinvented, with enough creativity to be interesting without becoming too pretentious. The atmosphere is relaxed, and has a pub feel. Dogs are allowed in the lower bar area too.
Example dish: Pan fried lemon sole, caper mash potato & fennel. (£18)
http://www.thespringerspaniel.co.uk/
Life's a Beach, Summerleaze, Bude
This seafood bistro in Bude is very popular with our guests. Commanding a spectacular position overlooking Summerleaze beach, it is more of a beach cafe by day before transforming into a charming seafood bistro at night. Undoubtedly providing the best views of any entry on our list, though it's not the cheapest option.
Example dish: Tiger Prawn & Spiced Monkfish Curry with Rice Pilaf, Yoghurt & Walnut Chutney, Cucumber & Coconut Sambol, Crispy Onions & Papadum. (£19.50)
http://lifesabeach.info/
This seafood bistro in Bude is very popular with our guests. Commanding a spectacular position overlooking Summerleaze beach, it is more of a beach cafe by day before transforming into a charming seafood bistro at night. Undoubtedly providing the best views of any entry on our list, though it's not the cheapest option.
Example dish: Tiger Prawn & Spiced Monkfish Curry with Rice Pilaf, Yoghurt & Walnut Chutney, Cucumber & Coconut Sambol, Crispy Onions & Papadum. (£19.50)
http://lifesabeach.info/
Outlaw's Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac
Nathan Outlaw is known as being a prodigy trained by Rick Stein who has now gone on to start his own restaurant in Rock and win a prestigious Michelin Star. This seafood bistro in the heart of pretty Port Isaac is a less formal affair, with a selection of fantastic seafood tapas. The building is intimate and full of character, and books up well in advance. A little pricey, but with a name like Nathan Outlaw that is to be expected.
Example tapas dishes: Beer cured salmon, cucumber & seaweed (£9), Charred gurnard, fennel, gherkin & olive salad (£12)
http://www.outlaws.co.uk/fishkitchen
Nathan Outlaw is known as being a prodigy trained by Rick Stein who has now gone on to start his own restaurant in Rock and win a prestigious Michelin Star. This seafood bistro in the heart of pretty Port Isaac is a less formal affair, with a selection of fantastic seafood tapas. The building is intimate and full of character, and books up well in advance. A little pricey, but with a name like Nathan Outlaw that is to be expected.
Example tapas dishes: Beer cured salmon, cucumber & seaweed (£9), Charred gurnard, fennel, gherkin & olive salad (£12)
http://www.outlaws.co.uk/fishkitchen
The Cornish Arms, Tavistock
From the front, you would be forgiven for thinking this was a generic pub, positioned on a main street in Tavistock town centre. Once inside your experience changes. A modest selection of superbly cooked classic dishes and few new takes are sure to go down well. The atmosphere is clean and uncluttered, with excellent professional service. It was named 27th in the 2016 Top 50 GastroPubs, and has a Michelin Bib Gourmand, awarded for affordable quality.
Example dish: Braised ox cheek, mash, horseradish cream, beef gravy. (£16.50)
http://www.thecornisharmstavistock.co.uk/
From the front, you would be forgiven for thinking this was a generic pub, positioned on a main street in Tavistock town centre. Once inside your experience changes. A modest selection of superbly cooked classic dishes and few new takes are sure to go down well. The atmosphere is clean and uncluttered, with excellent professional service. It was named 27th in the 2016 Top 50 GastroPubs, and has a Michelin Bib Gourmand, awarded for affordable quality.
Example dish: Braised ox cheek, mash, horseradish cream, beef gravy. (£16.50)
http://www.thecornisharmstavistock.co.uk/
The Bank, Petherick's Mill, Bude
Being just a little way outside of Bude town centre means this relatively new informal restaurant is often unfairly overlooked. Even locals are often unaware it's there, tucked away on the river bank (hence the name) overlooking the marshes. It offers excellent Spanish dishes made with premium Cornish ingredients - everything from consistently good tapas dishes to larger seafood classics. Service is excellent and we've heard good things about their cocktails too! Dogs are allowed in certain areas.
Example dish: Calamari, prawns, cod and mussels with aromatic rice and peas. (£13.25)
http://thebankatbude.co.uk/
Being just a little way outside of Bude town centre means this relatively new informal restaurant is often unfairly overlooked. Even locals are often unaware it's there, tucked away on the river bank (hence the name) overlooking the marshes. It offers excellent Spanish dishes made with premium Cornish ingredients - everything from consistently good tapas dishes to larger seafood classics. Service is excellent and we've heard good things about their cocktails too! Dogs are allowed in certain areas.
Example dish: Calamari, prawns, cod and mussels with aromatic rice and peas. (£13.25)
http://thebankatbude.co.uk/
For more varied options for eating out, have a look at our Eating Out page.
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